"Maybe he wanted to scold us one last time," Shen Yuan suggests, the teasing as self-deprecating as it is directed at Lan Xichen. While it's true that they never quite crossed that final line into true impropriety, it certainly wasn't for lack of trying on their part. Sadly their purity had more to do with luck and efforts of their hard-working family members than any special interest Lan Xichen or Shen Yuan had in remaining virgins before their wedding night -- and to think there'd been a time when Shen Yuan believed he'd be fortune if Lan Xichen simply tolerated his presence! He could laugh at his past self, but instead he gently (lovingly) squeezed Lan Xichen's hands and smiles at him through the gauzy veil.
"What more does my dear husband require?" he asks, teasing again even as his heart begins to throb in his chest. "Another ritual, perhaps? A set of rules just for dutiful spouses? Husband need only say it and this humble Yuan will see it done."
"It's only a small thing," he assures, bringing Shen Yuan's hands to his lips and pressing kisses to his lovely knuckles.
Whatever his uncle's intent reading off the litany of rules (as if Xichen didn't know them by heart), he is ever so thankful the man brought Shen Yuan into his life. They are here, their long lives now stretching ahead of them full of peaceful days and long, passionate nights.
He releases Shen Yuan's hands and with great care, pushes back his veil. Ah, his husband really is lovely, clad in crimson silk and bathed in the moonlight streaming through the window. He'd sit through a hundred thousand dull ceremonies for this moment alone, where he bows his head, untying the red ribbon from his brow, and then winding it carefully around the fine bones of Shen Yuan's wrist.
He gazes up at him, lips pulled into a cheeky smile.
Shen Yuan can feel his face heating, a shy yet eager smile playing on his lips as he watches Lan Xichen tie that precious ribbon around his wrist. (Unlike certain persons, Shen Yuan actually did his homework on the Lan Clan and its traditions, and so he knows exactly how precious this gesture is, how it's a moment to be treasured and committed to the annal of his heart forever.)
He considers and discards teasing comebacks -- is it really such a small thing? Doubtful -- and instead catches Lan Xichen's hand before it can be withdrawn, lifting it instead to his lips.
"Anything," he whispers breathlessly, hoping the look in his eyes convey even a small fraction of his feelings, his desires, as he pins Lan Xichen's gaze with his own.
Edited (fixed a typo) Date: 2023-07-13 12:11 pm (UTC)
Xichen could hold that gaze forever. He'd really like to as well, because Shen Yuan has the most beautiful eyes. But he also has the loveliest lips, and really, they have not been properly kissed in months and that's just unacceptable.
They'd been about as appropriate as could be expected within reason. It had left Xichen's self-control frayed to bits.
It finally snaps.
The kiss is strong, hungry, achingly tender, as Xichen's hands rest on Shen Yuan's hips. The veil falls over both of them as he seems intent on figuring out how to both probe and devour his husband's mouth.
There are certainly Lan rules for coupling on the wedding night - steps to be taken, things to do. If he had any intent of following them, it would be another hour before they could even touch. He wouldn't in a million years blame the weak wine they had shared, but it had left his inhibitions in a state where the little voice in the back of his mind urging him to do this all by the book was utterly silenced.
This was their night, and theirs alone. He'd followed through with the most important custom, the one that truly meant something.
They would have to find their own meaning in the maelstrom of passion.
It isn't long until he's crowded Shen Yuan up against the edge of the bed, coaxing the other man's tongue into his mouth where he can suck on it.
Kissing had been a revelation. He's so glad they at least got to know each other so intimately; it was only a pity that their virginity was such a sticking point for their families. He'd have loved it if he and Shen Yuan could have experimented a little more.
"I confess," he says breathlessly between kisses, "past this point," and more kisses, "I have no idea what I'm doing," and yet more kisses! "and only have some dubious educational texts to go by."
"Ah...this one as well," Shen Yuan sighs in-between kisses, his whole body warm and trembling slightly in Lan Xichen's strong, beloved grip. "That is...er-ge got me so educational books..." That he was too thin-faced to read properly, just peeking through them with one eye from behind his fan and frequently slamming the covers closed when he got too embarrassed to continue! He did bring them with him though; maybe it will be less embarrassing to show them to his husband...
"This one prefers to learn by his husband's side," he admits, his own arms wound tightly around Lan Xichen's back, indiscriminately clinging to his hair and lovely red robes. "Perhaps, just for our first time..." Even though it's his husband Shen Yuan struggles to say something so shameless; he has to avert his eyes, blushing hotly as he finishes his suggestion, "Perhaps we might begin with something simple? We have all the time in the world for...that is, to master the complications, right?"
It was an embarrassing and intensely private matter, these marital relations, but surely at the root of it all they were like any physical skill. You started with simple, easy things, and worked your way up from there.
"Yes," he agrees, warmth in his eyes as fingers delicately trace the outline of his husband's narrow waist, pulled even tighter by their wedding garments. The red silks were fetching, but these clothes were not meant for comfort, nor were the ornaments pulling their hair into regal styles.
It was beautiful, but Shen Yuan could be in rags and Xichen would still find him the most beautiful person to draw breath.
"All the time we could ever want."
And with Xichen's powerful core, that could be a fantastically long time.
"I am simply saying, that this husband may be a bit clumsy. A-Yuan must promise to say if anything hurts or is uncomfortable."
He lifts a brow, giving him that same knowing look he often gives to his brother. It's a foible the three of them share and one born of necessity within the social mores they grew up in, but here, in this space, their marriage bed, in this intimate space between them, he does not want his beloved to be too embarrassed to hold anything back.
Shen Yuan puffs out his cheeks, feeling rather called out. "Husband has a rather favorable opinion of me, if he thinks this one is so likely to keep quiet in such circumstances...am I really so self-sacrificing?"
(He totally is, and Lan Xichen should keep a close eye on him whenever they try anything strenuous.)
Then a rather cunning look joins Shen Yuan's face, crowding the excitement and adoration that were already living there, and he suggests, "But this one will promise for husband's sake, if he promises not to keep quiet any time this one does something wrong, or if he has any idea for how this one might do better. For how are we to improve if we can't be honest with each other, and provide constructive criticism when it's needed?" That's quite reasonable, isn't it? Of course Lan Xichen will master these arts near-immediately, but Shen Yuan would hate to think of his own performance falling behind. That would be too embarrassing to be borne!
Xichen's laughter bubbles out of him unexpectedly. Ah, he's also been called out! But even their fumbling first kisses had been exquisite; to his mind, anything to do with Shen Yuan would be beyond compare. He would take this man, without question or even so much as a second thought, over even the most skilled of lovers.
But it is best not to set any double standards, even if he cannot imagine ever finding Shen Yuan's performance lacking.
"You have this husband's word," he says solemnly, sealing it with a kiss.
When he pulls away, his warm brown eyes are bright with joy as he cradles his beloved's cheek in his palm.
"A-Yuan -"
There is a throaty quality to his voice, because really, they've ignored their mutual desire long enough. They can play the rest by ear.
Lan Xichen's laugh is rarely heard -- a pity, when it is so very beautiful -- and between that and the thrilling kiss his husband bestows, Shen Yuan nearly forgets to be embarrassed when his husband makes his request.
Undressed...he's going to be undressed in front of his husband for the very first time! (No, that time in the woods doesn't count. He really had slipped on some leaves, er-ge! And Xichen had been trying to catch him when he accidentally tore one of his sleeves right off his shoulder, not -- oh, never mind.)
"Y-yes," he gasps, and closes his eyes so that, knowing himself, he won't get embarrassed and try to pull away or cover himself too soon. He wants this, oh so very much...Habit is just a hard mistress to disobey!
He tries not to think about it. When the sleeve had torn, they'd both looked mortified, and then had to sneak around like a pair of naughty teenagers to get Shen Yuan a change of clothes without anyone being the wiser, lest assumptions be made about their little strolls together and their families insisted on chaperones.
Things had been lax thanks to Xichen's peerless reputation and Shen Yuan's noted shyness. It allowed them ample time to get to know one another without an awkward third wheel hanging about, and left them comfortable in each other's company. Xichen was, of course, smitten at first glance, but it was nice knowing even without the betrothal, they had that foundation. He didn't just love Shen Yuan, he didn't just find him physically attractive, he also just enjoyed being in his company.
He begins slowly, removing the veil and the many pins and ornaments in their hair. His scalp was starting to ache and he had only worn a crown that was more ornate than his usual fair. He didn't want to think how the elaborate up-do was feeling for Shen Yuan. It couldn't be comfortable.
Belts and ties followed shortly, each layer committed to memory and then peeled away and set aside to be folded in the morning. He would paint Shen Yuan in his wedding garments, he knew this already, but he did not want to ignore a single detail.
When he is able to feel Shen Yuan's warm skin through the countless layers, his breath quickens, his cock fills, and he leans forward to kiss and suck along his beloved's perfect neck.
It is a while before they are down to their innermost robes. He has never been more glad of his foresight to skip the other half-dozen rituals before consummation, or dawn would be breaking before they ever got started.
"A-Yuan," he says, taking his hand and guiding him to bed. "My husband is so lovely. I think I could marry you a hundred times."
Although his eyes remind closed, Shen Yuan smiles and lets out a relieved sigh as his hair is taken down from the complicated style his er-ge and a hired hairdresser from Caiyi Town had put it into hours upon aching hours ago. He shakes his head slightly, letting his hair fall down around his shoulders -- and smiles more at the faint hitch of breath he hears from Lan Xichen, clearly affected by the sight. He steals a peek at Lan Xichen through his eyelashes as his husband begins to gently, lovingly strip him, making Shen Yuan tremble with a feeling that was entirely unlike a chill.
No, it certainly isn't the cool mountain air that makes Shen Yuan press close to Lan Xichen as they lie down together, shyly hiding his face in his husband's shoulder even as his arms boldly slide around Lan Xichen's torso in a needy embrace. "My husband is very handsome too," he says lowly, and in token of his posture adds, "This humble A-Yuan would be overcome if he looked at him too long in this state." His own state or Lan Xichen's? The answer to that is definitely 'yes.'
"Husband..." he sighs, hyper aware of the heat of Lan Xichen's body passing into his through their thin inner robes, their legs pressed up against each other, his own arousal only just barely covered by the red silk. "Kiss me again?" he entreats, squirming even closer as best he can to put his face within kissing range.
The robes have been set aside (he'll carefully fold them in the morning) and he's down to his innermost attire, a state of undress only his most immediate family has ever seen him in, and even then he'd still been a child at the time. This is for his husband's eyes only, and as they curl into each other's warmth, he lets his gaze wander appreciatively over Shen Yuan's body.
Really, is there anything about his husband he won't find enticing? There must be, surely, is that not how these things work?
But he really is ever so taken with the other man, and his hand wanders, smoothing the creases in his silks, feeling the warmth of his body under his palm.
Goodness, they'll soon be pressed together, bare skin to bare skin, won't they? He's certainly thought about it, and cooled those thoughts in the Cold Springs, but the reality is so much more overwhelming. He has to take a few deep breaths, only to inhale the scent of his husband, and it hits him that this is going to be their new reality; sharing a bed, a home, a sect, a life. His heart drums in his chest, and his body responds accordingly to the contact (his cock had certainly sat up and taken interest as he divested Shen Yuan of each layer, but now it was hard against the other man's thigh).
Shen Yuan's entreaty doesn't go ignored, and Xichen cups his cheek, pulling him in for a slow, deep kiss, that grows increasingly fervent with his growing want. It isn't long until they're rocking against each other, limbs as tangled as their lips and tongues, as they build a delicious friction between them.
Xichen is flushed and panting when he pulls away, pupils blown so wide his eyes are practically black.
"Well," he says in mock scandal, "the books I read certainly didn't prepare me for -"
He can't finish the sentence (not quite out of embarrassment, because that's there too, he is so very pink in his perfect jade cheeks) because he has no words to describe the feeling of rubbing up against his husband like a pair of rutting teenagers. How something that inelegant could set his very veins ablaze is a wonder.
He undoes the topmost ties of his inner robes, letting them fall open to reveal jade white skin covering the well-defined planes of his chest. His fingers hover over Shen Yuan's, meeting his gaze to make sure he's as eager for this as Xichen is.
He undoes the tie.
And the other.
And... oh, Shen Yuan really is a vision, isn't he...? His gaze lingers on his naked chest, those pert pink nipples, the scholarly softness of him, and he cannot resist having a taste.
He's not sure where the compulsion comes from; it's certainly not something he's ever had before in his life. Between the two of them, Wangji was the biter. But for an instant, his mind goes blank, and when he comes to, his teeth are latched onto the soft flesh at the juncture between Shen Yuan's throat and shoulder. He is licking and sucking with abandon, moaning against his beloved. It will probably bruise. He should probably feel bad. He doesn't.
Shen Yuan merely nods, as overwhelmed as Lan Xichen by the kiss, their closeness, the rigid brand against his thigh that can only be his husband's manhood, coaxed into fullness by him, all for him. He watches with rapt, eager attention as Lan Xichen bares his chest for him, and though he's trembling slightly as Xichen reaches over to do the same for him it's only out of barely-leashed eagerness, not anything negative.
It does catch him by surprise when Xichen suddenly grabs him and sinks his teeth into his neck, but the cry that escapes Shen Yuan's throat has more of pleasure in it than pain, and his hands wrap around Xichen's back to hold him closer, not push him away. "H-husband," he gasps, while his hips jerk, driving his own arousal into Xichen's thigh. Of all the books he'd read, the romances had perhaps come closest to preparing him for the overwhelming electric charge that was being touched so intimately by his husband, but even they fell well short of the reality. The glorious, beloved reality.
"Lan Lang..." he sighs, letting his head fall back as he relaxes the tendons in his neck, giving himself up to his beloved's mercies. His hand shifts to cradle the back of Xichen's head and pet his hair, as if trying to soothe him -- but Shen Yuan sees no reason for Xichen to stop, or to not do whatever he pleases. "Does this husband taste good?" he asks, with a thoroughly besotted smile on his face.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2023-07-13 11:12 am (UTC)"What more does my dear husband require?" he asks, teasing again even as his heart begins to throb in his chest. "Another ritual, perhaps? A set of rules just for dutiful spouses? Husband need only say it and this humble Yuan will see it done."
no subject
Date: 2023-07-13 11:58 am (UTC)Whatever his uncle's intent reading off the litany of rules (as if Xichen didn't know them by heart), he is ever so thankful the man brought Shen Yuan into his life. They are here, their long lives now stretching ahead of them full of peaceful days and long, passionate nights.
He releases Shen Yuan's hands and with great care, pushes back his veil. Ah, his husband really is lovely, clad in crimson silk and bathed in the moonlight streaming through the window. He'd sit through a hundred thousand dull ceremonies for this moment alone, where he bows his head, untying the red ribbon from his brow, and then winding it carefully around the fine bones of Shen Yuan's wrist.
He gazes up at him, lips pulled into a cheeky smile.
"One small thing."
no subject
Date: 2023-07-13 12:06 pm (UTC)He considers and discards teasing comebacks -- is it really such a small thing? Doubtful -- and instead catches Lan Xichen's hand before it can be withdrawn, lifting it instead to his lips.
"Anything," he whispers breathlessly, hoping the look in his eyes convey even a small fraction of his feelings, his desires, as he pins Lan Xichen's gaze with his own.
no subject
Date: 2023-07-13 12:25 pm (UTC)They'd been about as appropriate as could be expected within reason. It had left Xichen's self-control frayed to bits.
It finally snaps.
The kiss is strong, hungry, achingly tender, as Xichen's hands rest on Shen Yuan's hips. The veil falls over both of them as he seems intent on figuring out how to both probe and devour his husband's mouth.
There are certainly Lan rules for coupling on the wedding night - steps to be taken, things to do. If he had any intent of following them, it would be another hour before they could even touch. He wouldn't in a million years blame the weak wine they had shared, but it had left his inhibitions in a state where the little voice in the back of his mind urging him to do this all by the book was utterly silenced.
This was their night, and theirs alone. He'd followed through with the most important custom, the one that truly meant something.
They would have to find their own meaning in the maelstrom of passion.
It isn't long until he's crowded Shen Yuan up against the edge of the bed, coaxing the other man's tongue into his mouth where he can suck on it.
Kissing had been a revelation. He's so glad they at least got to know each other so intimately; it was only a pity that their virginity was such a sticking point for their families. He'd have loved it if he and Shen Yuan could have experimented a little more.
"I confess," he says breathlessly between kisses, "past this point," and more kisses, "I have no idea what I'm doing," and yet more kisses! "and only have some dubious educational texts to go by."
no subject
Date: 2023-07-13 12:54 pm (UTC)"This one prefers to learn by his husband's side," he admits, his own arms wound tightly around Lan Xichen's back, indiscriminately clinging to his hair and lovely red robes. "Perhaps, just for our first time..." Even though it's his husband Shen Yuan struggles to say something so shameless; he has to avert his eyes, blushing hotly as he finishes his suggestion, "Perhaps we might begin with something simple? We have all the time in the world for...that is, to master the complications, right?"
It was an embarrassing and intensely private matter, these marital relations, but surely at the root of it all they were like any physical skill. You started with simple, easy things, and worked your way up from there.
no subject
Date: 2023-07-13 06:54 pm (UTC)It was beautiful, but Shen Yuan could be in rags and Xichen would still find him the most beautiful person to draw breath.
"All the time we could ever want."
And with Xichen's powerful core, that could be a fantastically long time.
"I am simply saying, that this husband may be a bit clumsy. A-Yuan must promise to say if anything hurts or is uncomfortable."
He lifts a brow, giving him that same knowing look he often gives to his brother. It's a foible the three of them share and one born of necessity within the social mores they grew up in, but here, in this space, their marriage bed, in this intimate space between them, he does not want his beloved to be too embarrassed to hold anything back.
no subject
Date: 2023-07-13 07:48 pm (UTC)(He totally is, and Lan Xichen should keep a close eye on him whenever they try anything strenuous.)
Then a rather cunning look joins Shen Yuan's face, crowding the excitement and adoration that were already living there, and he suggests, "But this one will promise for husband's sake, if he promises not to keep quiet any time this one does something wrong, or if he has any idea for how this one might do better. For how are we to improve if we can't be honest with each other, and provide constructive criticism when it's needed?" That's quite reasonable, isn't it? Of course Lan Xichen will master these arts near-immediately, but Shen Yuan would hate to think of his own performance falling behind. That would be too embarrassing to be borne!
no subject
Date: 2023-07-13 08:04 pm (UTC)But it is best not to set any double standards, even if he cannot imagine ever finding Shen Yuan's performance lacking.
"You have this husband's word," he says solemnly, sealing it with a kiss.
When he pulls away, his warm brown eyes are bright with joy as he cradles his beloved's cheek in his palm.
"A-Yuan -"
There is a throaty quality to his voice, because really, they've ignored their mutual desire long enough. They can play the rest by ear.
"May I undress you?"
no subject
Date: 2023-07-13 08:12 pm (UTC)Undressed...he's going to be undressed in front of his husband for the very first time! (No, that time in the woods doesn't count. He really had slipped on some leaves, er-ge! And Xichen had been trying to catch him when he accidentally tore one of his sleeves right off his shoulder, not -- oh, never mind.)
"Y-yes," he gasps, and closes his eyes so that, knowing himself, he won't get embarrassed and try to pull away or cover himself too soon. He wants this, oh so very much...Habit is just a hard mistress to disobey!
no subject
Date: 2023-07-13 08:35 pm (UTC)Things had been lax thanks to Xichen's peerless reputation and Shen Yuan's noted shyness. It allowed them ample time to get to know one another without an awkward third wheel hanging about, and left them comfortable in each other's company. Xichen was, of course, smitten at first glance, but it was nice knowing even without the betrothal, they had that foundation. He didn't just love Shen Yuan, he didn't just find him physically attractive, he also just enjoyed being in his company.
He begins slowly, removing the veil and the many pins and ornaments in their hair. His scalp was starting to ache and he had only worn a crown that was more ornate than his usual fair. He didn't want to think how the elaborate up-do was feeling for Shen Yuan. It couldn't be comfortable.
Belts and ties followed shortly, each layer committed to memory and then peeled away and set aside to be folded in the morning. He would paint Shen Yuan in his wedding garments, he knew this already, but he did not want to ignore a single detail.
When he is able to feel Shen Yuan's warm skin through the countless layers, his breath quickens, his cock fills, and he leans forward to kiss and suck along his beloved's perfect neck.
It is a while before they are down to their innermost robes. He has never been more glad of his foresight to skip the other half-dozen rituals before consummation, or dawn would be breaking before they ever got started.
"A-Yuan," he says, taking his hand and guiding him to bed. "My husband is so lovely. I think I could marry you a hundred times."
no subject
Date: 2023-07-17 04:18 am (UTC)No, it certainly isn't the cool mountain air that makes Shen Yuan press close to Lan Xichen as they lie down together, shyly hiding his face in his husband's shoulder even as his arms boldly slide around Lan Xichen's torso in a needy embrace. "My husband is very handsome too," he says lowly, and in token of his posture adds, "This humble A-Yuan would be overcome if he looked at him too long in this state." His own state or Lan Xichen's? The answer to that is definitely 'yes.'
"Husband..." he sighs, hyper aware of the heat of Lan Xichen's body passing into his through their thin inner robes, their legs pressed up against each other, his own arousal only just barely covered by the red silk. "Kiss me again?" he entreats, squirming even closer as best he can to put his face within kissing range.
no subject
Date: 2023-07-18 01:05 am (UTC)Really, is there anything about his husband he won't find enticing? There must be, surely, is that not how these things work?
But he really is ever so taken with the other man, and his hand wanders, smoothing the creases in his silks, feeling the warmth of his body under his palm.
Goodness, they'll soon be pressed together, bare skin to bare skin, won't they? He's certainly thought about it, and cooled those thoughts in the Cold Springs, but the reality is so much more overwhelming. He has to take a few deep breaths, only to inhale the scent of his husband, and it hits him that this is going to be their new reality; sharing a bed, a home, a sect, a life. His heart drums in his chest, and his body responds accordingly to the contact (his cock had certainly sat up and taken interest as he divested Shen Yuan of each layer, but now it was hard against the other man's thigh).
Shen Yuan's entreaty doesn't go ignored, and Xichen cups his cheek, pulling him in for a slow, deep kiss, that grows increasingly fervent with his growing want. It isn't long until they're rocking against each other, limbs as tangled as their lips and tongues, as they build a delicious friction between them.
Xichen is flushed and panting when he pulls away, pupils blown so wide his eyes are practically black.
"Well," he says in mock scandal, "the books I read certainly didn't prepare me for -"
He can't finish the sentence (not quite out of embarrassment, because that's there too, he is so very pink in his perfect jade cheeks) because he has no words to describe the feeling of rubbing up against his husband like a pair of rutting teenagers. How something that inelegant could set his very veins ablaze is a wonder.
He undoes the topmost ties of his inner robes, letting them fall open to reveal jade white skin covering the well-defined planes of his chest. His fingers hover over Shen Yuan's, meeting his gaze to make sure he's as eager for this as Xichen is.
He undoes the tie.
And the other.
And... oh, Shen Yuan really is a vision, isn't he...? His gaze lingers on his naked chest, those pert pink nipples, the scholarly softness of him, and he cannot resist having a taste.
He's not sure where the compulsion comes from; it's certainly not something he's ever had before in his life. Between the two of them, Wangji was the biter. But for an instant, his mind goes blank, and when he comes to, his teeth are latched onto the soft flesh at the juncture between Shen Yuan's throat and shoulder. He is licking and sucking with abandon, moaning against his beloved. It will probably bruise. He should probably feel bad. He doesn't.
Just a deep sense of satisfaction.
no subject
Date: 2023-07-20 05:39 am (UTC)It does catch him by surprise when Xichen suddenly grabs him and sinks his teeth into his neck, but the cry that escapes Shen Yuan's throat has more of pleasure in it than pain, and his hands wrap around Xichen's back to hold him closer, not push him away. "H-husband," he gasps, while his hips jerk, driving his own arousal into Xichen's thigh. Of all the books he'd read, the romances had perhaps come closest to preparing him for the overwhelming electric charge that was being touched so intimately by his husband, but even they fell well short of the reality. The glorious, beloved reality.
"Lan Lang..." he sighs, letting his head fall back as he relaxes the tendons in his neck, giving himself up to his beloved's mercies. His hand shifts to cradle the back of Xichen's head and pet his hair, as if trying to soothe him -- but Shen Yuan sees no reason for Xichen to stop, or to not do whatever he pleases. "Does this husband taste good?" he asks, with a thoroughly besotted smile on his face.