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Lan Huo starts falling the moment he sees him. He is a force to be reckoned with. Beautiful with his blade and its bright sheen. Spiritual energy of light teal that flows in waves as he fights. He is quick and light on his feet; sinuous movements of misdirection and distractions that end with a tidal wave of attacks that leave his opponent dazed and immobile; their last breath leaving them mere seconds later.
An enthralling dance that ends in a ruthless slaughter.
He falls further at the end of the battle. Seeing him dishevelled and panting, blood marring the deep, forest green of his robes with a few smudges along his face. But there is a satisfied smile on his face as he takes in his kill that makes him all the more enchanting.
And then he turns him; the smile softening into something else, the light in his turquoise eyes shifting as he gazes at him. Lan Huo feels the wind on his face, in his eyes; squinting as if it is almost too much to keep his eyes open, to gaze upon him. As if he is unworthy to behold such a sight.
He is falling faster. With nothing to stop him. Nothing to catch him. Nothing to slow his descent.
The man introduces himself. Yue Xia, courtesy name Jinghua, of Weifeng Yue. Their third child, their second son. Recently graduated as a senior disciple of his clan, but an expert medical practitioner within his sect. And an exceptional fighter, from what Lan Huo has just seen.
He is falling harder. The sting of the wind on his cheeks making them glow with heat.
He introduces himself in turn. Lan Huo, courtesy name Qianghan, of Gusu Lan. Their first child, their first son. Heir to the clan. He thanks Yue Jinghua for the help, bows and tells him that he is in his debt for saving his life. Yue Jinghua tells them that he owes him nothing, as it was simply the right thing to do; to help another in need.
Lan Huo is falling, falling, falling. With no end in sight.
He insists anyway, if just to have the chance to spend more time with him. To speak more with him. To simply be in his presence. Finally, Yue Jinghua concedes and allows Lan Huo to lead him back to his home atop the mountain, among the clouds and mist and the crisp air. He gives him a room, and buys him lunch from Caiyi because he knows the food of his sect is less than preferred by those not raised on it.
Lan Huo goes to his brother first. Tells him of the man that rescued him and saved his life, and yet asked for nothing in return. His brother tells him he should be glad for the lack of request, as many would take advantage of such a position. Lan Huo tells his brother he is making trouble out of nothing, and is too suspicious for his own good.
He goes to his elders next - the few that he trusts - and tells them of the second young master of Weifeng Yue and what he's done for him, and the fact that he expects nothing in return. Despite what it could mean for him and his sect, if word gets out that he’d saved the sect heir to a great sect.
The elders tell him that Yue Jinghua has always been a man of good and moral character. That they are glad it was him who came to his rescue, rather than anyone else. They tell him that they will discuss what to award the man, despite his denials of accepting thanks, and tell him to visit the healers to discern his health and that of Yue Jinghua’s. Lan Huo does as he's told; brings himself and Yue Jinghua to the healers, then escorts him back to his rooms once they're given the clear and told to rest.
Lan Huo tells him of the discussion he had with a few of his elders. That, though he knows he does not expect anything in return, he wants to give him something anyway and his elders agree. He asks Yue Jinghua to stay until the elders have decided, though he's not sure how long that will take.
Yue Jinghua pouts at him. Tells him that it really isn't necessary. That he doesn't need or expect or want anything in return.
He falls.
Lan Huo tells him that he wants to give him something for that reason alone. Because he is much too good to not be rewarded. Because he deserves it. Because it would make Lan Huo happy if he could do something for Yue Jinghua, just as he has done something for him.
Yue Jinghua smiles and he falls. Yue Jinghua laughs and he falls.
He tells him okay. He accepts Lan Huo’s desire to reward him, concedes to anything he wishes to give him. But asks that he be able to send a message to his family, so they know where he is and why he's taking so long. Lan Huo tells him to write his message, and it will be sent off the next day.
He spends the rest of the day with Yue Jinghua. They talk and banter and converse. They share stories of their siblings. They share stories of their studies, and their hunts. Yue Jinghua whispers to him a bit of gossip about the Jins and the Jiangs and the Meishan Yus. Then tells him how his parents have similar ideas of engagements and betrothals for him and his siblings. How there have been offers for him already.
Lan Huo feels his heart clench. Like fingers wrapping around it and squeezing.
But Yue Jinghua tells him that he has not accepted any. That he does not want to accept any. That he wants to find someone for himself. Someone to have and to hold. Someone to love. His parents would accept it, if he did find someone. They'd told him as much. So that's what he wants to do.
The fingers ease.
Lan Huo tells Yue Jinghua that he understands that. His sect is known for their single-minded, all encompassing love. That once they find that person, there will never be another. He wants to marry that person, should he find them. (He already has.) Because he could not bear the thought of marrying for political intrigue, then finding his person after and forever being separated.
He knows it is unfilial of him. To think of what would benefit him rather than his sect and clan.
Yue Jinghua tells him it’s not. It is not unfilial to want something. It is not unfilial to want to be happy, to want someone who makes him happy. It is not a betrayal to himself, nor his ancestors should he find his one and want to be with them, no matter their worth to the prestige of his sect and clan. It is unfilial of his clan to expect him to give up his happiness for their own gain. There is no respect to be had in such expectations.
He deserves to find the one he loves. He deserves to be with them, no matter who they are, no matter their worth. So long as he loves them and they love him.
Lan Huo falls. He falls and falls and falls. He does not know if he will ever stop falling. He does not care to find out.