All the hustle and bustle of Lotus Pier isn't something he'd forgotten over the years, but given how long it'd been since he himself had visited, it is initially somewhat jarring. The longer Lan Sizhui spends scurrying around between stalls, collecting trinkets, incense, ribbons, food— whatever his fathers allow, he gets, even paying with his own money despite how much he knows they enjoy spoiling him; it's after he's taken his things, put them away and parted ways with Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian that he wanders.
Not far, obviously, just outside the marketplace every so often to see the boats on the docks, watch children flying kites and view the lotuses.
This, of course, means he doesn't go away empty-handed; there's a big purple lotus in his hair and a bag of seeds in one hand, the latter of which gets tucked away in his sleeve for later snacking whenever he isn't distracted by other activities. Including but not limited to: an elderly fellow coaxing him to sample some tea, someone bargaining with toys, a young lady selling cute bunny-shaped candies that he absolutely has to have and—
Wait, why does that person out of the corner of his eye look familiar? (Because that's most certainly Jin Ling, meandering around with his dog in tow, who's just as distinguishable.) Goodness gracious, it really has been a while now, considering how Jin Ling's been busy with sect leader duties and Sizhui's had his own preoccupations being one of the eldest disciples training underneath Hanguang-jun. His fellow junior looks... quite different now, actually? Taller, more filled-out, wearing nicer robes than himself even if in his defense, he's freed of his responsibilities for a while. Alongside his simple two-layered pale blue and white robes, all his hair is pulled atop his head in a high ponytail, far different from its usual half-up topknot.
Sizhui's face has filled out a bit more too, still recognizably youthful yet changed with age, and he might've grown an inch or two. “Jin Ling!” he calls, lifting a hand to wave. Unfortunately, in spite of gaining some extra height, it doesn't help him at all whenever a tall man with a cart obscures the line of sight.
After the years had passed, there are so many people who make it a point to
tell him that he's practically the spitting image of his father. Though his
temper, from those same lips that turn around and whisper, is too similar
to Sect Leader Jiang. He supposes that could be a blessing, like his
grandmother. Jin Ling had been inspecting reed toys, smiling to himself
about how Sizhui had been partial to reed toys when they were younger,
maybe he'd like one.
And he hears his name.
He looks up, eyes narrowing slightly at the disembodied voice. Is someone
playing a prank on him? Someone that is behind the cart of something just
rolled by. But when the vendor leaves, Jin Ling recognizes the bright white
and blue robes immediately. Fairy barks and immediately runs over to Sizhui
in recognition and sniffs at whatever treats he may have in his pockets.
Jin Ling, however, isn't fair behind as he walks over. Sizhui
looks...different. Still soft. Still beautiful. Though that probably
shouldn't be said aloud. Still, it doesn't stop the goofy smile on his face
as he approaches him.
While Sizhui never had a chance to meet Jin Ling's father (or his mother for that matter), he can imagine how they looked in his friend's similarities to them, but there's no mistaking that Jin Ling certainly takes after his jiujiu too; his carrying voice, uppity attitude, the boisterous energy he'd exude whenever Lan Jingyi would call him out. It's enough to make his chest warm and his throat tightens, but he'll at least have it under control before approaching Jin Ling.
The man politely tips his hat with a soft excuse me! and scurries along, which Lan Sizhui can't help giggling at, quickly bowing his head in return to show appreciation.
And as he circles his way around the cart's edge, weaves between a couple of people then finally stops in an open spot, he perks further at the realization it is Jin Ling. Fairy's woof draws his attention, making him glance down, one hand raising to cup around his face and smother his laughter. With the opposite, he cups Fairy's chin, fingertips gently scratching in an attempt to deter from the candies he's got stowed away. “Those aren't for you, silly.” He'd hate if the lovely spirit beast got sick because he was careless!
Fast approaching steps make him upturn again, his expression already so brightened, it's a wonder he's able to grin any harder at Jin Ling's eager look. Thankfully, he still has his hand at his face, allowing him a moment to at least not look so manic before he lowers it and nods.
“I am,” he confirms, somewhat redundant in practice, though Sizhui adds, “Wei-qianbei and Hanguang-jun are visiting Jiang-zongzhu for a few days, so I asked if I could come along.”
"Jiujiu had mentioned that. And...I had hoped you would come along."
Jin Ling clears his throat and stands straighter.
"So that we could catch up. I haven't seen you, Jingyi, or even Zizhen in
so long. Why do you all never accept my invitation to visit in Lanling?"
It's all bluster. They were all busy with their own things. Zizhen with his
aging father; Jingyi and Sizhui with their duties; him wrangling his sect
into order. Still, it's nice to fall into familiar roles with his friend
even if Sizhui is looking more and more like a senior than a junior each
time he ever catches sight of the other.
He opens his mouth, readying to say ‘I'm sure you did,’ yet instead of being that emboldened, he smiles politely and does his best to not look too amused instead.
Then Sizhui reopens his mouth and remarks, “So we could catch up, yes... of course.” In spite of himself, his lips are quirking at the edges, though he lets his expression soften somewhat, feigning being wounded now. “Goodness, certainly Jin-zongzhu can understand being busy with duties. Jingyi and I certainly tried but, much to our dismay almost every time, something came up.” Not every single time, obviously, so they'd visited here and there, though it couldn't have been more than a small handful of times throughout these past years. “And Zizhen, well...” They both know without him having to specify.
Following a brief head-shake, he perks again, knowing all too well Jin Ling's laying it on thick, except he's not unwilling to fall right back into old habits either (with perhaps a bit of flattery on the side). Sizhui's posture straightens too, his lips curve into a full-on mirthful smirk then he can't help chuckling softly before speaking.
“But it's good to see you, Jin Ling, you look well.” Handsome, in fact, which is also just a bit more courageous than he's willing to be right now.
His entire face flushes when Sizhui points out how he, as a sect leader,
should understand being busy with duties. He peers at the other boy.
Certainly, they had all grown up but Sizhui had grown into a handsome young
man. Of course, who would think otherwise for the son of Hanguang Jun? When
he says he looks well, Jin Ling straightens a little more.
"Of course. I had to mature far quicker than Lan Jingyi in order to fulfill
my duties as sect leader."
He's sure if he said it loud enough, and if the other Lan were within
hearing distance, he'd see the other turn up, ready to pick a fight with
him.
Oh no, how sweet is that? Jin Ling's blushing now and, quite honestly, that suits him too. Sizhui rolls his lips then presses them together, still smiling, though it's more politeness than teasing while Jin Ling's looking at him so intently. Nobody's surprised that Lan Sizhui has developed into a looker nowadays, given his family, but it'd be nice to know Jin Ling thinks so too.
Despite his best attempts, Sizhui's mouth curves again at the younger male's remark, but he lifts his left hand, cups it around his face and attempts stifling himself before it gets too out of hand.
“Careful,” he playfully warns, “you even say his name loud enough, he's sure to show up and start an argument about it being the other way around.” Though they all already know both Jin Ling and Lan Jingyi have probably aged the same in maturity; they're both serious when it comes down to it, which is what matters, right? Right.
In spite of himself, Sizhui's grin cannot be fully contained, and albeit with obvious tentativeness, he lowers the hand back to his side and lets it freely show instead; it's only them, after all, so where's the harm in it?
“No, I actually have not, and I'd much rather do that with you rather than extricate you both from a fight.”
Jin Ling stands a little taller and grips the sword tighter. If he could
puff his chest out more, he would. If it's to avoid getting into a fight
with Jingyi, then he'll happily accompany Sizhui around the market. He
falls into step with the other before nodding to let him know that he could
lead the way.
"It's nice. to just spend time with you like this."
Now, in their later years, Jin Ling's taken on an appearance that's more and more reminiscent of his father every day. Today isn't an exception, it seems, and if Sizhui had known anything of Jin Zixuan's looks, he might've very well compared his friend to a peacock too, considering how much he's preening (and without any real, actual context, he still sort of has the idea).
Before he's given the chance to make a joke at all, Sizhui's struck momentarily silent by his friend's admittance, color rising high on his cheeks, which makes him bow with sheepishness. However, this doesn't keep him from smiling again, restraightening, and heel-turning to guide them toward a stall selling jewelry and whatnot. The hand that's not holding his treat bag reaches, briefly grasps Jin Ling's wrist and squeezes for reassurance. “Yes, it is,” then he lets go, faces back forward, bites into his cheek while considering before adding, “It's too bad we don't get to do it more often...”
"Yes...it is," he admits. "But...if we could, would you be interested in
that?"
He tries to play it off like it's nothing, instead turning his attention to
the vendors with different trinkets that he's familiar with. The vendors
themselves know that Jin Ling is more than familiar with their wares and
try to hide their knowing smiles.
“Ah . . . ” It's more breath than actual verbal response with Sizhui's mouth hanging open, momentarily at a loss for words. Did he actually ask—? He snaps his mouth shut, hoping it isn't forceful enough to be audible, his lips also pursed in his best attempt at not grinning. No, Sizhui thinks, don't question it.
Instead, he outstretches his hand again toward a pretty jade comb this time, plucks it up, gives it an inquisitive once-over then finally says, “Of course. I like spending any time with you that I can, Jin Ling.”
He clears his throat, standing straighter. There's a small smile on his
lips about Sizhui agreeing to spending more time together. Jin Ling offers
his arm to Sizhui.
"Then would you like to explore the rest of the market with me?" he asks.
That's probably the most enthusiastic-sounding thing Sizhui's ever heard Jin Ling say, which instantly draws his attention away from the comb he's holding, widened eyes wholly focused on his friend. After Jin Ling clears his throat, he sets the item aside, turns toward him and brightens a significant amount whenever he offers his arm.
“Absolutely,” comes without hesitation, then he hooks Jin Ling's elbow with his own and continues, “Where shall we go from here?”
“Not yet,” he admits, “but if they are as good as you say, then perhaps we should get some?” It would only be proper, after all, to have actual food before eating any of the sweets he's gotten while wandering through the marketplace by himself earlier.
As they proceed together now, Sizhui does his best to not laugh at the few people who stop them to interact with Jin Ling by pinching his cheeks; it isn't difficult, he's quite used to hiding his laughter and smiles behind his sleeves, but it does prove a bit harder than it may have been if it were anything besides watching his friend get admired by his elders.
Once they've started moving forward again, Jin Ling mentions a lantern and Sizhui's eyes alight with excitement. “It is, yes, something we do after classes have ended.” Also during other festivals and such when they celebrate but those might be one of the most memorable times. “Is there any particular lantern you might like?”
Which has Sizhui's smile somehow widening in turn, his heartbeat stutter-stopping briefly at such a sight; it's exciting, getting to see such a lovely smile on Jin Ling's face, and in particular when he knows he's the one that's caused it.
He faintly tightens his arm around Jin Ling's, nods his head then reaches his other hand to gesture offhandedly while commenting, “There's nothing wrong with being consistent, to be fair, but I would love to help you switch it up and pick something different.”
While Sizhui's initially unsure as to why Jin Ling's leaning even closer, the moment he says what he does, his ears promptly turn a brilliant shade of red. He inclines his head, withdrawing the other hand he'd gestured with just moments ago and pressing his fingertips against his mouth.
Perhaps he hadn't considered how nice he looks sporting his different hairstyle and wearing pale blue robes with silky ribbons hanging off his shoulders instead of oversized sleeves, but now he definitely is.
And if it's something that earns such a compliment from Jin Ling of all people, maybe it isn't so bad that he's branching out a bit in his older years. “Thank you,” Sizhui finally murmurs, having found his manners again, the hand lowering as they grow closer to the salesperson they've been looking for. “Really, you flatter me so, I do hope my face isn't too red...” It wouldn't do for them to be asked too many questions, after all.
As much as he'd love to look at Jin Ling's face, Sizhui cannot, lest he risks seeing him grin like that and ends up turning even redder. Instead, he's focused on the lanterns before them, glancing over the designs, trying to decide which one might suit them best.
“Hahhh,” he sighs, even though there's no real heat behind the complaint and he's smiling. His free hand does reach up to touch the pinkened ear on that same side, feeling its warmth, which makes him both flush harder and smile somewhat wider as he slides his hand down Jin Ling's forearm, drifts his fingertips against the inside of his wrist then pushes them up against his palm and fans their fingers out so he can lace them together. Two can play at that game, after all. “Do you see any you like in particular?”
All of Jin Ling's higher brain functions stop when Sizhui laces his hand
along with his own. Jin Ling clears his throat and looks at the array of
lanterns and blatantly ignores the vendor who's known him since he was a
child. He pretends to look over more lanterns.
Sizhui, however, spares a glance up toward the vendor, his lips faintly quirked at the corners, then he downturns again and hums contemplatively while still considering. At this rate, they'll never pick, so it seems Sizhui'll have to take matters into his own hands (or hand, rather, since he's holding onto Jin Ling's—)
His gaze falls onto a particular one; pale white in color, decorated with golden butterflies and a big purple lotus. He reaches out, gently lifts it from its spot to hold before them, then remarks with another full-on grin, “I like this one.”
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houseofsushi2020-05-22 10:34 pm
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Not far, obviously, just outside the marketplace every so often to see the boats on the docks, watch children flying kites and view the lotuses.
This, of course, means he doesn't go away empty-handed; there's a big purple lotus in his hair and a bag of seeds in one hand, the latter of which gets tucked away in his sleeve for later snacking whenever he isn't distracted by other activities. Including but not limited to: an elderly fellow coaxing him to sample some tea, someone bargaining with toys, a young lady selling cute bunny-shaped candies that he absolutely has to have and—
Wait, why does that person out of the corner of his eye look familiar? (Because that's most certainly Jin Ling, meandering around with his dog in tow, who's just as distinguishable.) Goodness gracious, it really has been a while now, considering how Jin Ling's been busy with sect leader duties and Sizhui's had his own preoccupations being one of the eldest disciples training underneath Hanguang-jun. His fellow junior looks... quite different now, actually? Taller, more filled-out, wearing nicer robes than himself even if in his defense, he's freed of his responsibilities for a while. Alongside his simple two-layered pale blue and white robes, all his hair is pulled atop his head in a high ponytail, far different from its usual half-up topknot.
Sizhui's face has filled out a bit more too, still recognizably youthful yet changed with age, and he might've grown an inch or two. “Jin Ling!” he calls, lifting a hand to wave. Unfortunately, in spite of gaining some extra height, it doesn't help him at all whenever a tall man with a cart obscures the line of sight.
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After the years had passed, there are so many people who make it a point to tell him that he's practically the spitting image of his father. Though his temper, from those same lips that turn around and whisper, is too similar to Sect Leader Jiang. He supposes that could be a blessing, like his grandmother. Jin Ling had been inspecting reed toys, smiling to himself about how Sizhui had been partial to reed toys when they were younger, maybe he'd like one.
And he hears his name.
He looks up, eyes narrowing slightly at the disembodied voice. Is someone playing a prank on him? Someone that is behind the cart of something just rolled by. But when the vendor leaves, Jin Ling recognizes the bright white and blue robes immediately. Fairy barks and immediately runs over to Sizhui in recognition and sniffs at whatever treats he may have in his pockets.
Jin Ling, however, isn't fair behind as he walks over. Sizhui looks...different. Still soft. Still beautiful. Though that probably shouldn't be said aloud. Still, it doesn't stop the goofy smile on his face as he approaches him.
"Sizhui, you're here too?"
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The man politely tips his hat with a soft excuse me! and scurries along, which Lan Sizhui can't help giggling at, quickly bowing his head in return to show appreciation.
And as he circles his way around the cart's edge, weaves between a couple of people then finally stops in an open spot, he perks further at the realization it is Jin Ling. Fairy's woof draws his attention, making him glance down, one hand raising to cup around his face and smother his laughter. With the opposite, he cups Fairy's chin, fingertips gently scratching in an attempt to deter from the candies he's got stowed away. “Those aren't for you, silly.” He'd hate if the lovely spirit beast got sick because he was careless!
Fast approaching steps make him upturn again, his expression already so brightened, it's a wonder he's able to grin any harder at Jin Ling's eager look. Thankfully, he still has his hand at his face, allowing him a moment to at least not look so manic before he lowers it and nods.
“I am,” he confirms, somewhat redundant in practice, though Sizhui adds, “Wei-qianbei and Hanguang-jun are visiting Jiang-zongzhu for a few days, so I asked if I could come along.”
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"Jiujiu had mentioned that. And...I had hoped you would come along."
Jin Ling clears his throat and stands straighter.
"So that we could catch up. I haven't seen you, Jingyi, or even Zizhen in so long. Why do you all never accept my invitation to visit in Lanling?"
It's all bluster. They were all busy with their own things. Zizhen with his aging father; Jingyi and Sizhui with their duties; him wrangling his sect into order. Still, it's nice to fall into familiar roles with his friend even if Sizhui is looking more and more like a senior than a junior each time he ever catches sight of the other.
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Then Sizhui reopens his mouth and remarks, “So we could catch up, yes... of course.” In spite of himself, his lips are quirking at the edges, though he lets his expression soften somewhat, feigning being wounded now. “Goodness, certainly Jin-zongzhu can understand being busy with duties. Jingyi and I certainly tried but, much to our dismay almost every time, something came up.” Not every single time, obviously, so they'd visited here and there, though it couldn't have been more than a small handful of times throughout these past years. “And Zizhen, well...” They both know without him having to specify.
Following a brief head-shake, he perks again, knowing all too well Jin Ling's laying it on thick, except he's not unwilling to fall right back into old habits either (with perhaps a bit of flattery on the side). Sizhui's posture straightens too, his lips curve into a full-on mirthful smirk then he can't help chuckling softly before speaking.
“But it's good to see you, Jin Ling, you look well.” Handsome, in fact, which is also just a bit more courageous than he's willing to be right now.
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His entire face flushes when Sizhui points out how he, as a sect leader, should understand being busy with duties. He peers at the other boy. Certainly, they had all grown up but Sizhui had grown into a handsome young man. Of course, who would think otherwise for the son of Hanguang Jun? When he says he looks well, Jin Ling straightens a little more.
"Of course. I had to mature far quicker than Lan Jingyi in order to fulfill my duties as sect leader."
He's sure if he said it loud enough, and if the other Lan were within hearing distance, he'd see the other turn up, ready to pick a fight with him.
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Despite his best attempts, Sizhui's mouth curves again at the younger male's remark, but he lifts his left hand, cups it around his face and attempts stifling himself before it gets too out of hand.
“Careful,” he playfully warns, “you even say his name loud enough, he's sure to show up and start an argument about it being the other way around.” Though they all already know both Jin Ling and Lan Jingyi have probably aged the same in maturity; they're both serious when it comes down to it, which is what matters, right? Right.
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That's absolutely where it matters. Jin Ling huffs and crosses his arms.
"I'd like to see him try. Have you had a chance to explore most of the market yet?" he asks.
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“No, I actually have not, and I'd much rather do that with you rather than extricate you both from a fight.”
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Jin Ling stands a little taller and grips the sword tighter. If he could puff his chest out more, he would. If it's to avoid getting into a fight with Jingyi, then he'll happily accompany Sizhui around the market. He falls into step with the other before nodding to let him know that he could lead the way.
"It's nice. to just spend time with you like this."
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Before he's given the chance to make a joke at all, Sizhui's struck momentarily silent by his friend's admittance, color rising high on his cheeks, which makes him bow with sheepishness. However, this doesn't keep him from smiling again, restraightening, and heel-turning to guide them toward a stall selling jewelry and whatnot. The hand that's not holding his treat bag reaches, briefly grasps Jin Ling's wrist and squeezes for reassurance. “Yes, it is,” then he lets go, faces back forward, bites into his cheek while considering before adding, “It's too bad we don't get to do it more often...”
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"Yes...it is," he admits. "But...if we could, would you be interested in that?"
He tries to play it off like it's nothing, instead turning his attention to the vendors with different trinkets that he's familiar with. The vendors themselves know that Jin Ling is more than familiar with their wares and try to hide their knowing smiles.
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Instead, he outstretches his hand again toward a pretty jade comb this time, plucks it up, gives it an inquisitive once-over then finally says, “Of course. I like spending any time with you that I can, Jin Ling.”
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"Great!"
He clears his throat, standing straighter. There's a small smile on his lips about Sizhui agreeing to spending more time together. Jin Ling offers his arm to Sizhui.
"Then would you like to explore the rest of the market with me?" he asks.
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“Absolutely,” comes without hesitation, then he hooks Jin Ling's elbow with his own and continues, “Where shall we go from here?”
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“Have you tried the lotus buns here? They’re a delicacy that I enjoy whenever I visit jiujiu.”
He greets a few vendors that he’s known since childhood. Jin Ling tries not to be too embarrassed when a few of them stop them and pinch his cheek.
“Perhaps later, we could get a lantern to send up to the heavens. That’s something you do in Gusu, right?”
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As they proceed together now, Sizhui does his best to not laugh at the few people who stop them to interact with Jin Ling by pinching his cheeks; it isn't difficult, he's quite used to hiding his laughter and smiles behind his sleeves, but it does prove a bit harder than it may have been if it were anything besides watching his friend get admired by his elders.
Once they've started moving forward again, Jin Ling mentions a lantern and Sizhui's eyes alight with excitement. “It is, yes, something we do after classes have ended.” Also during other festivals and such when they celebrate but those might be one of the most memorable times. “Is there any particular lantern you might like?”
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The light in his eyes is worth everything and Jin Ling can't help but smile back.
"Well," he drawls, "I thought perhaps you would accompany me in picking one out. I pick the same thing every year."
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He faintly tightens his arm around Jin Ling's, nods his head then reaches his other hand to gesture offhandedly while commenting, “There's nothing wrong with being consistent, to be fair, but I would love to help you switch it up and pick something different.”
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The grip on his arm has a warmth bloom in his chest. He takes his risk and leans to whisper quietly in Sizhui's ear:
"You look very lovely tonight."
Just as quickly, he pulls away and leads them through the throng of people until they see the lantern vendor.
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Perhaps he hadn't considered how nice he looks sporting his different hairstyle and wearing pale blue robes with silky ribbons hanging off his shoulders instead of oversized sleeves, but now he definitely is.
And if it's something that earns such a compliment from Jin Ling of all people, maybe it isn't so bad that he's branching out a bit in his older years. “Thank you,” Sizhui finally murmurs, having found his manners again, the hand lowering as they grow closer to the salesperson they've been looking for. “Really, you flatter me so, I do hope my face isn't too red...” It wouldn't do for them to be asked too many questions, after all.
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The red has Jin Ling grinning a little to himself. For how often Sizhui flusters him, it's nice to see that he could do the same in return.
"Not your face," he begins, nonchalantly looking over the different lanterns as they approach the vendor. "But your ears certainly are a red color."
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“Hahhh,” he sighs, even though there's no real heat behind the complaint and he's smiling. His free hand does reach up to touch the pinkened ear on that same side, feeling its warmth, which makes him both flush harder and smile somewhat wider as he slides his hand down Jin Ling's forearm, drifts his fingertips against the inside of his wrist then pushes them up against his palm and fans their fingers out so he can lace them together. Two can play at that game, after all. “Do you see any you like in particular?”
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All of Jin Ling's higher brain functions stop when Sizhui laces his hand along with his own. Jin Ling clears his throat and looks at the array of lanterns and blatantly ignores the vendor who's known him since he was a child. He pretends to look over more lanterns.
"What sort of lantern would you even want?"
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His gaze falls onto a particular one; pale white in color, decorated with golden butterflies and a big purple lotus. He reaches out, gently lifts it from its spot to hold before them, then remarks with another full-on grin, “I like this one.”
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