prompts / continuations.

[fennu]

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[fennu]

[ Jiang Cheng doesn’t know much about this sort of thing - preferences in friendships, the sudden surge of nervous excitement, not being at all sure what to do with his hands. It feels like he’s crossing a line somehow, and he’s not sure where that’s going to take him.

It’s never been this easy before.

Bowing his head a little, suddenly shy, he speaks. ]

Lan Huan. A-Huan, is that it?

[lanclan]

It suits your mouth when you shape it. Yes.

[ After a moment's pause for thought, he gathers up his robes and slides around the table to sit beside him instead, rearranging the drinks so that they don't have a block of wood and ceramics between them. His knee bumps Jiang Cheng's and he sets about pouring the tea. With his gaze lowered, holding back a sleeve to set a cup before him, he gently asks, ]

Do you want me to call you a-Cheng? It's alright if not.

[ Wanyin is nice, he wouldn't mind. Its entirely, as Jiang Cheng said, about preferences. ]

[fennu]

Fine. Then when we are together I will call you that.

[ It feels like a huge step for someone like Jiang Cheng, who so rarely lets people close anymore, who avoids intimacy and tenderness for fear of it burning him. He has to shake his head to focus, eyes widening as Xichen moves closer, their knees touching and… Suddenly it is far more intimate.

Suddenly he’s not sure how to form words, staring at their legs as if it is a foreign tome. ]

You can use that. You may call me a-Cheng if you’d like it.

[lanclan]

[ His chuckle is warm and pleased, nodding to agree. ]

In private, mm. Jiang-zongzhu sounds so far away from me now, when I say it.

[fennu]

Do you expect to see my in private often, a-Huan?

[ Considering he’s only just got an agreement to visit. ]

[lanclan]

[ Seamlessly, he looks up. ]

That depends on how often you want to hear me saying your name.

[fennu]

[ This is why he’s the most eligible bachelor, isn’t it… ]

As often as you want.

[lanclan]

[ The part of him that has been secluded for so long feels miniscule now, he almost can't remember why he wanted to hide so much when he could feel this fond for someone other than his family again. Although, technically, he supposes they are. ]

How often I want you to want to hear me saying your name?

[ Don't come to Gusu where word-games and puzzles are the height of entertainment. ]

The tea is making you coy, a-Cheng.

[fennu]

[ Jiang Cheng has spent so long keeping himself separate from people that being any kind of close is a new realm of intimacy. He feels himself open his mouth to speak and then close it swiftly, suddenly unsure of what to do or say.

He doesn’t think he can misstep, but he worries all the same. ]

The tea makes me honest. I’ll hear it often, you just have to say it. It’s a name, and it sounds good when you say it.

[lanclan]

[ He wonders if he is flirting to make himself feel better, then dismisses the thought. It wouldn't have worked with anyone else, he's sure, and has everything to do with how charmingly transparent Jiang Cheng is. ]

Will you really be content to sit with me tomorrow in the library?

[fennu]

[ He’s not trying - it’s an attempt to be honest, to share something of himself with someone he trusts. The fact that he wants to attempt a flirt (attempt the impossible some might say) is novel to him. ]

Why wouldn’t I be? It will be nice to have quiet.

[lanclan]

Are your days usually so boisterous?

[ It's a Sect Leader team-up holiday tomorrow. ]

[fennu]

I spend a great deal of time with a-Ling and the disciples of my sect. It can be loud.

[ This is blissful in comparison, despite his love for his nephew. ]

[lanclan]

Sizhui and Jingyi like Jin Ling very much, I would like to bring them with me when I visit Lotus Pier. They work very hard and could benefit from reinforcing their friendships with others before they truly leave behind childhood.

[ It will hopefully prevent anything disastrous happening when Xichen and his peers are gone, if good relationships can be truly fostered now. ]

[fennu]

That is more than acceptable. It’ll do a-Ling good to spend some more time with people his own age.

[ It might help guide him to be a little less stern than his uncle is. ]

I’ll make sure all the arrangements are made.

[lanclan]

Thank you.

[ The tolling of the 9pm bell has him glancing away, then back. ]

If you are tired from your journey ...

[fennu]

Not overly. I’m aware of the schedule here, however. I can leave you to your bed.

[lanclan]

I haven't felt so awake in a long time. [ He is, however, conscious of how much tea a body can take. ] Come, let's take a walk in the gardens. It will make us appreciate the awaiting warmth of our beds all the more.

[fennu]

That sounds fine.

[ Slowly, he pushes himself to his feet - he glances at Sandu, hesitating for a moment before he nods his head and motions to the door. ]

Lead the way, please.

[lanclan]

[ Leaving behind their swords — Sandu beside Jiang Cheng's seat, Shuoyue on a stand which she hasn't left in days — Xichen leads them out into the twilight that has fallen over the peaceful quiet of Cloud Recesses. Lanterns have already been lit here and there, sparse but enough to keep the worst shadows away, and the gardens he takes them to have an understated beauty around ponds and little streams. Obediently, all the students are abed (or at least indoors).

Jiang Cheng wears the moonlight well, prompting Xichen to smile back at him as they climb a little bridge. ]

You wanted to talk about things and I have, for my part. It's your turn, I think.

[fennu]

I can’t remember what I wanted to talk about.

[ It’s an honest confession. He’s a little overwhelmed by how he feels, suddenly, feeling flushed and embarrassed and wanting all at once. He almost crosses his arms, hesitating for a moment before he glances up at the sky.

The stars are beautiful here. There’s no denying it. ]

I am happy right now, a-Huan.

[lanclan]

[ A wash of contentment runs through him like a newly lit hearth inside his ribs, catching himself admiring the line of a jaw and drape of long hair on a shoulder as a cool breeze stirs. His name is a fishing hook that snags, seemingly invisibly pulling him closer until he stands beside Jiang Cheng without noticing when he moved.

Being taller, when he lifts his hand it curls around Jiang Cheng's elbow easily. ]

How long will you stay with us?

[fennu]

[ The touch surprises him, and Jiang Cheng glances down at the hold on his elbow, not sure what to do with himself. It’s soft, almost too soft, and he slows his pace a little to make it more comfortable, his own hand lifting to rest over Xichen’s. ]

It cannot be long, as I’ll be needed home. But a few days.

[lanclan]

[ It is more human contact than he has had in weeks, let alone months. His fingers slip between Jiang Cheng's, cold as they seek out his heat. ]

I wonder how long we can hide you away for.

[ It's going to be an intense game of Hide and Seek to avoid Wei Wuxian and Wangji if they decide they've had enough of each other. Xichen hums, tipping his chin up to watch the moon. ]

At least until tomorrow night.

[fennu]

Hopefully, long enough.

[ He needs at least a few hours warning before he has to deal with the tornado that is Wei Wuxian, after all.

His fingers, slowly, cautiously, sink around Xichen's. ]

Preparation will be necessary.