prompts / continuations.

[fennu]

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[lanclan]

[ His expression lifts, brightening to hear Wanyin will be staying (and his love for the beauty of Xichen's home). ]

You must go and do as you wish while with us, now with the freedom of not being a student beholden to upkeeping our rules.

[ His eyes twinkle with a hint of a tease, remembering well the days when Wangji's peers were students. ]

[fennu]

To be honest, Lan-zongzhu, I only mostly listened to the rules as a student.

[ He did spend a lot of time with his brother, trying not to cause problems and still breaking a handful of rules at the same time. His smile, this time, is a little fond. ]

I think I would rather spend my time reading, the same as you.

[lanclan]

I remember.

[ It's said lightly, lashes lowered. His smile remains as he eats, pleased to have an excuse to be around the other man following this evening. ]

What do you like to read?

[fennu]

I'd hoped the reports hadn't made it to you.

[ Jiang Cheng would much rather that Lan Xichen have a better impression of him than that, and he shakes his head, as if that'll get rid of the silly memories.

He wants to be seen as someone good, and strong, and worthy of respect. ]

Most things. I've taken an interest in history, since I needed to rebuild Yunmeng.

[lanclan]

They were of their time.

[ Of a teenager, which he himself was only lately not one back in those days. He shakes his head to reassure him the reports were never anything with gravitas (frankly, the sheer magnitude of Wei Wuxian's outshone anyone else's reports for a good few years). ]

We should have something in the archives on Yunmeng in general, at the very least, architecture and history are two of our main sections. We can visit in the morning, at whichever hour you arise.

[ Lan Clan hours are 5am, after all. Some things never change but Jiang Cheng's need to wake at the crack of dawn has, with his status, done just that. It's nice to offer him the indulgence of Cloud Recesses as a getaway. ]

[fennu]

I would appreciate that. I've tried to rebuild as much as possible from memories, but more knowledge would be nothing but a boon.

[ He doesn't intend to be awake as early as the Lan are, but he wakes up early enough. There are never enough hours in the day to do all the work that he needs to do, even if he tries to delegate Sometimes.

Rarely. ]

I won't wake up as late as a troublesome student, I promise you.

[lanclan]

I would not mind if you did. That you are visiting at all is ...

[ The fond look he wears deepens, warming him as effectively as his refilled tea as he considers Jiang Cheng before him with a thoughtful gaze. ]

It is refreshing.

[fennu]

I would have come sooner, if I had thought you wanted my company.

[ Because, really. Jiang Cheng doesn't expect anyone to want to spend more time with him than they need to these days. Maybe his temper has calmed a little, but he still wouldn't be described as pleasant. The matchmaker had proven that. ]

Hopefully you will continue to find the company good.

[lanclan]

Your company could not be anything but. I hope mine is sufficient.

[ He will make sure every need and whim of Jiang Cheng's is met but he is not (on a daily basis) as upbeat anymore. It feels like he had a lung carved out somewhere along the way and lost his thrill of being social for too long before becoming breathless with a need for solitude.

Xichen really should be more of an active member in their world. It's tiring to think of how much effort that would require, paranoia eats at him at night, yet he feels none of that apprehension around Jiang Cheng who is (sometimes roaringly) honest. He doesn't care if that temper goes against decorum, as long as it is rooted in genuine emotions.

Quieter, he adds, ] Thank you for coming.

[fennu]

I believe this is the kind of company that I need more, these days.

[ Quiet, rational, kind. Jiang Cheng has spent too many years around manipulation, danger, trouble, frustration - all things that have robbed him of joy and calm that might have made him a different man. This soft comfort is exactly what he needs now, growing older and settling into his place as leader.

Xichen taking to seclusion doesn't surprise Jiang Cheng, nor does it offend him. He can't be blamed, given all that happened, and he shakes his head, scoffing a little. ]

I should be thanking you. You've been incredibly kind.

[lanclan]

I have? [ It's not fishing for compliments, he looks genuinely surprised while topping up Jiang Cheng's tea. ] If anything I am being selfish and fully intend to covet your attention while you are here.

[ Such a terrible person. ]

[fennu]

I cannot see a reason why that would be a problem.

[ He waves a hand - as if it is selfish, given the fact... ]

Few others here would want the company.

[lanclan]

Why do you say that? You are well-respected.

[ Having a temper is no reason for anyone to shy away from Jiang Cheng, who is like a bear to Wei Wuxian's fox. Louder and scarier, perhaps, but still very brave and kind at heart from what Xichen has experienced. ]

[fennu]

Respect and fondness are very different things.

[ Xichen sees a much kinder side of him, Jiang Cheng can admit that, and it's rare that he has occasion to be soft outside of Yunmeng. ]

[lanclan]

[ His eyes crinkle with a gentle tease. ]

Do I seem very fond of you?

[fennu]

I wouldn't dare to say, Lan-zongzhu.

[ It feels a little embarrassing to even consider it, truthfully. ]

[lanclan]

[ He lets his gaze rest on Jiang Cheng a moment too long, his smile quirking at last. ]

I am fond of Jiang-zongzhu for his own merits, yes. Not entirely out of respect for his position.

[fennu]

[ He feels a touch embarrassed by the notion that he might be flushed, and he shakes his head, taking another drink to calm himself. ]

I'm glad to hear it, Lan-zongzhu. It means a great deal, from someone like you.

[lanclan]

[ All that tea is going to make Jiang Cheng healthier than an immortal by the time he leaves, making Xichen chuckle at the compliment. ]

Now you are being kind to me.

[fennu]

[ It's better than giving away his own nervous embarrassment, and he shakes his head. ]

The Jiang do not flatter, nor be overly kind.

[lanclan]

I am grateful for that.

[ Flattered thought he is, regardless. A silent moment lulls where, out of practice hosting others, he inwardly flails for an appropriate subject. There is nothing as interesting as the fluster worn by Jiang Cheng, however, or causing it. ]

I like very much your penchant toward honesty and admire how it comes to you so naturally. [ Xichen tips his head forward, lowering his gaze to give Jiang Cheng a break from it. ] I can do without kindness, but not truth.

[fennu]

[ This is likely one of the first times someone has told him that his brutal honesty is a good thing, and he shakes his head, trying not to frown too severely. ]

You would be the first, but I am glad you welcome it all the same.

[ It's likely better than lies and dancing around the truth, and well... ]

[lanclan]

I trust you. [ He looks up, solemn around the edges of a soft smile. ] You would not be in Cloud Recesses if I did not.

[ Nie Huaisang has not, on a debatable technically, done anything wrong, but Xichen's skin crawls when around him and he won't permit that man anywhere near his beloved home. Depression may have made Xichen wilt at the edges but he is still fully capable of barring anyone he likes.

He opts to try and lighten the mood. ]

Did you trust the matchmaker?

[fennu]

I appreciate that, and I understand the importance of my welcome.

[ The rest, though, but... Jiang Cheng frowns a little. The idea of trusting anyone strange to him isn't something he is comfortable with, and trusting for something as important as a marriage... Well.

He sighs. ]

I have faith in her ability to do her job, but I do not trust her, no.

[lanclan]

Did you seek her out because you had no faith in your own judgement?

[ It is curious to him why Jiang Cheng would go to such an extreme and not simply have his pick of beautiful, clever women. Yunmeng is large, there are surely some of a manner to match his. ]