[ His connection with Xichen isn't as tangible as it could be, isn't as physical as some people would like, but Mingjue knows him. Nie Mingjue has known Lan Xichen for long enough, but they have also been lovers for long enough that he knows exactly how this man will react to the comfort of his arms.

Lifting his arm, he strokes it absently down Lan Xichen's back, feeling out the shape of his spine, letting himself trace the shape of his body. It's comforting, anchoring him back to the world and away from the sharp, burning red of his anger.

He leans in, letting a kiss press against the side of Xichen's head before he makes himself a little more comfortable. ]

I don't care what the Chief Cultivator says. You and I both know he doesn't care about anything that Meng Yao does beyond making the Jin Clan look good. If we come to the other Sects with this information...

[ He hesitates, breathing out. He loathes when Xichen is right, but he can't just wait. It feels too impossible.

Shaking his head, he leans back and looks at Xichen before he makes a soft little noise. ]

You are too protective. But if you have to.