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[It's in Wang Ji's nature to always be prepared in one way or another. Being unprepared and comfortable is what allowed Wen Clan the opening to strike. Never again.
That said, he does not and would not expect the same of Wu Xian, but he also has ways of surprising Wang Ji.
However, this occasion is not one of them. Wang Ji draws open the door, albeit apprehensive to the reason for Wu Xian's reply, but finds nothing amiss, no enemies, only Wu Xian dressed- or, rather undressed- in crimson. The color complements Wu Xian's skin, warms pale cheeks, and brings life into cheeks that seem to have dulled in the past several months.
To see him in red is always a treat, but Wang Ji does not pause to stare. Instead, he closes the door behind him and continues on to unshoulder his pack. With a careful hand, he unwraps the white robe on his other shoulder, careful to keep the filigree from catching and pulling, and holds it out for Wu Xian.]
This should be suitable.
That said, he does not and would not expect the same of Wu Xian, but he also has ways of surprising Wang Ji.
However, this occasion is not one of them. Wang Ji draws open the door, albeit apprehensive to the reason for Wu Xian's reply, but finds nothing amiss, no enemies, only Wu Xian dressed- or, rather undressed- in crimson. The color complements Wu Xian's skin, warms pale cheeks, and brings life into cheeks that seem to have dulled in the past several months.
To see him in red is always a treat, but Wang Ji does not pause to stare. Instead, he closes the door behind him and continues on to unshoulder his pack. With a careful hand, he unwraps the white robe on his other shoulder, careful to keep the filigree from catching and pulling, and holds it out for Wu Xian.]
This should be suitable.
[ why are you doing this to him. being ignored by you is by far the worst possible thing for Wei Ying.
Wei Ying doesn't mean to play, to tease or torment not to the point where it causes actual distress. he is stupid, not cruel (though there are times perhaps, between the two of them, that there is little difference). Wei Ying doesn't quite understand why he is so desperate for Lan Zhan's attention, for his reactions no matter positive or negative, but he is. all he knows is that he wants Lan Zhan's eyes on him, whether it is to praise him or berate him.]
:C
Wei Ying doesn't mean to play, to tease or torment not to the point where it causes actual distress. he is stupid, not cruel (though there are times perhaps, between the two of them, that there is little difference). Wei Ying doesn't quite understand why he is so desperate for Lan Zhan's attention, for his reactions no matter positive or negative, but he is. all he knows is that he wants Lan Zhan's eyes on him, whether it is to praise him or berate him.]
:C
[ one day maybe Wei Ying will pick up some of that preparedness. or at the very least be gifted with the ability to foresee where his choices might lead him. it wasn't that he was truely reckless (okay, he was), it was more of a need to deviate from things when he saw something less than favourable happening just off the path and-- how was he supposed to just stand there and let things happen?
simply put, he couldn't. and he didn't.
which is what lands him in times like this, tired to the marrow of his bones and trying to drown out the echoes in his head from the shadows, asking to borrow a white outer layer from Lan Zhan of all cultivators so he can attend a funeral of a man that was so kind to him and Yuan when he didn't have to be.
the smile on his face is bright, as it always is, but fades into something awed when Lan Zhan holds out the robe to him gently.
it's gorgeous. and so much more than what he expected. Wei Ying almost hesitated to reach out to touch it, fingertips ghosting along the fabric gently as he stares at Lan Zhan.]
Lan Zhan, this-- you should wear this one. It suits you. [ gorgeous. elegant. ]
simply put, he couldn't. and he didn't.
which is what lands him in times like this, tired to the marrow of his bones and trying to drown out the echoes in his head from the shadows, asking to borrow a white outer layer from Lan Zhan of all cultivators so he can attend a funeral of a man that was so kind to him and Yuan when he didn't have to be.
the smile on his face is bright, as it always is, but fades into something awed when Lan Zhan holds out the robe to him gently.
it's gorgeous. and so much more than what he expected. Wei Ying almost hesitated to reach out to touch it, fingertips ghosting along the fabric gently as he stares at Lan Zhan.]
Lan Zhan, this-- you should wear this one. It suits you. [ gorgeous. elegant. ]
[wang ji doesn't understand wei ying's constant need to play and poke, to take an act like that so lightly. then again, in wang ji's eyes wei ying flirts with everyone and everything under the sun, so he should not be surprised that wei ying has wordly experience where wang ji has none.
it would be good to learn something. and. perhaps. scratch this itch that has been strangling him for days.
or perhaps that's just wei ying in his dreams.
no. don't think about such things.]
["Overthinking Everything In His Life" at 7:21 pm.]
it would be good to learn something. and. perhaps. scratch this itch that has been strangling him for days.
or perhaps that's just wei ying in his dreams.
no. don't think about such things.]
["Overthinking Everything In His Life" at 7:21 pm.]
[Once upon a time, Wang Ji thought those smiles to be insincere, handed out to every passerby, to cats and dogs the same as him. Over the years, however, Wang Ji has learned of this smile that Wu Xian wears now, that he only wears for him. He can't help the small rise of his lips in response, the thrill that dances through his chest like autumn leaves. Waiting for Wu Xian to touch the robe drags on and for an instant, Wang Ji wonders if he will need to thrust the robe upon Wu Xian himself.
And it seems that may still be an option.
Wang Ji shakes his head, slow and solemn, looking down at the robe and then back up to Wu Xian. In his opinion, they match each other. From the playful touches of spring flowers embroidered in the silk to the reflective beading dividing the robe in half, it is not Wang Ji's style. He can count the number of times he's worn it on one hand and still have fingers left over.]
I am already dressed.
And it seems that may still be an option.
Wang Ji shakes his head, slow and solemn, looking down at the robe and then back up to Wu Xian. In his opinion, they match each other. From the playful touches of spring flowers embroidered in the silk to the reflective beading dividing the robe in half, it is not Wang Ji's style. He can count the number of times he's worn it on one hand and still have fingers left over.]
I am already dressed.
[ ah see, but Wei Ying does flirt with everyone and everything. well, no, not really. he is partial to very pretty things, of which Lan Zhan is certainly a pretty thing, but that did not mean that he had any experience. while he might not act as such, Wei Ying had not managed to even have his first kiss. he enjoyed flirting, yes, but actively moring beyond that never really interested him.
so is he bullshitting you entirely, Lan Zhan? yes. yes, he is.
hope you were waiting for a low drawn-out call of your name from just outside the door.]
Lan Zhan.
so is he bullshitting you entirely, Lan Zhan? yes. yes, he is.
hope you were waiting for a low drawn-out call of your name from just outside the door.]
Lan Zhan.
[wang ji continues to consider a response. how best to ask for help in learning something he knows nothing about from someone who seems to know everything on the subject. wang ji lauds expertise but wei ying is different.
this is not something he would want wei ying to be an expert.
the knock at the door surprises wang ji. he should have heard wei ying's footsteps, but he was so lost in his reflection--
no matter. he supposes wei ying has come to flirt with him meaninglessly again.]
Come in.
this is not something he would want wei ying to be an expert.
the knock at the door surprises wang ji. he should have heard wei ying's footsteps, but he was so lost in his reflection--
no matter. he supposes wei ying has come to flirt with him meaninglessly again.]
Come in.
Lan Zhan, it is not hard to change an outer robe, I could help you. We could have you into this in but a moment.
[ there is a budding smile in the corner of his lips as he speaks, fingers still touching the fabric gently but his eyes on Wangji (softly, reverently, a look that only gets bestowed upon Lan Wangji). he can see the care, the detail, in this robe. it is more opulent than he might usually expect of the Second Jade, but also-- Wei Ying would love to see him in it.
and yet here he is, offering it up to him.
Wei Ying sighs, fingers falling away from the fabric as he gives Wangji a pointed look. ] You should wear this, I can wear the one you have on now. Come on, it won't take long to change, besides I still have to fix my hair.
[ there is a budding smile in the corner of his lips as he speaks, fingers still touching the fabric gently but his eyes on Wangji (softly, reverently, a look that only gets bestowed upon Lan Wangji). he can see the care, the detail, in this robe. it is more opulent than he might usually expect of the Second Jade, but also-- Wei Ying would love to see him in it.
and yet here he is, offering it up to him.
Wei Ying sighs, fingers falling away from the fabric as he gives Wangji a pointed look. ] You should wear this, I can wear the one you have on now. Come on, it won't take long to change, besides I still have to fix my hair.
[ the only real advice that he might be able to give is to read some of the pornography books that you seem so hell-bent on ripping up, since that is where Wuxian has managed to get most of his so-called 'experience' from. that coupled with 'fake it until you make it' that is.
if Wuxian is surprised that you tell him to enter, he hides it as he opens the door and peers around, fingers curling against door and eyes wide.
almost like he expects you to throw something at him. ]
Lan Zhan! [ about the peace you were enjoying. ] Were you really just going to ignore me, Lan-er gege?
[ look at the pout he has on for this. how wounded he is by the lack of your attention. ]
if Wuxian is surprised that you tell him to enter, he hides it as he opens the door and peers around, fingers curling against door and eyes wide.
almost like he expects you to throw something at him. ]
Lan Zhan! [ about the peace you were enjoying. ] Were you really just going to ignore me, Lan-er gege?
[ look at the pout he has on for this. how wounded he is by the lack of your attention. ]
[Opulence is what Wang Ji doesn't overly like about the garment, but his desire matches Wu Xian's: to see the other bathed in the silks and filigrees. He is not so willing to step down from his decision.]
Dress. I will fix your hair.
[Which is entirely too intimate an act on its own, but he could make the excuse that they are trying to get to Yiling by the afternoon.
He lifts his hands again to offer the robe.]
Dress. I will fix your hair.
[Which is entirely too intimate an act on its own, but he could make the excuse that they are trying to get to Yiling by the afternoon.
He lifts his hands again to offer the robe.]
[lucky for wu xian there is nothing being thrown; wang ji is so focused on his thoughts to think of anything like that. he looks up and finds himself immediately regretting his decision to let wu xian in. ge-ge. how can wu xian talk about those acts and then call him gege.
perhaps he should turn back to his reading.]
Yes.
perhaps he should turn back to his reading.]
Yes.
[ he says it exactly for that barely-there twitch of your brows that makes his own lips twitch in response. perfect. your attention is his!]
But why! I was just looking for an answer, Lan Zhan.
[ Wei Ying fights the smile that wants to bloom on his face to replace the pout, a natural reaction it seems when he is around Lan Zhan, and sits himself (sprawls, limbs askew and elbow on the table in a fashion that is not at all proprietary) far too close. well, at least he is sure that Lan Zhan will think it too close.]
But why! I was just looking for an answer, Lan Zhan.
[ Wei Ying fights the smile that wants to bloom on his face to replace the pout, a natural reaction it seems when he is around Lan Zhan, and sits himself (sprawls, limbs askew and elbow on the table in a fashion that is not at all proprietary) far too close. well, at least he is sure that Lan Zhan will think it too close.]
[ oh. that-- Lan Zhan wants to-- he--
oh.
there is a beat where it is clear that the offer has rendered Wei Ying speechless, mouth opening and closing without a sound spilling out. Wei Ying isn't sure why but the thought of Lan Zhan's fingers in his hair, the thought of him taking the time to brush it out and help him put it up has his breath catching behind his teeth and his heart skipping double time.]
Are you-- sure? [ it is quiet, so very quiet for Wei Ying, like he is afraid of speaking and making Lan Zhan think on his offer again. like he is afraid of scaring this moment away.]
oh.
there is a beat where it is clear that the offer has rendered Wei Ying speechless, mouth opening and closing without a sound spilling out. Wei Ying isn't sure why but the thought of Lan Zhan's fingers in his hair, the thought of him taking the time to brush it out and help him put it up has his breath catching behind his teeth and his heart skipping double time.]
Are you-- sure? [ it is quiet, so very quiet for Wei Ying, like he is afraid of speaking and making Lan Zhan think on his offer again. like he is afraid of scaring this moment away.]
[you are the worst kind of friend.
that is wang ji follows wu xian with his gaze until he sits improperly and far too close for wang ji's liking. he collects his reading from the table to sit on the opposite side. space would do him good until he could forget the message that started this whole debacle.]
that is wang ji follows wu xian with his gaze until he sits improperly and far too close for wang ji's liking. he collects his reading from the table to sit on the opposite side. space would do him good until he could forget the message that started this whole debacle.]
[Already Wang Ji has spotted a comb near the wash basin and fetches it in a heartbeat. See. No reason to have Wu Xian compromise their timing when something as solemn as a funeral is at stake. Right?
Of course. There are no ulterior motives here. None what so ever.
Gesturing to one of the pillows on the floor,] Sit.
Of course. There are no ulterior motives here. None what so ever.
Gesturing to one of the pillows on the floor,] Sit.
[ excuse you he is the best kind. he is fun and loud and brilliant and adventurous and-- yeah okay maybe the worst kind for someone in the Lan Sect.
the pout only deepens as Lan Zhan moves away from him, puts more space between them. Wei Ying shouldn't be surprised, being close was one of those things that they looked down upon after all, but still-- ]
Lan Zhan why are you sitting so far away, are you upset I didn't sit in your lap? I can, you know, I just thought you might like some time to think about it.
[ okay sometimes he is a little shit. ]
the pout only deepens as Lan Zhan moves away from him, puts more space between them. Wei Ying shouldn't be surprised, being close was one of those things that they looked down upon after all, but still-- ]
Lan Zhan why are you sitting so far away, are you upset I didn't sit in your lap? I can, you know, I just thought you might like some time to think about it.
[ okay sometimes he is a little shit. ]
[ compromised timing. right. that was the point of all this. not--- not the warmth that the thought brings him, or the way he wants this to be a daily thing, or how he wants... well how he just wants in general. it is an unclear thing, this desire in him, but he knows it burns brighter and strong when Lan Zhan is near.
it is telling as well how he sits himself down so easily, makes sure the white robe is uncreased against the bed before he sits on the pillow that was gestured to and settles without complaint, back to Lan Zhan and his red ribbon in his hands.
without thinking, Wei Ying closes his eyes and exhales slowly as if to center himself before murmuring: ] It doesn't need to be anything fancy...
it is telling as well how he sits himself down so easily, makes sure the white robe is uncreased against the bed before he sits on the pillow that was gestured to and settles without complaint, back to Lan Zhan and his red ribbon in his hands.
without thinking, Wei Ying closes his eyes and exhales slowly as if to center himself before murmuring: ] It doesn't need to be anything fancy...
[wELL BUDDY Wang Ji's gaze snaps up in an instant, sharp as a blade. This-- This is the flirting he so despises. Because he knows wu xian must offer these things to everyone, to pretty women and him alike. He can blame his anger on principles, on violating the rules, but his heart speaks otherwise.
he's jealous.
and his jealousy is so unbecoming.]
No improper sitting.
he's jealous.
and his jealousy is so unbecoming.]
No improper sitting.
[Wang Ji waits for Wu Xian to sit before he, too, takes a centering breath to steady the pounding in his chest. He's never held anyone else's hair in his hands before, but he styles his own hair well enough and with more complicated knots than Wu Xian. With the same reverence he held the robe, Wang Ji accepts the red ribbon.
He doesn't respond, but he doesn't feel the need to. Instead, he focuses on the task of gently running the teeth of the jade comb through Wu Xian's tresses, pale green through deep black. In one small section at a time, Wang Ji teases out knots with gentle pulls, trying not to pull Wu Xian's beautiful hair more than needed.
It's. strangely calming. Like playing his guqin. The glide of stone on hair whispers through the air, a melody of its own weaving and wandering infinitely.]
He doesn't respond, but he doesn't feel the need to. Instead, he focuses on the task of gently running the teeth of the jade comb through Wu Xian's tresses, pale green through deep black. In one small section at a time, Wang Ji teases out knots with gentle pulls, trying not to pull Wu Xian's beautiful hair more than needed.
It's. strangely calming. Like playing his guqin. The glide of stone on hair whispers through the air, a melody of its own weaving and wandering infinitely.]
[ being still is not a strong point for Wu Xian. neither is being quiet, or particularly observant when it came to things that were right in his face. he still is terrible at the latter, obviously, but while Wang Ji is combing through his hair, has his fingers against his scalp, Wu Xian is still and silent. he feels oddly centred, peaceful for the first time in a long time. there are no voices clamouring for his attention, no smoke and shadows under his skin, nothing to worry about at all. just Lan Zhan and the feeling of being cared for.
Wu Xian shivers a little, chin tipping down as the comb passes over the base of his neck, gooseflesh breaking out across his skin.
still, he keeps quiet but for a low exhale and a nearly imperceptible shift to get closer to Wang Ji. ]
Wu Xian shivers a little, chin tipping down as the comb passes over the base of his neck, gooseflesh breaking out across his skin.
still, he keeps quiet but for a low exhale and a nearly imperceptible shift to get closer to Wang Ji. ]
[ sorry Wang Ji, he has no idea what he is saying is even registering beyond annoyance. he says it because he wants the attention, wants Wang Ji to turn his eyes towards him whether it is because he is annoyed or because he is endeared doesn't matter to him (or maybe it does, but he is still so sure that Wang Ji barely tolerates him so the former often seems easier to achieve).
Wei Ying might flirt with every pretty thing (of which Wang Ji is certainly a part of) but he would probably rescind his claims in a heartbeat if he was called to act.
except with Lan Zhan. with a sigh and a roll of his eyes, Wei Ying half folds himself into an acceptable position before leaning on the table, chin in hand, eyes on Lan Zhan and smile barely on his lips.]
Ah Lan Zhan Lan Zhan, don't worry I won't make you sit improperly. I will ask why you are being so mean to me though.
[ a forced pout here for good measure. ]
Wei Ying might flirt with every pretty thing (of which Wang Ji is certainly a part of) but he would probably rescind his claims in a heartbeat if he was called to act.
except with Lan Zhan. with a sigh and a roll of his eyes, Wei Ying half folds himself into an acceptable position before leaning on the table, chin in hand, eyes on Lan Zhan and smile barely on his lips.]
Ah Lan Zhan Lan Zhan, don't worry I won't make you sit improperly. I will ask why you are being so mean to me though.
[ a forced pout here for good measure. ]
[If Wang Ji truly worried about the time before, he doesn't any more. The world melts away into nothing but him, Wu Xian, and the playful melody dancing through his ears. The stars slow, the earth stops, the sun holds in the sky, the entire universe stills and quiets for them. For this moment, the frantic beat of Wang Ji's heart feels like it will slow into nothing with the rest of time, to mirror the whisper of the comb.
Jade teeth inch up the length of Wu Xian's hair, leaving smooth hair behind. When the comb reaches Wu Xian's scalp, Wang Ji pauses to run his fingers through the longer sections to check for any knots that missed his first pass.]
Are you in pain?
Jade teeth inch up the length of Wu Xian's hair, leaving smooth hair behind. When the comb reaches Wu Xian's scalp, Wang Ji pauses to run his fingers through the longer sections to check for any knots that missed his first pass.]
Are you in pain?
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