Chapter Text
A week later, Dan Feng and Dan Heng welcome Yingxing and Ren to the Xianzhou Luofu.
After the two have settled into their rental house, Dan Feng gives them a business tour of the ship, stopping at the various commissions and Cloud Knight headquarters to introduce them to the leading officials. With Yinyue-jun’s personal introduction none would dare slight them.
Ren is amused by the high officials’ reactions to Yinyue-jun. On seeing him, they all snap to rigid attention as if visited by a surprise inquisition. Yinyue-jun’s blank unblinking gaze as he speaks has them all nervously bowing; the dock manager at Cloudford even shakes in his boots as he hastens to assure them that Yingxing’s shipments will be handled with utmost care.
As he takes them around the points of interests and subareas, Dan Feng occasionally checks a slip of paper in his sleeve.
“Cheat sheet?” Yingxing asks.
“Mmhm. Dan Heng said I lack common sense,” Dan Feng states without an ounce of shame.
It surprises a laugh out of Yingxing as Dan Feng blinks owlishly at him.
Ren leans over to skim the sheet reading out the interesting tidbit he finds. “Visiting diplomat rules do not apply here. Gifts above 10,000 credits are inappropriate—triple underlined.”
“Dan Heng gave up on explaining to me,” Dan Feng says woefully, the first deviation from his stately elegance since they met him this morning. His tail droops.
Yingxing and Ren exchange a glance over his head.
Cute.
“I’d venture to say Dan Heng means because this is an unofficial outing, more of a private one, so large gifts might have personal implications,” Yingxing explains.
“Personal...? Ah, you mean romantic?”
“That’s right.”
“I see.” Dan Feng’s scrunched brow says that he understands but also doesn’t quite understand.
“Where to next?”
Dan Feng is an encyclopedia of knowledge about the Luofu, answering all of Yingxing’s fascinated questions. When Ren starts to look bored, Dan Feng takes them to Stargazer Navalia where the starskiffs are made. There, it becomes Ren who asks innumerable questions and because Dan Feng will just keep answering, Yingxing ends up having to haul them both away for their lunch reservation—traditional Xianzhou cuisine at the Luofu’s best restaurant.
The next day is Dan Heng’s turn to give them a more lifestyle related tour, to show them his favorite shops for various goods and services.
When they meet up, Ren looks at his, his backside and gives a disappointed sigh.
“No tail now that you already have us, huh?”
Dan Heng’s ears heat at being caught out.
Ren chuckles, “I’m just teasing. You should do whatever suits you best.”
Dan Heng clears his throat, “How was the tour yesterday?”
“Your tour plan was lovely,” Yingxing assures him.
Dan Heng huffs. “Yinyue-jun can manage it fine himself. It’s just that if there isn’t a set protocol to follow sometimes he’ll slip in weird things or leave others out.”
Ren smirks. “Like inappropriate gifts?” His tone oozes with innuendo that has Yingxing muffling his laughter against Ren’s shoulder.
Dan Heng sighs and looks up at the sky. “Yes.”
Dan Heng takes them to tour Aurum Alley. They eat spicy beef noodle soup at an outdoors table and then stroll around, immortal’s delights in hand. All in all, it is a delightful evening.
~
There is a knot of anxiety in Yingxing’s chest as he wipes the sweat from Ren’s forehead with a hand towel. He has never seen the curse affect Ren so severely that he isn’t able to respond. A grimace of pain twists Ren’s features, eyes squeezed shut and breathing ragged. Faint groans slip out from time to time.
Only when Ren is in excruciating pain does he go quiet like this.
Yingxing lays a hand on Ren’s cheek. “Darling, are you with me? Talk to me please.”
Ren does not even hear his words.
Fear constricts Yingxing’s throat.
Ren has been like this since last night and his condition has only continued to deteriorate. What if this flare-up doesn’t pass like the times before?
Panic has him shooting off the text for help before he can think better of it.
~
Yingxing is frazzled when he opens the door for Dan Feng and Dan Heng, face lined with distress.
“Yinyue-jun, Dan Heng, thank you for coming.”
But Yingxing hesitates in the doorway, barring the way in.
“Yingxing, you mentioned you needed help with Ren. Is he alright?” Dan Feng inquires carefully.
Yingxing runs a hand through his mussed hair, glancing back over his shoulder towards the upstairs bedroom.
Taking a deep breath, Yingxing straightens his back and holds the door open. “Please come in. There is something I must discuss with you both first.”
Yingxing’s fingers are twisted nervously together as they sit in the living room. “Ren’s condition is a sensitive matter.”
“We have both sworn oaths of confidentiality as healers of the Alchemy Commission. The only exception is if there is likely to be danger to Xianzhou, but even in that case we would try and work out a solution with you before anything else,” Dan Heng assures him.
Yingxing shakes his head. “He is not a danger to Xianzhou and it was no fault of his own. You know that Ren and I have been active in the fight against the Abundance even before we came here.”
Dan Feng inclines his head. “Your contributions both in combat and behind the scenes are well known.”
“A century ago, there was a monstrosity of Yaoshi’s which was on the brink of becoming an Emanator—I think it actually did near the end of that battle. Ren managed to take it down with some help, but it struck him with something before it died. We believe it to be some kind of curse, but none of the physicians we have secretly consulted have been able to make heads or tails of it.” Yingxing’s gaze is searching as he watches for their reaction.
“Yingxing, we have seen and treated a number of patients afflicted with the Abundance. We would not place blame or permit others to penalize a victim,” Dan Feng tells him earnestly.
“Okay...okay.” Yingxing fortifies himself. “This way then.”
Ren is curled up on the bed when they walk into the room. His eyes are partly open but unseeing, glazed over with pain. Muscles spasm erratically under perspiring skin.
“Ren.”
Their evident concern as the two Vidyadhara hurry to Ren’s side dispels the remaining apprehension in Yingxing.
Dan Feng takes Ren’s wrist, scanning him with Cloudhymn magic.
“...The healing of a Xianzhou Native, but amplified and activating irregularly without cause, tearing down and rebuilding. I have never seen such a condition,” Dan Feng muses. He shifts to the side for Dan Heng to do his own examination. The two deliberate the matter, the medical jargon being bandied about going over Yingxing’s head, but their talk of treatment sounds promising.
“The curse itself I will have to go back and mull over. For now, Dan Heng and I can alleviate his symptoms and calm this episode.”
Yingxing gnaws on his lower lip. “It’s never been this bad. Will there be—lasting injury?”
“No. I even suspect Ren would be able to pull through on his own though the recovery period may have been considerable.”
Yingxing breathes out a sigh of relief, stumbling over to sink into an armchair.
“Dan Feng and I will take turns healing Ren. It may require a few hours,” Dan Heng explains while Dan Feng begins the treatment.
“Thank you, both of you, thank you.” Yingxing runs a shaky hand over his face.
“I’m glad we could help.”
Dan Heng goes down the stairs and makes use of the kitchen, returning with chamomile tea for Yingxing and water for Ren and Dan Feng.
Eventually, they manage to coax Yingxing into resting.
Only Dan Feng is in the room when Ren wakes abruptly, grabbing Dan Feng’s wrist before his eyes even open. Dan Feng continues the treatment without pause, palm on the center of Ren’s chest.
“Dan...Feng..?”
“Yingxing asked us to come over and explained your situation. Dan Heng and I are taking turns to heal you while he rests. How do you feel?”
Ren has to cough twice before he is able to croak out, “Like shit. What did Yingxing tell you?” he asks warily.
“That you were cursed by an Abundance Emanator.”
The grip becomes crushing, Dan Feng’s bones creaking under the pressure.
“Please be at ease. In Luofu’s war against Yaoshi, Dan Heng and I have treated many suffering ailments of the Abundance. As far as we are concerned, it is a matter between a healer and their patient. The only necessary exception would be if there was an active threat to others,” Dan Feng explains.
Ren remains guarded. “We called it a curse, but Xianzhou’s finest healer must have noticed—the Emanator changed me. I am one of Yaoshi’s abominations.”
Dan Feng’s expression does not so much as flicker. “As is every Xianzhou Native in the Alliance,” he states, holding Ren’s gaze.
Ren stares at him, stunned silent.
“...It really doesn’t bother you?”
“Such superficial details are unworthy of my notice. I only judge a man by his deeds.”
The haughty, supremely unconcerned tone gets a ragged laugh from Ren. “Superficial, heh. You’re really something else, Yinyue-jun.”
“So I have been told.”
Ren huffs, releasing his grip on Dan Feng’s wrist. A pang of guilt and—something else goes through him when he sees the mottled skin in the shape of his hand. “Ah fuck, I’m sorry.”
“It is of no consequence.” Dan Feng heals it easily. “Now answer me. How is your pain on a scale of one to ten? Any other symptoms?”
“Ten, but it’s a lot better than before,” Ren reports tiredly. “Feverish. Nauseous.”
“I will have Dan Heng make a tonic for your symptoms.”
Ren fiddles with the bracelet on Dan Feng’s wrist, the one that Ren and Yingxing had designed together. “Your skin is like ice. Why aren’t you using this?” He taps the dial on the clasp.
Dan Feng blinks down at him. “Is this not more soothing?”
It is. It feels nice against his burning skin.
When Ren only looks at him, Dan Feng misinterprets his silence. “For you,” Dan Feng clarifies.
Ren’s throat works. “Thank you,” he says hoarsely.
“Mm.”
~
The tonic that Dan Heng brings up smells vile.
“I think I’m going to hurl just smelling that. I’m not that nauseous. Really.”
“It is also for your fever,” Dan Heng looks down at him disapprovingly.
It is kind of unfortunately arousing. Ren decides to blame these inappropriate reactions on the fever.
“The fever isn’t that bad either,” Ren attempts.
Dan Heng’s eyes narrow into slits. “You will drink this.”
Was this how Yingxing felt when he was threatened into bed?
If he does not comply, Ren just knows that Dan Heng is going to force it down his throat.
Better to give in with grace. Ren throws it back like a shot.
Dan Heng hands him a glass of lemonade. “Swish and swallow. It should help with the taste.”
Huh. It does.
Dan Heng treats him no differently after the revelation, as unperturbed as his Yinyue-jun in touching one of Yaoshi’s abominations.
Ren can tell what they are doing now. The wave of Cloudhymn magic flowing over him sinks into his muscles and bones quieting the irregular regeneration while repairing his flesh faster than the curse can rend it.
They are outpacing an Emanator’s curse on top of whatever they are doing to calm it—that is why it is requiring two High Elders to treat him.
Dan Heng’s palm is cold against Ren’s chest.
He lays his hand over Dan Heng’s, drawing the man’s attention.
“Why? Why are you...” Saying that this is going above and beyond would be an understatement.
“Do I need a reason to help a friend?”
Ren’s hand tightens on Dan Heng’s.
“I—I apologize if that was presumptuous, that is how we consider you two, but I understand if—“
Ren interrupts, hating the uncertainty in Dan Heng’s expression. “No, you are. Both of you.” He swallows. “Good friends.”
Dan Heng gives him a small smile. “I’m glad. Rest now. We will watch over you and Yingxing.”
Feeling his heart settle, Ren lets his heavy lids slide shut. They are in good hands.
~
Yingxing thanks Dan Feng and Dan Heng again profusely when he sees them off at the door.
Dan Feng turns down Yingxing’s offer to pay them. “I do not wish to be paid for helping a friend.”
Being the more well adjusted of the two of them, Dan Heng vaguely senses that such involved treatment without taking payment may be too familiar. He lays a hand on Dan Feng’s arm. “However, if you are not comfortable with it, we can accept the payment.”
Dan Feng’s brow wrinkles but does not gainsay him.
Yingxing is silent for a spell.
“…If the opportunity ever arises, please allow us to return the favor, as your friends,” Yingxing says quietly.
The Vidyadhara both smile. “Of course.”
~
“We would like to try a treatment method. Its efficacy is theoretical, but there are no adverse effects,” Dan Feng says delicately.
The four of them are sitting around the dining table, discussing Ren’s condition over tea.
“It’s not like you to be so roundabout. Is there a problem with this treatment method?” Yingxing questions.
“There’s no problem. Pressure point massage can be uncomfortable, but it’s not that bad,” Dan Heng says unconcernedly.
There is a strange expression on Dan Feng’s face that seems to disagree.
Dan Heng was the one to say the discomfort is manageable so it should be fine, Ren reasons as he gives his consent.
~
An ear piercing shriek has Yingxing jumping to his feet in alarm.
Dan Feng calmly sips his tea.
“Yinyue-jun—“
“That is a normal response.” Seeing Yingxing’s anxious concern, Dan Feng points out. “When Ren was in extreme pain he made no sound.”
…Is Dan Feng saying this is just whining?
Yingxing coughs into his fist.
“Should Ren refuse, Dan Heng will stop. If it would reassure you, you could go take a look. Doing so would not be disruptive to the treatment.”
Yingxing remains standing for a moment longer before sitting down decisively. “I trust Dan Heng.”
Subsequently, intermittent moans come from the bedroom.
…Very erotic moans that heat Yingxing’s blood even though he knows there is nothing sexy happening in that room. Intentionally sexy.
He sneaks a peek at his friend. Dan Feng is unruffled, almost offensively so.
“Ah—Dan Heng, have mercy” The loud breathy plea they hear would give anyone ideas.
Ideas which would be shot down by Dan Heng’s following irritated, “Don’t be such a baby.”
“Hn—! Ha—Nn—”
It is going to be very embarrassing if Yingxing gets a boner under the table.
~
“Ren fell asleep,” Dan Heng announces smugly. He gulps down the glass of water waiting for him on the table.
D-Did Ren pass out?
Dan Heng scowls at Yingxing. “He didn’t faint, he fell asleep.”
Was Yingxing’s expression too obvious?
“Didn’t think he’d be such a whiner,” Dan Heng mutters to himself.
The therapy is effective, Ren’s pain significantly diminished. He sleeps so soundly that night that he has trouble getting out of bed for the first time since being cursed.
Ren is conflicted about the massage. “It’s uncomfortable and too much, but kind of good at the same time in a hurty way,” he tries to explain to Yingxing.
To Ren’s relief, the pressure point massages by Dan Heng only need to be done every other week alternating with qi infusion therapy from Dan Feng who works on realigning his meridians. If it is a bad week, the treatments are a bit longer and both High Elders will come, one of them sitting with Yingxing to calm his nerves.
~
As many times as Dan Heng has seen Dan Feng perform the ritual dance, it is still as breathtaking as the first time. A sudden desire to boast about his lover grabs him by the throat. Before he can think better of it, he sneakily takes a quick vid and sends it off.
A minute later, he gets a heart on the vid.
Ren: Lovely
Ren: [pic.jpg]
Ren: Mine ;)
The photo is of Yingxing, sweaty and shirtless, pouring a bottle of water over his head to cool himself off. Trails of water glisten as they course down his defined torso.
Dan Heng shoots the picture off to Dan Feng’s cell and replies to Ren with the three fire emojis that image deserves.
~
Back in their residence, Dan Feng gives Yingxing’s photo a long appreciative “Mmm.” He lies on the couch with his head in Dan Heng’s lap. “What brought this on?”
Dan Heng twirls a lock of Dan Feng’s hair around his finger, stalling, but Dan Feng has always had endless patience for him.
Eventually, he taps open his conversation with Ren and shows it to Dan Feng.
A playful smile curls Dan Feng’s lips. “Did my A-Heng like it so much?”
“Just wanted to share,” Dan Heng mumbles.
Dan Feng catches Dan Heng’s hand and brings it to his lips. “Shall I dance just for you tonight then?”
Seeing the flush in Dan Heng’s cheeks, Dan Feng tugs him to his feet and draws him to the wooden deck opening out into their private garden.
That night, a dragon dances under the light of the moon.