[ hey! he is incredibly creative thank you very much. and attractive. wow, rude.]
Lan Zhan, I hardly think that your presence would be a burden to anyone grieving. You are usually quite calming, you know. It's what made it so fun to tease you.
[And since he's packed already anyway, Wang Ji will arrive at Wu Xian's room in no time at all, spare white robe draped over one shoulder. He's selected one of his nicest, with pearlescent filigree lacing along the shoulders and down through the sleeves. He's honestly not entirely sure if Wu Xian will accept it; his friend seems set on not allowing himself any nice things other than liquor. Wang Ji pushes his luck where he can, where etiquettes allow, and this is one of those moments, a charge on the battlefield.
Wang Ji himself has donned a much simpler fabric, plain beside the offering for Wu Xian. No lacing scallops the edges or silks to fold back from his face.
[ of course Lan Zhan manages to be ready before him, that was just the way of the world wasn't it? still, Wei Ying takes a moment to try and gather himself together, to look something closer to presentable, before he seeks out Lan Zhan. because apparently the thought of Lan Zhan seeing him with his edges fraying was unacceptable in a way showing up to a funeral smelling of Emperor's Smile was not.
he knows that means something, he does, honestly. but he just doesn't know what.
the knock at the door startles him, has Wei Ying spinning around as he was retying his hair so that is spills free along his shoulders, his red ribbon clutched tightly in his hand.
of course Lan Zhan came to him. with a laugh, Wei Ying tells him to come in.]
I'm as decent as you can expect, Lan Zhan! You can come in!
[ aside from his hair being everywhere, he is dressed in at least two layers. however, his usual black robes have been put to the side, leaving him in just the deep crimson.]
[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.]
[ 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. ]
[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.]
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.
[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.
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.]
[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.
[ 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...
[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.]
[ 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. ]
[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.]
[ pain is the last thing that Wu Xian is in right now. he is so calm, but there is also something warm and bright gathering in the core of him. part of him is aware he should focus on that, maybe look at it a little closer to figure out just what is going on, but he doesn't want to think. not right now.]
Mn.
[ eyes fluttering closed a little, Wei Ying smiles softly and shakes his head minutely. he wants to say more but his tongue feels too heavy. he tries again, voice quiet and a little warm around the edges as he speaks.]
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maybe he did, but it died with critical thinking skills and self-preservation.]
I don't know. Not yet at least, they say he passed in his sleep. But that could mean anything.
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Do you need assistance?
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I don't think I will need assistance, but--
[ does he dare disturb the universe indeed...]
Your company would not be unwelcome.
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But oh. That's. Hmm. But to accompany Wei Ying without assisting would unduly hinder the family.]
Then my presence would burden the grieving.
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Lan Zhan, I hardly think that your presence would be a burden to anyone grieving. You are usually quite calming, you know. It's what made it so fun to tease you.
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Is that the reason?
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horrible taste why do you do this to yourself]One of them!
[ only because he was too dense to really understand why he enjoyed teasing you so much. don't worry, he is getting better at understanding it. ]
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I see. Then I will accompany you.
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....thank you. It is later today, is that too soon for you?
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[And since he's packed already anyway, Wang Ji will arrive at Wu Xian's room in no time at all, spare white robe draped over one shoulder. He's selected one of his nicest, with pearlescent filigree lacing along the shoulders and down through the sleeves. He's honestly not entirely sure if Wu Xian will accept it; his friend seems set on not allowing himself any nice things other than liquor. Wang Ji pushes his luck where he can, where etiquettes allow, and this is one of those moments, a charge on the battlefield.
Wang Ji himself has donned a much simpler fabric, plain beside the offering for Wu Xian. No lacing scallops the edges or silks to fold back from his face.
With a gentle knock, ] Wei Ying.
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he knows that means something, he does, honestly. but he just doesn't know what.
the knock at the door startles him, has Wei Ying spinning around as he was retying his hair so that is spills free along his shoulders, his red ribbon clutched tightly in his hand.
of course Lan Zhan came to him. with a laugh, Wei Ying tells him to come in.]
I'm as decent as you can expect, Lan Zhan! You can come in!
[ aside from his hair being everywhere, he is dressed in at least two layers. however, his usual black robes have been put to the side, leaving him in just the deep crimson.]
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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.
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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. ]
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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.
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[ 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.
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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.]
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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.]
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Of course. There are no ulterior motives here. None what so ever.
Gesturing to one of the pillows on the floor,] Sit.
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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...
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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.]
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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. ]
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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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Mn.
[ eyes fluttering closed a little, Wei Ying smiles softly and shakes his head minutely. he wants to say more but his tongue feels too heavy. he tries again, voice quiet and a little warm around the edges as he speaks.]
No, not at all.
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