(closed) the blue stars shiver in the distance

[zhanmadao]

WHO: Mo Ran & Chu Wanning
WHERE: The Harbors, marketplace
WHEN: some day of November
WHAT: shopping
WARNINGS: none at the moment

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[zhanmadao]

[ mo ran wouldn't really use his teacher's handkerchief fearing to stain it --but he just got harshly reprimanded for giving away something chu wanning got him. so he does take the handkerchief and wipes at his mouth, before pressing it against it at the next fit, finding some comfort in breathing the other's scent from the fabric, haitang chasing away the metallic blood smell.

he softens at the patting to his back and he turns to offer his teacher a tired smile, just his eyes showing above the hem of the handkerchief and yet bright and content enough to show his earnest appreciation. his coughing is over for the time being, it seems, and mo ran breathes deeply.

without much thought, with chu wanning so close, mo ran drops his hands to his lap and turns just enough to be able to lean his forehead against the older man's shoulder, shutting his eyes and inhaling his scent deeply, like it could cure him of everything. his exhaustion will likely seep through, together with the raw craving for warmth and comfort. he wants to tuck his face in his neck almost desperately and that will travel the bond. ]

Shizun will get more and I'll take it. [ he repeats, voice low and raspy. ] It needs to be rubbed into my back and chest, right? Will shizun help me out? Everything aches these days... [ he would never admit it, were he in his right mind. but he surely isn't, feeling vulnerable and awfully needy for any affection and closeness he may get. ]

[rumination]

[ nothing about chu wanning is gentle or soft or cuddly. no one turns to him to ask for comfort. but mo ran is, turning into him, leaning against him. chu wanning's shoulder burns where mo ran rests his forehead, and he can feel the exhaustion seeping in from mo ran.

it's been a long day for them, and mo ran's done most of the work— talking to shopkeepers because chu wanning can't, carrying bags (which his ridiculous disciple insisted upon), trying to figure out what would work in their house. it's time to rest.

the cravings for warmth and comfort, feelings chu wanning can recognize but firmly ignores his own need for, soften him. he's always been harder on mo ran because he couldn't acknowledge his feelings, but in truth, it was hard to deny him sometimes. and now, when he's sick, there's no possibility that chu wanning can ignore those feelings or be harsh on him. putting the cake back in its bag so that he can finish it later, chu wanning gently pats mo ran on the back once again. ] Yes, yes, I'll help you. [ he's not going to think about that. he's the most familiar person mo ran has, he wouldn't just go ask anyone to rub medicine into his back, and chu wanning shouldn't think about what it means that mo ran asked him. or how it means he'll see his back again, and that firm chest. ] Let's go back. You should rest.