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He better not go anywhere. Not without me, at least.

( Darkly, like now Wen Kexing has Zhou Zishu back he'll make it everyone else's problem. He pours another cup, hands steadier than he feels.

And then, a sigh. )

I should have been asking around before now. I just didn't want to hope he might turn up. Wishing for things gets you into trouble, you know.

We'll figure something out, there are always possibilities. The important thing is that he accepts you. [ Because Wen Kexing has been agonising over it. ] And may come to return your feelings in the future.

[ Gentle verbal prodding! ]

He accepts me.

( And then, slightly more disbelieving. ) He actually does. I can't believe he's just - 'oh, I knew, I've always known' -, and that's that? Am I really that bad at lying? I lie all the time! Nobody's ever called me out on it before.

( Possibly no one has dared to.

And then, more quietly. ) I don't have to pretend anymore. It feels so strange, like I've taken a step just a shade off, or I've forgotten something. I keep waiting for the other boot to drop.

A-Xing's lies are harmless, mostly. Why call on them when they are surely there for a reason? That's probably what his reasoning was in the past.

[ It's not as if Xichen believed him to be an innocent, if somewhat spicy, young man with no past behind that sharp wit. ]

Harmless, ha!

( He shakes his head, almost amused. )

Maybe the two of you are just soft-hearted.

Perhaps we both took the time to get to know you.

[ Patting him on the knee, he swipes his cup up and takes a long sip. ]

Where is he now? You should be spending your time with him, not panicking over what-ifs with me.

We're not joined at the hip!

( Actually, if it were up to Wen Kexing they would be. )

And I, unfortunately, have to work. This is a business meeting. ( He angles his cup Lan Xichen's way. ) The ladies always work harder if they've seen your charming face.

Very true, I'm sure. If this is a business meeting, I'd like to set up a meeting between myself and Zhou Zishu.

So you can tell him how pathetic I've been? No.

( He's gonna have to run interference. )

A-Xing, I won't say anything of the sort.

[ Listen to his soft insistence! ]

I promise to only speak highly of you.

Do not mention the pining.

( He's almost pouty about it. )

Also don't blame him if he doesn't believe you when you're nice about me. I've done nothing but harass him since we met.

I will only speak to the good of your character and if he doubts my sincerity that is entirely his business, but I do want to meet him alone.

[ His hand covers Wen Kexing's, giving his a squeeze on their laps. ]

I want to see the man when you aren't around. Doubtlessly he is a different creature when you are there, as is everyone in love.

( Lan Xichen, you are a terrible person. He is overcome. He lifts his free hand to cover his face, making a muffled wail sound behind it. )

You know it could be platonic, at least on Zhou Zishu's side.

If it is, I will question his sanity. Not directly, of course, have no fear.

[ He will just log it as something Very Strange, and then put forward his own thoughts on Wen Kexing remaining single. That's all Ifs and Buts, however. He really does think he's going to find Zhou Zishu far more sensible than Wen Kexing, by and large, and hopefully likeable. ]

I want to see his character for myself so as to understand him better, that's all. You're so devoted to him, how can I not care whether my friend has attached himself to a good egg or not?

[ Lans are protective and possessive, but thankfully these two traits have their best side on show in Xichen. ]

( A good egg. He peaks out from his fingers. )

You'll like him. I don't doubt that. He seemed glad when I told him about you. He'll probably thank you for keeping me busy, or for at least occupying me enough that I didn't try to take over the entire world. Something like that. The two of you will get on.

( He wants them to, desperately. He never got to introduce Zhou Zishu to Luo Fumeng, nor Liu Qianqiao. This will be the first friend he has made independently. He wants the two sides of his life to work. )

The girls will gossip.

Ah, that their boss has two men hanging off his arms, one either side? Let them.

[ He gives a smile, a secret wink hidden in the amused look he wears. ]

As long as one arm is saved for me, I'm content.

You will always be my friend, Huan-er.

( Earnest. )

I have been very blessed to have met you and I'm not going to let that change any time soon. No matter what, mm? So don't doubt that.

[ For a moment it looks like he might say something else, then it passes like a cloud behind the sunny smile that melts easily back into place. He pats Wen Kexing's hand and takes his back to sip his wine with. ]

I know. I was a shell of myself when you found me, now I'm more of the man I used to be because of you. Wen Kexing is always welcome in Gusu Lan, should you find your way there.

( A hum. )

I'd say you'd be welcome in Mount Qingya, but the devils would probably eat you alive. A nice boy like you wouldn't even get you through the gate.

Wen Kexing underestimates how many devils I have faced in the past, and handled.

[ Siiiiip! ]

Nice boys enjoy swords too.

( Easily. )

Even better, kill them all for me. Well, the men. The women who end up in the Valley deserve a second chance.

I've suddenly become a lieutenant! The honour is all mine.

[ Drink finished, he rises from his seat and gives Wen Kexing a nod. There is something small and prickly deep in his chest and he would rather leave to examine it in the privacy of his own thoughts and space. ]

Please let Zhou Zishu know I will be contacting him soon in order to arrange a meeting between us. I really must be going.

Ah.

( Startled, he peers at Lan Xichen. But he won't press, and so he smiles a little, easy. )

All right, all right. But we'll see each other soon, won't we? Be good, call me if you need me.

You be good too, I will know if you haven't.

[ He taps him on the head once as if to chastise, eyes bright with good humour as he heads to the door. ]

And eat something, for me? Don't only drink today.

Edited 2023-11-05 18:51 (UTC)

Yes, mother.

( A laugh, a wave. )

You too. Otherwise the girls will be cross.

(no subject)

lanclan - 2023-11-05 19:01 (UTC) - Expand