It remains completely and utterly absurd, enough of a transgression that no doubt any of the other cultivators would be horribly shocked by the way they're acting. But fondness can't help but make its way back into Jin Guangyao's expression at those words. This play is a little secret between them, one that will leave no-one hurt for holding it between them.
He swishes past Xichen, but with his eyes slyly watching his Bonded until the moment he sweeps past, clearly expecting to be followed. With such an obvious shared symbol of the Bond between them, at least there's less chance of anyone trying anything.
If Xichen speaks of pleasure, well... it's still unfortunate how things are, right now. But they can certainly spend a bit more time together tonight, unfettered by judgemental eyes.
He meanders past some of the other wares in the market, and there absolutely are some stunning items to be found, gems and precious minerals, or exceptionally well-crafted weaponry. But he's only window-shopping, pausing now and then to look back at his Bonded -- not just to check that other Monsters don't have their eye on him and the ribbon has worked, but also to to lightly touch on that feeling that warms him upon seeing that glint of gold adorning Xichen's hair.
They're not so far from the food stalls by now -- he can smell them from here. Jin Guangyao fishes out a few coins - local currency, from a few small trades he's done - and stops, turning to hand them to Lan Xichen. "I think those around us are suitable aware that you are already taken. Here, go fetch us something to eat back at the residence while I finish my business here." There's no business, only browsing, really. But with the unfortunately delicious smell of fried rat off in the distance, he's not sure he trusts himself to find something they can both enjoy.
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He swishes past Xichen, but with his eyes slyly watching his Bonded until the moment he sweeps past, clearly expecting to be followed. With such an obvious shared symbol of the Bond between them, at least there's less chance of anyone trying anything.
If Xichen speaks of pleasure, well... it's still unfortunate how things are, right now. But they can certainly spend a bit more time together tonight, unfettered by judgemental eyes.
He meanders past some of the other wares in the market, and there absolutely are some stunning items to be found, gems and precious minerals, or exceptionally well-crafted weaponry. But he's only window-shopping, pausing now and then to look back at his Bonded -- not just to check that other Monsters don't have their eye on him and the ribbon has worked, but also to to lightly touch on that feeling that warms him upon seeing that glint of gold adorning Xichen's hair.
They're not so far from the food stalls by now -- he can smell them from here. Jin Guangyao fishes out a few coins - local currency, from a few small trades he's done - and stops, turning to hand them to Lan Xichen. "I think those around us are suitable aware that you are already taken. Here, go fetch us something to eat back at the residence while I finish my business here." There's no business, only browsing, really. But with the unfortunately delicious smell of fried rat off in the distance, he's not sure he trusts himself to find something they can both enjoy.