[ 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.]
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.]
[ 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.
[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.
[ 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.
it's strangely overwhelming being the entire focus wu xian. no limbs splayed out, nothing played with in his hands. just sitting proper and calm and staring at him with that gaze that no one seems to ever truly escape.
wang ji centers himself, allows the anger to wash through and out, and his jealousy to cool before answering.]
Wei Ying blinks, multiple times, because-- Wang Ji just??? apologized??? that doesn't make sense to him. his mouth opens then snaps shut again, nothing coming out in the interim, and he looks a little stunned.]
[For being jealous. For not being as usually centered. Wu Xian always seems to get this rise out of him no matter what. But saying any of those things will only earn more of a reaction from Wu Xian.
that sounds like a lie there, Lan Wang Ji. and not a very believable one at that. Wei Ying blinks a few more times, as if he expects Wang Ji to yell 'kidding!' before he speaks.]
But-- I was sitting improperly? I mean, for Gusu Sect rules at least.
[You may need to wait years for for Wang Ji to ever say the words "just kidding." Wang Ji is already aware that he's messed up, that he's slipped, but it's not Wei Wu Xian's fault. It is his own. For not squashing these feelings long ago. He can't seem to keep his words straight so he stops saying them altogether, electing instead to answer with silence.]
[wangji leans back in an instant, sword hand rising to catch his fellow cultivator's wrist before it touches his face. it's. unacceptable that he can't seem to cool his emotions, that his jealousy has spilled out where all can see. but he can't spur it on further.]
[ do you see this face? it is the face of someone who really does not believe you at all. Wei Ying stays there, frozen half over the table with Lan Zhan's fingers wrapped around his wrists and just stares. looks and watches and tries to put it together. ]
Ah! I get it!
[ at least he thinks he does. ]
You're upset that I have more skills than you at something when we have been equal all along! It's okay Lan Zhan, I can teach you if you want!
Edited (squints at the random line SHRUGS) 2019-12-23 02:47 (UTC)
[please do not mind the bead of sweat that traces along the lines of wangji's face. or how tightly he clenches his jaw. he must be so blatant and obvious, the odour of wangji's crime so fragrant that wei ying has now figured it all out.
except.
except not at all.
wangji stares, brow furrowed deep into his nose as he makes no reply for a moment or two, utterly dumbfounded. and yet quietly curious. to learn such things would break a dozen different principles. but how long has he stared at those lips and wondered how soft they might be. or how wonderful it might be to see them form his name and his alone for the rest of his life.
he releases wei ying's wrist, fingers peeling off all at once, and folds his hands in front of him on the table.]
[ honestly, Wei Yin is grinning brightly but also waiting for Lan Zhan to draw Bichen and threaten to end him for improper conduct or something. but that-- never happens. instead, Lan Zhan lets go of his wrist and then just--
sits there.
like Wei Ying didn't just offer to teach him how to give blow jobs (who is he kidding, he has no idea, but he has read some porn and has a very healthy imagination and honestly? how hard could it really be?).
okay, so--]
Ah, but Lan Zhan! Have you ever even kissed someone?
[ he says it loud and exuberant, but also like he is worried. like that somehow matters oh-so much. (it kind of does. to Wei Ying, though he can't figure out why.) ]
No. [wangji nearly blurts out and ‘of course not’ to follow but bites his tongue. he’s never had another friend, much less one as close as wei ying or one as kind and handsome either. to wangji, there is no other for him but wei ying, his match in swordsmanship, in wits, in all but this one thing: experience.
he thinks again about how many people wei ying must have kissed, how many he’s-
wei ying is popular with the other students, while wangji is decidedly not. in the past that would never have bothered him, but now? now that jealousy flares in his gut, bites and chews at him.]
[ that was-- well maybe it was the answer that Wei Ying expected. as beautiful as Lan Zhan was, he also wasn't the most approachable person in the world. but he was certain that at least one brave soul had at least tried. honestly, how could they not?
the shock is evident on Wei Ying's face (and something warm and pleased curls in his belly, but now is not the time for introspection).]
Really? But Lan Zhan is so handsome! Surely someone has tried! Maybe you just didn't notice someone trying to court you, ahh that would make sense.
[ because, seriously, that is the only thing that makes sense to him. never mind the fact that he is an actual idiot. ]
[No. No, not even the bravest souls have tried. Wangji has had to interest in anyone since he came to an age where those urges exist. No one attracted his interest until- until they snuck in with liquor and matched him in battle. Since he fell asleep in lecture and sent a talisman his way. At first, Wangji had assumed the sensation was annoyance, but over time he found the heat in his gut developing into something else.
Something deeper and unfamiliar. Something that warped his composure and sank into his core.]
No. [He repeats, because he is very sure. While he may seem entirely aloof, he is not unobservant.]
Are you sure, Hanguang-jun? You barely notice me and I am always annoying you, what makes you think you would notice someone trying to get your attention if they were shy~
[ don't look too closely at how he says that, how he is maybe a little of something annoyed almost seems to sink into the words. Wei Ying refuses to think about it thank you. he has more important things to focus on that are not his own weird emotions, those can wait. for years, he is sure.
leaning over the desk a little more, Wei Ying reaches out to tug on Lan Zhan's robes, eyes alight.]
Don't worry, Lan Zhan! I can help you with that too, if you want!
[Lan Wangji looks away, slightly off into the middle distance at Wei Ying's response because that persistence led to the friendship they have now. No one else has had nearly the patience to deal with constant cold. Xichen encouraged Wangji to make friends and yet the only companion he spent much time with was Wei Ying.
When fingers tug on his robes, Wangji turns back toward Wei Ying, heart pounding at the sudden lack of distance. His ears pinken as he presses his lips into a line.] Help what?
[Because he wants to make sure what ground they're standing on before he does anything else. Please let it be kissing.]
[ he says it shamelessly, and like he has so much experience himself that he might be able to impart such wisdom onto others. well, as far as anyone was concerned, he did have experience. he was incredibly good at faking it after all, and really, he seriously doubts that Lan Zhan is actually going to let him kiss him.
in fact he is confused as to how he has not drawn Bichen just yet. or thrown him out physically, Wei Ying is fairly sure that he could.
(doesn't question why he is pushing this so much, why he almost wants to try. wants to kiss Lan Zhan. oh gods, he wants to kiss Lan Zhan.)
one moment, Wei Ying might just be freezing on the spot, fingers curled in Lan Zhan's robes while he tries to process that thought.]
[the wait is almost as deadly as the implication of the fingers curled in wangji's robes. that drop of sweat winds down along his jaw and slips beneath his collar, sending a chill dancing down his spine. he expects wei ying to continue- wants him to for the pit in his stomach- but wei ying freezes.
and so does wangji. his heart stops in his chest, his lips part with his heavy breath, his eyes focus entirely on wei ying's face.
maybe- maybe wei ying really doesn't want to kiss him. maybe this teasing has once again led to the inevitable conclusion. hanguang jun has once again been too stiff, too unlikable. xichen advised him to make friends, but- but what if he was simply not someone worthy of having a friend? maybe ever?
finally, he glances down and away. lips returning to a thin line. he should have known this was all for play.]
[ oh Wei Ying is not playing, not this time. he is just processing. well, maybe processing is a bit much of a word, he is coming to terms with the fact that nearly everything he has done up to this point in his life has been to get Lan Zhan's attention. well, not everything, but everything that he has done so far within Cloud Recesses and beyond. he teases and taunts and is loud so that Lan Zhan will look at him. because he wants those eyes on him and only him and he wants to kiss Lan Zhan and no one else and--
he really really does not want to teach Lan Zhan how to kiss other people. that thought makes him feel sick to his stomach.
making a little noise that is a terrible mix of so many, Wei Ying nearly falls onto the table when he suddenly realizes that he needs to breathe and not just-- stare at Lan Zhan. who is now frowning and no no no that is not what he wants at all. Wei Ying moves so that he is on his knees beside Lan Zhan, fingers still curled in his robe as he opens his mouth and closes it a few times. he looks lost for a moment, before:]
Lan Zhan-- Can I-- are you sure it's okay I kiss you?
[ he sounds unsure of himself. because as much as he doesn't want to teach you how to kiss other people if this is the only chance he gets, he is going to take it. ]
[wangji settles himself at last. his heartbeat steadies and slows, his fingers fold at his waist. this has just been another game, another teasing glance, another whisper of something he cannot have. to have wei ying sit so close, fingers curled in his robe, and the gesture mean nothing is heartbreaking. but he has faced rejection before, he has knelt in the cold waiting before.
he should have expected.
the noise that rises from wei ying is unexpected and wangji looks up to meet the gaze so firmly set on him. wei ying seems lost, uncertain, so unlike his usual self.
and then the question comes.
all of a sudden life breathes back into wangji, his heartbeat pounds once more, his hands fight to stay neatly folded where they should stay. but he can't help it. he has wanted to do something, anything, with wei ying since the lanterns. he knew he wanted to protect wei ying with his life and guard him and love him. now he has this chance and he will not waste it.
wangji allows his hands to rise to wei ying's, to close around them with a gentle squeeze.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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.]
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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.]
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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. ]
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he's jealous.
and his jealousy is so unbecoming.]
No improper sitting.
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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. ]
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it's strangely overwhelming being the entire focus wu xian. no limbs splayed out, nothing played with in his hands. just sitting proper and calm and staring at him with that gaze that no one seems to ever truly escape.
wang ji centers himself, allows the anger to wash through and out, and his jealousy to cool before answering.]
I apologize.
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Wei Ying blinks, multiple times, because-- Wang Ji just??? apologized??? that doesn't make sense to him. his mouth opens then snaps shut again, nothing coming out in the interim, and he looks a little stunned.]
Wait, why are you apologizing?
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So Wang Ji nods, collected and calm once more.]
For accusing you of sitting improperly
[Worst lie in the history of lies.]
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that sounds like a lie there, Lan Wang Ji. and not a very believable one at that. Wei Ying blinks a few more times, as if he expects Wang Ji to yell 'kidding!' before he speaks.]
But-- I was sitting improperly? I mean, for Gusu Sect rules at least.
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Lan Zhan, are you feeling okay?
[ he is leaning across the table now, hand outstretched to press against Lan Zhan's cheek, as if to check for fever.]
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Fine.
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[ do you see this face? it is the face of someone who really does not believe you at all. Wei Ying stays there, frozen half over the table with Lan Zhan's fingers wrapped around his wrists and just stares. looks and watches and tries to put it together. ]
Ah! I get it!
[ at least he thinks he does. ]
You're upset that I have more skills than you at something when we have been equal all along! It's okay Lan Zhan, I can teach you if you want!
/steers us into au territory
except.
except not at all.
wangji stares, brow furrowed deep into his nose as he makes no reply for a moment or two, utterly dumbfounded. and yet quietly curious. to learn such things would break a dozen different principles. but how long has he stared at those lips and wondered how soft they might be. or how wonderful it might be to see them form his name and his alone for the rest of his life.
he releases wei ying's wrist, fingers peeling off all at once, and folds his hands in front of him on the table.]
yes good
sits there.
like Wei Ying didn't just offer to teach him how to give blow jobs (who is he kidding, he has no idea, but he has read some porn and has a very healthy imagination and honestly? how hard could it really be?).
okay, so--]
Ah, but Lan Zhan! Have you ever even kissed someone?
[ he says it loud and exuberant, but also like he is worried. like that somehow matters oh-so much. (it kind of does. to Wei Ying, though he can't figure out why.) ]
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he thinks again about how many people wei ying must have kissed, how many he’s-
wei ying is popular with the other students, while wangji is decidedly not. in the past that would never have bothered him, but now? now that jealousy flares in his gut, bites and chews at him.]
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the shock is evident on Wei Ying's face (and something warm and pleased curls in his belly, but now is not the time for introspection).]
Really? But Lan Zhan is so handsome! Surely someone has tried! Maybe you just didn't notice someone trying to court you, ahh that would make sense.
[ because, seriously, that is the only thing that makes sense to him. never mind the fact that he is an actual idiot. ]
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Something deeper and unfamiliar. Something that warped his composure and sank into his core.]
No. [He repeats, because he is very sure. While he may seem entirely aloof, he is not unobservant.]
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[ don't look too closely at how he says that, how he is maybe a little of something annoyed almost seems to sink into the words. Wei Ying refuses to think about it thank you. he has more important things to focus on that are not his own weird emotions, those can wait. for years, he is sure.
leaning over the desk a little more, Wei Ying reaches out to tug on Lan Zhan's robes, eyes alight.]
Don't worry, Lan Zhan! I can help you with that too, if you want!
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When fingers tug on his robes, Wangji turns back toward Wei Ying, heart pounding at the sudden lack of distance. His ears pinken as he presses his lips into a line.] Help what?
[Because he wants to make sure what ground they're standing on before he does anything else.
Please let it be kissing.]no subject
[ he says it shamelessly, and like he has so much experience himself that he might be able to impart such wisdom onto others. well, as far as anyone was concerned, he did have experience. he was incredibly good at faking it after all, and really, he seriously doubts that Lan Zhan is actually going to let him kiss him.
in fact he is confused as to how he has not drawn Bichen just yet. or thrown him out physically, Wei Ying is fairly sure that he could.
(doesn't question why he is pushing this so much, why he almost wants to try. wants to kiss Lan Zhan. oh gods, he wants to kiss Lan Zhan.)
one moment, Wei Ying might just be freezing on the spot, fingers curled in Lan Zhan's robes while he tries to process that thought.]
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and so does wangji. his heart stops in his chest, his lips part with his heavy breath, his eyes focus entirely on wei ying's face.
maybe- maybe wei ying really doesn't want to kiss him. maybe this teasing has once again led to the inevitable conclusion. hanguang jun has once again been too stiff, too unlikable. xichen advised him to make friends, but- but what if he was simply not someone worthy of having a friend? maybe ever?
finally, he glances down and away. lips returning to a thin line. he should have known this was all for play.]
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he really really does not want to teach Lan Zhan how to kiss other people. that thought makes him feel sick to his stomach.
making a little noise that is a terrible mix of so many, Wei Ying nearly falls onto the table when he suddenly realizes that he needs to breathe and not just-- stare at Lan Zhan. who is now frowning and no no no that is not what he wants at all. Wei Ying moves so that he is on his knees beside Lan Zhan, fingers still curled in his robe as he opens his mouth and closes it a few times. he looks lost for a moment, before:]
Lan Zhan-- Can I-- are you sure it's okay I kiss you?
[ he sounds unsure of himself. because as much as he doesn't want to teach you how to kiss other people if this is the only chance he gets, he is going to take it. ]
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he should have expected.
the noise that rises from wei ying is unexpected and wangji looks up to meet the gaze so firmly set on him. wei ying seems lost, uncertain, so unlike his usual self.
and then the question comes.
all of a sudden life breathes back into wangji, his heartbeat pounds once more, his hands fight to stay neatly folded where they should stay. but he can't help it. he has wanted to do something, anything, with wei ying since the lanterns. he knew he wanted to protect wei ying with his life and guard him
and love him. now he has this chance and he will not waste it.wangji allows his hands to rise to wei ying's, to close around them with a gentle squeeze.]
Yes.