[ Xichen's smile is utterly disarming, and for a moment all Jiang Cheng can do is stare at him, overcome by it before he breathes out and glances aside, cheeks red. ]
That is fine. Let me do some work too, at least, or I'll lose my mind with boredom.
[ When he was saying earlier that he Wanyin could very well be the one for him, if he were to allow himself to look, he meant moments like this, when Wanyin's flaming cheeks make his eyes all the brighter, and Xichen can feel his chest tighten. ]
I would not dream of keeping you isolated and bored. It would be very unfair. [ Though not strange to the sect. ] You still have considerable skills, and only an outside view of our rules and their actual practice - finding a good fit for you rather something that will exhaust you, day after day after day, will be better, I think.
For all that we strive for peacefulness, there are some who need to have some fire lit in their hearts, rather than dimmed and moderated. It seems like it might be more interesting for you than constantly trying to bank yours.
[ Jiang Cheng needs to work on his own self-belief, work on his confidence, and he knows that - but at least he's going to have time here to decide what that means. There's going to be a little less burden on him now that he isn't a Sect Leader himself, but...
He wants to ease some of Xichen's burdens, too. ]
I'll train some disciples, too. I can't cultivate, but I know enough sword form to be a good teacher.
[ And Xichen will do his share in the confidence rebuilding. Sharing some of his own burdens...
Possibly, but only trust has been built up between them, when they understand each other better and how they can be each other's strength. As they are right now, he doesn't know which might be crushingly difficult and which offensively easy.
For now, his mouth quirks up in slightly lopsided grin. ]
Giving you things to do, yes, working you to the bone, I'm far less likely to agree to. Not when I would like us to have some time for ourselves - separately or together, whichever the occasion and our wishes make more preferable.
I'll find some kind of schedule. And I will adhere to the Lan hours, to ensure that I am not overworked - as long as you do the same thing. I've seen how you work too.
[ Xichen blinks, slightly, at being called out, but instead of trying to point out that it's his duty, he can again feel his chest contract, his eyes grow soft. ]
That is... fair enough, and a schedule will be a good thing, actually. Let us go through a day or two together and see how we can build one.
[ Xichen smiles, softly, at the agreement, then accepts the tea...
And, instead of trying to tell Wanyin that he need not thank him for what seems to him basic decency, he turns his brightened eyes to his husband. ]
Thank you, as well. For all I have said - I do not wish to be unhappy, nor do I think I can avoid that if my spouse is miserable. So agreeing to let us work together, to make it possible to find a path to happiness, means much to me.
[ Which is a strange confession to make, when he is so accustomed to sadness, to disappointment, to hurt in the midst of everything else. True happiness seems such a foreign concept to Jiang Cheng most days, so to seek joy...
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That is fine. Let me do some work too, at least, or I'll lose my mind with boredom.
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I would not dream of keeping you isolated and bored. It would be very unfair. [ Though not strange to the sect. ] You still have considerable skills, and only an outside view of our rules and their actual practice - finding a good fit for you rather something that will exhaust you, day after day after day, will be better, I think.
For all that we strive for peacefulness, there are some who need to have some fire lit in their hearts, rather than dimmed and moderated. It seems like it might be more interesting for you than constantly trying to bank yours.
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He wants to ease some of Xichen's burdens, too. ]
I'll train some disciples, too. I can't cultivate, but I know enough sword form to be a good teacher.
[ A huff as he drinks his tea. ]
And I am adept at accounting.
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Possibly, but only trust has been built up between them, when they understand each other better and how they can be each other's strength. As they are right now, he doesn't know which might be crushingly difficult and which offensively easy.
For now, his mouth quirks up in slightly lopsided grin. ]
Giving you things to do, yes, working you to the bone, I'm far less likely to agree to. Not when I would like us to have some time for ourselves - separately or together, whichever the occasion and our wishes make more preferable.
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[ Jiang Cheng frowns, pausing to consider. ]
I'll find some kind of schedule. And I will adhere to the Lan hours, to ensure that I am not overworked - as long as you do the same thing. I've seen how you work too.
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That is... fair enough, and a schedule will be a good thing, actually. Let us go through a day or two together and see how we can build one.
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[ And then, remembering himself, he makes sure Xichen's cup is properly filled. ]
... Thank you.
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And, instead of trying to tell Wanyin that he need not thank him for what seems to him basic decency, he turns his brightened eyes to his husband. ]
Thank you, as well. For all I have said - I do not wish to be unhappy, nor do I think I can avoid that if my spouse is miserable. So agreeing to let us work together, to make it possible to find a path to happiness, means much to me.
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[ Which is a strange confession to make, when he is so accustomed to sadness, to disappointment, to hurt in the midst of everything else. True happiness seems such a foreign concept to Jiang Cheng most days, so to seek joy...
It'll be difficult. But he's willing. ]
This is a partnership. So we can do our best.