slicings | band au;

band au;

[ yingxing exhales hard.

his ears still ring with the music, his blood thrumming with excitement. for all the years that highcloud has been together now, he never really tires of this work. he loves what he does, loves his bandmates no matter how often they butt heads, loves everything about their music. it's hard work, exhausting even at the best of times, and there are certainly many downsides to fame and celebrity status, but this.. playing together, making music, performing, he's passionate about it. the riches and fame are secondary to doing what he loves.

they're halfway through their rehearsal now, splitting up to take a break and rehydrate, and it's as he's guzzling down some water from a bottle that yingxing spots dan heng, dan feng's quiet, elusive little brother.

they've met before, but only briefly, only in passing. while dan heng is supportive of his brother and the band, he's a bit of a recluse, and he's never really gone out of his way to interact with any of them beyond dan feng - so what's he doing here right now? yingxing can't resist the urge to pester him, not when he knows he might not get the chance to again for some time now.

so, wiping sweat from his brow, yingxing wanders toward the table where dan heng has set up shop, surrounded by books and papers, lit by the glow of his laptop and tablet. ]

Long time no see.

[ entirely uninvited, yingxing pulls up a seat across from dan heng, straddling it backwards, leaning his forearms on the back of the steel chair. his hair is wild and his skin is flushed and dewy with sweat, adrenaline still pumping, his grin broad and easy. ]

Surprised you can concentrate with all this noise.

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[ Damnit. He couldn't get away with saying it without saying it. He doesn't want t put the words out there himself, doesn't want Yingxing to think he's angling for more than he's been given, especially so soon, but at the same time...

A breath. Yingxing hadn't seemed uncomfortable putting a hand on Dan Heng's back before, but... ]

A place like this, at the time we were arriving.. I think it would be obvious to a lot of people that it's a date. And I know it's not the first time you've publically taken someone on a date, but... I'm a guy.

[ yingxing looks mystified, his brow creased, but dan heng's meaning soon becomes obvious, and he can't help but laugh lightly, shaking his head. ]

So what? I'm not worried about that. I've been with guys before, though.. I guess it's been awhile.

[ most of his bigger, more notable relationships have been with women, after all, most of them other celebrities. not enough men are "out" in the business for it to have been easy for him to date any of them - casual hookups were the most that happened, and many preferred that it not get out to their fans. but yingxing hardly cares. ]

Honestly, I don't give a fuck what people think. So long as you're comfortable with it, I didn't intend to keep it a secret. That said.. it's a lot, you know. Being known for dating a celebrity. It'll pull you into the spotlight more than you might want.

[ Dan Heng looks at Yingxing in silence for a moment; as he does, his short hair gives way for long, his ears lengthen, his eyes glow in the dim room; not to mention the appearance of his horns and tail as he lets his illusion magic fade, revealing himself once more as he truly is to the other man.

He shakes his head. ]

In case you forgot, I'm kind of used to having to deal with the spotlight to a certain extent. I learned to hide from it in this case because people keep thinking I am my brother. But... I have no reason to hide from you. I just... wanted to make sure it wasn't something that could cause you any problems.

[ dan heng's appearance melts away to the one so like his brother's that it makes him smile. not that dan heng isn't cute no matter what, of course he is, but his resemblance to dan feng is kind of adorable, honestly. there's certainly no doubting that the two of them are blood brothers, through and through. ]

For what it's worth, I never saw it as you hiding from me. Looking like someone as popular as your brother isn't easy, when you're just trying to live your life and get through school.

[ he reaches out, playing with dan heng's fringe, nudging the tip of his nose with the pad of his thumb. ]

But you don't need to worry. Nothing about you is going to cause me any problems.

[ He smiles slightly, tilting his head into the other's touch, eyes closing in fondness. ]

Mm, I didn't quite mean that. I think after my heat, there was never going to be hiding from you anyway. What I meant is...

[ He frowns. How to say it? ]

I don't feel the need to hide from... from this. [ From what they are. ] Even if it means I have to be in the spotlight a little more than I usually like, I...

You make it worth it, Yingxing.

[ And he leans in, brushing a soft kiss against the corner of the other's mouth. ]

[ dan heng leans in, taking the initiative to kiss him, and yingxing hums softly, grateful to accept it. turning his head to meet dan heng's mouth with his own, he closes his eyes and presses into it a little harder, making of it a good and proper kiss, firm, warm. ]

Mm.. well.

[ he murmurs, still staying close, cupping dan heng's cheek with the hand that had been near it. ]

We'll figure it out together then, hmm?

[ another kiss, slow and soft. ]

I really like you, Dan Heng. I don't want anything to get in the way of it.

[ He sighs in content when Yingxing's mouth presses more firmly into his, when he stays close to him, offers to figure it out together. It makes him smile yet more fondly, his own hands coming up to rest against the older man's chest, fingers splaying over the front of his shirt. ]

Figure it out together, huh? I like the sound of that.

[ He hums into the kiss, pulls back to rest his forehead against Yingxing's. ]

I really like you too. I know we started things a little strangely, but... this is a perfect first date. [ A soft chuckle. ] I think I said that already.

[ yingxing's chuckle rumbles in his chest. ]

We're being really gross.

[ but it isn't a complaint. he doesn't mind it, doesn't mind it at all. he likes it. he might be a rock star, who has spent more than his fair share of time indulging in the lifestyle, but.. in truth, he's a bit of a sap sometimes, when it comes to the people that he cares about. ]

And I want to keep kissing you, so you should probably eat your dinner so I can do that, hmm?

[ Dan Heng laughs at that, another warm chuckle of his own. It's funny, because he's never imagined himself as the "gross" type, and yet here he is, curled up on a picnic blanket, all smiles, wanting to just kiss and kiss and kiss Yingxing until neither of them can think anymore...

Biting his lip, he leans back—but not before stealing another quick kiss from the corner of the older man's mouth—and then reaches for some of the food. ]

I brought dessert too, if you want that. Or we can save that for later.

[ he says, before popping some of his meal into his mouth. ]

[ once dan heng is diving into his food, yingxing goes to finish up as well, enjoying servings of pasta salad and potato salad both, chewing with a satisfied hum. ]

Mm, maybe later tonight. This is going to fill me up pretty well.

[ maybe after they work off some of the calories first, he means.. but he won't say that. not yet, at least. they're having a sweet moment, he won't go making it filthy. dan heng might not even be into banging in an aquarium.

he should abandon this train of thought, ahem. ]

You should make food for me more often.

[ He nods, content with the knowledge that Yingxing seems to be enjoying the food—and then smiling at the confirmation, actually feeling a little proud. He's not sure he'd say he's the best cook in the world, but if the other enjoys what he's made, then that suits him—

Yes, he can definitely cook more often. ]

You'll have to tell me your favorites, [ he agrees. ] It's okay if they're not easy. I don't mind learning new recipes, or having to practice them.

[ He falls silent to eat a little more, enjoying his own serves of the salads and finishing off his sandwich. He has no idea where Yingxing's brain has gone—a good thing, especially for right now. ]

This time we had a picnic, so maybe next time you can come to my place and I'll cook something there.

Edited 2025-06-18 14:09 (UTC)

[ they eat quietly together, yingxing finishing up before dan heng considering his head start, and he leans back on his hands to watch the enormous tank before them, glittering with life. ]

That sounds great. I'd like to see your place.

[ he says, his eyes flicking from the rippling waters back to dan heng again, an easy smile curving his mouth. as beautiful as the wildlife is to watch, dan heng is more beautiful still. ]

We'll do that for sure. Assuming you want a second date.

[ he grins, teasing, then leans to kiss dan heng's cheek, before he's getting to his feet to begin gathering up the things they'll need to sleep, opening up the second pack to lay out thick sleeping bags and pillows, with a fluffy blanket over them both. ]

[ Dan Heng smiles—and then his eyes widen in surprise, not from the quick kiss pressed to his cheek or the way Yingxing gets up, but from the words spoken just ahead of him doing so. ]

Of course I want a second date. We're still on the first one and I'm already thinking about how it might go.

[ His cheeks color a little at the admission. ]

I really like you, Yingxing. I wasn't joking about that, or exaggerating about my feelings.

[ Still blushing, he starts to pack up the picnic dinner, putting things away so that the other has room to set up the bedding. ]

[ yingxing laughs as he smooths the blanket down. ]

I know, I was just teasing you.

[ this date has gone so well so far that he's sure he had a second one in the bag. at least he'd hoped. but these dates feel almost superfluous honestly - they both know that they're so into each other that they don't need the dates to prove it.

but they're nice anyway, a good way to spend time together and learn more about one another, though really, they've been friends for so long now that they know one another pretty well. it doesn't matter. these moments are nice. sitting on the fluffy bedding, yingxing slides his shoes off and sets them aside. ]

It'll go great, though.

Mm. Somehow I think so too.

[ Dan Heng wonders if the corners of his mouth are going to get tired. He doesn't think he's smiled this much in... well, ever, but with Ren here it's almost like he can't stop. He feels young and silly, and... ]

Ah, this is...

[ His eyes cast up to the tank, looking through the dim at the fish swimming. It's beautiful, almost magical is the way they can see it even without being below the waves. There's a small, sudden part of him that wishes they could go swimming.

Maybe they should go to the beach, sometime. They can swim, maybe make love in the waves—

His cheeks color before he even finishes the thought, and Dan Heng moves to slip off his own shoes, getting comfortable on the bedding next to Yingxing. For someone who previously wondered if he was actually just asexual, it feels like his libido has gotten crazy of late... ]

Someday I'll get used to you teasing me. I'm sure.

[ reaching into his pack, yingxing tugs out his sleeping clothing, and though he doesn't get changed just yet, he sets it aside, within reach. ]

Heh, sorry. I can try to stop if it bothers you.

[ but it won't be easy. yingxing is the type to show affection through teasing, and the more he likes someone, the more he teases them, so poor dan heng is right at the brunt of it all. with a slanting smile, he watches dan heng, the cool blue light of the tank illuminating his face. ]

Mostly, though.. I'm glad you had a good time tonight.

[ he says, his expression soft and warm. ]

I did too.

[ even if he's not a nerd like dan heng, everyone loves this sort of thing. even kids enjoy seeing the fish, the penguins, the sharks. ]

[ Dan Heng shakes his head, even as he follows suit, reaching for his own nightclothes—a simple white tee and black slacks—and leaving them nearby as he gets comfortable on the plush blanket, watching the tank for a moment longer before glancing back to the other. ]

It doesn't bother me. It used to, because I was scared you'd get close enough to figure me out. But... I've long given up hiding from you.

[ Aeons, he can only think about how stupid and sappy he's become as he reaches out, curling his fingers into the other man's. ]

I'm glad you enjoyed this, though. I was worried it would be too nerdy.

[ comfortable and full, the two of them make themselves cozy on the blankets before the tank, dan heng's fingers weaving through his own. a warm smile curls across yingxing's mouth, and he lifts their joined hands, pressing soft kisses to dan heng's knuckles. ]

Nah. Aquariums are for everyone. It's beautiful here.

[ nuzzling dan heng's knuckles, yingxing hums, then drops to lie back on the blankets, scooping dan heng along with him. ]

I had a great time.

[ He hums as he's pulled back to lie on the blankets, content to curl up alongside Yingxing—and if his head is resting more against the other's chest and shoulder than the bedding, who can blame him, really? ]

Me too. And where we are now... we picked the best spot to eat... and to sleep. It's beautiful.

[ He looks up, taking a moment to admire the wash of colors against the older man's skin. ]

The reflection of the water makes your hair look blue.

[ yingxing smiles, soft and easy, glad that dan heng has enjoyed their date, that they've both had a lovely time together. an excellent first date. good memories built. lowering his chin, he presses a kiss to dan heng's hair, just between his horns, before dan heng glances up toward him.

yingxing laughs. ]

Oh yeah? Think I should dye it?

[ he grins, dragging his thumb lightly along dan heng's jaw. ]

[ Yingxing is met with a low, contented hum in response to the kiss between his horns, and then a surprised, but rich laugh, a shake of Dan Heng's head as he looks up at him—yes, admiring, but not needing anything different. ]

Maybe for a promotion or two, if you really wanted to. It makes your eyes kind of glow. But... overall, I'm happy with you as you are.

[ He lets his hands drag up the front of Yingxing's shirt, curling contentedly into the fabric. ]

Looks, personality, everything. Even the teasing, like I said.

.. you're such a sap.

[ yingxing says, and smiles, because he knew this about dan heng even before they began dating. for as stoic and withdrawn as the young man might seem, he's very soft, his heart is tender and gentle, and he cares a great deal for the people around him. it's easy to notice, once you get to know him a little.

yingxing isn't quite the same. despite his brash and confident personality and natural charisma, he's slow to trust, and carries a lot of anger that's difficult to smother. people like dan heng.. deserve to be protected, deserve the world. ]

I'm not perfect, but I'm glad you think that. [ he brushed a lick of stray hair behind dan heng's ear. ] I feel the same about you.

[ His cheeks color, and if it weren't for the fingers gently stroking at his hair, he'd probably hide his face again. But right now he can't do that, and so he just smiles, a little awkward, a little shy. It may be easy for the other to notice, but it's something Dan Heng at least is still lacking comfort with, being open like this...

He hums, and shakes his head. ]

I'm not perfect either. That... I suppose that makes us both biased, in our own way.

[ Which means, he thinks, that Dan Feng will see it soon enough too. It might just take some time for him to get there. ]

[ ah, but that shy awkwardness is one of yingxing's favorite things about him.. it's so cute, so charming in its own way. ]

Just a little.

[ he says with a chuckle, then uses one bent knuckle to tip dan heng's chin upward, lifting it so he can lean in to kiss him, slowly, softly. it's a warm kiss, not pushing for more, but leaving the door open so that dan heng can take the initiative if he wants to.

humming, he nips gently at dan heng's lower lip. ]

[ And how could Dan Heng not want more? After the evening they've had, wandering through the halls together and sharing in the sights and sounds of the ocean, then enjoying a picnic, and now... now they get to sleep here, bathed in those same peacceful lights.

But also...

Dan Heng shifts a little, allowing himself the freedom to splay out over the other man, nipping at Yingxing's lip in return as he sighs in content, comntinuing to stroke his hand over the other's chest, exploring and teasing at once. ]

Should we change clothes....?

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