"That is very far!" The volume returns, tone insistent until the younger Sect leader moves. Then, he looks pleased with himself.

With Jiang Cheng close, Xichen's smile blooms wider. His instinct is to lean into the man, to feel his warmth pressed into his side. It is improper, maybe, but alcohol has drawn a flush to his cheeks and shifted his cares aside.

"Closer is better, Jiang Cheng," he declares, unaware if his shifted weight is too much to throw them off balance.