Jin Ling (金凌) (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
to_rise_above) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
voidtreckerexpress2022-01-16 12:31 pm
to_rise_above) wrote in voidtreckerexpress2022-01-16 12:31 pm
Entry tags:
[Closed] Birthday Shenanigans
Who: Jin Ling & Lan Sizhui
Where: Standard Coach
When: Backdated to Day Five of the Month of Poi
What: Birthday Shenanigans with Sizhui
Warnings: Just a lot of cute stuff. Will update if there are other cw.
[ Today, was a special day. Oddly enough, Jin Ling remembered it, after heavily staring at a calendar of some kind on the way out. He wasn't very good with festivities, much to his displeasure. Birthdays are rather strange and confusing. He was always spoiled on his birthday and he never expected to honestly do anything for anyone else.
However, it seemed to be oddly changing, since after his uncle's birthday, Jin Ling felt a bit sentimental with the gesture itself. He had always wished Jiang Cheng a good birthday but never had done anything such as giving him a gift. At least, his skills with the good luck charms had gotten better. He'd probably make a mountain of them for his uncle when his birthday came around. Sizhui also helped him a lot among other things, and he supposed he could just say it was a way to show gratitude.
With Fairy in toll, he made his way to the Standard Coach. It may have seemed really out of character of him these days, but Jin Ling had gone through so much to not change his behavior. Hakagemachi really did do a number on him. He could hear the wolf snickering at his cheesy creations. The okami even knew who it was for and how Jin Ling stayed up all night to get them to look perfect. They were in a small cardstock container that Jin Ling surprisingly made himself, with some advice from the wolf. The container itself was a soft hue of blue, reminding Jin Ling of Gusu Lan's color. Of course, that's why he chose the color in the first place. It was simple cardstock box, and inside were various colored rabbits he had made.
The okami was well versed in a lot of Japanese Culture, given its origin, thus Jin Ling the papercraft called origami from him. It was weird, that the okami continued to give him so much knowledge and let him be these days. Their lives were peaceful and he didn't seem to find it all that troublesome anymore. Fairy was also happily trailing behind him, snacking on a piece of fruit he managed to find for his spiritual dog. Eventually, his thoughts were interrupted when he beelined for the Standard Coach. Well, it was almost the right time. It didn't matter if he was early. He walked inside anyway. ]
Where: Standard Coach
When: Backdated to Day Five of the Month of Poi
What: Birthday Shenanigans with Sizhui
Warnings: Just a lot of cute stuff. Will update if there are other cw.
[ Today, was a special day. Oddly enough, Jin Ling remembered it, after heavily staring at a calendar of some kind on the way out. He wasn't very good with festivities, much to his displeasure. Birthdays are rather strange and confusing. He was always spoiled on his birthday and he never expected to honestly do anything for anyone else.
However, it seemed to be oddly changing, since after his uncle's birthday, Jin Ling felt a bit sentimental with the gesture itself. He had always wished Jiang Cheng a good birthday but never had done anything such as giving him a gift. At least, his skills with the good luck charms had gotten better. He'd probably make a mountain of them for his uncle when his birthday came around. Sizhui also helped him a lot among other things, and he supposed he could just say it was a way to show gratitude.
With Fairy in toll, he made his way to the Standard Coach. It may have seemed really out of character of him these days, but Jin Ling had gone through so much to not change his behavior. Hakagemachi really did do a number on him. He could hear the wolf snickering at his cheesy creations. The okami even knew who it was for and how Jin Ling stayed up all night to get them to look perfect. They were in a small cardstock container that Jin Ling surprisingly made himself, with some advice from the wolf. The container itself was a soft hue of blue, reminding Jin Ling of Gusu Lan's color. Of course, that's why he chose the color in the first place. It was simple cardstock box, and inside were various colored rabbits he had made.
The okami was well versed in a lot of Japanese Culture, given its origin, thus Jin Ling the papercraft called origami from him. It was weird, that the okami continued to give him so much knowledge and let him be these days. Their lives were peaceful and he didn't seem to find it all that troublesome anymore. Fairy was also happily trailing behind him, snacking on a piece of fruit he managed to find for his spiritual dog. Eventually, his thoughts were interrupted when he beelined for the Standard Coach. Well, it was almost the right time. It didn't matter if he was early. He walked inside anyway. ]
no subject
Jin Ling will definitely take the reign in assisting Sizhui with that in the future. Of course, he has to be himself and not openly offer that. (Even though, he’s quite aware that Sizhui really liked those handmade paper rabbits.) Jin Ling is pretty proud of himself for those, still. He won’t brag about it, though.
Any form of paper art will intrigue Jin Ling, as he learned they’re quite fun to do. They’re also relaxing when he knows what he’s doing. It’s a nice get away from practicing his swords and skills all day. He knows he has to keep up with it, lest, he gets more scolding from Jiang Cheng. Not that he minds those either. He appreciates the discipline. It gets him back in shape. She will keep trying until Wei Wuxian tolerates her! She’s determined! Though, the happy go lucky spiritual dog is quite happy where she is with Sizhui and others that she’s won hearts of.
He know he’s not going to get away from the friendship. It’s been established and at some point will be ingrained. He didn’t hate Sizhui either, thus friendship was fine with him. (He’ll never admit though.) He’s too busy being an embarrassed adolescent over silly things.
Xixue definitely wins in the category of being the one existence that immediately won Jin Ling’s heart. Minus Fairy of course! Fairy will always be his favorite for various reasons. She has her own colors and is her own unique self. ]
--Wh-why would you name them all? Isn’t that too much?
[ Why would he even say that?! Now he’s really ready to run away. Name them? Really? C’mon! Don’t do that Sizhui!! Cooking seems essential from his experience, so he definitely an agree with that. The curry sounds amazing and id he knew, he might have attempted to get some. However, it is unfortunate that he wasn’t around at that time. Though, he’d definitely give it a try in the future. Good food is good food. ]
…That’s—that’s because it was on the calendar in that apartment… I just—happened to see it! That’s all.
[ He wants to brag about remembering it so well, but he can’t—not with the amount of embarrassing things that his friend is saying. It might actually back fire on him. ]
You—isn’t that a bit too much?
[ Hear the frown in his voice Sizhui?! ]
no subject
sizhui wouldn't expect jin ling to ask outright when it comes to these things, it's why he'll do it himself, waiting for the perfect moment to surprise him with brightly-colored paper and the promise of fun handicrafts. they will both enjoy themselves, regardless, although in sizhui's opinion, there's nothing wrong with taking pride in their work.
just because they aren't back home, that doesn't mean he isn't still following his own strictly set schedule. up real early, combative practice in the gym, meditate, chores, et cetera and so forth until bedtime, then wash, rinse, repeat with missions in-between. if jin ling needs some motivation, he could come rouse him for practice, they'll do it together, go their separate ways afterward and jin ling's got no need to worry about jiang cheng berating him for slacking off. wei wuxian, however, may be a lost cause in this dog expedition— which is not a bad thing, people have fears and those fears should be respected. it's just unfortunate fairy possibly won't experience any affection from either of the wei wuxians. again, she will not be lacking, there'll be plenty others who shall provide wherever she needs and if those aren't enough? jin ling's always here for attention.
embarrassment and adorable companions aside momentarily, he focuses on jin ling's comment, thoughtfully narrows his eyes then lets the slightest amused smirk quirk his lips at the edges.]
Because I want to, of course, and it won't be if I name them all by color!
[this way, each color (red, yellow, blue or whatever else) all have one single name, which makes it even easier to replace them when the time ultimately comes. simple as that, really! also: he cannot be stopped once he's gotten started and jin ling brought it upon himself by giving him such a sweet gift.] You needn't explain yourself to me, Jin Ling, it's fine. [he simply appreciates someone thinking of him.
oh, sizhui hears it alright, but is he deterred? mmm, no, not exactly, probably much to jin ling's dismay. they've already flustered him this much, a little more shouldn't be too awful.] They will be a nice touch to the cabin.
no subject
It was definitely thanks to Sizhui and Jingyi, along with his jiujiu and the Wei Wuxian he knows. Of course, there's still a lot of room for growth, so he isn't expecting things t go that smoothly.
Jin Ling found the right (or wrong) times to be proud of the things he does. Sometimes, it can come off a bit too arrogant for most people's taste. Though, he can't really change himself too much. He's still one to be a little arrogant from time to time. At least, he's being a little more humble about certain things. Jin Ling will and probably have been going to Sizhui for getting in the habit. He can't slack off of course! He has to be in his best shape so that he doesn't get criticized for it. It's still some adjustment since, he's not used to having another power source in his body. Especially, one running with demon energy.
On Day! Fairy will win this battle. In the meantime, she's going to try her hardest to suck up to the people she already knows likes her. She's a pristine spiritual dog after all! ]
That is too much! You really don't need to name them all by color!
[ That will probably make him not forget that he made the rabbits. Especially if Sizhui reads off their names when they talk about his gift!! ]
I wasn't-- explaining anything.
[ He huffs a little at the statement but doesn't protest beyond that. He just seems a little more defensive. Sizhui definitely is taking the offensive quite well. ]
no subject
not everything has to go smoothly, either. there will come times where emotions are running high and wild, where they will react on impulse rather than thinking with their heads, something normal during the moment— but then it's also up to them to fix things afterward when all is said and done.
here's a question he'd ask: is it wrong for him to be used to jin ling and arrogance going hand-in-hand? not that he's calling him ‘arrogant,’ he is simply well-aware of jin clan's hubristic mannerisms and jin ling isn't an exception. even though he's different from the jin ling he knows back home, some similarities are present, this happens to be one of them. still, it's another moment where jin ling's allowed, given his hardships, and sizhui's not-so-easily put off by a little smugness. from what he's experienced today so far, those paper rabbits the other boy made are items he can one-hundred-percent gloat about. perhaps sometime, once they've figured out a proper training schedule, lan sizhui could test all of jin ling's endurance against his own, see how long he can last with the added demon help, then try to wear that okami down one day.
slow and steady would win the race in wei wuxian's case; don't rush it, let him approach fairy as he's able, then take it at his own pace. hopefully, he can get mostly past his fear to at least realize she's a good dog.]
But why not? I think it would be cute to name them...
[he has the decency to look sheepish following that comment, his head dipping, both hands moving to gently circle fairy's ears and rub like he needs a distraction. like he's not being terrible and kinda-sorta putting jin ling on the spot! sizhui does upturn, blinking thoughtfully before averting his gaze to the box of bunnies again.] Then I'm sorry for assuming. [not his originally intended ‘if you say so,’ but it'll do.
and gosh, yes, he has been handling jin ling's guarded attitude pretty well! maybe it has something to do with him being extra forgiving on his birthday. (it doesn't whatsoever, he just knows jin ling's flustered and isn't keen on irking him too much.)]
no subject
After all, it’s the other’s birthday, so he might as well try as hard as he can to hold onto his frustrations before losing it all together. At least, so far, he’s doing a decent job. He hasn’t shouted at Sizhui too much, other than protesting him about naming these paper rabbits. He still can’t believe that Sizhui is working to do that. It’s already going to be something he’ll never forget at this point.
He knows that there will always moments where there will be conflict, and he doesn’t know how to fully approach them at the moment, but he’ll keep trying his best. That’s all he can do. He is him after all. He doesn’t need anyone else to validate that. There’s no point in getting upset over the smallest things. (He says this, but he’s throwing a fit over here about naming a few paper rabbits. Imagine if they are the real things!
Not at all. Jin Ling likes to be the way he is, and it’s something he’s quite used to. A habit he will probably never break and something he’ll have to learn to get better at. He still doesn’t get why Sizhui or even Jingyi bother hanging out with him. Zizhen too. He doesn’t get it. He wants them to tell him why, but at the same time, it’s putting him out there and he doesn’t want to do that either. Best, to keep it behind lock and key for now. Jin Ling is willing to train as hard as he can with Sizhui if the other allows it. He needs something to wear himself down sometimes. All that energy has to go somewhere. The same for the wolf. Perhaps, that will put the damn demon to sleep sometimes, so Jin Ling can have some peace of mind. It’s a temporary solution, but worth the try and effort.
One day, she will definitely make it happen, but now is not that time. Fairy will try slowly. ]
Do you think everything is cute or something--? Isn’t it—embarrassing to name so many of them?
[ C’mon Sizhui! Tell him that isn’t so! ]
…You—ugh never mind.
[ He’s about to spit out that Sizhui doesn’t have to apologize, but he will end up in square one again and Sizhui might win yet another conversation with him. Good thing he didn’t say that, or Jin Ling might really have argued more aggressively otherwise! Clearly, he is! Look at how relaxed he looked, while Jin Ling is losing his mind. ]
Fine just do whatever you want—they’re yours anyway….
[ huff ]
no subject
besides, they all need a little push now and then, right? jingyi always had his ways of convincing him, as did ouyang zizhen, and he can imagine there have been similar times where jin ling's encouraged his friends back home in the same ways. protestations toward naming his rabbits he can handle, no problem, it just encourages his mirthfulness, makes it more difficult to keep from smiling when he's trying wholeheartedly to be mindful of jin ling's emotions.
but it is his birthday and he really, truly does not understand why he shouldn't name them if he's feeling so inclined. (goodness, he can't even imagine what it'd be like with real rabbits, either!)
there's no reason they shouldn't be themselves all the time, save for a few particular moments; like maybe don't act super ridiculous in front of their elders? and even that's not too hard a slight shift in character for however briefly. sizhui will tell jin ling straightforwardly why he bothers if asked, he has no qualms admitting he finds joy in jin ling's company and sincerely thinks he's sweet underneath his tough, capricious demeanor. their other friends would have reasons too and, despite jin ling's apprehension, they likely wouldn't lie to him outright when it comes to friendship. training together is yet another way they can bond, testing each other's abilities, finding ways to help strengthen specific areas— but wearing down the wolf seems like it'd prove best for jin ling and that's who he prefers helping if there's a choice. aiding both may eventually prove beneficial, he's still somewhat wary whenever there are possible moments where jin ling might lose himself in every sense.
in the less worrisome sense though, just making the youkai sleep so jin ling's allowed to think straight is something helpful.]
Not everything, [he remarks, a few things instantly coming into his mind when he considers, but he shakes his head instead.] And no, I don't think so? [sorry to burst your bubble, jin ling, but he sees nothing wrong here.
his expression does faintly crease again after the other's ‘nevermind,’ a wrinkle in his brow and his lips pinched while he contemplates. obviously, jin ling was going to say something, but rather than focus on whatever's bothering him, sizhui redirects (for the most part),] They are, thank you, I appreciate them very much. [after making certain he hasn't lost any, sizhui's closing the box, taking it between his hands then moving so he's upright.] And if you have nothing else to do at the moment, I'd like to give you something in return.
[is jin ling ready for cookies? because he's going to get lots of them.]
no subject
Jin Ling is learning to trust others a little more and not always rely heavily on himself. Asking for help, is still a bit of a challenge. One that he has yet to conquer. Jin Ling finds their friendship oddly natural enough. He won’t admit to the friendship, but he acknowledges they are a little closer than acquaintances. Enough, so that he doesn’t doubt Sizhui all the time. Regardless, whatever the label is, Jin Ling has already submitted to it. He won’t openly say it though.
It truly is Sizhui’[s birthday and Jin Ling really need stop telling him no, because he’s going to do it, regardless of what Jin Ling wants. Either way, he does end up not mentioning it again and letting Sizhui do what he wants. He can’t stop the other anyway, so why argue more. He can’t wait this fight! At least, not at the moment. If Jin Ling somehow ends up with all those REAL rabbits for Sizhui, he really might turn into a ball of embarrassment! He probably will see those cute rabbits all day with all their various names per Sizhui!.
A little push for friendship is always nice. Sometimes, someone like Jin Ling needs that, especially with all those thorns he walks around with. One day, it will be an easy feat for this prickly teenager. He’s at least simmering down a bit lately with all those thorns of his. Especially, how he’s not antagonizing people at the moment. Though, yes it’s something he’s gotten used to—expressing himself honestly and truthfully. Perhaps, that honesty is a bit too abrasive at times, but what can he do? He doesn’t have a lot of experience in mannerisms. He obviously has not been taught how to truly. And properly behave. (Jiang Cheng’s discipline and Jing Guangyao’s spoilage doesn’t count!) ]
You say that, but I bet you’re thinking already about what to name them!
[ Yes that poor bubble popped completely. Clearly, he doesn’t see the bigger picture here! ]
Like I said—you don’t have to thank me. It’s just paper craft. Nothing too hard or—whatever. It’s fine. As long as you like them, I guess.
[ Obviously, Jin Ling is 100% aware that Sizhui likes them very much. ]
H-Huh? Why it’s your birthday. You don’t need to give me anything.
[ He has no idea what he will do with them but maybe he’s ready! Maybe! ]
no subject
many, many people could do with asking others for help, but it is easier said than done, without a doubt. sometimes, even sizhui has trouble, though he has learned to do better too. here along down the line, he'll really be asking for help and testing whatever sort of friendship they have, measuring its integrity. until then, accepting their somewhat friend-shaped relationship is more than enough for sizhui.
just wait, jin ling's going to eventually witness each colored rabbit named after their clans and then he'll really be embarrassed! that, too, won't come for a while though, so he's safe for now, both from named paper rabbits and actual rabbits. here's hoping it's not this many, to be fair, or they won't have any room in the garden and-slash-or greenhouse carriages to move around without possibly stepping on a bunny. much better that they have these origami ones instead, as they're smaller, more convenient to put places and there's no worry of hurting anything if they get stepped on— well, he'd be upset for a little while because oh no, a fallen comrade . . . but that's not like hurting a real animal, thank goodness.
this jin ling's calmer by far, and yet still completely himself in that jin ling way everyone can recognize. if he's provoking another individual in return for them doing it to him, that's at least a different excuse? some abrasiveness isn't the worst thing he could do to someone, truthfully, and perhaps sizhui's manners might rub off on him the longer they hang out.]
I'm not! [or has stopped now, at least. come on, jin ling, don't call him out when it's supposed to be ‘whatever’ and everything's fine if he likes them.
sizhui clearly loves his gift, given the care he's putting into handling it. his attention fleetingly darts toward xixue, he motions with a quick head-jerk then redirects to jin ling again after she's cleaned up her leftovers.] I know I don't need to, it's because I want to. [a pause to smile and:]
I'm allowed to share my birthday wealth however I like.
no subject
Jin Ling might just run away from the scene before it even happens. That's asking for some kind of collateral damage to Jin Lings embarrassed self. He can't take some of the extreme things his friend comes up with most of the time. Regardless though, he really won't argue with Sizhui on the matter. He doesn't really want to turn someone's birthday into a bad occasion, so he leaves it at that.
The boy looks towards Xixue as well. It seems like she's pretty pleased with herself and her meal. Well, at least she's quiet and not asking for too much attention. During their conversation, he momentarily lost track of what she is doing. While his mood has simmered down quite a lot, it's still obviously not completely gone. Maybe Sizhui is really rubbing off on him. ]
You sure have a weird way of expressing yourself on your birthday. Most people are content with doing nothing and receiving gifts or otherwise. You're the first person I've seen that would be willing to give baked goods that you made on your own to other people.
[ ON your BIRTHDAY, he wants to emphasize again, but he probably thinks that Sizhui gets the point now. ]
Fine, fine. I'm not here to argue what you can and can't do. It's not like it'll stop you, anyway.
no subject
he wouldn't be blamed for it, although it seems likely that there's a good chance it'd only happen whenever it's himself and jin ling, given he doesn't invite a whole lot of people to his and dennis's cabin, unless his boyfriend has okayed it too.
xixue makes a soft, acknowledging noise, hops down off the table then moves to stand beside jin ling's legs, waiting expectantly. sizhui, on the other hand, carefully tucks his cardstock box underneath an arm and begins leading them down the aisle toward their next destination: the kitchen carriage.] It feels proper to thank people in return for them giving me gifts. I know I don't necessarily need to, as it's my birthday, but it's nice, showing them appreciation for celebrating me. [if that makes sense?
while he does understand, it doesn't make him any less grateful, nor does it deter him from dumping some of these cookies off on jin ling.] Come along then, we have desserts to collect!
good to end here? :)
It's better for his friend to be happy on his birthday then have a discussion on what he should or shouldn't be doing. It IS his Birthday as emphasized. Jin Ling just crosses his arms as he stares at Xixue's presence by his leg. Fairy trots on over to the to the both of them with a happy bark. Jin Ling gives Xixue another once over, before offering his arm out for her to take, if she wants him to carry her.
Jin Ling certainly has found himself to enjoy her little presence a lot more than he anticipated. ]
No one's saying you're wrong about that.
[ It's said lightly, but he gets it. ] Yeah, yeah I get it. It's your birthday and you should be able to express your gratitude the way you want.
[ with a small nod, he collects the rest of his belongings, (Xixue, probably), and followed next to Sizhui. ]