Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Cleaning up the Sereni-Tea at the end of the day was admittedly one of Taishen’s favorite parts of the day. As much as he loved serving his guests and listening to the tales and woes of their days, there was something just so calming about taking his time cleaning the shop and meticulously putting everything away at the end of the day. Though his quiet moments to himself were short lived as Mei Li came barreling into the back room and latching on to his waist, nearly making him drop the stack of cups he had balanced in his hand.

“Mei Li-! What have I told you about doing that, you nearly made me drop these.” There’s no real amount of scolding in his tone, there never is when it comes to his niece but she looks at least minutely remorseful, if only for a moment.

“Sorry Uncle Taishen, but Uncle Barnabos is here to see you!” 

“Is he now? I wonder what for, he usually tells me before he stops by.” 

He shoos Mei Li back toward the main room so he could finish his task of putting the clean dishes away, thankfully he was about finished anyways so he didn’t have to keep the triton waiting for very long. Taishen tugs his hair down out of its usual bun as he steps out into the main room, greeted by the sight of Barnabos with several bags in his hands and his unlit pipe balanced between his lips as he attempted to fend Mei Li off from prying into the bags, lest he were to drop them. 

“Ah Mister Fireblossom! Apologies for showin’ up unannounced but you’ve been workin’ so hard this week that we’ve hardly seen each other! And I know how you tend to get lost in routine so I thought I’d come an’ cook a lil’ dinner for you and the little lady! If that’s quite alright?” 

“Oh! Barnabos that’s so kind, I would love that. I haven’t been able to do too much cooking this week anyways, so Mei Li could use a good meal. Come, come, let me take some of those bags and we’ll go upstairs!” 

Taishen grabs two of the bags from Barnabos’ hands before the man could argue and with Mei Li not far behind he guides them both up the back stairs that lead to his apartment settled on top of the tea shop and then immediately into the kitchen. Putting the bags down on the table Taishen is almost immediately scooted out of the way so that Barnabos could unpack them, though not before the triton plants a tender kiss between his horns. 

“Go and tend to the little miss, Taishen, I know my way ‘round your kitchen well enough. You deserve a break as much as anyone else.” 

The dragonborn is already shooing his niece out of the kitchen, instructing her to wash up and go relax so the adults could cook uninterrupted before he turns back to the triton, his tail flicking behind him gently. 

“Barnabos, let me help. It is not very often that we get time to ourselves, and I would feel terrible just letting you cook in my home by yourself. You always talk about teaching me how to cook better anyways, right?” 

A fond smile graces the taller man’s features and he nods, holding out his pipe for Taishen to light (which he does without a second thought as always) before he goes back to pulling out all of the ingredients he had brought. “Alright, alright, y’ain’t gotta convince me more. So, Mr. Fireblossom, how does a nice hearty seafood pasta sound?” 

“Well that sounds just wonderful, Barnabos, just tell me what I need to do.” Taishen is at Barnabos’ side, his tail curling loosely around the other's waist as he waits to be instructed, eager as always to learn something new. It was just a bonus that it was Barnabos teaching him something that he was so passionate about.  

The triton is unbothered by Taishen essentially being under his feet as he lays out the pasta, a personal jar of tomato sauce he made himself, and the variety of seafood he picked up on his way here, pleased to accept the small affectionate touches between them. He’s more than familiar with the dragonborn’s kitchen, seamlessly pulling out a pot, pans, and the utensils needed as he’s done so many times before. 

“Alright lad, you’re gonna handle the sauce and the pasta for me while I do the rest. So just warm up that pan there with a lit’le of that oil, onions, and garlic, and then those crushed peppers too and we’ll add in the tomato sauce after those there veggies are softened up . I know you like a little more spice so you just go ahead and make it as spicy as you want.” 

Taishen is nothing but determined to make sure he doesn’t make any mistakes as he takes in the instructions from his partner. It takes him a couple of tries before he gets the onions and garlic chopped up to what Barnabos considers to be the appropriate size, and as he keeps a diligent eye on the pan his tail wags behind him, occasionally thumping against the triton’s thigh. 

“Aye, very good job, Mr. Fireblossom. I’ll make a cook outta you yet, now go ahead an’ add that tomato sauce and we’re just gonna let her simmer for about 20 minutes.” Barnabos hums a soft tune under his breath as he focuses on cleaning the shrimp and scallops while the sauce simmers, the dragonborn practically tucks himself into the others’ side, making sure to stir the sauce every so often like he was told to do. 

It took a little while for each of the others to get accustomed to just how close Taishen wanted to be at all times once the boundary was established, but Barnabos and Queenie were the ones who took to it the fastest; always happy to indulge in the small intimacies that Taishen craved on a day to day basis. So this was no different, Barnabas able to navigate through the space as he needed, always aware of the dragonborns tail against his skin when he was too far for Taishen’s hand to take its place. 

The duo practically waltzed around the kitchen as they worked around each other, Taishen providing Barnabos with whatever seasonings he asked for as he began to saute the shrimp and scallops, handing off the now dirty pans to the other to deposit into the sink to be dealt with after dinner. The comfortable quiet of Taishen’s home was only interrupted by the sounds of cooking and idle chatter about their days spent apart, and soon they were plating up the dinner they had cooked together and Taishen couldn’t imagine being happier than he was in this moment. 

Their dinner passes by without much excitement, aside from Mei Li noisily disagreeing that Taishen had anything to do with such a delicious meal. Eventually the dragonborn relents to his niece, hands up in mock surrender as he admits defeat and allows her to believe it was all uncle Barnabos’ doing just as always. 

Barnabos stands up from the table and picks up the now empty plates, settling his hand on the back of Taishen’s nape as he does.

 “Go and get the little firecracker settled down, I’ll clean up the kitchen while you do.” 

Taishen finds himself leaning into the touch for just a moment before it’s gone as the triton heads into the kitchen and he very nearly pouts. Mei Li takes it upon herself to take her uncle’s hands and drag him away from the table and it takes more than just a few moments to get the smaller dragonborn to completely settle down and agree to retire to her room for the night. So by the time Taishen returns to the main room Barnabos is done cleaning up the kitchen and has settled down on the soft couch in the living room, puffing on his pipe idly. 

“Oh, you’re done already Barnabos? I didn’t think it would take so long to get Mei Li settled.” 

A puff of smoke unfurls from his nostrils as he sighs though he can’t be upset for too long, the triton patting his lap in invitation with a deep chuckle. An invitation that Taishen readily accepts, shuffling over and climbing into Barnabos’ lap as the triton settles one hand into his hair and the other around his waist. As Taishen nuzzles his snout into the crook of the others neck he can feel the content rumble vibrate through his chest as they take a few moments of quiet between them. 

“Thank you for coming over to cook for us, Barnabos. I did not even realize how many days it had been since I had seen you- or the others! Oh- I am so very sorry, they must be upset as well.” 

“Now, now, love, y’know you don’t need to apologize to me or any of the others for bein’ busy. You’ve got your hands full with the little miss and your shop, we all understand. We find time for each other whenever we get the chance, even if it means a little surprise visit every now and then.” 

Barnabos’ fingers carding through his hair is comforting and the way he leans into Taishen’s snout is the reassurance that he craves, and he knows that the triton of all people would be the first to tell him if anyone of their partners were truly upset about his absence, intentional or not. 

“I’ll make sure to spend some time with everyone in the coming days to make up for being so busy. Perhaps I can even close the shop for a couple of days and have a family friend watch over Mei Li to grant us at least some semblance of real privacy.” 

A laugh escapes the man beneath him and he puts his pipe to the side only to be able to press a lingering kiss to Taishen’ snout, his other hand holding the dragonborns’ waist just a little tighter. 

“Aye, I think that sounds like a grand idea, my lover. I treasure any of the time we spend together but I wouldn’t dream of turnin’ down an opportunity of that kind.” 

Taishen stifles a small laugh as smoke rises from his nose in embarrassment, though the rumble in his chest and the soft thumping of his tail gives away just how thrilled he is about the idea as well. But for now he would be more than content with his full belly and the smell of the sea curling around him as the triton holds him close, thanking the gods above that he is surrounded by such love.

Chapter Text

Taishen and Skrimm’s time spent together was always eventful, the pair seemingly making quite the odd duo to anyone who didn’t know them personally. Skrimm’s nervous energy was typically nullified by Taishen’s calm demeanor whenever they were out together, and truthfully the goblin always kept him on his toes. Out of everyone, Skrimm had probably been the most anxious when the idea of the polycule had been brought up the first time. The goblin’s own anxieties immediately got the better of him and made him unable to fully trust that each of them would care for him so much, let alone want to be involved with him romantically. However, with time things had gotten easier and he settled into a fairly comfortable routine with each and every one of them. 

It became quite apparent that Skrimm was not the type to spout poetry and carefully crafted eloquence towards his partners, but he was the type to spoil them with any variety of gifts nearly every time they would get together. Not often were they large, expensive displays of gifts, but little things; little trinkets and collectibles that had made the goblin think of each of his partners that he just had to give them. It quickly became a fun game for Taishen, waiting and wondering just what kind of trinket the goblin had seen in their time apart that made him think of the dragonborn this time, and it always warmed his heart no matter how insignificant the items would seem to anyone else. Taishen always made it a point to either use or display every single gift Skrimm had given him so that he knew for certain that each and every one was appreciated from the bottom of his heart. Even if his trinket shelf was quickly becoming overcrowded. 

 Taishen had agreed to meet up with Skrimm during a rare bout of downtime from the shop, taking any chance he could to see his partners during his busy days. It may not be much but any time spent together was important for the dragonborn. As he approached the agreed upon meeting place not far into the village, he could see Skrimm fiddling with his gold coin in one hand while holding what looked to be a small package in the other. It doesn’t take long for the goblin to notice him, ears perking straight up from beneath his hat, and his tail flicking back and forth with his usual pent up energy as he runs up to meet Taishen half way. 

“Taishen! Baby, hey! I was starting to think you’d be too busy to show up. But here you are! I’m glad you could get away.” 

“Oh?” Taishen tilts his head, worried he had kept the goblin waiting. “I did not notice I was running late, my apologies, Skrimm!” 

“No no no, it’s okay! Don’t apologize. Anyways, I got ya something. Here, here, open it up. It’s real special!” 

The toothy grin overtook the goblin’s features and Taishen would never even think to tell him no. He took the small box from the others hands as his tail loosely curled around the goblin’s own to steady its skittery movements as he opened up his gift. 

Inside the box was a set of gold jewelry with emerald colored inlays weaved throughout each piece, clearly meant to fit around his horns and his whiskers, and for the first time in a while Skrimm had rendered him speechless with his gift. It was easy to expect a small dragon shaped trinket or even the odd packet of tea leaves the goblin had acquired, but this was something truly substantial and incredibly thoughtful as well.

“Skrimm- these are lovely, you- you really shouldn’t have!” If his anatomy would allow him to well and truly blush his scales would probably be bright red at this moment. “These could not have been cheap..” 

“Nah, don’t you worry your pretty little head about that, I got a good deal on them cause I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity. They were perfect for you! Queenie thought so too!” 

The goblin tugs on his wrist in an attempt to pull Taishen down to his level and he easily follows the silent command, kneeling down in front of the other with a light laugh. 

“Let me help you put them on, I’m too impatient to wait for another day. Whaddya say?” 

Taishen simply can’t resist the batting of his eyes, not that he would have said no either way, but he tilts his head down to allow Skrimm easier access to his horns at this moment. He finds his tail wagging behind him as he rests his snout into Skrimm’s shoulder as the other man carefully unclasps the bangles and secures them onto his horns. Small hands cradle his maw a moment later and do the same to clasp the matching beads onto each of his whiskers and as soon as he’s done Taishen steals a soft kiss, catching Skrimm by surprise and causing his cheeks to redden. 

“Well,” Taishen tilts his head. “How do they look?” 

“Oh just- fuckin’ beautiful Taishen, I didn’t think you could get any prettier but boy was I fucking wrong! So you like them, yeah?”

The dragonborn stands up and holds a hand out for the other to take, puffs of smoke emitting from his nostrils as he laughs softly. 

“Well of course I love them. I love each and every gift you give me, Skrimm, it reminds me that I am so lucky to be thought of so frequently. But these are definitely incredibly special. I simply must think of some way to repay you.” 

Their fingers intertwine as they start down the path leading back towards the Sereni-Tea, as unfortunately he would be expected back at work sooner rather than later. A small squeeze of reassurance from the goblin and their tails curling together as they walk has Taishen feeling as though he’s walking on cloud nine, listening to Skrimm ramble about his day as they walk to fill the comfortable silence. 

It’s almost disappointing that they made it back to Sereni-Tea so quickly, and while Skrimm could probably just sit around and pester him for the rest of the evening they had learned a while ago that that never ended well (Skrimm was far too distracting to get any real work done). Not to mention the goblin had a knack for teaching Mei Li new pranks and they’d already talked about how bad that was as well, no matter how cute his niece is. She was enough of a prankster on her own without Skrimm there to teach her even sneakier pranks to pull. 

“If you are free after I close up the shop you could come back and we could spend the evening together.” Taishen leans down to press his snout against Skrimm’s cheek. “At the very least I can thank you with warm tea and a major image together.” 

Skrimm practically purrs at the affection, the grin never leaving his features as he presses a kiss to Taishen’s maw before replying. “That sounds lovely, babe. I’ll be here as soon as the shop closes! Don’t work too hard now, and tell Mei Li to keep workin’ on those tricks I showed her!” 

With a playful roll of his eyes Taishen agrees and soon after waves off his partner, taking a moment to admire his reflection with his new adornments in the shop's window before finally heading back inside to work once the goblin is out of sight.

Chapter Text

Whenever Taishen was having an off day or simply wasn’t feeling himself, he would call up Queenie.Without fail, the rabbitfolk always knew what to say and do to raise his spirits and ease his mind of whatever was worrying him that particular day. And today was turning out to be a rough day for Taishen. It was barely noon and he had already broken two tea cups, ruined two separate brews by making the water too hot, and it seemed as though every guest that passed through today was simply in the most sour of moods. 

Taishen disappeared into the back room as soon as the last person he served had walked out of the door in order to take a few moments to steady himself, taking note of how his hands wouldn’t stop shaking from the anxiety boiling over in his system. He barely registered his niece poking her head into the room, eyes gleaming with worry. 

“Uncle? Is everything okay?” 

“Yes- well, no, actually. Not really. But it will be! Would you do me the kindest of favors and fetch Queenie for me? I could really use her expertise, I think.” His chest felt tight, almost as if he were choking on his own smog. It would be alright. 

Mei Li didn’t even grace him with a direct answer before she was already out the door and he was incredibly grateful for that, though he was less grateful when he heard the sound of yet another guest walking into the shop not moments after. He exhales slowly through his nose and steps out of the backroom with a smile on his face, hoping that he doesn’t make another mistake to add to his already too long list of ones made today. 

 It feels like an eternity before Mei Li returns to the shop with Queenie in tow, the smaller woman jumping up to turn off the shop’s open sign as soon as she stepped into the doorway. Before Taishen could even think to protest she was already using her sugary sweet charms to usher the few guests sitting inside into leaving since the shop owner had “a family emergency to tend to!”, and it honestly amazes him to see just how good Queenie is with people considering not a single one of them put up any fuss about leaving. 

“Alright now that that’s taken care of, Mei Li, I've called your uncle Barnabos to come and get ya for the afternoon so I can focus on helping Taishie get to feelin’ better. That sound alright?” 

Queenie’s smile practically lights up the room and Taishen feels awful that he can’t even muster up a hello or a thank you through the fog in his mind. In fact, he doesn’t even realize that Queenie is already ushering him up the stairs to his apartment until his foot hits the third step, his tail thumping anxiously against the hallway wall. 

“W-wait, Queenie, I need to clean up the shop first! I can’t just leave-” 

“Hush up now, I got that taken care of! Barnabos will be here in two shakes of a rabbits tail and he’s gonna help Mei Li clean up the shop before takin’ her out with him and Skrimm for the day. So don’t you worry your pretty little head about it.” 

The dragonborn is ushered into his apartment and made to take a seat on his couch while Queenie disappears into his kitchen. He can’t help the feeling of guilt that overcomes him, knowing that he probably pulled her away from something important for such an unimportant reason. Just because he was having a bad day. Surely Queenie must be annoyed with him, she could be doing something much more worthwhile. His gaze locks onto his own claws, watching his fingers clench and unclench in an unsteady rhythm as the anxiety buzzes beneath his skin. 

The sound of a cup being set down on the table in front of him breaks him from his dissociation and he brings his gaze up to Queenie’s smiling face just as she cups his snout in her soft hands. 

“You wanna tell me what’s goin’ on today, hon? Or is it just one’a them days?” 

Taishen sniffles just for a moment as he nuzzles into her palm, bringing his hands up to cradle her own. “It’s just… it has been a terrible day, Queenie. I’m not sure what has gotten into me.” 

“Ain’t nothin’ gotten into you, baby, we all have a bad day every now and then. Now you sit tight and sip on your tea, I'll be right back.” 

Queenie nuzzles their noses together before she disappears into one of the adjacent rooms. Taishen doesn’t bother asking what she may be doing but he does at least make an attempt to pick up the tea cup, cursing under his breath at the continuous trembling of his hands. The aroma hits his senses and he can tell that Queenie had picked out one of his favorite blends, the thoughtfulness making him smile just a little as the rabbitfolk comes back into the room with a hairbrush in hand. 

“I hope I made it right, I know you’ve shown me a few times but I’d hate to mess up your favorite tea.” 

She takes a seat next to the dragonborn and gestures for him to turn to the side, which he does so without a fuss and she gets to work taking down his bun. As she starts to run the brush through his hair he lets his eyes close for just a moment but he can’t help the sad sigh that escapes him. 

“I’m sorry for asking you to come all the way out here, Queenie. I’m sure you have so many other things you could be doing… I do not mean to be such a burden.” 

“Oh Taishie, you know it could be middle’a the night and I would come runnin’ if you called me. You’ve never been a burden, an’ you never could be.” 

The dragonborn starts to protest but Queenie quickly shushes him as she starts to braid his hair, and admittedly the feeling of her fingers in his hair and the warm tea is incredibly soothing to his nerves already. It was very sweet that both Queenie and Jornir had been the first ones that picked up on the fact that running their fingers through or braiding Taishen’s hair was one of the quickest ways to soothe or subdue him after a particularly long day, and in this moment he really couldn’t be more grateful for it. 

“Your hair has gotten so long, Taishie, it’s almost as long as Jornir’s! It’s stunnin’ really, but I think you’re just effortlessly beautiful in every way.”

“Oh- well. I don’t know about that, Queenie. I do believe you may be biased in that regard.”

“I don’t think so, why- I could name at least three other folks who happen to share the same opinion, so that must mean I’m right. And don’t you even think about arguin’ with me.” 

Queenie laughs softly and ties off the neat braid once it’s finished so she could move and readjust their positions in order to sit in the dragonborns lap, knowing that the closeness would ease his worries more. She brushes her fingers along his jaw and traces his scales with her delicate claws, giving Taihsen the briefest of moments to take in just how pretty she is. He sets the teacup down on the table so he could be free to embrace her in their new position, breathing in the familiar and comforting scent of honey and earth as she traces the scutes along the base of his neck. 

“I don’t wanna hear ya ever say you’re a burden on me or anyone else, ya got that? But if you ever have doubts you call me right up and I’ll come and remind you over an’ over again just how lucky we all are to have you. There ain’t no one out there like you Taishie.” 

Taishen tightens his hold on her and nods in agreement, not wanting to give away how his voice wanted to tremble at the reassurance but he knows that Queenie understands whether he speaks it aloud or not. The rabbitfolk is more than happy to allow him to hold her there for as long as he needs, tracing absent patterns against his scales as she talks to fill the silence, alternating between telling him about what she plans to plant in the upcoming season and sweet reminders of plans soon to come. 

He’s unsure of how much time passes but at some point he no longer hears the thrumming of his heart in his ears and his nerves don’t feel like they’re trying to claw their way out of his scales, the relief of calm flooding over him. He can finally relax and enjoy the calm silence that had eventually settled between the two of them and it truly occurs to him just how lucky he is to have such supportive partners that are willing to come and sit with him when he needs it the most. A soft, though embarrassed chuckle escapes him as he releases Queenie from his hold, his tail uncurling from around them both. 

“I think this may have been a sign that perhaps I should take a day or two off. Thank you again, for putting off whatever you had to do today just to comfort me, Queenie.” 

“Awh, ain’t no need to thank me, Taishie, really. But I won’t argue with ya there, you’ve been workin’ awful hard lately! You and Mei Li deserve a couple of days off. It’s no wonder the stress boiled right on over like it did.” 

She leans up and presses a gentle kiss to the bridge of his snout and Taishen can’t help but smile . 

“Then that’s what I’ll do. I’ll close the shop for a couple of days and with that free time maybe we can get everyone together, I think I’d like that a lot. I know Mei Li would as well.” 

“Then consider it done, sugar. Anythin’ to make you happy.”

Chapter Text

If there was anyone in the world that embodied the phrase “actions speak louder than words” Taishen would be positive that it would be Jornir. It was clear from the beginning that Jornir was a man of few words, but there was never a doubt in the world that he cared so deeply about those close to him. Although, admittedly it took far too long for Taishen to catch on to all of the little things the firbolg would do for him before they had become official more or less, and he’d be even less inclined to admit that it was actually Barnabos and Queenie that pointed it out to him in the first place. 

It was never grand gestures that would be obvious to anyone at all, no, it was the smallest of things in their day to day that showed his thoughtfulness. Little notes left on his bedside table next to a light breakfast, stopping by Sereni-Tea in his downtime to bring by lunch when Taishen was too busy to get anything for himself, and even taking the time to tidy up the apartment so the dragonborn had one less thing to worry about at the end of his day. 

Taishen knew this day would be no different, considering Jornir had stayed the night, but for once he had managed to rouse himself from his slumber before the firbolg had a chance to sneak away to make breakfast like he normally would while he let Taishen sleep in. The two always seem to wake up in a tangle of limbs, with Taishen’s tail curling around the larger man’s thigh to keep him in place, if only for a few moments longer. Jornir seemed to always be cold and it was a pleasant juxtaposition to the heat that Taishen radiated always. 

He finds himself shimmying up the other’s body so he could rest his head on Jornir’s chest and tuck himself up under his arm. There was at least a little time yet before they truly needed to be up and about and it seemed as though Jornir was in no rush either, brushing his knuckles along the bridge of Taishen’s snout as it rested on the larger man’s chest. 

“Good morning, Taishen. Did you sleep well?” 

Jornir’s voice was thick with sleep and he was oh so pretty in the early morning light filtering through the window. Taishen couldn’t help but stare, despite how the other would typically shy away from the avid attention 

“I did! I am feeling quite rested, and I hope that you do as well.” 

A low rumble vibrated through his chest as Jornir cards his fingers through his hair, undoing the knots that had settled in the strands and Taishen was struggling to not close his eyes again under the petting. He nuzzles into the crook of Jornir’s neck, practically becoming lost in the messy red strands as the other man hums out a soft laugh at the dragonborn’s attempts to keep him in that spot.

“I cannot get up and make you and the little one breakfast like this, Taishen.” 

“Ugh.. I suppose you’re right.” 

Taishen pouts and exhales white smoke through his nostrils, reluctantly rolling off of the firbolg and out of the bed so they were free to stand, though the dragonborn pressed his head into Jornir’s chest for another brief moment as he yawned once more. 

“I believe Barnabos left some food that you could use for breakfast if you wanted, but I have not had a day to go to the market just yet unfortunately..” 

Jornir leans down to press a kiss to the top of his head as he ushers Taishen off towards the bathroom, doing his best to not make any excessive noise lest they wake Mei Li sooner than necessary. He’s almost certain it must be quite a sight to see how easily Jornir was able to guide his steps in whatever way in order to circumvent Taishen’s easily distracted demeanor. 

“I will go to the market for you when you go to open the shop today, then. So you do not have to worry about it, my light. I do not have anything to do this morning that immediately requires my services.” 

There’s not even an opportunity for Taishen to argue as Jornir closes the door after leaving him in the bathroom to wash up and get himself ready for the day, and honestly it makes his heart flutter. There were plenty of other things that Jornir could be doing with his free time but he chose to go out of his way to run errands for Taishen so he didn’t have to worry about it. How lucky he was to be so blessed by this kindness. 

He took his time washing up and getting dressed for the day, knowing he had plenty of time before he would need to wake up his niece and get her ready for the day as well. He attaches the rings that Skrimm gifted him to his horns along with the matching whisker beads, humming a soft tune under his breath as he brushes out his hair and ties it up into its usual neat bun. The extra quiet mornings were just another small benefit of when Jornir would stay the night with him, the druid being an even earlier riser than both of the dragonborns; it gave Taishen the motivation to start his day earlier and it gave the men just a little extra time to themselves which was a sought after commodity these days. 

Now being dressed for the day it was about time to wake Mei Li, so Taishen goes into his niece’s room and gently rouses her from sleep. For as much of a rascal she tends to be, she’s never given Taishen any trouble when it comes to getting up and ready for the day, so he ushers her off to the bathroom to clean up with a promise that he would do her hair for her once she came out for breakfast. Once that’s done, he shuffles out to the kitchen to check on Jornir and breakfast, already thinking about which blend of tea he would make for the three of them this morning to accompany it.

He’s thrilled to see Jornir laying plates out on the table already, laden with a simple breakfast that utilized most of the leftovers from the last time Barnabos had paid a visit. It was no feast like the triton would prepare, but it was perfect enough to get them through the day. 

Taishen’s tail sways happily behind him as he brings down his tea pot and sets out cups for each of them just as Mei Li joins them, still obviously tired but alert enough to mumble a greeting to the firbolg as she sits beside him at the table. The smell of blackberry and sage fills the small room as he pours each cup before taking a seat on Jornir’s other side to enjoy a pleasantly quiet morning meal. The meal passes with light conversation about what the day has to come, as well as what items Jornir should pick up from the market when he goes, Taishen insisting that he only grab the few necessities to get them by until he has time to go himself. 

Mei Li helps to clean up breakfast, always on her best behavior for anyone other than Taishen (and Skrimm), before she takes a seat so that Taishen can fix her hair for the day as promised. He gets to work braiding her hair back and affixing a few accessories amongst the strands while the firbolg takes the opportunity to finally go and get himself fully ready for the day. 

“Alright, Mei Li, go downstairs and start getting everything ready and I will be down shortly.” 

“Okay Uncle! Thank you for breakfast Uncle Jornir!” 

The young dragonborn is out the door and scurrying down the stairs with more energy than Taishen could ever imagine himself having, a soft chuckle coming from Jornir as he watches her go.

“It is good that she is always so eager to help.” 

“Oh believe me, by the time you come back from the market she will be begging me to be anywhere else.” 

He says it with a light laugh because he knows that inevitably it would take very minor begging before Taishen would relent and let his niece go off to see her friends, not wanting to make the tea shop a priority while she was so young. It was important to him that she enjoy her childhood rather than spend most of her time working as he did.

He’s rather quickly derailed from those thoughts as Jornir’s hand is laid upon his head, his thumb rubbing an affectionate circle into the base of one of his horns. 

“Still your runaway thoughts, Taishen. Come on, do not keep her waiting. And I will see you in a while.” 

With the petting he’s once again easily ushered out of the door and down into the teashop, bidding farewell to Jornir as the firbolg heads out so Taishen can actually focus on starting his work day. 

Taishen’s morning passes quite uneventfully, and just as he had imagined, he sent Mei Li off to enjoy her day before mid afternoon. The shop is quiet when Jornir makes his way inside, carrying far too many bags for what he had agreed to get from the market for the dragonborn. The smile upon the firbolg’s face just proves to Taishen that he had planned this from the start and he’s gone up into the apartment before the dragonborn can get a word in. 

“I told him not to spend so much.. but I should have known better.” Taishen mutters to himself with a shake of his head, there wasn’t any point in chastising the man now that it was said and done. 

Nearly twenty minutes later and Jornir has returned from the apartment, the dragonborn greeting him with a content flick of his tail. 

“You did not have to get so much, Jornir, really it’s too kind.” 

“Nonsense, I am more than happy to make sure you have everything that you and Mei Li need. And I may have had an accomplice as well, but I promised I would not say anything.” 

Jornir leans down to press a lingering kiss to his forehead and the dragonborn rumbles happily in response. 

“Well thank you. Really. Now get going so I don’t take up any more of your time, I’ll see you tomorrow, right?” 

“Of course, my light, I will see you tomorrow. Do not work too hard.” 

The pair part ways once more and just as the morning did, the remainder of the day passes in easy quiet, which Taishen couldn’t be more thankful for. Cleanup is simple and he takes his time, his niece returning home just as he finishes so he sends her off to wash up for dinner. He hears mischievous giggling as he trails behind the young dragonborn and before he can inquire what it could possibly be about, he steps into the apartment and spots the cause. 

A large bouquet of fresh wildflowers sits upon the table in the main room with a small card situated in front of them, and his heart sings. How Jornir hid this from him as he passed through the shop, he has no idea, but that would be a question for another day. 

Taishen picks up the card to read it and he couldn’t stop smiling even if he wanted to, as it seemed as though the firbolg certainly had more than one accomplice during his market run today. 

“ Flowers to brighten your day just as you brighten mine. Though their beauty does not compare to yours. My light and my sun.” 

                                     -Jornir

Chapter Text

Taishen woke up with a sense of giddiness settled in his core, he’d been looking forward to this day for what seemed like forever and now that it was finally here he didn’t know what to do with all of his extra pent up energy. It was earlier than he would normally be up but it gave him time to get ready and make a decent breakfast for Mei Li before it was time to get her up for the day as well, so he took his time. While he knew that his day would be spent inside he still made sure to adorn his jewelry and fix his hair, though he did choose a more comfortable set of robes to wear at the very least. As Taishen finishes up, he shuffles into the kitchen and starts working up a simple breakfast along with Mei Li’s favorite tea, he certainly was no chef like Barnabos was but he managed to learn a few things here and there after his niece came into his care so that she would be well taken care of. 

Things had gotten easier since everyone else had become a staple part of not only his, but Mei Li’s life as well, and Taishen really never did express his gratitude towards his partners enough for how readily and easily they came to care for his niece. But he needn’t dwell on that now, he had plenty of time today to express his adoration later, so for now he leaves the porridge he was making simmering over the heat and makes his way to go and wake Mei Li. His niece was easy enough to rouse from sleep, sending her off to go and wash up while he worked on packing her a bag for the weekend so it would be ready for her when it was time to leave with their family friend. Almost as soon as he was done Mei Li came shuffling out, still rubbing her eyes and yawning, and Taishen couldn’t help but coo over her as he guided her to the kitchen to sit down. He makes quick work of making her a bowl of porridge and then pouring her tea, pressing a kiss to the top of her head and drawing a sleepy giggle out of the young dragonborn. 

“Do you want me to braid your hair for you, my little firecracker?” 

“Mhm! But.. Do I really have to stay with Auntie this weekend? I really wanted to see everyone..” 

Taishen tuts gently and starts carding his claws through her hair to work out the knots, he can’t see it but he can hear the pout in her voice as she eats. 

“I know you do, Mei Li, but we talked about this, remember? It’s just for a weekend so we can all spend some time together, and then when you get back from Auntie’s house, you’ll be spoiled absolutely rotten by the lot of them. You have my word.” 

The younger dragonborn is silent for a few moments before she lets out the most dramatic of sighs, kicking her feet in her chair. 

“I guess that will be okay, then. But! Only if Auntie Queenie makes me a super pretty flower crown to wear.” 

Taishen laughs lightly and starts braiding the strands of her hair, tying it off with a ribbon and then wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug.  

“I can’t imagine Queenie would ever dream of saying no to such a request. Now finish your meal, I’m sure your Auntie will be here soon to get you.” 

Mei Li finishes her meal without any more fuss, seemingly pleased with the deal they had made, and she even cleans up the dishes from breakfast afterwards as well. As Taishen puts away their plates there is a knock on the door and his niece dashes off to go and answer with him trailing not far behind, their family friend standing in the doorway with a polite wave. Taishen shoos Mei Li to go and get her bag, giving a rather detailed run down of the young dragonborn’s routine until she returns with her bag in tow. He bids her farewell with a kiss to her forehead and a genuine thanks to his friend for taking her on for the weekend, and waves them away, and now he had a little extra time to himself before his partners were due to arrive. 

—------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jornir was the first among the group to arrive, a gentle knock signaling his entrance into the home and Taishen was quick to greet him. His tail winds its way around Jornir’s waist as he’s pulled into a hug and a kiss is placed between his horns. 

“Good evening, Taishen. I trust your day has been well?” Jornir’s voice is gentle as he embraces the dragonborn for a moment longer. 

“It has! I spent the majority of it cleaning just to keep myself busy while I waited for everyone.” 

He ushers the firbolg to sit down before he shuffles off to go and pour a cup of tea for them both, handing over the drink and taking a seat beside him. Jornir utters a thanks as Taishen settles in close to his side, finding himself resting a palm over the dragonborn’s tail in order to calm its steady thumping against his thigh as they enjoy the brief comfortable silence between them.  

The calm that settles doesn’t remain for very long as soon enough there is another knock at the door before it opens to Barnabos, Queenie, and Skrimm piling in all together with a chorus of greetings. Taishen is quick to get up to greet them properly, smoke pouring from his nostrils as he’s hugged from both sides by Queenie and Skrimm and Barnabos presses a kiss to his snout. 

“I see Mr. Jornir has beat us all here as per usual, I hope we didn’t keep you waitin’ too long, lad.”  Taishen shakes his head and laughs softly. “No of course not, I have just been impatient all day. I’m happy to have you all here.” 

“It’s not often you get real time away from the shop, baby, so we came prepared!” Skrimm pipes up from the kitchen where he’d wandered only moments ago and it’s only now that Taishen realizes that the trio had come with bags in hand and were taking them into the kitchen to unpack them.                        

Taishen wanders into the kitchen and the rest follow suit, Barnabos taking over Skrimm’s self appointed duty of unpacking the meal ingredients despite the protests from the goblin. Jornir and Queenie take a seat at the table while Taishen pours fresh tea for each of them and takes a seat as well so they could stay out of Barnabos and Skrimm’s way as they settle into their familiar routine within Taishen’s kitchen. That routine being Barnabos preparing and cooking the entire meal while Skrimm interjected his opinions and demanded to be the taste tester throughout the process, a job that he was never denied by the triton. 

They settle into the comfortable routine of Barnabos cooking with Skrimm under his feet, Queenie and Jornir discussing their plans for the upcoming season, and Taishen bouncing in between each of them, interjecting into the conversations when needed as well as occasionally stealing Skrimm’s taste testing job; his tail swaying happily behind him the whole time. More so than usual, Taishen’s home is filled with warmth and joy and he never once imagined he could be so lucky. Soon enough their dinner is served and the five of them dig in eagerly, praising the triton’s cooking even though he’s heard it all before time and time again but they all make sure their thanks are heard loud and clear. 

As the meal winds down, Skrimm and Queenie shoo the other three men out of the kitchen on the insistence that they will clean up the mess themselves, insisting to Barnabos and Jornir that they ensure Taishen actually sits down and relaxes. And they don’t need to be told twice. Taishen protests as he’s sat down onto the couch but they don’t persist for long, as soon as the other two sit on either side of him and he’s squashed between them the protests dissolve into pleased rumbles that vibrate through his core. The dragonborn’s tail curls around Barnabos as the triton and firbolg’s arms envelop his form. 

Mere moments pass before Queenie and Skrimm come to join them, the two smallest of the group settling themselves on either side of Taishen’s lap; Skrimm settled between himself and Barnabos and Queenie settled between himself and Jornir. 

The rest of the evening is spent in this very position, comfortably entangled with one another as the conversation flows among them. They separate only briefly when Skrimm brings up playing a few rounds of Liar’s Dice, in his endeavor to help Jornir and Taishen get better at the dice game (it has not worked yet), but inevitably they end up curled up altogether once again as the evening presses on into late night. 

They fall into a restful sleep entangled on that very couch together, and Taishen realizes that he has not slept quite that well in weeks, and he couldn’t be more grateful to be able to wake up enveloped in such love. 

Some day they would be able to experience the joy of having a home large enough for all of them, but that was quite a ways into the future. But Taishen knew that it would be achievable as long as he continued to work hard, adding to his meager savings day after day, just so they could enjoy their time together without truly needing to be apart for longer than necessary. He is lucky enough to know love unlike any other, and some day he would be able to repay his gratitude by providing for everyone near and dear to his heart.