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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Mm. This place definitely suits you.

[ dan heng fits in here like a fish in a pond. a cozy, quiet bookshop, a little cafe, all tucked away in a sleepy town.. yes, this suits him perfectly. their eyes meet, and yingxing chuckles when dan heng quickly glances away, clearly looking for an out, but yingxing won't make it easy for him. dan feng isn't here to spoil his fun with his overprotection. ]

Want to have some coffee with me? Since we're both here.

[ his eyes flicker down to the bracelet, then up again. ]

Unless you'd rather not spend time with me.

[ They're close enough, and Yingxing's eyes are deliberate enough, that Dan Heng notices, easily, the way that they flicker, slow and predatory, down to the wristband he wears and then back up again. The offer of an out seems deliberate, too, suggesting Dan Heng might not want to spend time with him when it's clear to both of them at this point that he very much would.

He has no idea what to do.

So, in the face of that, he does the only thing he can do: deny everything. His lips tremble into a strained smile as he lifts his wrist, sinks a little harder into the stack. ]

This... this was a gift from my best friend. [ True. ] She's a fan, and I... I suppose she thought it would be funny. [ Also true. ] Because of my connection to the band. [ An outright lie. March had given it to him after hours of him silently ogling Blade in a concert video they watched together, and gleefully taken a photo of his shocked, dismayed expression upon pulling it from the box.

He clears his throat. ]

So... yeah. I guess there's no harm in a coffee.

[ dan heng is fumbling so hard that yingxing almost feels a little bad for being an ass. almost. because dan heng is still so cute when he's grasping at straws. normally he wouldn't bother a fan that seems like they don't want to be close, he's a pretty respectful guy, but dan heng isn't just any fan, and he's super cute, so..

he shouldn't be thinking that. he's got at least a decade on dan heng, and dan feng would absolutely skin him alive for purposefully flirting with him, but. well. yingxing has no sense of self-preservation. ]

Hey, you don't need to explain it to me. I just appreciate the support for the band, you know?

[ he finally eases up, stepping back from dan heng so that they can begin to move toward the cafe together. ]

.. though it's funny your friend would get you mine, and not your brother's.

[ Ugh. Yeah, it's a fair comeback, and one he honestly has no good answer for. Why would March have given him a Blade wristband and not a Yinyue one? His nose wrinkles, and put on the spot, his lie is even more awkward than ever: ]

Even disguised as a human, I still get comments sometimes about how I look like him, and she knew I wouldn't want anything to make that connection more obvious than it is. And... you're her favorite member.

[ March 7th, famously a big fan of Jing Yuan and his sweet, sleepy eyes. "He looks like he'd be the best cuddler, you know?" she'd ask, pouting over magazine shoots, all while his own gaze stayed focused on the serious, stoic lead guitarist.

He sighs, moving alongside Yingxing to the cafe. ]

So, now I have this.

[ oh, he's such a bad liar. it's really cute.. ]

Right, right, of course.

[ he doesn't believe it at all, but he won't push any further, lest dan heng simply implode on the spot. instead, he leads the way, weaving through the stacks toward the cafe again. ]

Well, you can tell your friend thanks for me, then. I'd be glad to sign something for her, if she likes. Anything for a friend of Dan Heng's.

[ definitely for her, and not for him. once they reach the cafe, he corrals dan heng over to the barista with a hand at the small of his back. ]

What kind of drinks do you like?

Uh... thanks. I'll ask her about it, I guess.

[ If he knew what Yingxing was thinking, he'd probably implode. It's a good thing, then, that the other appears to accept his words, guiding him over through the stacks toward the cafe—

although that hand at the small of his back burns him

—until they're standing in front of the barista, and...

and Dan Heng is about to be revealed as the single most boring man in existence. He's never really thought of his drink preferences as embarrassing before, but... well, here he is. ]

Usually I just get plain black coffee, or green tea.

[ hey look, all yingxing got was a plain espresso, so if dan heng is boring, so is he. he nods, then flashes the barista a smile. ]

A pot of coffee to share, then. Cream on the side. Oh, and some water.

[ she smiles in return, quickly busying herself behind the counter to prepare their order, and yingxing turns to lean his back against the counter, removing his hand in the process, likely to dan heng's relief. ]

Next time, we'll do tea.

[ but it's still early enough in the day that it's fine, he thinks, to indulge in some heavier caffeine. ]

[ To his embarrassment, the sigh that passes through his lungs when Yingxing removes that hand from his back... well, it's a little too noticeable for his liking, although there's nothing to be done about it once it's escaped his lips anyway. He tries to conceal it by nodding and moving at the same time, finding them a table to take, something not too close to the window for his companion's sake, while not being as cramped as those at the back are.

Once they're seated, he nods at the other—but quickly finds his attention drawn to the table, and to the packet of salt he snags from the condiment holder in the middle, playing with it in his fingers, and hating how much he loves the sound of "next time".

Still, he... ]

Next time...? You're making a habit of coming here, then. Isn't this somewhat unsafe for you?

I'm making a habit of seeing you.

[ he says openly, easily, as he settles into the seat across from dan heng and leans his forearms against the table.

and then, as if he hadn't said anything unusual at all, he tilts his head and plows on. ]

How are those double majors of yours going? Still at the grind?

[ knowing what he knows of dan heng, the young man is more than likely still nose to the grindstone every day, admirably dedicated to his work. ]

[ Yingxing will be very quickly rewarded by a flush of pink along Dan Heng's skin. Making a habit of—what—His lips part, because really the other shouldn't say things like that, not to his friend-and-coworker's kid brother,

(not to a fan who so desperately wants them to be serious)

but before he can make any sort of protest, the other keeps talking, asks about his studies.

Dan Heng clears his throat, and nods. ]

Yeah. We're on holidays right now, so I'm not working quite as much. Just trying to keep up with my readings so I don't fall behind later.

[ no, he shouldn't be saying things like that, but he means it. there's something about dan heng that has him a little hooked, a combination of his gentle awkwardness and the fact that he's so vehemently attempting to deny that he's a fan. he's.. probably too young for yingxing, and he knows it, but it's hard to help himself. he wants to know more about dan heng. wants to see him more often.

ah, but their drinks are arriving now, the barista setting down the pot of coffee and cream, as well as two cups, and yingxing flashes her a smile with his thanks. after that, he pours for them both. ]

You're pretty studious, huh? I take it you get great marks.

[ he slides dan heng's cup toward him, then pops open a creamer to add to his own cup. ]

I did all right in school, but I'm more of a hands-on sort of person. Before the band took off, I was really into wood and metalworking.

[ The arrival of their drinks is a welcome interruption, Dan Heng thanking the server with a small nod, an expression much more reserved than the easy smile the guitarist flashes her. And, with his drink poured, he offers the same nod to his current companion, only hoping he looks more put together than he feels. Unlike Yingxing, he drinks his coffee plain, not adding any of the creamer, taking a sip before he answers the older man's question with a hint of a wry smile to his features. ]

My best friends would say I'm too studious. But it's not about the marks. This is something I'm passionate about—I want to learn as much as I can. So... studying hard seems like the right thing to do.

[ Another sip, and then Yingxing is talking about his own schooling days, mentioning wood and metalworking, and without a thought Dan Heng nods, allowing himself to join the conversation: ]

That's right. You were into ornamental sword-making for a time, if I recall correctly?

[ And just where did he get that information from—? Dan Heng doesn't even notice what he's said just yet, or what it implies. ]

[ oh. well. ]

Yeah, weaponwork in general. I enjoy it.

[ both ornamental and working steel, he'd even considered applying for that blacksmithing contest tv show, but then everything went down with the band and that went out the window. ]

I'd like to get back to it sometime, when I'm not so busy. It's hard work, but it relaxes me.

[ he stirs in his creamer, then takes a sip. the coffee here is pretty good. little hole in the wall places always have great coffee, in his experience. ]

I'm surprised you know that, I don't talk about it much.

[ Somehow, Dan Heng remains blissfully unaware of the mess he's created for himself until Yingxing, after replying so thoughtfully, admits that he's surprised that the younger man even knew such a thing.

Which...

Fuck.

Of course he doesn't talk about it much. He mentioned it in one, maybe two interviews, both a while ago now, both comments made in passing.

He clears his throat. ]

Oh, uh. My brother told me about it. [ After Dan Heng found a way to bring it up in conversation, of course..) ] I was researching metallurgical history at the time, and when I said something about it to him, he told me.

[ Had there been any reason to study metallurgical history other than those passing comments in interviews, though? No, but Dan Feng didn't need to know that, and neither does Yingxing.

Which is why the next question is asks is one that he doesn't actually need to, not really. It's just... he needs to give himself some protection, here.

He sips at his coffee. ]

Is that where the name "Blade" comes from, then?

[ oh what tangled webs we weave.. dan heng is clearly backpedaling, but once more, yingxing doesn't have the heart to call him out on it and embarrass him. it's so damned cute, the way he stammers as he tries to think up an excuse. a smile spreads across yingxing's features. ]

Yeah, he would know, I guess.

[ yingxing is close with the entire group, but he and dan feng were especially close - he's yingxing's best friend and confidant, so he knows pretty much his entire life story. nothing would stop him from telling dan heng about it all, should it come up in conversation.

he won't ask just why dan heng was researching metallurgy.. ]

But yeah, it is. I enjoyed making weapons, and I was young enough at the time to think that the name Blade was edgy and cool. Embarrassing, I know.

[ but it's what he's stuck with now, and he's fond of it. ]

[ It's... maybe a little obvious from the other's comment that "he would know, I guess" that Dan Heng's story hasn't been entirely bought. But despite that fact, Yingxing seems happy enough to move on with the conversation, and so for once in the whole encounter the younger man doesn't make himself panic enough to try to withdraw the comment earlier than necessary.

What he does do is listen to what the other has to say, a smile on his face—and a soft laugh when the older man calls the tastes of the him of ten years ago "edgy and cool". ]

Was that just a you thing? It seems almost generational. In my age group, everyone wants names like "Stardust" or "Glimmer", but ten years ago... hmm. Yeah, "Blade" fits the average young adult's mood reasonably well, I would say.

[ Historical data analyst go! ]

[ he barks an easy laugh. ]

It was absolutely a generational thing. I wasn't the only one trying to be edgy.

[ yingxing's smile slants, and he takes another sip of coffee. reminiscing about his cringe era is embarrassing, but funny, at least. he tries not to take himself too seriously. ]

Names like Glimmer or Stardust were absolutely associated with something else, when I was young.

[ an arched brow. ]

[ The comment actually earns a light chuckle for Dan Heng as he sips once more at his drink. He hadn't picked the names for that reason, but Yingxing is right in his comment, even if he is being a brat about it—

And Dan Heng knows that, despite himself, he's still blushing.

He wonders how far he can get with this nonchalant thing though, and so he looks up at the other, quirks an eyebrow in return. ]

Were they? And what might that be?

I think you know exactly what.

[ little brat. but sure, yingxing will indulge him, and go a bit further, besides. ]

Excellent stripper names. If you were gonna choose one, what would it be?

[ definitely conjuring images of dan heng pole dancing now, though honestly he'd probably be so endearingly awkward about it that it's hard to imagine it as sexy. ]

Shimmerscale? Glitter Draconia?

[ ...Okay, so maybe they weren't on quite the same page, but Dan Heng can see where Yingxing is coming from—for a moment, at least, until suddenly the guitarist is asking him what stripper name he would choose. His lips part to tell the other he wouldn't have one to begin with, but before he can, Yingxing starts offering suggestions, and the younger man very nearly loses his mouthful of coffee to the table.

Arbiter preserve him, his cheeks are practically generating heat.

He clears his throat. ]

I am... [ A small huff of breath through his nose. ] I'm not really the type.

[ now that's a good reaction. yingxing grins like the cat that got the cream, leaning onto his elbows. ]

No? You don't think so?

[ so sorry dan heng, now that this door has been opened there can be no closing it again, and yingxing is on him like a shark scenting blood. he tilts his head, feigning thoughtfulness, tapping his knuckles to his chin. ]

I don't know, you've got that innocent awkward nerd sort of cuteness about you, there's definitely a market for that.

[ poor dan heng is probably going to explode. ]

I think if I were going to choose one for myself, it's got to be Star, right?

[ Innocent awkward nerd sort of cuteness—

Dan Heng thinks he might be about to combust. He drops his gaze, despite the other's very clear focus on him, and clears his throat again. Is there some sort of Cloudhymn magic that can calm the rush of heat? Or perhaps just make him sink into the earth itself? Maybe if he texts Stelle, she can come and rescue him—

He coughs. Drinks some coffee. Coughs again.

It doesn't help. ]

Star... like your name.

[ If they were going off names, his own would be pretty boring, he thinks.) ]

But I...

[ Nope, it's too late. His brain is working overtime, imagining Yingxing on a stage in front of him, lip bitten and smile sly as he peels off a too-tight shirt to reveal the muscles underneath, and—

His fingers tighten on the edge of the table. ]

How did we end up on this discussion anyway...? [ An attempt at something sardonic, a roll of his eyes that feels and sounds weak. ]

[ oh how yingxing enjoys this game of cat and mouse, drawing it out by prickling dan heng's hackles up then drawing back long enough for him to calm down before pushing the envelope again. it might seem mean spirited to those who don't know him, but in truth yingxing's love language is teasing. it's how he shows affection, even if.. sometimes he can definitely go overboard.

his grin cuts across his face, and yingxing shrugs. ]

Names. Don't be mad at me, you're the one who brought up Stardust and Glimmer.

[ even if yingxing went running off with it like the little shit that he is. but they can change the subject. he pours them both fresh cups. ]

Anyway, yeah, Blade was a bit of a choice. People use Ren, too.

[ the xianxhou word for blade's edge. ]

[ "don't be mad at me," Yingxing says, and Dan Heng can't help the little face he makes in response, the huff of embarrassed irritation on his lips. Sure, he brought up those names, but he wasn't intending for the conversation to go like that—

He takes a slight breath, and once the fresh cup is poured, he takes a sip—and then, in an almost childish response, adds a little cream before sipping again.

(He never drinks his coffee with cream.)

He's grateful for the return in topic though, and so he nods. ]

I think I've heard that. Which do you prefer? Ren seems... affectionate, I suppose. It makes sense for your fans to choose something that sounds a little softer, even if the definition is practically the same...

Hmm..

[ a good question. he's never really considered this before. ]

I think it depends on the situation. Ren was given to me by the fans, so it's cute when they use it - it feels like a nice little connection, you know?

[ a bond between the fans and himself. it's sweet, that he has enough affectionate fans that they wanted to give him a communal nickname. smiling, yingxing reclines in his chair, crossing his ankles loosely beneath the table. ]

So I think from a fan, I'd prefer to be called Ren. It feels nice.

band au;

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