When Jiang Wanyin steps away, Xichen takes a deep breath and reaches for his tea.
He does not hear the request for a bath, instead loses himself in the moment and sudden quiet. Heβs tired, he realizes. So tired after having been in the company of another for so long, after speaking so much.
When he opens his eyes, Jiang Wanyin is sitting in front of him. He repeats the other manβs name, slowly as it settles on his tongue. Are they friends? They could be. Xichen finds that he wants them to be more than he should. βLan Huan.β He offers his own and it is strange on his lips. Everyone who has called him that is dead.
The name is foreign, possibly because he had never heard that name before. The man before him had always been Zewu Jun or Lan Xichen. With his eyes closed like that, he wonders if his personality is trying to Xichen. He knows it to be so for many people. Still, he presses on.
"As your friend, Lan Huan, I must inform you that you stink."
There's a twitch at the corner of Jiang Cheng's lips, even though he tries so hard to be serious about it.
"I've asked for a bath to be drawn up for you. I trust you would be able to wash yourself. If you refuse, I will be forced to make sure that you bathe correctly and wash your hair correctly."
The brashness, the boldness of the words are what has a soft laugh bubbling up through Xichenβs chest. He lifts his hand, covers his mouth with the sleeve as it is followed by more soft laughter. It is not the laugh he would have shared before but it has been months since he has dreamed of laughter at all.
βI can manage that myself, Jiang Cheng. I am not completely useless,β though maybe he is, he isnβt quite so sure.
βEven though youβve found me in this state...β He is sorry. It is unbecoming of a Sect leader but he is in seclusion and Jiang Cheng did burst into his home. He is sure, tired as he is, he can manage a bath so that he is more put together for their next meeting.
Having the other man assist him is too intimate, saved for a spouse, a lover. They have only just crossed over to birth names and while he knows his own tastes, he is not of the mind to let himself consider the bold offer as anything but a gruff threat between new friends. This is where the line is firmly drawn in the sand, for the sake of his on pride.
He counts the laughter as a win in his book. The fact that Huan-ge was able to laugh and laugh enough that he needs to cover his mouth for the laugh is a step in the right direction.
This state is not one that is surprising. In his darkest moments, Jiang Cheng refused to come out of his rooms, wallowing, instead, in his own sadness and heartbreak. It had been difficult and the expectations of others had been a lot to bear. He was alone in dealing with that and he didn't want the same fate for Huan-ge. A bath was a start. A meal was a start.
He gives a scoff. "Good."
Cheng crosses his arms and waits for the water to be brought up for the bath, considering his next few steps of his plan. Freshening up the Hanshi, perhaps, while Huan-ge bathed.
"Perhaps I could come by day to day, discuss what has been happening in the world with you. I need someone to talk to and I don't want Wei Wuxian to bother me of his matters."
"I would like that," Xichen nodded, shoulders feeling lighter than they had before the laughter had been drawn from his chest. He is not lying when he says it, though there is a hint of amusement as Jiang Cheng mentions his brother.
It's not his place to meddle, to inquire about Jiang Cheng's relationship with his brother. Still, they are friends and as complicated as things are amongst family, he hopes the he will hear that Jiang Cheng has talked to his brother while staying in the Cloud Recess. "I do not wish to take up all your time, Jiang Cheng, and Master Wei is hard to avoid when determined."
There is a knock on the door then, the voice of disciples on the other side. Xichen pushes himself to his feet, does not force himself to smile beyond the naturally gentle curve of his lips. "I believe that is the bath, which means your duties for the night are complete. I can manage myself and don't wish to keep you."
With the bath already here, he won't let it go to waste. The water will not take long to heat and there is plenty of time before Hai hour, where he can enjoy the bath.
Good. It makes his heart glad to see Huan-ge get up and still have a curve to his lips.
"Then I will return in the morning."
He gets up as well, rolling his sleeves down and picking up his sword, looking every part a sect leader as he walks from the table to the doors. He slides them open and looks at Huan-ge. He doesn't quite want to have him be by himself and yet he understands...these sort of interactions require a build up.
Jiang Cheng hesitates a moment before reaching up to gently squeeze his arm, as gently as he could before making his way past the disciples and away from the Hanshi.
He barely sets foot on the footpath before he loudly starts arguing with Wei Wuxian.
Nearly two weeks later, Xichen finds himself sitting on the veranda in front of the Hanshi. The time since Jiang Cheng's arrival has blurred together, each day leaving him nearly exhausted and somehow more energized than before.
He is not healed, but healing. Not the man he was before, no, but as Jiang Cheng's already extended stay draws to a close, Xichen finds that he feels hopeful. There will be and have been days where he has done little more than hummed a soft response when asked a question, but the mountain before him does not seem to be unscalable.
The fact that he is getting better, how quickly he is getting better, is eating away at his own brother. Xichen can tell, but he does not let his mind drift from the man and afternoon ahead of him.
They are sharing tea today, though wine has also been brought for the Jiang Sect leader. Xichen is suspicious that their brothers are involved, but does not question how it has come within the walls of Cloud Recess. He is not Sect Leader by any means at the moment, though compared to how Jiang Cheng found him, he looks the part. He is dressed in three layers on top of his underrobes, his hair flows down his back and half is tied into a loose ponytail instead of the haphazard braid of the first night. His finery is still locked away, it feels too soon.
"I am sure Lotus Pier is happy at the news you will be returning soon. Though, I also hope your stay here has not been too disruptive and a mountain of paperwork won't be your welcome home," he says, after setting his cup of tea down on the table. What he wants to say is that he will miss the other man, whose company he has grown to greatly enjoy. That he is grateful, though he knows this has been a burden. A selfish part of him, a small voice that Xichen has been trying to silence, wants more time in his company, amongst the deep sound of Jiang Cheng's laughter and the refreshing honesty he brings to each space he enters.
One week had stretched into two weeks. Jiang Cheng found himself sharing so much of himself with Huan-ge. His memories of his boyhood at Lotus Pier, how his clan has been doing with rebuilding their beloved home. It didn't take too long before he started laughing, genuinely laughing and letting his guard down more often than not. He tries not to think on when the last time he had ever been this relaxed around another person was.
Even his spars with Wei Wuxian has been less antagonistic. Wangji, however, he can manage a polite conversation with now. After all they had been through, there were still things that he and Wangji needed to work through.
Taking care of Huan-ge has become something they mutually agreed on.
The jar of Emperor's Smile sits by their table that they had set up on the veranda and Jiang Cheng is happy to see that Huan-ge has come more and more out of his shell, dressing and putting himself together to look more like himself.
"A mountain of paperwork does await for me when I return home, there's very little doubt that there wouldn't be," he snorts. "The stay here has been...peaceful."
The words earn a soft smile, which Xichen does not hide as he lifts his tea cup and takes a sip of tea to keep his hands occupied. The urge to wring them in his lap is unbecoming, though he knows he will find no judgement here.
He hums softly in response, thinking over his words. "Then I am ever more grateful that you came, knowing there would be a mountain at your return."
Without the Grandmaster and Wangji, there would be no doubt that the mountain of paperwork left for Sect Leader Lan would cover the Cloud Recess. He is sure, that without them, Seclusion would not have been possible. That is the double edged sword. "Dealing with a secluded Sect Leader has been peaceful?" he asks, tilting his head slightly. "I am not so sure others would agree, Jiang Cheng."
He finds himself liking that smile, happy to see it appear again and
ignoring the thump it causes in his heart. He's found a lot of thoughts
seem to preoccupy him recently. Like how he wants to take Sect Leader Lan's
hand in his own to help quell whatever anxiety that he sees in the crinkles
of his eyes and how he lifts his teacup. Strange how he notices such things
now. He supposed it was because he had spent hours and hours with Huan-ge.
Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes and picks up his own tea cup, draining his cup
easily. "Dealing? I have been spending time and accompanying
a Sect Leader. And if other disagree, they can talk to me about it and I'll
be sure they will certainly feel their argument countered by Zidian."
There's something surprising about that, though thrilling. With Jiang Cheng, Xichen does not find himself doubting those words. It is refreshing, in a way he could not have imagined mere weeks ago.
A part of him, still hurt and cautious, wonders if he is only seeing another facade. Only seeing what is being shown, but Xichen cannot live like that. Cannot push people away, worried that there is malice hiding beneath each smile and seemingly honest words. A different part, which has surfaced in the two weeks in the Jiang Sect Leader's company, reminds him that Jin Guangyao cannot take this away from him.
"There is no need to start a war on my behalf," his tone is soft, nearly teasing. "Though I have greatly enjoyed your company..."
There's a hint of teasing that soothes at Jiang Cheng's worry. He's been
finding a new Xichen that emerges, willing to tease, as gentle and kind as
he is. There are more and more parts of him emerging with each day he
spends with him.
"As I have greatly enjoyed yours."
He takes the jar of Emperor's Smile and pours a little for both of them.
"A toast. To you finally ridding yourself of the ever so temperamental Sect
Leader Jiang," he teases.
He lets himself chuckle at that before drinking the alcohol. He looks at
Xichen, his friend, his...well...he would never admit it to Wei Wuxian or
anyone else, but the more he saw of Xichen...of Huan-ge, the more he feels
his own locked up heart give to his kindness and softness. Jiang Cheng
looks down at his own empty cup, brushing his thumb over the rim of it as
the sun sets. He looks over and is caught with how the soft orange light
lights up Xichen's features. He swallows and clears his throat, looking
away.
"And you are welcome at Lotus Pier whenever you'd like."
While the alcohol had been brought and included, Xichen had not indulged in it. For a moment, he feels torn. By principle, alcohol is forbidden in the Cloud Recess and, despite not acting as Sect Leader at the moment, Xichen does not intend to wholly cast the rules aside. Not now, when he is starting to feel like himself.
Still.
Wanting to insult the other man is far from anywhere on the list of things he will allow himself to do. Not this man, who makes his heart beat a bit faster and who heβs learned is so deeply caring, so dedicated and so much more than the gentry give him credit for.
Plus, the toast earns a small chuckle as he reaches for the cup intended for him. βI am not sure I want to toast to that, Sect Leader Jiang,β he says it as he lifts the cup, βAs ridding implies it is a desired loss. But I will drink to these last two weeks.β
The alcohol burns on the way down. Xichen has long mastered the practice of burning the alcohol off before it is absorbed, which allows him to drink at Cultivation Conferences or with other Sect Leaders without causing insult. It has been long enough, though, that β too late β he realizes he is out of practice. Warmth spreads through him and when he speaks again, he realizes he cannot keep his voice to the normally gentle tones he is known for.
βWhenever?!β he asks, leaning forward across the table as the corners of his mouth tug upward into a bright smile.
While his brother is known for melancholy and tends to fall asleep when he is drunk, Xichen suffers different symptoms. The lack of control is there, but it manifests in a hyperactive sort of energy, a desire to move and an inability to control his volume or excitement at any little thing. Unlike Wangji, he also remembers it all.
He had seen Xichen drink at conferences. And Jiang Cheng had technically
not brought the alcohol into Cloud Recesses. Wangji did for Wei Wuxian.
Then his wayward brother had brought it to him to bring to Xichen as a
celebratory drink. He had poured both of them a drink and had not expected
Xichen to actually pick it up.
He looks back when Xichen speaks, surprise crosses Jiang Cheng's features
when he sees Xichen drink the drink. He allows the quirk of his lips in a
smile when Xichen says it's to celebrate the last two weeks.
The volume at how Xichen speaks catches him off guard and Jiang Cheng has
to blink once to regain his footing.
"Y-Yes!" Jiang Cheng clears his throat and sits up a little straighter.
"Yes, you're always welcome at Lotus Pier, Huan-ge."
welcome to zewu-jun with no impulse control, circa audio drama~
"Oh." Xichen intends to say it softly but the volume remains the same, a steady flow of excitement bubbling to the surface as pupils dilate and his eyes remain wide. "I should come soon, then."
As he says this he nods, as if making the decision for the both of them. His brows furrow slightly as he realizes he has leaned forward further, nearly over the whole of the table. This is mostly a problem because there is a table between them and Xichen would very much prefer if that were not the case.
Part of him realizes that he has slipped into a state of intoxication very quickly, another does not care. The first part, still hanging on, wishes to warn the other man and apologize for the behavior he will surely regret when the hangover sets in. "We should take a walk," is what he says out-loud. "Or I should take a walk. You are very far."
"Huan-ge, I'm not very far. I'm right here on the other side of the table."
Jiang Cheng shakes his head, getting up and rounding around the table to sit on the other side of Xichen, turning the smirk toward him.
"See? Am I so far now?" he asks
He's glad that Xichen is completely for the idea of coming to Yunmeng and visiting him at Lotus Pier. A visit soon would be nice. He could even share some of the things that he enjoys doing with Xichen instead of just talking about it.
"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.
The smile warms something in Jiang Cheng and there's an affection that had
bloomed in the last few weeks that teeters further into something else. He
keeps tall even as Xichen presses into his side and leans heavily. Ah, he's
drunk. He had thought that Xichen had a better tolerance but he supposes
that the time in seclusion has put him out of practice of whatever it was
that kept him from getting to this state. He isn't thrown off balance and
Jiang Cheng stands upright to support him.
When did he become so sentimental?
It is only for Xichen and that's all right if it's just for Xichen.
"Then it's good that you're so close now, isn't it?" he asks, still with a
teasing bite in his tone. "Careful or you'll make your forehead ribbon
crooked. We wouldn't want that, now would we?"
Xichen's eyes widen at that and while he'd been about to rest more of his weight into the other man, he scrambles back and tries to look up at his own forehead. "Is it? Would you fix it for me?"
A sober Xichen would have flushed at his own words and he will, will panic and apologize for the brashness and embarrassment he is likely causing them both in this very moment. Instead he looks worried, reaches up to adjust the very headband and instead shifts it out of place to reveal barely paler skin hiding underneath the cloud design.
He laughs a little and reaches up to nudge it back into place,
straightening it and brushing his fingers along the edge of it. Jiang Cheng
concentrates on that before looking back into his eyes with a grin.
"Now look, you've made it more crooked on your own. Here, see? We couldn't
let you go outside with your headband crooked from leaning so much."
He shakes his head, pulling his hand away.
"What do the forehead bands even mean? How are you able to go through every
day without making it so crooked?"
The touch is not unwelcome. Xichen has asked for it after all, has lost propriety and let himself be guided by alcohol and the desires that have bloomed over the last precious weeks that Jiang Cheng has helped him breach the barriers built during his own seclusion.
He leans into, welcomes it and then stiffens when Jiang Cheng asks.
For all Xichen has wanted, he has not intended to be so bold. They have transitioned to personal names, have spent hours together, yes. But that does not mean the same flame that has come to life in his heart burns in the other mans. "I--- It. It's a symbol, it's our restraint. We only allow those close to us to touch them," compared to the chipper, loud volume of his voice moments before he speaks more evenly. The words are practiced, though he has not spoken them before. Then, he corrects himself. Lying, after all, is forbidden. "Only our family and spouses are welcome to touch them."
He leans back, still unable to right himself and not sway. "I am sorry, Jiang Cheng. I have overstepped."
Jiang Cheng immediately reaches out and helps him steady himself. Ah, then
he should not have touched it. Still. It had been crooked and he
understands why Wei Wuxian always had the compulsion to reach out and
straighten the band for Lan Wangji.
"Then I won't say a word to whomever the lucky spouse will be," Jiang Cheng
replies. "Allow you to keep your restraint untarnished."
Perhaps he had overstepped as well, assuming that there is some sort of
warmth that sparked in Xichen's heart that mirrors his own. Xichen is the
first person he had ever truly been himself around since a-Jie. There were
no angry faces here, no such thing as being Sect Leader Jiang, Sandu
Shengshou, or any other titles that could be bestowed upon him. He could
truly be himself. Still, there's a bitterness underlying his words.
That draws his brows upward, then a frown. Xichen shakes his head, the alcohol leaves him dizzy and the quick motion forces the traces of sobriety away. The desire to hold on to Jiang Cheng is still too great, to still clutch at his arm like a lost child. He is a fool, he knows, and making a bigger one of himself as he lets out a frustrated huff.
"There is no spouse," he rushes out the words, heart hammering in his chest as he tries to burn off the effects of alcohol in his system. It's frustrating, far too late. "And it was I who asked you to fix it, Jiang Cheng. I have been too bold."
He stops. Jiang Cheng still hasn't let go of him and refuses to let go of
him. He looks at Xichen in the eyes and presses his mouth in a thin line.
It's a few moments before he speaks again, face drawn in anger. No games.
He knows Huan-ge wouldn't play with emotions, not sober, not while
potentially drunk.
"Lan Huan, were you asking me to be your spouse by asking me to fix the
forehead band?"
It's Jiang Cheng's expression that burns away the alcohol, that leaves the First Jade of Lan feeling cold and as if the alcohol is gone from his system. It is a sobering thing, to see the other man square himself as if ready to take a blow and sparks of anger in his gaze.
He wonders, if he flicks his gaze away, if purple sparks dance around his hand.
"It is too bold and not how I wished to make my affections known, Jiang Cheng," he does not step back, does not let himself look hesitant. The regret he holds if for the manner that this unfolded, that the alcohol swayed him into behavior so unbecoming. Not the emotion, not what he feels, though he is uncertain how the man before him feels and where this takes them next. "I realize that it has been only two weeks since your arrival but they have been my happiest. You are no obligation to say anything at all."
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
He does not hear the request for a bath, instead loses himself in the moment and sudden quiet. Heβs tired, he realizes. So tired after having been in the company of another for so long, after speaking so much.
When he opens his eyes, Jiang Wanyin is sitting in front of him. He repeats the other manβs name, slowly as it settles on his tongue. Are they friends? They could be. Xichen finds that he wants them to be more than he should. βLan Huan.β He offers his own and it is strange on his lips. Everyone who has called him that is dead.
no subject
The name is foreign, possibly because he had never heard that name before. The man before him had always been Zewu Jun or Lan Xichen. With his eyes closed like that, he wonders if his personality is trying to Xichen. He knows it to be so for many people. Still, he presses on.
"As your friend, Lan Huan, I must inform you that you stink."
There's a twitch at the corner of Jiang Cheng's lips, even though he tries so hard to be serious about it.
"I've asked for a bath to be drawn up for you. I trust you would be able to wash yourself. If you refuse, I will be forced to make sure that you bathe correctly and wash your hair correctly."
no subject
βI can manage that myself, Jiang Cheng. I am not completely useless,β though maybe he is, he isnβt quite so sure.
βEven though youβve found me in this state...β He is sorry. It is unbecoming of a Sect leader but he is in seclusion and Jiang Cheng did burst into his home. He is sure, tired as he is, he can manage a bath so that he is more put together for their next meeting.
Having the other man assist him is too intimate, saved for a spouse, a lover. They have only just crossed over to birth names and while he knows his own tastes, he is not of the mind to let himself consider the bold offer as anything but a gruff threat between new friends. This is where the line is firmly drawn in the sand, for the sake of his on pride.
no subject
This state is not one that is surprising. In his darkest moments, Jiang Cheng refused to come out of his rooms, wallowing, instead, in his own sadness and heartbreak. It had been difficult and the expectations of others had been a lot to bear. He was alone in dealing with that and he didn't want the same fate for Huan-ge. A bath was a start. A meal was a start.
He gives a scoff. "Good."
Cheng crosses his arms and waits for the water to be brought up for the bath, considering his next few steps of his plan. Freshening up the Hanshi, perhaps, while Huan-ge bathed.
"Perhaps I could come by day to day, discuss what has been happening in the world with you. I need someone to talk to and I don't want Wei Wuxian to bother me of his matters."
no subject
It's not his place to meddle, to inquire about Jiang Cheng's relationship with his brother. Still, they are friends and as complicated as things are amongst family, he hopes the he will hear that Jiang Cheng has talked to his brother while staying in the Cloud Recess. "I do not wish to take up all your time, Jiang Cheng, and Master Wei is hard to avoid when determined."
There is a knock on the door then, the voice of disciples on the other side. Xichen pushes himself to his feet, does not force himself to smile beyond the naturally gentle curve of his lips. "I believe that is the bath, which means your duties for the night are complete. I can manage myself and don't wish to keep you."
With the bath already here, he won't let it go to waste. The water will not take long to heat and there is plenty of time before Hai hour, where he can enjoy the bath.
no subject
"Then I will return in the morning."
He gets up as well, rolling his sleeves down and picking up his sword, looking every part a sect leader as he walks from the table to the doors. He slides them open and looks at Huan-ge. He doesn't quite want to have him be by himself and yet he understands...these sort of interactions require a build up.
Jiang Cheng hesitates a moment before reaching up to gently squeeze his arm, as gently as he could before making his way past the disciples and away from the Hanshi.
He barely sets foot on the footpath before he loudly starts arguing with Wei Wuxian.
no subject
He is not healed, but healing. Not the man he was before, no, but as Jiang Cheng's already extended stay draws to a close, Xichen finds that he feels hopeful. There will be and have been days where he has done little more than hummed a soft response when asked a question, but the mountain before him does not seem to be unscalable.
The fact that he is getting better, how quickly he is getting better, is eating away at his own brother. Xichen can tell, but he does not let his mind drift from the man and afternoon ahead of him.
They are sharing tea today, though wine has also been brought for the Jiang Sect leader. Xichen is suspicious that their brothers are involved, but does not question how it has come within the walls of Cloud Recess. He is not Sect Leader by any means at the moment, though compared to how Jiang Cheng found him, he looks the part. He is dressed in three layers on top of his underrobes, his hair flows down his back and half is tied into a loose ponytail instead of the haphazard braid of the first night. His finery is still locked away, it feels too soon.
"I am sure Lotus Pier is happy at the news you will be returning soon. Though, I also hope your stay here has not been too disruptive and a mountain of paperwork won't be your welcome home," he says, after setting his cup of tea down on the table. What he wants to say is that he will miss the other man, whose company he has grown to greatly enjoy. That he is grateful, though he knows this has been a burden. A selfish part of him, a small voice that Xichen has been trying to silence, wants more time in his company, amongst the deep sound of Jiang Cheng's laughter and the refreshing honesty he brings to each space he enters.
no subject
Even his spars with Wei Wuxian has been less antagonistic. Wangji, however, he can manage a polite conversation with now. After all they had been through, there were still things that he and Wangji needed to work through.
Taking care of Huan-ge has become something they mutually agreed on.
The jar of Emperor's Smile sits by their table that they had set up on the veranda and Jiang Cheng is happy to see that Huan-ge has come more and more out of his shell, dressing and putting himself together to look more like himself.
"A mountain of paperwork does await for me when I return home, there's very little doubt that there wouldn't be," he snorts. "The stay here has been...peaceful."
no subject
He hums softly in response, thinking over his words. "Then I am ever more grateful that you came, knowing there would be a mountain at your return."
Without the Grandmaster and Wangji, there would be no doubt that the mountain of paperwork left for Sect Leader Lan would cover the Cloud Recess. He is sure, that without them, Seclusion would not have been possible. That is the double edged sword. "Dealing with a secluded Sect Leader has been peaceful?" he asks, tilting his head slightly. "I am not so sure others would agree, Jiang Cheng."
no subject
He finds himself liking that smile, happy to see it appear again and ignoring the thump it causes in his heart. He's found a lot of thoughts seem to preoccupy him recently. Like how he wants to take Sect Leader Lan's hand in his own to help quell whatever anxiety that he sees in the crinkles of his eyes and how he lifts his teacup. Strange how he notices such things now. He supposed it was because he had spent hours and hours with Huan-ge.
Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes and picks up his own tea cup, draining his cup easily. "Dealing? I have been spending time and accompanying a Sect Leader. And if other disagree, they can talk to me about it and I'll be sure they will certainly feel their argument countered by Zidian."
no subject
A part of him, still hurt and cautious, wonders if he is only seeing another facade. Only seeing what is being shown, but Xichen cannot live like that. Cannot push people away, worried that there is malice hiding beneath each smile and seemingly honest words. A different part, which has surfaced in the two weeks in the Jiang Sect Leader's company, reminds him that Jin Guangyao cannot take this away from him.
"There is no need to start a war on my behalf," his tone is soft, nearly teasing. "Though I have greatly enjoyed your company..."
no subject
There's a hint of teasing that soothes at Jiang Cheng's worry. He's been finding a new Xichen that emerges, willing to tease, as gentle and kind as he is. There are more and more parts of him emerging with each day he spends with him.
"As I have greatly enjoyed yours."
He takes the jar of Emperor's Smile and pours a little for both of them.
"A toast. To you finally ridding yourself of the ever so temperamental Sect Leader Jiang," he teases.
He lets himself chuckle at that before drinking the alcohol. He looks at Xichen, his friend, his...well...he would never admit it to Wei Wuxian or anyone else, but the more he saw of Xichen...of Huan-ge, the more he feels his own locked up heart give to his kindness and softness. Jiang Cheng looks down at his own empty cup, brushing his thumb over the rim of it as the sun sets. He looks over and is caught with how the soft orange light lights up Xichen's features. He swallows and clears his throat, looking away.
"And you are welcome at Lotus Pier whenever you'd like."
no subject
While the alcohol had been brought and included, Xichen had not indulged in it. For a moment, he feels torn. By principle, alcohol is forbidden in the Cloud Recess and, despite not acting as Sect Leader at the moment, Xichen does not intend to wholly cast the rules aside. Not now, when he is starting to feel like himself.
Still.
Wanting to insult the other man is far from anywhere on the list of things he will allow himself to do. Not this man, who makes his heart beat a bit faster and who heβs learned is so deeply caring, so dedicated and so much more than the gentry give him credit for.
Plus, the toast earns a small chuckle as he reaches for the cup intended for him. βI am not sure I want to toast to that, Sect Leader Jiang,β he says it as he lifts the cup, βAs ridding implies it is a desired loss. But I will drink to these last two weeks.β
The alcohol burns on the way down. Xichen has long mastered the practice of burning the alcohol off before it is absorbed, which allows him to drink at Cultivation Conferences or with other Sect Leaders without causing insult. It has been long enough, though, that β too late β he realizes he is out of practice. Warmth spreads through him and when he speaks again, he realizes he cannot keep his voice to the normally gentle tones he is known for.
βWhenever?!β he asks, leaning forward across the table as the corners of his mouth tug upward into a bright smile.
While his brother is known for melancholy and tends to fall asleep when he is drunk, Xichen suffers different symptoms. The lack of control is there, but it manifests in a hyperactive sort of energy, a desire to move and an inability to control his volume or excitement at any little thing. Unlike Wangji, he also remembers it all.
i cackled i'm not gonna lie
He had seen Xichen drink at conferences. And Jiang Cheng had technically not brought the alcohol into Cloud Recesses. Wangji did for Wei Wuxian. Then his wayward brother had brought it to him to bring to Xichen as a celebratory drink. He had poured both of them a drink and had not expected Xichen to actually pick it up.
He looks back when Xichen speaks, surprise crosses Jiang Cheng's features when he sees Xichen drink the drink. He allows the quirk of his lips in a smile when Xichen says it's to celebrate the last two weeks.
The volume at how Xichen speaks catches him off guard and Jiang Cheng has to blink once to regain his footing.
"Y-Yes!" Jiang Cheng clears his throat and sits up a little straighter. "Yes, you're always welcome at Lotus Pier, Huan-ge."
welcome to zewu-jun with no impulse control, circa audio drama~
As he says this he nods, as if making the decision for the both of them. His brows furrow slightly as he realizes he has leaned forward further, nearly over the whole of the table. This is mostly a problem because there is a table between them and Xichen would very much prefer if that were not the case.
Part of him realizes that he has slipped into a state of intoxication very quickly, another does not care. The first part, still hanging on, wishes to warn the other man and apologize for the behavior he will surely regret when the hangover sets in. "We should take a walk," is what he says out-loud. "Or I should take a walk. You are very far."
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"Huan-ge, I'm not very far. I'm right here on the other side of the table."
Jiang Cheng shakes his head, getting up and rounding around the table to sit on the other side of Xichen, turning the smirk toward him.
"See? Am I so far now?" he asks
He's glad that Xichen is completely for the idea of coming to Yunmeng and visiting him at Lotus Pier. A visit soon would be nice. He could even share some of the things that he enjoys doing with Xichen instead of just talking about it.
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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.
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The smile warms something in Jiang Cheng and there's an affection that had bloomed in the last few weeks that teeters further into something else. He keeps tall even as Xichen presses into his side and leans heavily. Ah, he's drunk. He had thought that Xichen had a better tolerance but he supposes that the time in seclusion has put him out of practice of whatever it was that kept him from getting to this state. He isn't thrown off balance and Jiang Cheng stands upright to support him.
When did he become so sentimental?
It is only for Xichen and that's all right if it's just for Xichen.
"Then it's good that you're so close now, isn't it?" he asks, still with a teasing bite in his tone. "Careful or you'll make your forehead ribbon crooked. We wouldn't want that, now would we?"
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A sober Xichen would have flushed at his own words and he will, will panic and apologize for the brashness and embarrassment he is likely causing them both in this very moment. Instead he looks worried, reaches up to adjust the very headband and instead shifts it out of place to reveal barely paler skin hiding underneath the cloud design.
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He laughs a little and reaches up to nudge it back into place, straightening it and brushing his fingers along the edge of it. Jiang Cheng concentrates on that before looking back into his eyes with a grin.
"Now look, you've made it more crooked on your own. Here, see? We couldn't let you go outside with your headband crooked from leaning so much."
He shakes his head, pulling his hand away.
"What do the forehead bands even mean? How are you able to go through every day without making it so crooked?"
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Oh no.
The touch is not unwelcome. Xichen has asked for it after all, has lost propriety and let himself be guided by alcohol and the desires that have bloomed over the last precious weeks that Jiang Cheng has helped him breach the barriers built during his own seclusion.
He leans into, welcomes it and then stiffens when Jiang Cheng asks.
For all Xichen has wanted, he has not intended to be so bold. They have transitioned to personal names, have spent hours together, yes. But that does not mean the same flame that has come to life in his heart burns in the other mans. "I--- It. It's a symbol, it's our restraint. We only allow those close to us to touch them," compared to the chipper, loud volume of his voice moments before he speaks more evenly. The words are practiced, though he has not spoken them before. Then, he corrects himself. Lying, after all, is forbidden. "Only our family and spouses are welcome to touch them."
He leans back, still unable to right himself and not sway. "I am sorry, Jiang Cheng. I have overstepped."
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Jiang Cheng immediately reaches out and helps him steady himself. Ah, then he should not have touched it. Still. It had been crooked and he understands why Wei Wuxian always had the compulsion to reach out and straighten the band for Lan Wangji.
"Then I won't say a word to whomever the lucky spouse will be," Jiang Cheng replies. "Allow you to keep your restraint untarnished."
Perhaps he had overstepped as well, assuming that there is some sort of warmth that sparked in Xichen's heart that mirrors his own. Xichen is the first person he had ever truly been himself around since a-Jie. There were no angry faces here, no such thing as being Sect Leader Jiang, Sandu Shengshou, or any other titles that could be bestowed upon him. He could truly be himself. Still, there's a bitterness underlying his words.
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"There is no spouse," he rushes out the words, heart hammering in his chest as he tries to burn off the effects of alcohol in his system. It's frustrating, far too late. "And it was I who asked you to fix it, Jiang Cheng. I have been too bold."
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"Too bold, what are you--"
He stops. Jiang Cheng still hasn't let go of him and refuses to let go of him. He looks at Xichen in the eyes and presses his mouth in a thin line. It's a few moments before he speaks again, face drawn in anger. No games. He knows Huan-ge wouldn't play with emotions, not sober, not while potentially drunk.
"Lan Huan, were you asking me to be your spouse by asking me to fix the forehead band?"
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He wonders, if he flicks his gaze away, if purple sparks dance around his hand.
"It is too bold and not how I wished to make my affections known, Jiang Cheng," he does not step back, does not let himself look hesitant. The regret he holds if for the manner that this unfolded, that the alcohol swayed him into behavior so unbecoming. Not the emotion, not what he feels, though he is uncertain how the man before him feels and where this takes them next. "I realize that it has been only two weeks since your arrival but they have been my happiest. You are no obligation to say anything at all."
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