Jiang Cheng thinks as he comes closer to his wife that she is very beautiful. Maybe, under different circumstances they could have met and this could have-- well, probably not. Jiang Cheng had never been all that lucky with such things that had all gone to Wei Wuxian. His eyes follow her movements, always so fluid -- like air or like water or both. In many ways it felt as if she certainly belonged her.
He exhales, his hands clasped behind his back as he looks out at the early morning view and way from Zishu.
"Sleep was illusive but I'm not quite ready to start the day. Did sleep escape you as well?"
She's always known she would marry. Not when, or to whom, but that it would almost certainly happen. Making use of it, now, to be free...Jiang Cheng has her honest affection for that. She sees how hard he tries, in everything he does.
Zishu's hands settle at her waist, hidden under sleeves as she turns back to the water when he steps up beside her, though she keeps her face half turned to him. "Aah. Have I been remiss in attending you, husband?" Innocently spoken. Soft. Eyes just a little wide as if dismayed by the thought.
Mirth brightens her eyes and her laugh is almost silent as she lowers her gaze at his perfect reaction. He's so cute when he gets flustered.
Her amusement fades when he calls her on not answering and she tips her head in acknowledgement. Here is a man who sees more than others might think. She doesn't immediately answer though, picking her words carefully.
Just because she's technically free of Prince Jin doesn't mean she can be careless in what she says about certain things.
"As you said. Sleep was elusive." She could leave it at that. But...he came out here too. "I like coming out here. It is peaceful."
Gods rue the day she calls him cute out loud. Really, pigs might fly or something! In any case, he almost feels saddened to see her smile and laugh fade away -- maybe he is a bit -- but he wants to know her answer so he doesn't regret pressing.
Jiang Cheng isn't stupid, he can see when someone is careful about what they say and Zishu often is. He understands it, it's not as if he is not also careful -- or more often than not just refuses to say a word about certain topics.
"Mm," Jiang Cheng glances at her once more, less flustered now. "Only until everyone rises and it returns to chaos," he smiles to himself -- he likes that Lotus Pier is bustling. He also likes the moments where the pier is quiet and the water calm.
Zishu watches the water, how the gentle waves lap at the wood under them. She doesn't mind his stare. He can raise his voice all he wants - she doesn't fear him. Respect? Yes. That grows by the day as she watches him work.
He is a good man. Just not the most patient, which is perfectly fine with her.
She smiles again at his addition, catching the gentler cant to his expression. "Even that has it's peace. It's a display of life." Not a dig at his words, only an addition - an agreement to his unspoken preference.
Jiang Cheng is quiet after that. It's true. It reminds him sometimes as it was before. But there is less peace and life left in him to fully enjoy it. He's satisfied that it's being provided to his sect and he hopes his wife.
"Are you hungry," he asks, breaking the lingering quiet.
She lets the silence linger, turning her gaze back fully to the water as it stretches. Even a year here would be enough to satisfy her - she could die happily then. She doesn't deserve it for what she's done.
...And yet her husband treats her well. His people have even welcomed her. She finds she even wants to try and be a good wife for him, not just on the surface. But that takes time.
"I will eat with you if you are going to have morning meal." Assuming he wishes her with him, as the question hints.
There's a flicker of relief that she agrees to a meal with him, as if he had been thinking she wouldn't want to. He's still unsure of himself in so many ways in this marriage. He knows he's not an easy man and their marriage had been arranged.
He expects nothing but his affection had grown over time and he wants... more. He just doesn't really know how. And he doesn't know if she wants more with him.
They're expected to have an heir at some point but Jiang Cheng isn't even thinking that far just yet. He just wants something more.
He doesn't have to be an easy man. But it helps that Zishu finds him and his temper adorable, rather than infuriating or insulting. She's used to dealing with people who's temper or personalities end up with them lashing out with fists and revenge, or simple cruelty.
Jiang Cheng has a sharp tongue and temper to match, but he has not once raised a hand in anger in her direction. She recognizes that she probably confuses him more than anything else. And his awkwardness is rather endearing.
Zishu hums and turns at the information, then waits for him to either lead the way or offer his arm or hand for her to take.
Jiang Cheng tries not to be cruel -- at least to those that don't deserve it. He can be ruthless at times but not in the everyday. Especially not with his family and his wife -- arranged or not -- is family. He seems to hesitate for a moment at her turn and then takes a chance to offer his hand. It's a small gesture as is the asking her to eat breakfast with him. He's trying to build something between them even if each brick is tiny or so it feels.
Once she takes his hand he does lead her to where their breakfast has been laid out, it's outdoors as the morning is quiet and beautiful, the weather not too cold or too warm.
"They might have made more than they needed," he says -- or he hadn't been sure what she'd want so he had went overboard in what he said to bring.
She respects his strictness and demand for excellence. Maybe others would say it's cruel - but theirs is not always a forgiving world. Knowing how to defend oneself and those unable to themselves is important.
Zishu rests her hand in his and moves at his side, letting him guide her. She wants to be a good wife to him... even when she can't always resist teasing him or drinking his brother under the table.
The location has her smile, though she lowers her gaze to maintain control over it. The amount brought out... and specific options... don't miss her attention. He's being sweet again.
"Do not worry. It won't be wasted." Whatever they didn't finish would be sent to other tables. But she squeezes his fingers just a little, to hint she knows why there's so much food.
Jiang Cheng would deny being sweet until the end of time but he tries in his ways to make her happy to create and strengthen a bond between them. He knows his parents had loved each other but they had struggled and their situation hadn't been totally different... he wants to do things better.
He nods, almost smiling at the squeeze of his fingers but he stifles the urge as he does finally let go of her hand so they can both settle at the table.
He'll pay attention to what things she seems to favor out of the selections for future reference.
Of course he would. And Zishu knows to hold her tongue...mostly. She has more freedom here, she's reluctant to risk losing it.
And he doesn't need to smile. She's heard much about what he's been through - if he smiles, she wants it to be genuine. Maybe even because of her. She takes her seat and takes small portions of a few specifically choice dishes - steering clear of any with walnuts.
Then shows she's also observant by picking what she knows he likes from the array, and serving him equally small portions of each, and pouring him tea before herself.
Jiang Cheng pays attention as she serves herself and then him. It's clear
she's paid attention to the things he likes as well. He reaches for the tea
once everything is settled and takes a sip before starting to eat. His gaze
stays on Zishu for a long time before he looks away at the serene scenery
around them. There's the soft sound of water, that's ever present and
relaxing to him.
"Is there anything you lack here?" he asks after a few moments.
Normally she only puts up with such gazes, slipping into whatever role she needed - either putting herself out there as an example, demanding attention, or seeming to melt into the background. She prefers the latter.
But she finds she doesn't mind his gaze, so only eats in peaceful silence. He'll speak when he wants to, she keeps herself turned so he knows she's aware, even if her gaze is out over the water, enjoying their surroundings.
The eventual question has her thinking, not immediately answering. A kind, serious question deserves consideration for equal earnestness. When she's sure of an answer, she sets her chopsticks down and turns to him.
"You have given me my freedom. A beautiful place to live. A purpose that I am not ashamed of. I can ask for nothing more."
Jiang Cheng knows that the silence means she is thinking and so he waits, taking another drink of his tea in the passing moments and his gaze returns to her when she turns to him.
He lets her think, pick her words carefully. She likes that about him, too.
"So can you." But he doesn't.
Zishu reaches out to rest a hand on his. "I know I can ask for more. But for now, there is nothing more I need. Nor, really, any more that I want at this time."
Should that change, of course she will speak with him.
Jiang Cheng's expression softens into something sadder for a moment. He doesn't know how to ask for more any longer -- how to dream of more for himself. His entire life had become his sect and his nephew and now his nephew is leading his own Sect and the Jiang Sect is flourishing.
He nods in acceptance of her answer, though, satisfied that she would tell him if it changed.
"I..." he starts, awkwardly then. Perhaps he can try a little asking. "I want this," he motions to her and himself. He doesn't know how to talk about his personal wants and emotions and he can already feel the frustration raising -- the kind that usually has him storming off from one person he cares for or another.
Her gaze softens in understanding and she gently turns his hand over to lace their fingers together.
"Show me," she murmurs encouragingly. Sometimes, she knows, words are hard. More often than not she would tease or mock, pushing to get verbal answers. But this is a fragile thing between them still, and she knows how his temper can explode and send him running off.
That wouldn't help either of them now, would it? "I have eaten enough."
There's a moment of surprise at that response. That she doesn't goad him or encourage him to tell her. He feels some of the frustration dimming. He knows even more that this woman is truly the one that is meant for him and he wants her. He's still hesitant, letting their hands stay laced together as his thoughts race for a way to show her.
Even that can be awkward for him. His fingers tighten on hers for a moment before he gently lifts her hand, softly pressing his lips to her knuckles.
They had bedded the night of their wedding but it had not been because of any connection or desire between them but to simply consummate their marriage. They hadn't shared any such intimacy since. It's not about sex even, though, perhaps that is on his mind now and then but the loneliness that she has been breaching that makes him want more. That makes him think that they could be happy together, that he could be happy again.
He doesn't need to say a word. Especially when she can see some of his frustration ease. Even her asking him to show her is hard, she knows this. And realizes it's because he doesn't want to mess this up, doesn't feel he can afford to make mistakes.
Even when he eventually just lifts her hand up to press sweet kisses to her knuckles feels oddly intimate, sending a shiver down her spine. No. They'd made sure to consummate their marriage that night. Neither of them had been willing to risk it on a technicality. But now they can take their time, grow closer before seeing if more can happen between them.
This one kiss to her hand tells her it can. It should be ridiculous and yet -
Running footsteps drag her attention away from her husband, a frown replaces the tender smile. She doesn't try to hold onto his hand, expecting him to recoil, and stands.
"I will return, please stay here," she doesn't look at her husband, already sweeping away with not-so-subtle irritation in the set of her shoulders.
Jiang Cheng had been struggling to think of something to say or something to do once he had pressed his lips to her knuckles. It didn't feel like enough to communicate what he felt, what he meant. He hears the running and there's not an immediate recoil but he pulls his hand back, straightening up as his hand goes to his knee. He doesn't try to stop her, brooding as he watches her moving away.
Something is always happening when he tries to open up to people! Dammit.
If he listens intently enough, he'll probably hear sounds of pain. Brief, but there all the same. Zishu returns quickly enough, after calling for servants to deliver the intruder back to his master.
There's a hard glint in her eyes now though and she holds her hands out to him. "Will you walk with me a bit?" How to ask for a distraction? Help to escape the fury that has latched onto her heels for the first time since coming to Lotus Pier?
Jiang Cheng does hear it and it has a raised brow when Zishu returns. He had been on the verge of stating that he needs to start the business of the day to avoid any awkwardness but also he's very charmed by her at the moment, more so than usual. But...
"I will," he says, getting up and taking her hand with less hesitation than earlier that morning. He tilts his head as he studies her, there's a clear contemplation of whether or not to ask questions but he decides she will tell him what she wants to tell him when she wants to tell him.
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He exhales, his hands clasped behind his back as he looks out at the early morning view and way from Zishu.
"Sleep was illusive but I'm not quite ready to start the day. Did sleep escape you as well?"
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Zishu's hands settle at her waist, hidden under sleeves as she turns back to the water when he steps up beside her, though she keeps her face half turned to him. "Aah. Have I been remiss in attending you, husband?" Innocently spoken. Soft. Eyes just a little wide as if dismayed by the thought.
Teasing.
And not answering.
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"What? No!" Jiang Cheng snaps and looks away from her and toward the water instead.
"You didn't answer," he points out. Not that easy to evade, Zhou Zishu!
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Her amusement fades when he calls her on not answering and she tips her head in acknowledgement. Here is a man who sees more than others might think. She doesn't immediately answer though, picking her words carefully.
Just because she's technically free of Prince Jin doesn't mean she can be careless in what she says about certain things.
"As you said. Sleep was elusive." She could leave it at that. But...he came out here too. "I like coming out here. It is peaceful."
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Jiang Cheng isn't stupid, he can see when someone is careful about what they say and Zishu often is. He understands it, it's not as if he is not also careful -- or more often than not just refuses to say a word about certain topics.
"Mm," Jiang Cheng glances at her once more, less flustered now. "Only until everyone rises and it returns to chaos," he smiles to himself -- he likes that Lotus Pier is bustling. He also likes the moments where the pier is quiet and the water calm.
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Zishu watches the water, how the gentle waves lap at the wood under them. She doesn't mind his stare. He can raise his voice all he wants - she doesn't fear him. Respect? Yes. That grows by the day as she watches him work.
He is a good man. Just not the most patient, which is perfectly fine with her.
She smiles again at his addition, catching the gentler cant to his expression. "Even that has it's peace. It's a display of life." Not a dig at his words, only an addition - an agreement to his unspoken preference.
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"Are you hungry," he asks, breaking the lingering quiet.
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...And yet her husband treats her well. His people have even welcomed her. She finds she even wants to try and be a good wife for him, not just on the surface. But that takes time.
"I will eat with you if you are going to have morning meal." Assuming he wishes her with him, as the question hints.
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He expects nothing but his affection had grown over time and he wants... more. He just doesn't really know how. And he doesn't know if she wants more with him.
They're expected to have an heir at some point but Jiang Cheng isn't even thinking that far just yet. He just wants something more.
"It's ready for us."
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Jiang Cheng has a sharp tongue and temper to match, but he has not once raised a hand in anger in her direction. She recognizes that she probably confuses him more than anything else. And his awkwardness is rather endearing.
Zishu hums and turns at the information, then waits for him to either lead the way or offer his arm or hand for her to take.
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Once she takes his hand he does lead her to where their breakfast has been laid out, it's outdoors as the morning is quiet and beautiful, the weather not too cold or too warm.
"They might have made more than they needed," he says -- or he hadn't been sure what she'd want so he had went overboard in what he said to bring.
no subject
Zishu rests her hand in his and moves at his side, letting him guide her. She wants to be a good wife to him... even when she can't always resist teasing him or drinking his brother under the table.
The location has her smile, though she lowers her gaze to maintain control over it. The amount brought out... and specific options... don't miss her attention. He's being sweet again.
"Do not worry. It won't be wasted." Whatever they didn't finish would be sent to other tables. But she squeezes his fingers just a little, to hint she knows why there's so much food.
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He nods, almost smiling at the squeeze of his fingers but he stifles the urge as he does finally let go of her hand so they can both settle at the table.
He'll pay attention to what things she seems to favor out of the selections for future reference.
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And he doesn't need to smile. She's heard much about what he's been through - if he smiles, she wants it to be genuine. Maybe even because of her. She takes her seat and takes small portions of a few specifically choice dishes - steering clear of any with walnuts.
Then shows she's also observant by picking what she knows he likes from the array, and serving him equally small portions of each, and pouring him tea before herself.
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Jiang Cheng pays attention as she serves herself and then him. It's clear she's paid attention to the things he likes as well. He reaches for the tea once everything is settled and takes a sip before starting to eat. His gaze stays on Zishu for a long time before he looks away at the serene scenery around them. There's the soft sound of water, that's ever present and relaxing to him.
"Is there anything you lack here?" he asks after a few moments.
no subject
But she finds she doesn't mind his gaze, so only eats in peaceful silence. He'll speak when he wants to, she keeps herself turned so he knows she's aware, even if her gaze is out over the water, enjoying their surroundings.
The eventual question has her thinking, not immediately answering. A kind, serious question deserves consideration for equal earnestness. When she's sure of an answer, she sets her chopsticks down and turns to him.
"You have given me my freedom. A beautiful place to live. A purpose that I am not ashamed of. I can ask for nothing more."
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"But you can ask for more."
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"So can you." But he doesn't.
Zishu reaches out to rest a hand on his. "I know I can ask for more. But for now, there is nothing more I need. Nor, really, any more that I want at this time."
Should that change, of course she will speak with him.
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He nods in acceptance of her answer, though, satisfied that she would tell him if it changed.
"I..." he starts, awkwardly then. Perhaps he can try a little asking. "I want this," he motions to her and himself. He doesn't know how to talk about his personal wants and emotions and he can already feel the frustration raising -- the kind that usually has him storming off from one person he cares for or another.
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Her gaze softens in understanding and she gently turns his hand over to lace their fingers together.
"Show me," she murmurs encouragingly. Sometimes, she knows, words are hard. More often than not she would tease or mock, pushing to get verbal answers. But this is a fragile thing between them still, and she knows how his temper can explode and send him running off.
That wouldn't help either of them now, would it? "I have eaten enough."
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Even that can be awkward for him. His fingers tighten on hers for a moment before he gently lifts her hand, softly pressing his lips to her knuckles.
They had bedded the night of their wedding but it had not been because of any connection or desire between them but to simply consummate their marriage. They hadn't shared any such intimacy since. It's not about sex even, though, perhaps that is on his mind now and then but the loneliness that she has been breaching that makes him want more. That makes him think that they could be happy together, that he could be happy again.
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Even when he eventually just lifts her hand up to press sweet kisses to her knuckles feels oddly intimate, sending a shiver down her spine. No. They'd made sure to consummate their marriage that night. Neither of them had been willing to risk it on a technicality. But now they can take their time, grow closer before seeing if more can happen between them.
This one kiss to her hand tells her it can. It should be ridiculous and yet -
Running footsteps drag her attention away from her husband, a frown replaces the tender smile. She doesn't try to hold onto his hand, expecting him to recoil, and stands.
"I will return, please stay here," she doesn't look at her husband, already sweeping away with not-so-subtle irritation in the set of her shoulders.
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Something is always happening when he tries to open up to people! Dammit.
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There's a hard glint in her eyes now though and she holds her hands out to him. "Will you walk with me a bit?" How to ask for a distraction? Help to escape the fury that has latched onto her heels for the first time since coming to Lotus Pier?
It comes no easier for her than it does for him.
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"I will," he says, getting up and taking her hand with less hesitation than earlier that morning. He tilts his head as he studies her, there's a clear contemplation of whether or not to ask questions but he decides she will tell him what she wants to tell him when she wants to tell him.
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