[ Jiang Cheng shifts, gathering his clothes. He tugs as much of them on as he can before he shifts, moving his body quickly - he ducks behind a screen, tucking himself away, rubbing quickly at his face. He doesn't think he left anything behind.
[ Face-palming at the situation, he drapes his unsullied outer robes over the screen as if drying them from the rain to give Jiang Cheng a little more cover. When he goes to open the door, he comes face-to-face with his brother. ]
Wangji ...
[ What follows is Xichen agreeing to meet for dinner, begging off currently holding any sort of company currently (Wei Wuxian telling him he looks flushed and healthy does nothing to help!) and gratefully accepting the tactful, if confused, retreat Wangji opts for. When the sound of them fades, Xichen feels tension leave his shoulders.
He closes the doors and sighs, glancing over to where his lover is hiding. ]
They've gone. Somehow, word hasn't spread yet of your presence, [ mercifully! ] you can likely get back to your rooms with ease.
[ He’s tense as he hides behind the screen, the sound of his brother and the accusations making him wince a little - even if they’re just teasing, this time they’re the truth. He doesn’t relax until they’re gone and Xichen is coming back over to his side, and he huffs a noise. ]
I’ll take that luck for now.
[ Jiang Cheng shakes his head. ]
I’ll try and slip away now. If you’re having dinner with your brother I can take mine in the guest room.
[ He steps in, raising a hand to cup Jiang Cheng's cheek and brush a thumb along his jaw as he kisses him soundly, trying to convey how much Xichen would love to have him stay and lounge in bed all day. When their lips part, he nips the lower as if to cement the sentiment that Jiang Cheng is very desirable and Xichen's priority. ]
I have some duties to attend, but I want to have you all to myself again tonight. [ There's quiet heat there in his voice, a sincere simmering promise. ] I will be thinking of you all day, a-Cheng.
[ Jiang Cheng leans in, kissing him once, then his cheek, before he steps back and adjusts his clothing, tugging the robes back on and trying to look presentable. It's not too far to his guest room, after all. ]
[ He could tarry there all morning with the taste of Jiang Cheng on his lips, but he forces himself to be responsible ... and to peek out of the Hanshi doors before nodding that the coast is clear. Anyone would think they were two students and not sect leaders, given the covert nature of freeing Jiang Cheng into the wild, back to his rooms, and once he is gone Xichen wastes five minutes laying in bed with his nose pushed into the scent of the other man that remains on the pillow. He's in charge, so he's allowed.
When he turns up in Lanshi to see what the disciples are up to, dressed in more blue than the past few months and looking like himself with a soft smile in tow, he's treated to excited greetings and settles to one side of his surprised uncle. He can focus today, so this is ...
It is how things should be.
What feels wrong, if anything, is lying about Jiang Cheng's presence, especially when the other man has the full run of Cloud Recesses, so Xichen makes an announcement that Jiang-zongzhu is visiting and it would be appreciated if he could be left to his own business, which earns some intrigued murmurs but the class respectfully agrees. It seems everyone is so pleased to see Xichen back to his brand of normal that they are happy to gloss over any oddities as to why; his uncle isn't even offended that Jiang Cheng slipped in under cover of night, gods be praised.
In the early afternoon, while strolling his way through the gardens, he is met with Wei Wuxian and Wangji. What follows is loud, grandiose forgiveness for his secrecy from the former and interest from the latter. Wei Wuxian resolves to run off and root out his brother, while the Twin Jades spend some time together.
Xichen mentally sends Jiang Cheng good luck and an apology. ]
[ Jiang Cheng can hear the storm coming before it arrives, and he assumes immediately that Xichen has done as permitted and allowed Wei Wuxian to know that he has come to visit Gusu Lan. He has to take a moment to prepared himself - he is bathed, of course, and changed into a new set of robes, the other set aside to be cleaned, and he admits his adopted brother with a scowl and frustration.
He would not expect anything else, of course.
It is a far quicker meeting than he'd expected from Wei Wuxian, and he would have not let it drag out for too long either way. They talk, sharing polite words more than anything deep, asking over his travels, what he had been doing, and Jiang Cheng talks around his travels to speak to a matchmaker without too much hesitation. It seems far too dangerous a topic to give over to this particular man.
Eventually, he scowls and says that he is tired from his journey - a touch of a lie - and he manages to encourage the man to go, with the promise to have lunch together the next day. Only then does he have a moment to piece himself back together, looking at the sky to judge the time before he slips away, finding a bruise aching instead of an open wound.
Slowly, he makes his way up to where he hopes that Xichen is waiting, hesitating outside the door before he knocks gently. ]
[ Time passes slowly when expectation feeds it, even with Wangji's calming presence over lunch and interesting tales of how he and Wei Wuxian are doing to distract him. Xichen starts to feel like he may have overdone it, overstimulated by too many people by the time he heads back to the Hanshi for the night, but he still manages to make it back in time to meditate a little.
Instead of awakening Liebing, he sits behind his desk and uses a guqin to play Clarity and soothe his jangling nerves, pausing only when a knock comes at the doors. ]
[ Jiang Cheng is careful as he steps inside, placing Sandu gently down and hovering awkwardly. It's not as if he expected Xichen to come and greet him at the door, but there is a little edge of nervousness about him as he bows gently. As if the morning did not happen, as if somehow he has done something to offend.
[ His smile blooms properly when Jiang Cheng is indeed the visitor he hoped, sitting up to set aside the guqin and rise to meet him. The nervous little bow has his eyes crinkling further, watching him steadily as he gives a teasing bow back, then offers a hand to be taken. ]
[ Jiang Cheng relaxes a little, reaching out to take the hand, stepping forward. He feels a little bit more at ease now, the tension in his shoulders slipping away. ]
Quieter than the afternoon, though both have been pleasant.
[ He leads him to sit down and smoothly (his features remain serene save for a twitch of a happy smile, content with his preparedness that has paid off) produces a basket with their dinner in it, kept hot by the lacquered wood. Xichen starts unloading their meal, searching for the jar of Emperor's Smile he may or may not have had Wangji slip his way when Qiren wasn't around. ]
Please, help yourself! I've been waiting for you. Tell me how your day went.
[ Which is high enough praise from Jiang Cheng, who comes and sits down carefully. Well... It is pleasant enough, to have a nice dinner and good company, and tilting his head he offers a smile. ]
I may have been told in confidence [ by his brother, ] that your brother is very pleased to have you with us. You may expect an invitation to the Cold Pond tomorrow, though whether you wish to visit it ...
[ It's not everyone's idea of a fun spa, it's true. ]
[ Solemnly said, he sits closer than he needs to as they eat. He tries not to smile and stare, too pleased to have Jiang Cheng returned after the very real fear that he would prefer not to come. The insecurity in Xichen reared its head for long enough that Clarity's tune was needed, but now the other man's presence works just as well on his nerves. It's quite unique. ]
Would you care to stay here for the night? With me.
[ If his ears turn pink after asking, no they didn't. He hopes Jiang Cheng won't choke on a mouthful. ]
[ Jiang Cheng gives himself a moment to settle his robes, to make himself comfortable, to try and not get a little overwhelmed by the good company and the promise of more - and then it hits him, and he stares over with wide eyes, hesitating before he breathes out a little laugh. ]
[ Those wide eyes have him chuckling, swallowing as much of it as he can as he glances down shyly. There has, after all, only been one person who he showed interest in before and that individual behaved as if he was always right, no matter what. Xichen second-guesses himself, these days.
He had better think of something else to say, before gazing at Jiang Cheng becomes his new hobby. ]
Ah, would you mind giving a short talk to the disciples tomorrow? Nothing so long as a lecture, more answering their questions. It's rare to have another sect leader with us.
[ It's chilly as fuck in Gusu and no one really wants to spend time here unless it's high summer. ]
[ Wangji may faint after a sip of alcohol but Xichen can tolerate slightly more, finishing his own cup and pouring another. He won't go beyond one or two, but he feels at ease enough to relax with Jiang Cheng. ]
If you wish, I can teach Yunmeng Jiang something new tonight.
[ That single cup was more full of liquid courage than anything as he smoothly flirts without batting an eye. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ 'Xiongzhang?' is called from the doorway, making Xichen fluster around for his nightrobes which sit unused next to the bed. ]
I'm not decent! Please wait a moment.
[ Calling to Wangji on the other side of the screens, he looks around for where to hide Jiang Cheng. Under the blanket? Ah! ]
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[ Jiang Cheng shifts, gathering his clothes. He tugs as much of them on as he can before he shifts, moving his body quickly - he ducks behind a screen, tucking himself away, rubbing quickly at his face. He doesn't think he left anything behind.
How did he become the embarrassing one? ]
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Wangji ...
[ What follows is Xichen agreeing to meet for dinner, begging off currently holding any sort of company currently (Wei Wuxian telling him he looks flushed and healthy does nothing to help!) and gratefully accepting the tactful, if confused, retreat Wangji opts for. When the sound of them fades, Xichen feels tension leave his shoulders.
He closes the doors and sighs, glancing over to where his lover is hiding. ]
They've gone. Somehow, word hasn't spread yet of your presence, [ mercifully! ] you can likely get back to your rooms with ease.
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I’ll take that luck for now.
[ Jiang Cheng shakes his head. ]
I’ll try and slip away now. If you’re having dinner with your brother I can take mine in the guest room.
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[ He scoops forward Jiang Cheng's hands, thumbs brushing over the knuckles as Xichen steps in close. ]
May I see you later?
[ For a kiss like this, maybe? ]
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[ A familiar feeling.
He turns his hands, holding Xichen’s gently. ]
I’ll see you, don’t worry. Just give me notice when they’re gone, or… I suppose you can tell him I’m here after dinner.
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[ He steps in, raising a hand to cup Jiang Cheng's cheek and brush a thumb along his jaw as he kisses him soundly, trying to convey how much Xichen would love to have him stay and lounge in bed all day. When their lips part, he nips the lower as if to cement the sentiment that Jiang Cheng is very desirable and Xichen's priority. ]
I have some duties to attend, but I want to have you all to myself again tonight. [ There's quiet heat there in his voice, a sincere simmering promise. ] I will be thinking of you all day, a-Cheng.
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[ Jiang Cheng leans in, kissing him once, then his cheek, before he steps back and adjusts his clothing, tugging the robes back on and trying to look presentable. It's not too far to his guest room, after all. ]
I look forward to this evening.
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When he turns up in Lanshi to see what the disciples are up to, dressed in more blue than the past few months and looking like himself with a soft smile in tow, he's treated to excited greetings and settles to one side of his surprised uncle. He can focus today, so this is ...
It is how things should be.
What feels wrong, if anything, is lying about Jiang Cheng's presence, especially when the other man has the full run of Cloud Recesses, so Xichen makes an announcement that Jiang-zongzhu is visiting and it would be appreciated if he could be left to his own business, which earns some intrigued murmurs but the class respectfully agrees. It seems everyone is so pleased to see Xichen back to his brand of normal that they are happy to gloss over any oddities as to why; his uncle isn't even offended that Jiang Cheng slipped in under cover of night, gods be praised.
In the early afternoon, while strolling his way through the gardens, he is met with Wei Wuxian and Wangji. What follows is loud, grandiose forgiveness for his secrecy from the former and interest from the latter. Wei Wuxian resolves to run off and root out his brother, while the Twin Jades spend some time together.
Xichen mentally sends Jiang Cheng good luck and an apology. ]
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He would not expect anything else, of course.
It is a far quicker meeting than he'd expected from Wei Wuxian, and he would have not let it drag out for too long either way. They talk, sharing polite words more than anything deep, asking over his travels, what he had been doing, and Jiang Cheng talks around his travels to speak to a matchmaker without too much hesitation. It seems far too dangerous a topic to give over to this particular man.
Eventually, he scowls and says that he is tired from his journey - a touch of a lie - and he manages to encourage the man to go, with the promise to have lunch together the next day. Only then does he have a moment to piece himself back together, looking at the sky to judge the time before he slips away, finding a bruise aching instead of an open wound.
Slowly, he makes his way up to where he hopes that Xichen is waiting, hesitating outside the door before he knocks gently. ]
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Instead of awakening Liebing, he sits behind his desk and uses a guqin to play Clarity and soothe his jangling nerves, pausing only when a knock comes at the doors. ]
Enter.
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He smiles. ]
Good evening.
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[ His smile blooms properly when Jiang Cheng is indeed the visitor he hoped, sitting up to set aside the guqin and rise to meet him. The nervous little bow has his eyes crinkling further, watching him steadily as he gives a teasing bow back, then offers a hand to be taken. ]
Come in, you're always welcome.
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How was your evening?
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[ He leads him to sit down and smoothly (his features remain serene save for a twitch of a happy smile, content with his preparedness that has paid off) produces a basket with their dinner in it, kept hot by the lacquered wood. Xichen starts unloading their meal, searching for the jar of Emperor's Smile he may or may not have had Wangji slip his way when Qiren wasn't around. ]
Please, help yourself! I've been waiting for you. Tell me how your day went.
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[ Which is high enough praise from Jiang Cheng, who comes and sits down carefully. Well... It is pleasant enough, to have a nice dinner and good company, and tilting his head he offers a smile. ]
Wei Wuxian managed his behaviour well.
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[ It's not everyone's idea of a fun spa, it's true. ]
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[ Jiang Cheng lifts his head, offering a soft smile. ]
I'll cool me off, if nothing else.
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[ As he sets a drink before Jiang Cheng, he also drops a kiss on his cheek. So daring. ]
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[ His cheeks are a little heated, and he laughs softly. ]
You bring out the worst in me.
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[ Solemnly said, he sits closer than he needs to as they eat. He tries not to smile and stare, too pleased to have Jiang Cheng returned after the very real fear that he would prefer not to come. The insecurity in Xichen reared its head for long enough that Clarity's tune was needed, but now the other man's presence works just as well on his nerves. It's quite unique. ]
Would you care to stay here for the night? With me.
[ If his ears turn pink after asking, no they didn't. He hopes Jiang Cheng won't choke on a mouthful. ]
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[ Jiang Cheng gives himself a moment to settle his robes, to make himself comfortable, to try and not get a little overwhelmed by the good company and the promise of more - and then it hits him, and he stares over with wide eyes, hesitating before he breathes out a little laugh. ]
I - I would like that.
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He had better think of something else to say, before gazing at Jiang Cheng becomes his new hobby. ]
Ah, would you mind giving a short talk to the disciples tomorrow? Nothing so long as a lecture, more answering their questions. It's rare to have another sect leader with us.
[ It's chilly as fuck in Gusu and no one really wants to spend time here unless it's high summer. ]
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I don't mind. It would do them good to hear another voice, and I will do my best to be completely tolerant with them.
[ Leaning forward, he picks up his cup to have a short drink. ]
I hope one day you can do the same in return.
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[ Wangji may faint after a sip of alcohol but Xichen can tolerate slightly more, finishing his own cup and pouring another. He won't go beyond one or two, but he feels at ease enough to relax with Jiang Cheng. ]
If you wish, I can teach Yunmeng Jiang something new tonight.
[ That single cup was more full of liquid courage than anything as he smoothly flirts without batting an eye. ]
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