yogen | .:Winter Stars:.

Entry tags:

mo dao zu shi: meng yao

.:Winter Stars:.

Who: Meng Yao, etc
What: A couple prompts.
Where: Place(s) in Yogen.
When: Various time(s) in December.
Warnings: Should be none.

This is just another tailored post for potential prompts. In the event you would like one/plan out one, please feel free to reach out to me via discord at #seraphkingdhaos#8538 or on plurk at leyfi.

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[ Snowfall is not a wholly unusual event to someone like Meng Yao, but even in the previous month he finds himself at times having peered at the windows out as the flakes sprinkled themselves intermittently, here or there.

But even if Meng Yao has done his best to keep from lingering outside in even the gentle snowfall, there is a time in which he does with Rantarou. To see what it's like to gather up some snow in his hands and playfully flicker some at the other, as well as being receptive to having it flung back. Regardless, there isn't enough snow for a full on snowball fight, so them being outside in it likely doesn't last too long, and so it shouldn't take too long to come back inside. Though, Meng Yao is not paying too close to where they stop walking—even if he personally does so to hide his hands—and so he is not aware the fact there is something above their heads. ]

...I don't believe I'm too used to having brave the cold climate much. For awhile, I had been in a place that was rather close to let's say, rather reliable sources of heat.

[ He pauses and then smiles sheepishly. ]

That said, I suppose we shouldn't linger too long. I imagine the cold has gotten to you too, hasn't it?

Edited 2021-12-06 14:09 (UTC)

[ Already this month has been...interesting. Meng Yao has ensured that he's been studying himself as well as doing his best to guide his students along.

...Honestly, he tells him he's doing this more for himself than the students, which is true. But all the same that means he wants their success because it means he'll succeed as well. Anyway, Moriarty's call for math cram studies for those who don't want to fail does reach his ears. He's confident enough that he won't take them, but he's listening in on a lesson from outside the door to ascertain what he's like or his teaching style is.

Once it's over, and the students clear out, Meng Yao walks in, slight smile on his face before he bows politely. ]

You seem to be a rather dedicated teacher. Is it the subject that encourages you, or do you just like helping others learn in general?

[ Regardless, he seems to be an intelligent man. Maybe he can use that...terms of a certain subject, anyway. ]

Edited 2021-12-06 14:09 (UTC)

[ it's been years since william has been in a classroom of his own, even if this one is in a decidedly more different environment as compared to his old classroom in durham - the students are younger, he finds himself teaching more fundamentals and basics because the poor npc 1st year students are bad at math, but it's easy to slip back into the easy flow that is teaching.

the scraping of chairs is meng yao's cue that the students are starting to leave, and when he enters the classroom, william is standing in front of the blackboard, dusting off the chalk equations that are in different colours covering the entire length of the board, meticulous diagrams and neat handwriting being swept away by the eraser. ]

... It's a little bit of both, I suppose. Mathematics is about logic, after all, and I've always been fond of that, and I've always been predisposed to... sharing my knowledge, in a way.

[ he sets down the eraser now that the chalkboard has (mostly) been cleared of writing and turns around to face meng yao. and since this is after the pc faculty meeting: ]

And if it makes a difference between passing or failing, a matter of life or death...

[ a pause, and it's accompanied with a wry smile. ]

What kind of teacher would I be if I didn't try to help them?

[ Meng Yao watches curiously as Moriarty erases the equations that have, or rather had, been written on the blackboard. But then flickers his attention moreso on the man proper once he begins speaking in answer to his inquiry. ]

One not worthy of being respected, I believe.

Of course, I imagine your lessons are doing well to ensure that your students may be more successful than not, which is worthy of praise.

[ ...But anyway, he's smiling slightly, and decides he'll begin to lead up to why he came in here. ]

Though, while we're on topic of mathematics, I have been wondering since you're so fond of the logic of such things, would it extend towards attempting to solve puzzles? Or perhaps numerical puzzles?

( it's not that it's been so long since he's seen a good snow — quite the opposite, in fact, but... well, it has been some time since his last opportunity to actually enjoy it, rather than see it as another hurdle to overcome. of course he's happy to go along with it when it comes to fooling around, throwing snowballs, and any other wintery activities — it's just, well, they're not entirely outfitted for the cold either. once his fingers start to go numb from the cold he's more than happy to laugh it off, but relieved all the same when they make their way back in, rubbing his hands together to generate some extra warmth when they draw to a stop. )

It is getting kind of chilly out, huh. Maybe we should start stocking up on firewood for the common room...

( though, the subtle absence of meng yao's hands isn't something that goes completely unnoticed by amami — unlike the decoration hanging over their heads so far. his eyes flicker to see where they've hidden, curious, before meeting the other's eyes again and offering a smile. )

What do you think?

[ It's for such a simple reason...him hiding his hands in his sleeves is not as inconspicuous as he likes it to be but he can pretend that it is so. They are just simply the first thing that happens to grow cold; it seems Rantarou has the same dilemma, but honestly perhaps touching snow with bare hands was not the most thought out thing to do...

Then he considers Rantarou's words carefully. He's performed a myriad tasks, even before joining the Nie Clan temporarily or his unfortunate stint in the Jin Clan, though he can't say that he's had to perform something like gathering firewood for quite awhile. Still, it's not so bad and he thinks it'll be relatively simple.

For now, he also still hasn't noticed the decoration, but...give him another moment and he certainly will. ]

It makes sense. It's getting rather cold, and it's for the best to be prepared to have it ready just in case, so perhaps about three or so piles worth would do well for us.

...Probably right at this moment, however. I believe our hands have taken a beating, haven't they? Though...that is also not to say I didn't enjoy myself.

Three sounds great. If we kept it burning, it'd be a lot warmer once we came inside.

( gloves are sounding like a real good christmas present this year, that's for sure. either way, he'll glance around with that comment, thinking it over with a bit of a huff as he finally pockets one hand, rubbing the other against the side of his neck — which feels comparatively nice and warm when he does. )

It's too bad there's no proper heating system, but I guess it's still better than sleeping in the school with weather like this, huh?

( wishful thinking, he guesses, but that's about when the little bundle of green something over their heads catches his eye. his eyes linger for a moment, before he glances up as if to double-take. definitely what he thought it was though, and he breaks into a wide grin as he looks back to meng yao, a bit embarrassed for the fact even as he trails off. )

Not sure all the blankets in the world could save us then...

Well even if I'm unfamiliar with the kind of heating system here, I think I'd agree. I've grown rather accustomed to sleeping in the room that I have, and...well, the school in general is just less pleasant to spend the night in.

[ Meng Yao considers that fact to be to the surprise of literally no one, though Meng Yao thinks that with the void's recent expansion that doesn't exactly help either. With that said, he catches Rantarou's gaze, feeling a little curious about what he's seen.

So he instead of making his own commentary about the blankets or any such things, he will glance upwards as well, and then pause, before looking back at Rantarou. He looks perturbed more than anything. He hasn't ever really seen such a plant before (even if it's fake) so he can't say he knows what it's supposed to be. ]

...That wasn't always there before, was it? Do you know what it's supposed to be?

( oh, yeah, he's not gonna get away with it this time now is he? not that he can blame meng yao for asking; can't figure out what nobody tells you, so this one's on him for not explaining earlier. gotta say though, that expression at such a harmless decoration is kinda cute. a bit of a laugh bubbles up in his throat, and amami figures there's no harm in explaining. )

Ha, guess I forgot to mention this little tradition, huh? It's a Christmas decoration — mistletoe.

( it's a bit embarrassing, but he'll meet meng yao's eyes anyway as he explains, taking the situation in stride and pointing up at it all the while. )

People hang them up in December, and if you end up standing underneath one with somebody, you're supposed to kiss.

[ He smiles slightly when he hears him laugh, and as expected, Meng Yao is rather attentive to what Rantarou has to say regarding the decoration. He always finds that he's learning new things, in a strange world that not only is alien in its technology aspects but also the customs—including those that are brought by those who are currently 'stuck' here. But, after the quick explanation he falls silent, and... ]

...

...Ah, really? That's interesting—I suppose it's natural to have things like that. Having traditions in general for holidays do make the spirit of it all come alive. Though, now that I said that, I wonder if there are more spots someone has decided to put this up, and how many resources they've used...

Er, not that I mind honoring the tradition. It's a harmless thing, isn't it?

[ Meng Yao keeps a smile on his face despite the fact he feels like what he said came out so thoughtlessly, and he definitely feels warmth rise to his face a bit. ]

You don't?

( he blurts it out before he really thinks about it, and if meng yao thinks he's said something thoughtlessly, maybe he can feel better about the way amami instantly and visibly has to catch himself for that. a soft dusting of pink immediately turns red and, okay, he's gonna have to glance off to the side now. let him get his bearings back here, even if his smile is bright and warm and about the last defense he has against his own embarrassment.

which, he really shouldn't be, considering the kissing booth — but that was mostly underclassmen he didn't really know, and not, y'know, friends of his. feels totally different. )

I mean, uh, yeah. Harmless, huh...

( okay. alright. he breathes out. he's good now, he can meet meng yao's eyes again. )

Well, if you don't mind. I guess it'd be a shame for you to miss out on the holiday spirit.

( which sounds dumb when he says it like that, but he's still a little flustered and now it's been said, so all he can do is kind of leave it at that. )

[ At least the both of them are now in it on embarrassing themselves here, so Meng Yao feels less like he blurted out something without thinking twice about it. He likes to think of himself as someone who isn't impetuous, but in the end times like this reminds him just how human he is. How they both are.

Not even he can boast perfection at all times. ]

Yes, I don't mind.

[ If it's you, Meng Yao thankfully only thinks the phrase. His face is already turning red as it is, though he looks down to try to hide it. Somewhat unsuccessfully, but still, he goes to look back up to meet the other's gaze once more. He takes another breath, and then he steps a little closer—and it is at this time he is reminded that Rantarou has more than a couple inches over him in height. ]

That said, please do forgive this one for being so forward, if you truly have no real objections to any of it...

[ And when he's closer, he'll lean upwards, on his toes to see if he can try to capture the other's lips in a soft kiss. Though, Meng Yao, as self-conscious as ever, keeps close watch of Rantarou, to see if there is anything that may indicate he'd object to it, and if there is he will stop in his tracks. What he's doing would, in fact, be scrutinized by the Jin Clan, honestly. ]

( at this proximity, meng yao will find that the light scents of sandalwood and green tea hang in the air between them, and maybe it's a little strange, but amami really notices for the first time just how pretty meng yao is. of course it had always been an absent kind of awareness in the back of his mind, but here, now, seeing the way the light catches in his eyes... it gives a different atmosphere to the way that faint blush colours his fine features. draws attention not only to his looks, but the fact that for all of the reassurance that mutual embarrassment might offer, it's also an awfully cute side to see on meng yao.

but there's little time to think on it, because the other is already testing the waters, and amami can hardly find it in himself to draw away. he's never been one to mind a little bit of forwardness in a situation like this. maybe even less so when it feels like rational thought has been cut off by a butterfly-light feeling that fills his head in its place. so instead, he leans in slowly, and his eyes slide closed with the distance between them.

it's a chaste kiss for what it's worth — short and sweet as their lips brush against one another. that doesn't do anything to quiet the way amami's heart races though. even after the fact, the anticipation whirrs restlessly under his skin, which feels static-charged with an anxious sort of energy. coupled with the way his cheeks burn, he half wishes he could go toss himself back into the snow. settles instead for returning his gaze from meng yao's lips to meet his eyes once again, expectant, as if to ask, so? )

[ The scent is nice and comforting—it is familiar, because of the simple fact that Meng Yao is rather fond of green tea, and sandalwood incense is not uncommon to him. The Lan Clan has been fond of using sandalwood incense, which means that it is easier to catch the scent of it even when standing a polite distance away from some of their disciples.

The nervous energy of the moment is something easily recognizable and still clearly apparent to Meng Yao. But somehow, he doesn't feel it is a bad thing. He concedes that his nerves are causing him to be unable to think things clearly, though.

After all, he feels stupidly elated for a moment when their lips meet in a chaste kiss that seems to end as soon as it begins. All the same, he wants to hide himself under a rock. ]

Rantarou...

[ For a moment, his expression evens out, blush still firm on his cheeks, and the look on his face softens further...even with his heart racing, somehow able to meet his gaze, take in how the other looks. It's adorable, the way Rantarou expectantly looks at him, and he forces himself to keep talking because otherwise he'll let the words fade into the wind. ]

... I had wondered what it'd be like for awhile now. [ Kissing someone, that is. ] But, I think it was nice—short and sweet. If you don't begrudge me for saying so, I'm happy it was you.

I'm... not sure what to say to that. ( and not in a bad way, necessarily, just— ) If someone heard that, A-Yao, they might get the idea that you're really interested in me.

( which, obviously, couldn't be the case. he just happened to be the one standing here, now, is all... right?

he won't let himself get carried away by the impulsiveness that comes with his heart skipping beats in his chest, even if that cool composure of his seems to be thrown off balance not only by the situation at hand, but by meng yao's bold words as well. )

But I did promise to teach you about the holidays we'd be celebrating. I guess that includes demonstrations too.

( which is to say... he certainly doesn't appear to mind the fact that it was meng yao either. )

[ Meng Yao is ready to allow himself get carried away. To confess that he's not wrong in saying something like that, but... he hesitates. Should he tell him? He thinks he understands for certain now, how he feels. Though, he is not so impetuous in his actions, so it doesn't all come tumbling out. Not all at once.

It might be silly but he first just runs on autopilot and does what he feels when he can't make a decision with a clear head. ]

Ah, my apologies. First, I...

[ Meng Yao bows, pausing, before managing to continue speaking. ]

I should thank you. After all, I am grateful for all of the things that you've taught me as well...about the holidays. I never had the opportunity to say so, I believe. It won't, or rather, hasn't felt like I'm lost and everyone happens to be interacting properly with the celebrations and such.

[ But, he takes a breath, and then he begins gathering the courage within him, because....though Meng Yao prides himself in planning things, he can't say that he'll want to wait to plan for another moment like this. He thinks somewhere in between saying what he had said just now, he has decided that he can't walk away without saying something, to let Rantarou believe something that isn't true.

So, Meng Yao rights himself, steeling his nerves, and he holds his gaze on the other, allowing himself to smile. To be so willing to allow someone else to know him—to hear those feelings he had not imagined he would express to anyone else, at one point too afraid to imagine that someone could very well destroy him for them.

But what helps him the most is that he knows—he trusts Rantarou. Whatever the result, he would not look at him wrongfully. ]

...Though, there is also something else I must confess. I wouldn't have wanted to shared this moment with anyone else but you. It was not just because of the holiday spirit, but it is the simple fact that it was you. Truthfully speaking, I am happy being able to spend the time that I have with you. But, I also want to be by your side, as more than just a friend, because I have fallen in love with you.

( the unease all but crackles in the tips of his fingers as meng yao leads with an apology, and then a bow. he'd been a little nervous saying it, blurting out his first concerns with little thought behind the impact of his words, but a tension hangs thick in the air — suffocating enough that amami finds himself very nearly holding his breath until the end. the words that follow, they aren't anything bad, so to speak, but... being something that he couldn't have predicted, it's hard for him to maintain his composure. a hand lifting to his chin, fingers covering that nervous expression of his as his heart threatens to beat out of his chest.

he feels almost dizzy by the time meng yao's finished. it takes a moment of quiet before he manages to speak up again. )

Sorry, I just— I wasn't expecting that, but... ( with some consideration, he removes his hand from his face, meeting meng yao's eyes. ) I should answer you properly, huh.

( the warm smile he offers as he speaks is faint, a gentle curve of his lips that lies somewhere between affectionate and defeated, in contrast to the vibrant warmth of his cheeks. its funny, he'd thought he would sound more nervous than he does, but somehow... hearing those words, the situation at hand feels so much easier. no longer a disarray of uncertainty and anticipation, a comforting clarity falls over it, and with it, amami is better able to gather himself.

for all of his clumsiness so far, it isn't difficult to tell how seriously he's taking it now. it's the least he can do, with the courage he feels meng yao has shown, to return the effort in kind, even if it takes him a moment to find the words to do so. there's a soft exhale, but the smile on his face seems to ease up when he speaks. )

Thank you, A-Yao. I'm not the best with these things, I'll admit, but I want you to know... that time we spend together is something I hold equally close. It's almost ironic, that a place like this would be where I found someone I felt I could rely on, but I guess you could say it's been like a silver lining in all of this— meeting you here.

( that feeling of having someone supporting him. of having his hand taken, not to stop him, but to stand by his side — to tell him not to go alone. it was an unfamiliar warmth at the time, but has since grown to be something he cherishes from the bottom of his heart. there's still some doubt lacing his voice as he speaks, but the further he continues, the more a sense of confidence begins to creep into the words. )

I can't say that I really know what you see in me, and if it's a future you want, I should be honest that I'm probably not the best person to look to for that. Still... ( and his words come slowly here — carefully, and more measured. ) If you still feel that way, A-Yao, then it would make me really happy, having you by my side like that.

[ Meng Yao doesn't fault Rantarou for needing a moment, honestly, when he says that he should answer him properly. After all, what he's just said was—is—kind of a big deal, and...

Well, he spots the warm and affectionate smile on his face, and he feels like it really is going to be fine. Whatever his answer is going to be, that is.

Which is probably all the more proof he has it bad, really, but he's come too far in this to feel ashamed by that. As Rantarou continues along, speaking, he can feel himself grow happy that they feel the same about having met each other here. It's funny, he thinks, that in a place like this they had managed to find someone that they could trust. Someone that they could rely on, no matter what.

And truthfully? Whatever else he had been thinking dissipates when Rantarou wraps up what he's saying. ]

Oh...then you—

[ He cuts himself off for a moment, before managing another smile, with a touch of relief but so open, so warm. ]

I'm glad, it makes me really happy to hear that from you...whatever kind of difficulties await us in the future, they already feel smaller than what they may be. I have always looked forward to the time we spent together, but I can't help feeling that sentiment has increased even moreso.

...Ah, sorry, I believe I'm just a little overjoyed. [ ... ] Though perhaps that's not a bad thing, either.

No, ( he shakes his head, smiling all the while. ) I think you're right. It feels like... as long as you're willing to stay by my side, I can face anything. I'd say that's definitely something worth being happy about.

( and all the while, amami will close that remaining distance — a deep breath is the only betrayal of the courage he's gathering to do so as his fingertips ghost against meng yao's waist, inviting him to be the one to close what little space he leaves between them. just forward enough to show his intent; just cautious enough to leave the opportunity for the other to sidestep it. with so little separating them, however, it does make it easy for amami to bring his other hand up, where he gently tucks some of the hair that frames meng yao's features behind his ear instead, resting it there.

with that, he absently brushes his thumb along the surface of meng yao's cheek, peering down to his lips for a long moment, and his words are tentative, testing the waters. judging by the playfulness that colours his expression, however — shining expectant and hopeful — he's not too nervous about the answer he'll receive. with the faintest tilt of his head, his eyes flick back up to meet meng yao's again. )

You don't mind, do you?

( it'd be a little embarrassing to say out loud, but... amami feels like he owes him a little better than that first kiss, if this is going to be their relationship. )

...Good. I'm happy that we think the same.

[ His heart's pounding, now for a different reason than it had been earlier—during and before the confession, that is. But the difference is remarkable, and far more pleasant, as it feels like the race of anxiety-driven feelings, and more along something borne from an unrestrained happiness. Of course, that is because it is.

As Rantarou closes the distance between the two of them, Meng Yao shifts slightly, more into the other's space to indicate he's more than welcoming of the gesture. For a moment, he even closes his eyes, savoring the light but pleasant feathery touch of the other tucking those strands of hair behind his ear. When he reopens them, his gaze is warm, affectionate, and captivated, as he feels the loving brush of the thumb against his cheek.

One of his own hands reaches out to rest against the other's cheek, briefly, before moving to lie gently against the other's back. ]

No, I don't mind at all. Something to commemorate the true beginning of our time together, right?

[ There's a slight teasing air, but no, he knows what Rantarou is aiming for. And he is too willing to welcome another kiss, especially right now, so of course he is already leaning forward to make it all too easy. ]

I try. There have been some advancements that even I have had to learn to catch up, even.

[ appearing in a completely totally different time period will do that to you.

anyway, at the mention of the puzzles, liam pauses, suddenly looking far more interested (and perhaps more invested) than he did just moments ago. ]

I do enjoy them. Back where I'm from, I happen to run a... side business of sorts, solving problems as needs arise. [ that's vague af but that's also how the cookie crumbles. ] Why, have you come across something of interest, by any chance?

... I believe I understand what you mean by needing to catch up.

[ The difficult life of having to catch up to technologically advanced times. Alas.

He'll also accept the vague explanation. Meng Yao is quite used to them by now, and he doesn't begrudge people for it when it is personal life details. Though he'll note that the man indicates he is in general a problem solver of sorts, and that is a good thing to know. Just because one is a skilled mathmetician doesn't mean they take to solving problems (ha!)

But, he'll nod at Moriarty's question, noting with a sense of satisfaction his degree of interest. ]

I have. It's regarding strange sets of numbers that I and another I know haven't been able to make much sense of to this day.

I'd been wondering if you would like to try your hand at such a challenge?

( they always do — in the things that matter, at least.

but it's a relief when meng yao closes that last distance between them, inspiring in amami the confidence to wrap his arm around him, resting it at the small of his back as he pulls meng yao against himself. any lingering winter cold is long forgotten, close enough now that the warmth of their breath mingles as he replies. his voice comes out soft — fond and gentle. )

Right.

( it's something like that, at least; also a little bit, just because he wants to. a little bit to test the waters, leaning into the possibility that he hadn't himself considered before today, but doesn't find himself at all opposed to.

and up this close, it's easy to see — the way his eyes begin to crease in the corners at his smile, warm and bright even while the same on his cheeks betrays some nervousness, embarrassment even in his forwardness. he's not one to let something so simple as that stop him from conveying his feelings though, and as his eyes fall closed, he leans down in turn so that their lips can meet. )

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.:Winter Stars:.

12/2, rantarou

12/5, moriarty

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1/2

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omg dreamwidth ate this tag notif i'm so sorry

IT'S ALL GOOD...it happens!!

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