video | un: ouyang

[theatrics]

(( The face on the screen wears a severe expression that does little to mar its prettiness. ))

I require a horse and a bird.

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[dragonrising]

It was. I don't deny that. But that's there and this is here. Here I don't have to be that way.

[He tilt his head so he can kiss the fingers on his hand.]

[theatrics]

Mm. (( While he agrees, Ouyang still acknowledges that, for him, it's still hard to separate certain habits of his previous life from his current one. He's certainly able to relax and let his guard down around his two lovers, but he's still driven by a need to be useful. At least, in caring for Runyu and Mingye, he enjoys being of service to them.

Speaking of being of service... Ouyang turns his attention to Runyu, lounging so comfortably in the water. He started by washing it, but now... Without a word of explanation, he rises from his place and moves to gather a comb and some scented oil. When he returns, he sits behind his dragon and nudges him to lean forward just enough for Ouyang to gather his hair from the water. ))

Here we can just be.

[dragonrising]

[Realizing what Ouyang wants, he turns around so he can lean against the edge of the tub with his hair outside for Ouyang to comb it. It rarely tangles but it's always nice to have it cared for regardless.]

Yes. Here we can just be. That's what I want.

[theatrics]

(( Ouyang enjoys being able to care for his beloved. Though he was a child slave when he learned to bathe and care for another's hair, it's something he can reclaim and repurpose in tending to his lovers. As he dips the comb in the scented oil, he runs it carefully through the ends of Runyu's hair, working his way up until he can make long strokes from scalp to end without catching or tugging. ))

[dragonrising]

[Sighing, he melts under the attention, not even realizing that more of his body has changed, his dragon form taking over the lower half of his body as well as all of the bath. A sure sign of how relaxed he really is to have stopped paying attention this much.]

[theatrics]

(( He can't help noticing the change, though Ouyang says nothing. If Runyu is comfortable enough to reveal a part of his true body, he isn't about to draw extra attention to it. He continues to work the comb and oil into Runyu's hair while admiring the silvery-white scales -- exactly like the one that hangs around Ouyang's neck. ))

May I braid your hair?

[dragonrising]

You may.

[He never actually braids his hair but he doesn't mind if it's done for him. Especially if it's done by someone he loves as much as he does Ouyang. This is relaxing and he likes the idea of those fingers continuing to play.]

[theatrics]

(( Ouyang always wears braids in his hair, another habit he picked up being steeped in Mongolian culture. He didn't fail to notice that Mingye also wears braids in his hair. He wonders about putting even more braids in Mingye hair.

With a contented hum and a sharpened focus, he sets to work starting at Runyu's hairline and working what will be the first of several braids into it. The hair in his hands is still damp, making it easier to work with. The length of Runyu's hair will take some time to finish, but he enjoys every second of working through strands through his fingers. In the end, Runyu will have three large plaits atop his head that can easily be worked into some kind of hair ornament if he so chooses and two smaller braids behind his ears meant to hang free with the length of his hair. ))

[dragonrising]

[Without meaning to, Runyu has drifted off. The feel of those hands in his hair so comforting and relaxing that he can't even help himself. So he's like that still when Ouyang stops, peaceful and even with a little smile on his lips.]

[theatrics]

(( A fond smile pulls his lips and he gently reaches into the water to make sure it hasn't gone cold. Not that there was much he could do about the temperature, and surely if it were too cold, Runyu wouldn't have been able to sleep so easily. He might even brush his fingers against those shimmering scales, reassuring himself that these are the very same as the scale he wears around his neck.

But, before waking his lover, he slips away to get them both fresh clothes. Donning clean underrobe, he sheds the towel and fetches a dry one for Runyu to use. Then, he nudged his lover's shoulder gently. ))

Khairaa, you've fallen asleep.

[dragonrising]

[The gentle stirring pulls him from his sleep. Upon awakening, his lower body returns back to legs and a tail, Runyu not even noticing that's what happened at all. He's simply looking around then finding Ouyang and offering him a smile.]

Ah...I apologize. I didn't mean to drift off.

[theatrics]

You've nothing to apologize for.

(( His tone is surprisingly gentle, maybe a little mournful at waking his lover when he was so clearly content. He smiles with utmost fondness and offers a hand to Runyu. ))

Did you want to stay longer?

[dragonrising]

No. I will get up so I can be with you.

[Taking that hand, he rises up from the water so he can step out of it. Then he remembers agreeing to the braids and reaches up to feel them curiously.]

They feel so nice...

[theatrics]

They suit you.

(( He lets his hand linger in Runyu's just a few seconds longer before he retrieves the towel. His hair is much dryer now, no fear of it dripping. So Ouyang sets himself to the task of dabbing the water from his beloved's skin and scales. ))

I enjoyed doing them for you.

[dragonrising]

You should do them more often. I could sit for you each day and you could braid my hair if you like.

[Because something tells him that will make Ouyang very happy.]

[theatrics]

(( Ouyang brightens noticeably at the suggestion. ))

I would like that very much.

[dragonrising]

[Runyu smiles warmly at him and lets Ouyang finish drying him and even dress him.]

I should get some simple things you can add for the braids you feel like adding them.

[theatrics]

Something in silver would suit you best.

(( Indeed, Ouyang is right there offering a clean clothes. He helps to dress his over, a little fascinated by the added complexity his thick tail adds to the process. ))

[dragonrising]

It is the color I am the most comfortable in. Though I've worn other colors before this has just been mine for so long I fall into the habit of lingering in it.

[theatrics]

It is important to have something that is only yours.

[dragonrising]

I'm not sure the color silver is only mine, Ya'er. [But it's amusing to him that Ouyang would say so.]

[theatrics]

This (( He indicates the scale around his neck. )) This colors is only yours.

[dragonrising]

[He looks at him fondly and even reaches out to rest his fingers over the scale.]

Yes. This is mine. [The scale? Ouyang? It's unclear.]

[theatrics]

(( Does it matter which when it's true of both? ))

[dragonrising]

[He leans in to kiss him gently.]

Let's go to bed. I want to hold you more.