prompts / continuations.

[fennu]

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[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.

[lanclan]

[ His attention darts to the touch on his hand as it lingers, a smile deepening in the corners of his lips as they walk. ]

You speak as if fortifying battlements.

[fennu]

That is how it can feel sometimes. You've met him.

[ And that's without the layers of odd relationship. ]

[lanclan]

I find it is easier to let him exhaust himself, then compromise.

[ Wei Wuxian is quite the fox among the rabbits, after all. He always means well, which is what counts with Xichen. ]

He will be thrilled to discover you are here, that much I also know, and why I am guarding your peace.

[fennu]

You are more tolerant of him than I am lately.

[ Old scars, salt in the wounds, the kind of poetry that makes Jiang Cheng sting. ]

He can know, only later.

[lanclan]

Once I was not so tolerant, I even scolded him when he seemed to be taking Wangji's feelings as a joke. [ A soft snort meets the night air. ] But he simply knew nothing of them.

Since then, I have known him better.

[fennu]

He likely deserved the scolding.

[ Not quite as repaired in relationships as some might hope. ]

He loves honestly, at least.

[lanclan]

You will too, when you find the right wife.

[ Which seems ... like a hard thing to remind himself of, but he does for Jiang Cheng's sake. ]