prompts / continuations.

[fennu]

Comments

[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. ]

[fennu]

If. Perhaps there isn't a wife for me.

[ His hand squeezes Xichen's absently. ]

[lanclan]

[ His thumb runs over Jiang Cheng's knuckles to keep them warm as a cool breeze blows through the garden, rustling robes and leaves alike. His gaze tracks the path ahead. ]

That would be a shame, you would make a wonderful father.

[fennu]

I did the best that I could with what I had.

[ He did raise a-Ling alongside the riches of the Jin sect, after all. Of course the boy was spoiled, and Jiang Cheng didn't always help with that, but he tried.

The touch to his hand softens him a little, and he sighs. ]

I think I would like it. To have a child of my own.

[lanclan]

You should.

[ He means it, smiling at the imagery of a sassy little version of Jiang Cheng racing around waving a sword and telling people off. Chuckling, Xichen wonders about himself. ]

I would have liked a boy and a girl, so they would always have a friend who could teach them how to be kind to someone different.

[fennu]

It is good to have an older sister.

[ An old grief, but one that aches less with the time between it. Different to his grief around Wei Wuxian, returned to his life so suddenly and sharply. ]

I think two, at least, as well. Three, perhaps.

[lanclan]

[ In an attempt to dispel any sadness, he hums thoughtfully and decides, ]

Five.

[fennu]

I would have thought that was too many when I was younger.

[ If all his kids are like a-Jie though… ]

[lanclan]

You wouldn't want three Wei Wuxians?

[ Three would topple any city. ]

[fennu]

I would never have children if I thought it possible.

[ One is enough. ]

[lanclan]

[ His laughter fills the garden, sliding his arm further through Jiang Cheng's to loop them closer, side-to-side as they pass over a low bridge. ]

Fortunately children come later, after ... practice.

[ It must be the cool night air skimming his hot cheeks, but he isn't ashamed of going there. ]

[fennu]

A-Huan!

[ He’s a little shocked by the response, that familiar flaring of his cheeks happening all over again. ]

I don’t know if that is…

[lanclan]

It is perfectly natural.

[ He is going to try and keep his smile as subtle as he can, though it's rather difficult with Jiang Cheng looking scandalised. ]

[fennu]

I would not know!

[ Surely he should’ve expected that! ]

[lanclan]

[ Pardon the way he brings his sleeve up to mostly hide his laughter, he can't help it. This is lighter than he has felt in a long time, giving the arm in his a squeeze. ]

[fennu]

A-Huan, you are mocking me.

[ If it was someone else he might be just angry, but he’s more shocked and embarrassed. ]

[lanclan]

I'm not, truly! You're very charming when you blush, that's all.

[ So, there. ]

It was a joke made with the intent to see you redden, forgive me. I enjoy the view I've created and I am very proud of myself; please take me down a notch, Jiang-zongzhu.

[fennu]

I do not think I could even if I wanted to.

[ No one has ever said anything to do with him is a view to enjoy, and he leans a little closer. ]

You are particularly adept at it.

[lanclan]

Think of this as me saving up all my energy for you.

[ He leans in too, bowing his head as he revels in the height difference that feels much more pronounced as they walk together. ]

[fennu]

You did not even know I was coming until very recently.

[ They’re very close all of a sudden and Jiang Cheng can’t help but look up at him, caught by his eyes. ]

[lanclan]

You have helped me relax a great deal in a short amount of time.

[ His gaze is soft as he looks down at Jiang Cheng fondly, pausing their walk. It's very chilly by now with the sun fully set and the moon climbing higher, but his arm in Jiang Cheng's is warm, as are his fingers under those that cover them. ]

Allow me to walk you back to your rooms for the night.

[fennu]

[ Disappointment flicks over his face at the night coming to an end, but it’s hardly going to be the last time he sees Xichen, so he swallows it quickly and nods his head.

His hand squeezes the other man’s, gently. ]

Of course. Please lead the way.

[lanclan]

[ It's best to let them both rest after such a flustering conversation, wanting to give Jiang Cheng a chance to rest and think through whether Xichen was too forward, too much of a tease ... anything and everything, really, in case he isn't thinking clearly right now. ]

In the morning, feel free to join me in the library whenever you please. There is no rush.

[ Xichen will be there from 6am onwards post-breakfast, most likely. ]

Ah, here you are. [ The lantern outside the guest rooms prepared has been lit, as have lamps inside as Xichen finally slides his arm free and smiles down at his friend. ] If you need anything in the night, the Hanshi is just up the hill from where we've come.

[ Is he giving permission to Jiang Cheng to bother him? Yes. ]