prompts / continuations.

[fennu]

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[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. ]

[fennu]

[ Jiang Cheng allows himself to be lead, letting his racing heart and flushed cheeks calm in the cool evening air. It doesn’t take too long comparatively, and the room is as neat and tidy as he would expect from being a guest at Gusu Lan. Nodding his head, he reluctantly pulls his hand away. ]

Thank you, a-Huan.

[ He hesitates for only a moment. ]

I won’t disturb you. But I will come by in the morning to collect my sword. It was a pleasure to spend the evening with you.

[lanclan]

[ Ah, the sword. He inclines his head, foolishly having forgotten it. ]

Shuoyue will keep watch.

[ Which it will, but also he will take good care of it. That said, he straightens up and offers a shyer smile that remains as he turns away. ]

... Sleep well, a-Cheng.

[fennu]

I have trust in that.

[ Jiang Cheng’s bow is a little awkward, because he’s trying to keep eye contact, but it’s a proper bow all the same. ]

Good night, a-Huan.

[lanclan]

[ That eye-contact lingers as he bows back, leaving in comfortable silence.

The night passes with an ease he hasn't felt in weeks, not since his last spiral. He sleeps well and rises even before the bell, feeling energized enough to eat the breakfast brought to the Hanshi and dressing in pale blues. The library pavilion is cool but he wears no thick layer, used to it after a lifetime, and by the time Jiang Cheng arrives there are a few sheets of carefully copied text from the crumbling book carefully set aside on Xichen's desk.

A second desk has been set up nearby, with similar utensils for writing. ]

[fennu]

[ The night passes well enough for Jiang Cheng who, despite his embarrassment and the nervous frenzy of his stomach, is tired after his travelling and slips into rest easily enough. He wakes and changes, has the breakfast he is given with a gentle thanks, still holding onto hope that he can avoid his brother, and tracks back to collect his sword - no Xichen.

The library it is.

It doesn't take long to find his way there, familiar at least with these paths, and when he steps inside he offers Xichen a small bow, careful to glance around to see if they are alone. ]

Good morning. I hope you slept well.

[lanclan]

[ A smile lights up his solemn face when he spots the other man, nodding. He swallows any unfounded nervousness. ]

Good morning, yes. And you?

[ The library is indeed empty save for them, peaceful with nothing but the birdsong outside to disturb them. He cocks his head to glance outside, noting the lack of wailing complaints. ]

Still a fugitive, I see.

[fennu]

You make it sound as though you are keeping me prisoner.

[ He goes to sit, placing his sword down carefully, trying to manage his smile and keep it at a measured pace. ]

I slept well, thank you, a-Huan.

[ They are alone, after all. ]

[lanclan]

I hope I am a pleasant jailer.

[ He rests his brush, beckoning him over. ]

Lend me your eyes, a-Cheng, I've been staring at this line for thirty minutes and nothing I try to copy makes sense.

[fennu]

The best I’ve had.

[ Considering he was a Wen prisoner for a short time.

Stepping over, he kneels down beside Xichen with a nod. ]

Where?