prompts / continuations.

[fennu]

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[lanclan]

[ 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. ]

Enter.

[fennu]

[ 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.

He smiles. ]

Good evening.

[lanclan]

A-Cheng!

[ 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.

[fennu]

[ 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. ]

How was your evening?

[lanclan]

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.

[fennu]

It wasn't intolerable.

[ 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.

[lanclan]

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. ]

[fennu]

I am sure it might have some benefit, even if the company might not be the most appealing.

[ Jiang Cheng lifts his head, offering a soft smile. ]

I'll cool me off, if nothing else.

[lanclan]

Personally, I prefer you warm.

[ As he sets a drink before Jiang Cheng, he also drops a kiss on his cheek. So daring. ]

[fennu]

That is precisely the problem.

[ His cheeks are a little heated, and he laughs softly. ]

You bring out the worst in me.

[lanclan]

I will take responsibility for that.

[ 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. ]

[fennu]

As you ought to.

[ 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.

[lanclan]

[ 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. ]

[fennu]

[ Jiang Cheng nods his head, content with a touch of direction. ]

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.

[lanclan]

Of course, it would be my pleasure.

[ 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. ]

[fennu]

[ Jiang Cheng does almost choke on his drink then. ]

A-Huan!

[ He puts his cup down, touching his face gently, to try and hide the sudden embarrassment and the urge to choke on his drink. ]

You grow quite daring.

[lanclan]

[ He remains stately as a deer, only the flicker of his lashes betraying his flirtatiousness. Yesterday he was half a wreck, tonight Xichen feels more like a whole person and less like the shards of one glued together. ]

You are not declining.

[ One more sip of his second drink and he thinks ... yes, he might have to leave his alcohol there for the night, perhaps. A pleasant heat is simmering through him already. ]

[fennu]

[ Xichen is endearing, more than he can possibly say, and Jiang Cheng takes another drink before he puts his cup down and reaches out to touch Xichen's hand gently. ]

A-Huan. I would enjoy spending the evening with you, and learning all sorts of new things.

[ At least he can be honest about that. ]

[lanclan]

[ He brings that hand to his lips for a lingering kiss, humming against it as he closes his eyes. His voice is lower than intended, a promise as a purr. ]

I intend to be very good to you, a-Cheng.

[fennu]

[ The fingers touch Xichen's cheek gently, stroking over his cheekbone, trying not to be so embarrassed. ]

I have total faith in your abilities.

[lanclan]

... Mm. Eat up, [ it sounds so innocent, until, ] you will need your strength.

[ He will never stop teasing, nipping a finger of that hand before giving it back and calmly helping himself to his own dishes. ]

[fennu]

You -

[ Jiang Cheng glares, just a little, before he turns back to his meal. ]

Imagine if the world knew the kind of tease you are.

[lanclan]

Only Yunmeng Jiang is interested in the Twin Jades of Gusu, so our secrets are safe for now.

[ He plays a little with the corner of Jiang Cheng's sleeve, rubbing it between his fingers just because he can, and that alcohol is a nice buzz on the peripheries of his senses. ]

[fennu]

[ That can't possibly be true, but Jiang Cheng does not comment, accepting it for what it is. He turns his hand, letting his fingers slip into Xichen's gently. ]

Well, consider me seriously interested.

[lanclan]

[ He plays with those fingers for a moment, then yanks on a wrist to get Jiang Cheng closer and catches him in his other arm, blue fabric swirling around him like a cloud. Near enough to steal a peck on the lips, Xichen's eyes are teasing while his smile is soft. ]

You would not be invited into my bed for a second time if I didn't think you were, sweet a-Cheng.