Should I reiterate my threat from earlier? Or, better yet, I'll send along a message to Hanguang-Jun.
Wei-qianbei has decided to abstain from alcohol for a little while. He'll vehemently protest, but it should be ignored, as it's only him fighting with his demons.
Right after sundown is when Lan Jingyi shows up at the winehouse in Caiyi Town, dressed in soft blues and with his hair up somewhat differently, but the ever-present Lan ribbon is wrapped around the wider, more decorative white band holding his bangs aside— which might ordinarily look silly and maybe it still does, but it's fitting for him in an odd way. (And to be fair, it doesn't look as ridiculous as he's assuming it might.)
Some other patrons stop to chat and he makes pleasant conversation, smiling here, laughing there, although his attention continues wandering in spite of himself. Thank goodness, nobody takes offense.
Honestly though, if they knew him better, they'd know full-well this is just how he is and accept it, but most of these people are strangers. It's weird, considering how little people he actually knows on a personal level; thinking about it while also contemplating how solid his excuse may have been – or possibly not? – makes his head buzz like an angry hornet's nest. He pardons himself with a soft ‘Excuse me,’ gestures the company he's keeping inside and the moment they're out of sight, Jingyi huddles into the nearest corner, arms circled tight around himself, wide eyes downcasted to his feet.
What if Jin Ling's simply entertaining him and their friendship? He's a sect leader now, after all, with more important duties, people who matter, places he should be that aren't winehouses where he's getting drunk and slacking off—
Stop it, he scolds, Jin Ling is your friend and if he didn't want to come, he obviously wouldn't have made plans in the first place. Following a firm, indignant sigh, the disciple straightens, adjusts his robes then moves out from his hiding space so he'll be easier to spot once his friend eventually shows up.
As if they could truly be anything other than friends. He's already at the wine house when Jingyi shows up, looking deceptively un-Lan-like except for the ribbon. Always with the ribbon. He watches as Jingyi is stopped by some of the other patrons and scoffs, choosing to quietly wait at his table as Jingyi walks in, so uncharacteristically quiet and hidden away in a corner. Luckily, his table isn't too far away.
"When you're done sulking in your hiding space," he calls out.
Not like Jin Ling hadn't taken the time to dress a little nicer for the evening. Because it's not a date. At all. They're simply friends exploring a new wine house, that's all.
If it were possible, Jingyi would've jumped straight out of his skin at the sound of Jin Ling's voice. “Gods,” is what he does wheeze out while spinning on his heel toward the sect leader, wide eyes immediately locked on him. Oh no, how long has he been waiting here? He clears his throat, straightens his posture somewhat, strides toward Jin Ling with a more firm, determined expression.
In his defense, any reason to not wear layers and layers of Lan robes is a good one. (Besides, he happens to think he looks better in blue, anyway.)
“I'm not sulking,” he insists, moving until he's on the opposite side of the table his friend is at and sitting down. As soon as he's seated, Jingyi crosses his arms, lips pursed in a pitiful-looking pout. “Why didn't you say something sooner?”
"You seemed to already be popular here even before we've even tried it
before. Have you been here already and are using this opportunity to get a
free meal?" he asks.
Still, he relaxes when Jingyi sits down.
"I heard some of the patrons say that the wine here is better than even
Emperor's Smile," he says conspiratorially.
“Of course not!” he retorts, rolling his eyes and crossing his arms over his chest.
“Just because I'm not rich or as important as you are, doesn't mean I don't know people. Besides, if I wanted a free meal, I'd just tell you that you're paying.” He tsks, considers tightening his arms rather than relenting, second-guesses then ultimately lets them lower, hands splaying across his thighs.
“Really now? Hmmm... Guess we'll get to be the judges of that!” Because the Emperor's Smile is the best of the best, after all.
The night hunt had been going so well with the two of them. At least until there was a roar of a creature that could have killed both of them and Wen Sizhui had knocked Lan Jingyi out of the way and into the bushes. He stays poised over him, making sure the other is covered until the beast moved on without them. The close proximity reminds Sizhui that he's taken a liking to the other boy for quite some time, since he's seen him loudly accompany Zewu Jun during the Lan Sect Leader's visits to Qishan and whenever he accompanied Hanguang Jun to the far away land of Gusu.
And then the rain decides to open up and pour. Sizhui helps Jingyi up to his feet and raises his hand to try to futilely shield away some of the rain.
"Come on, I think there's a temple nearby that we could go and wait this out in."
He doesn't think twice before taking Jingyi's hand heading off in a direction.
Of all the things dead-set on ruining their night, Jingyi should've expected it'd be a monster, but what he hadn't anticipated was how strong it is; the sheer energy alone like a massive weight settling around them and had Wen Sizhui not thought of it first, he was going to suggest that they hightail it outta there. Another unexpected thing is ending up amongst the bushes with his hunting partner protectively pitched over him, both too close and still not near enough for Lan Jingyi's liking. He's pretty sure he's holding his breath the entire time they wait too, which thank the Gods, whatever creature has crept into their vicinity decides moving on is a better idea and allows him to exhale. For as long as he can remember, ever since meeting the other boy, he's found himself attracted to him, though couldn't ever outrightly say so without feeling foolish.
Surely Sizhui can't be distracted by such things, let alone when it means he's tangled up with a Lan, it doesn't mean Jingyi is any less hopeful he might stand a chance.
Why isn't he surprised whenever it starts raining on top of their already mostly ruined night? (Not entirely though, he did just have Sizhui leaning over him, after all!) He clambers upright with his friend's help, lifting the free hand and positioning his arm just right so the long sleeve covers his head. “Lead the way, then.”
Not like he needs to say it, to be fair, since Sizhui clutches his hand and begins leading the way almost immediately afterward.
He leads the way until they are able to take shelter in the temple. Being pressed so close to Jingyi and being in such a close proximity with the Lan disciple does things to his heart. Ever since he made him laugh at that first meeting, Sizhui was willing to follow along with the Lan disciple to the ends of the earth.
He laughs and wrings out the length of his hair, glancing over to his friend.
Much to everyone's surprise (even himself), Jingyi somehow manages keeping quiet the whole way there, holding tightly to Sizhui's hand, his attention darting between their interlocked hands and where their feet move in sync every other step. Despite this, his thoughts are completely distracted with the earlier position they'd, ah, tumbled into while avoiding the enormous-strengthed creature.
As soon as they're out of the rain, however, the Lan disciple huffs, quite obviously irritated by their luck— or lack thereof, rather. Sizhui laughs though and he can't help softening, his own hands twisting up the sleeves of his robes. “Yeah, I'm fine,” he sighs. “Bruised pride and wet, dirty clothes aside.”
He shakes himself out a little more, almost like a wet dog but with far less spray, then Jingyi's attention is fully on the other boy when he asks, “Are you? Sizhui, that monster, it—” Could've killed us he'll leave unsaid. Instead, he tries again with, “What the hell was it?”
Sizhui raises his hands and laughs, keeping the majority of droplets that
Jingyi had shaken off from landing on him again. He makes a thinking noise
and begins to speculate what kind of ghoul they’ve encountered.
“...but I wanted to make sure you were safe before anything else. Even with
both of us, that creature looked like it could easily eat us both.”
“Aiyah,” he starts, hesitating and momentarily inclining his head (like he actually has shame—) “Sorry, Sizhui.” Jingyi didn't mean to splash him since he's sure he is doing everything he can to get dry too. During the explanation, however, he stays quiet, listening intently to what Sizhui's suggesting.
His mouth opens, closes, opens again and, “Aw, you were worried about me?” followed shortly thereafter by a pleased curl of his lips.
A link tinge appears at his cheeks as he looks away, a little embarrassed.
Sizhui reaches up and runs at the back of his neck, a nervous habit he’s
picked up over the years.
“I mean. You’re my best friend. Of course I was worried about you.”
Oh. See, he was hoping his teasing would just get him a sideways look or some offhanded comment about not being ridiculous, nothing with actual genuineness.
Jingyi's mouth snaps shut, his own cheeks reddening, head dipping in a mixture of shame and sheepishness. Why does he act silly in the weirdest moments around Sizhui? Has to do something with his crush, obviously, making him act more idiotic than necessary.
“You're mine too,” he acknowledges, straightening afterward and bridging what little distance remains between them. “It's why I was worried about the monster and...” But that doesn't matter when everything's fine, right? Right, of course!
He watches Jingyi, trying to figure out what the other boy is thinking. They shouldn't. There's so many rules, he's sure of it. Well. Grand Master Qiren likes Sizhui. He's Hanguang Jun's de facto son, after all. Sizhui licks his lips and chances a half step closer toward the other when he moves closer.
“And...” And??? Jingyi swallows thickly, gaze darting anywhere that isn't Sizhui's face initially, but the longer he considers, the more irritated he gets with himself for acting weird.
His eyes widen once he realizes the other boy has moved even closer, head finally lifting so they're face-to-face again with far less distance between them than before. Of all the times for his stupid motormouth to sputter out, of course... but Jingyi's head shakes then, without a second thought, he leans in and catches Sizhui's mouth with his own.
He kisses him back and moves to slide his arm around Jingyi's waist to pull them closer together. Everything about this is perfect and they could figure it out. He pulls away slowly and can't help the silly grin on his face.
Oh. Okay then, this has definitely gone in an unexpected yet good direction, causing Jingyi's mouth to curve faintly against Sizhui's as the other boy reciprocates.
He lets himself be tugged until they're flush against one another, both of his own arms lifting to circle his friend's shoulders. It's a shorter kiss than he'd like, but his hold loosens so Sizhui can withdraw, a wide, excited grin overtaking his features afterward. “...you have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.”
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houseofsushi2020-05-22 11:25 pm
@desultorily (tfln)
Are you expecting me to answer that with something like, “Of course I taste good!” Because I'm not falling for it.
Even if it's true.
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Wei-qianbei has decided to abstain from alcohol for a little while. He'll vehemently protest, but it should be ignored, as it's only him fighting with his demons.
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Say, Jingyiiiiiiiiii. Little Laaaaaan. I'm quite proud!
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It wasn't just trickery that got me this far, either.
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Second thing, yes, but I'm not sure I'd be considered a ‘war hero.’
🗡 hush, hush we both can't fight it; it's us that made this mess, why can't you understand?
Some other patrons stop to chat and he makes pleasant conversation, smiling here, laughing there, although his attention continues wandering in spite of himself. Thank goodness, nobody takes offense.
Honestly though, if they knew him better, they'd know full-well this is just how he is and accept it, but most of these people are strangers. It's weird, considering how little people he actually knows on a personal level; thinking about it while also contemplating how solid his excuse may have been – or possibly not? – makes his head buzz like an angry hornet's nest. He pardons himself with a soft ‘Excuse me,’ gestures the company he's keeping inside and the moment they're out of sight, Jingyi huddles into the nearest corner, arms circled tight around himself, wide eyes downcasted to his feet.
What if Jin Ling's simply entertaining him and their friendship? He's a sect leader now, after all, with more important duties, people who matter, places he should be that aren't winehouses where he's getting drunk and slacking off—
Stop it, he scolds, Jin Ling is your friend and if he didn't want to come, he obviously wouldn't have made plans in the first place. Following a firm, indignant sigh, the disciple straightens, adjusts his robes then moves out from his hiding space so he'll be easier to spot once his friend eventually shows up.
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"When you're done sulking in your hiding space," he calls out.
Not like Jin Ling hadn't taken the time to dress a little nicer for the evening. Because it's not a date. At all. They're simply friends exploring a new wine house, that's all.
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In his defense, any reason to not wear layers and layers of Lan robes is a good one. (Besides, he happens to think he looks better in blue, anyway.)
“I'm not sulking,” he insists, moving until he's on the opposite side of the table his friend is at and sitting down. As soon as he's seated, Jingyi crosses his arms, lips pursed in a pitiful-looking pout. “Why didn't you say something sooner?”
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"You seemed to already be popular here even before we've even tried it before. Have you been here already and are using this opportunity to get a free meal?" he asks.
Still, he relaxes when Jingyi sits down.
"I heard some of the patrons say that the wine here is better than even Emperor's Smile," he says conspiratorially.
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“Just because I'm not rich or as important as you are, doesn't mean I don't know people. Besides, if I wanted a free meal, I'd just tell you that you're paying.” He tsks, considers tightening his arms rather than relenting, second-guesses then ultimately lets them lower, hands splaying across his thighs.
“Really now? Hmmm... Guess we'll get to be the judges of that!” Because the Emperor's Smile is the best of the best, after all.
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And then the rain decides to open up and pour. Sizhui helps Jingyi up to his feet and raises his hand to try to futilely shield away some of the rain.
"Come on, I think there's a temple nearby that we could go and wait this out in."
He doesn't think twice before taking Jingyi's hand heading off in a direction.
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Surely Sizhui can't be distracted by such things, let alone when it means he's tangled up with a Lan, it doesn't mean Jingyi is any less hopeful he might stand a chance.
Why isn't he surprised whenever it starts raining on top of their already mostly ruined night? (Not entirely though, he did just have Sizhui leaning over him, after all!) He clambers upright with his friend's help, lifting the free hand and positioning his arm just right so the long sleeve covers his head. “Lead the way, then.”
Not like he needs to say it, to be fair, since Sizhui clutches his hand and begins leading the way almost immediately afterward.
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He laughs and wrings out the length of his hair, glancing over to his friend.
"Are you all right?"
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As soon as they're out of the rain, however, the Lan disciple huffs, quite obviously irritated by their luck— or lack thereof, rather. Sizhui laughs though and he can't help softening, his own hands twisting up the sleeves of his robes. “Yeah, I'm fine,” he sighs. “Bruised pride and wet, dirty clothes aside.”
He shakes himself out a little more, almost like a wet dog but with far less spray, then Jingyi's attention is fully on the other boy when he asks, “Are you? Sizhui, that monster, it—” Could've killed us he'll leave unsaid. Instead, he tries again with, “What the hell was it?”
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Sizhui raises his hands and laughs, keeping the majority of droplets that Jingyi had shaken off from landing on him again. He makes a thinking noise and begins to speculate what kind of ghoul they’ve encountered.
“...but I wanted to make sure you were safe before anything else. Even with both of us, that creature looked like it could easily eat us both.”
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His mouth opens, closes, opens again and, “Aw, you were worried about me?” followed shortly thereafter by a pleased curl of his lips.
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“Of course I worried about you.”
A link tinge appears at his cheeks as he looks away, a little embarrassed. Sizhui reaches up and runs at the back of his neck, a nervous habit he’s picked up over the years.
“I mean. You’re my best friend. Of course I was worried about you.”
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Jingyi's mouth snaps shut, his own cheeks reddening, head dipping in a mixture of shame and sheepishness. Why does he act silly in the weirdest moments around Sizhui? Has to do something with his crush, obviously, making him act more idiotic than necessary.
“You're mine too,” he acknowledges, straightening afterward and bridging what little distance remains between them. “It's why I was worried about the monster and...” But that doesn't matter when everything's fine, right? Right, of course!
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He watches Jingyi, trying to figure out what the other boy is thinking. They shouldn't. There's so many rules, he's sure of it. Well. Grand Master Qiren likes Sizhui. He's Hanguang Jun's de facto son, after all. Sizhui licks his lips and chances a half step closer toward the other when he moves closer.
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His eyes widen once he realizes the other boy has moved even closer, head finally lifting so they're face-to-face again with far less distance between them than before. Of all the times for his stupid motormouth to sputter out, of course... but Jingyi's head shakes then, without a second thought, he leans in and catches Sizhui's mouth with his own.
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He lets himself be tugged until they're flush against one another, both of his own arms lifting to circle his friend's shoulders. It's a shorter kiss than he'd like, but his hold loosens so Sizhui can withdraw, a wide, excited grin overtaking his features afterward. “...you have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.”