[ while that isn't an unexpected answer the tone-- well the tone takes Wei Ying a little by surprise. Lan Zhan is sparing with his words, and often rather stable with the tone of them, but that answer was sharp. not quite angry, but there was something there that had Wei Ying sliding a glance towards his companion.
even more curious now.]
Hmmm? Close with Huaisang? Of course! Who do you think gave me that-- ahh, wait, I probably shouldn't out my sources should I. [ even if, in saying such, he kind of is. Wei Ying laughs, grin turning mischievous as he turns to walk in front of Lan Zhan with his head cocked and eyes amused, trusting that Lan Zhan will stop him from walking into anything should it cross his path behind his back. trust that Lan Zhan will not let him fall.]
Why Lan Zhan, have you been paying attention to Nie Huaisang for some reason?
[ this is who you have chosen to like, Lan Wangji, as yourself why.]
[ Actually, Wangji is kind of wishing there was a cliff around right now, just so he could shove them both off of it. His expression grows tight and hard. ]
I am not. [ Tensely.
Ugh. He started walking a little faster without looking at Wei Ying. ]
Focus on the task.
[ ... Of getting ice cream. Despite him being the one who asked... ]
[ excuse you, falling to his death is not happening again on his to-do list today. Wei Ying just laughs at the look on Lan Zhan's face before the second jade walks past him.
which means that Wei Ying reaches out to latch onto Lan Zhan's arm with a noise that is part whine part exclamation.]
Lan Zhan! What... ah, you know if you didn't scowl so much Huaisang might not be so terrified of you! Then you could also spend time with him!
[ that's what you wanted, right?
it's not really what Wei Ying wants, at all, wow. he is... maybe jealous but also-- he would like it if you were happy. so. ]
You should bring back some ice cream. That would be a good start.
[ you try and shake him off there all you want, Wei Ying is not letting go of his grip. he might be trying to figure this out, just a little. because Lan Zhan rarely asks about other people, then he is asking about Huaisang of all people and, seriously, what else is he supposed to think?
still, there is something that relaxes at how Lan Zhan denies it.]
...even if I'm ridiculous and get three flavours?
[ and will probably steal some of yours, tea flavour or not.]
[ He gave up trying to get Wei Ying to let go, though he was still tense under his grip. If it wasn't Huaisang, who could Wei Ying possibly have been talking about...?
He couldn't very well ask more questions. He'd already had disastrous results doing that. So he would have to simply subject himself to the misery of never knowing where Wei Wuxian's heart truly lay, save that it didn't lie in him.
At least they were coming to the edge of town, soon... ]
So that means you won't glare at me when I get three?
[ Wei Ying's laughter is bright at that, and his smile stretching his lips wide as they move into town. they get more than a few looks, things that usually Wei Ying pays attention to but for now he can't quite take his eyes off of Lan Zhan. beneath the happiness, the sunbright smile and rainfall laughter, he is trying to puzzle this all out.
and by this he means Lan Zhan. he likes to think he is a fairly observant person (usually, at least), and there was something off about this.
but also-- ice cream.]
Mmm, Lan Zhan, how would you tell someone you liked them?
[ what. it is a perfectly valid question that will let Wei Ying know if Lan Zhan does like someone (and keep his eye out for who it could be). hopefully. ]
[ Or, more likely, he would while he was trying not to watch Wei Yin with a stupidly fond expression. He spent a lot of time lately making sure he didn’t do that.
The question gave him pause, his heart skipping a beat. Had he been too obvious? His lips thinned an almost imperceptible amount. ]
... I would not.
[ Not tell them, or not like them? It didn’t make a difference. ]
[ it is a considering noise, paired with a familiar curl of his lips. not that he doesn't believe Lan Zhan but also, he is sure that there will be at least a brow furrow in his general direction over the indulgences he takes with the dessert. Wei Ying tugs Lan Zhan a little faster, the place where they were headed in sight.]
Really? You wouldn't tell them at all? Why not? Wait, is it against a rule? I'm pretty sure I don't remember copying that rule at any point. Though there was that one about not being too happy I suppose. But really Lan Zhan, what if they liked you back?
[ does this mean that Lan Zhan does like someone? but would just-- never tell him? or that the Second Jade is simply... above such things. Wei Ying slides a glance sideways, a minute furrow finding its way between his own brows at that thought.
makes his ribcage feel too tight around his lungs. ]
[ Well, technically, there were many rules and he was pretty sure that liking Wei Wuxian broke rules his Uncle hadn't even invented yet, but it wasn't like Lans were forbidden from finding a partner or getting married. Though there was one about keeping men and women separate.
He hesitated, a twitch in his brow as his eyes lowered, still stepping towards the tea house where the ice cream could be found.
He already knew the person he loved didn't love him back. ]
[ for the most part, Wei Ying likes to think of himself as a fairly unflappable cultivator. he can roll with the stabs, or claws, or kicks rather easily. he can come up with ideas on the fly that take a less obvious route. can improvise and look at things from more than one point of view. he likes to think that he can see all the sides and possible outcomes.
so he might have Lan Zhan crash into him when he stops suddenly, mouth open and brows creased when Lan Zhan tells him with so much certainty that who he likes doesn't like him back. firstly, because it means that Lan Zhan does like someone, secondly--]
That is complete horse shit Lan Zhan! Unless you tell them how could you know? [ wait. shit. he squints.] Unless you can read minds. Even then! You would know that the only thing that would keep someone from liking you is because they would know that they aren't actually good enough for you.
[ Considering how graceful and elegant he usually is, it is a little comedic the way he hits Wei Ying and immediately enacts countermeasures, stepping back before their entire bodies collide. He wasn't expecting that.
His brows twitch, the slightest edge of confusion and frustration. ]
Made clear. [ Wei Ying went out of his way to remind him of how pretty girls were, often. How he wanted to marry someone else. ]
More than well suited. [ This he believed. He really did. But... ]
[ it is as times like this that Wei Ying wishes he could somehow make Lan Zhan not hate him quite so much. it would make him telling the second jade how amazing he was perhaps a little less awkward and -- well that has really never stopped him before now has it?
Wei Ying stays there, lingering outside the door of the tea house, lips pressed together firmly for a few more heartbeats before he seems to make up his mind.]
I'm not teasing, Lan Zhan, I wouldn't tease about this! I'm not as heartless and people like to say. You are one of the best culti-- no, one of the best human beings that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Even with your cold glares and your penchant for rules, you are a great person and anyone would be damn well lucky to worm their way into your good graces let alone heart. You care about people in your own quiet way, and you love rabbits, and even though I know I annoy the hell out of you you still let me drag you everywhere. And-- and you should tell me who you like, I will go talk some sense into them.
[ the look on his face makes it clear that when he says talk he-- probably isn't going to be nice about it. ]
[ It is rare that Wangji lets his expression slip so much as to register honest surprise, but there it is - for the briefest of moments - his eyes widened a little, his lips parted in something like confusion.
He covers for it quickly, brow twitching a little in annoyance.
Just how dense can Wei Ying be, sometimes?
He gripped his sword a little harder. ]
Speak to yourself, then. [ He says tightly, and then attempts to walk past Wei Ying and head into the shop and hopefully right out of this topic of conversation. ]
[ it is only because Wei Ying is staring at Lan Zhan at this moment that he sees the flicker of emotion on his face. sees that surpriseconfusion before there is a scowl, deeper than before, back on Lan Zhan's features. Wei Ying didn't even speak to how beautiful Lan Zhan was, figuring that wasn't something that the other cared much about, but when he went to speak to whomever it was Lan Zhan likes you could bet that would also be on the list.
even when he was nearing furious, Lan Zhan was gorgeous.
and maybe Wei Ying gets a little caught on that fact. which is why he doesn't quite get the words. well, he hears them but-- they don't make sense. blinking a few times, Wei Ying tries to parse that, speak to yourself, does that mean Lan Zhan wants him to practice the speech first? or--
wait.
w a i t.]
Lan Zhan!
[ he nearly yells, hand reaching out to curl against the curve of Lan Zhan's elbow, keeping him from going into the tea house. there are eyes on them, curious stares, but Wei Ying doesn't notice them at all, stays focused on the lines of Lan Zhan's profile. the slope of his nose and the pres of his brows and--
and Wei Ying's mouth is moving without his brain really thinking about it.]
Lan Zhan do you mean for me to talk to myself? Because you think I am spouting teasing things to you without care or because-- or because you like me? Because if that is the case I need to remind you about what you said early about how you shouldn't tease where it isn't meant.
[ It is a benefit he has long been glad of, that unlike others his embarrassment doesn't register on his face. He can feel the heat, and he can feel the pounding of his heart, but there's no flush that tints his cheeks.
He doesn't know that the tips of his ears are starting to turn a little red.
He is frozen, Wei Ying's grip on his elbow as firm as an anchor, and Lan Zhan is desperately seeking a way out of this potential conversation. He doesn't think he could bear Wei Ying teasing him when the other man already wanted to marry someone else. ]
Irrelevant. [ He says tightly, unable to lie but unwilling to answer. The answer is both, anyway. He does think Wei Ying is spewing nonsense, but he also...
[ this is so far from irrelevant! Wei Ying is actually fairly sure this would take precedence over him getting free Emperor's Smile at this point, that is how relevant it is! not that he can tell Lan Zhan that right now because Lan Zhan looks like he is done with this conversation, or with Wei Ying in general, and he should drop this subject he knows that, but-- well he is terrible at following social etiquette rules. and as mad as Lan Zhan seems to be, Wei Ying knows that if he doesn't press this now, he never will.
( live freely. achieve the impossible. )
when he speaks again, Wei Ying's voice is lower, softer than it has been. like he is talking to a cornered animal. trying to coax one of Lan Zhan's bunnies to him. his grip loosens but he stays close, steps closer even so that his voice doesn't carry to ears that lean in. it is just for Lan Zhan.]
Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan you have to know that this isn't irrelevant. Not to me. Do you-- Lan Zhan, do you like me?
[ if his voice wavers ever so slightly, Lan Zhan is the only one that will be able to hear it. along with the heavy beating of his heart, where is seems to sit in his throat.]
[ at that question, Wei Ying's breath catches behind his teeth, sharp and surprised. what does that have to do with--
oh.
oh.
wow, Wei Wuxian, you are an idiot.
the look on his face softens after a moment (or several), and there might even be the barest hint of a flush creeping along his neck, the tops of his cheeks, as he fidgets. but he looks at Lan Zhan, holds his gaze when he answers softly.]
Ah, that-- I mean I meant to message Huiasang that you know. He was pestering me about these pictures I was bragging about, that I was rather protective of actually. Pictures of the one and only lovely Hanguang Jun cuddling with his rabbits in the grass. [ it isn't a direct answer, but also:] Imagine my embarrassment when I realized I sent you a message about yourself, ah Lan Zhan, I thought I was going to combust!
[ Confusion trickles across his expression, something tight and hot gripping in his chest. It didn’t make sense, but for the briefest second, he wanted it to be true. To be true so badly— ]
Rabbits are scandalous? [ He asked tightly. ]
No one I know?
[ These were the assertions that Wei Ying had made which had thrown him off so badly.
But they were still standing outside the shop, and despite speaking lowly they were starting to draw a crowd. Abruptly, he grabbed Wei Ying’s wrist and started to pull him away. Ice cream be damned. ]
[ it being a conversation that shouldn't be held in public really wasn't enough of a deterrent for Wei Ying to not have the conversation. clearly. his mouth is open, uncaring of the eyes and ears turned their way, ready to explain, when Lan Zhan's fingers are on his wrist and pull him away.
there is a quiet whine at that (for the ice cream, honestly, he does want some, but they can come back. later) but Wei Ying follows along oddly obedient.
but not silent.]
Ah, not the rabbits! It was the smile on your face Lan Zhan! It was-- well I can show you later I suppose, as long as you promise not to destroy it. [ because he really wasn't kidding about him hoarding it somewhat possessively okay. ] And I couldn't very well tell you that I had the picture of you, or that I had inadvertently proposed to you right then! I thought you barely tolerated me Lan Zhan! Besides, it isn't really a lie, who can truly know himself after all, it is-- ah, Lan Zhan, where are we going?
[ He listens to Wei Ying’s babbling as his mind races, expression stony and purposeful as he drags him through the streets. Finally they turn a corner without any prying eyes and Wangji abruptly turns to face him, still holding his wrist and staring down Wei Ying with an almost dangerous expression.
He feels like he’s made of edged glass - sharp as anything, but so so close to being easily broken. ]
Idiot. [ Just to get that out of the way. To think that Wei Ying thought he barely tolerated him, when Wangji had to constantly hold himself back from—
[ it would be hilarious to him how quickly people get out of their way when Lan Zhan looks like he does right now, stony-faced and sharp, dragging Wei Wuxian behind him as if it were nothing. he would laugh if he wasn't so busy letting his words spill out between them as they moved, like it might ease the tension coiling in his chest, like it might ease that look from Lan Zhan's face.
as free-spirited as he might be, he was aware of how important this was. how much his words and truth meant at this moment. so when Lan Zhan looks at him like that, like whatever truth he has to say has the power to ruin him, Wei Ying finds himself swallowing the teasing words and laying the truth as bare as he could. ]
Ah, no. Not mocking, Lan Zhan. Wishful thinking if anything. [ he turns his hand in Lan Zhan's grip, triest to curl his fingers around Lan Zhan's wrist in turn, lets the corner of his lips curl.]
[ His grip loosens slightly, allowing Wei Ying the movement, as Wangji’s eyes quickly scan across Wei Ying’s face as if to ascertain the truth behind the words.
A beat. Two. It almost seems like he will do nothing at all, and then suddenly he’s surging forward to press a firm, unpracticed kiss to Wei Ying’s lips. ]
[ Wei Ying is seconds from fidgeting, despite the heaviness that hangs between them. he is opening his mouth again and saying something (something stupid and foolish he is sure because, well, this situation was awkward and clearly in need of something ridiculous) when Lan Zhan goes from looking at him like he was trying to decide how many times the rules needed to be copied out for all of this to-- to-- kissing him.
it takes longer than Wei Ying would like to process but when it finally does, a small noise slips free before he is responding in kind. hand moving to Lan Zhan's elbow and smile growing on his face. it makes kissing awkward (more awkward, wow he has no idea what he is doing) but that is perfectly fine with him.
by the time he tips his head back, his lips are stretched into a full grin and he is fairly sure he could outshine the sun at this moment.]
Lan Zhan! Does this mean you accept? Or were you trying to shut me up in a very effective manner? I have to say, I never expected you to be the one to steal my first kiss, not that it's a bad thing in fact it is probably the best possible outcome considering what i considered, but--
[ is he simply going to speak for the sake of speaking and happiness right now? perhaps. ]
[ His heart was running a mile a minute, but his expression was still stony - the only hint that he might be happy was the slightest softening around his eyes.
Did he accept? That felt like a lot, right now, and he found he couldn’t answer. He did want it, more than anything, but neither of them were really in the position to—
Enough. ]
Cultivation partners.
[ His counter offer. Marriage in almost everything but name, but maybe he could pretend that this decision had something to do with his head and not just his heart.
Wei Ying was babbling, though, and Lan Zhan raised a finger to press it to Wei Ying’s lips. ]
Too much talking.
[ And then, before Wei Ying could retort, he stole another kiss, not even bothering to move his finger out of the way. ]
[ when Wei Ying was taught to achieve the impossible as a child, as a youth, as a teen, the end goal was probably not to end up in a quiet part of town with Lan Wangji kissing him quiet and stating they should be cultivation partners. when Wei Ying was taught to pursue what he felt, go after what his heart beat for, it probably was not a lesson in how to laugh and kiss and grin against Lan Zhan's lips all at once. when Wei Ying was taught to fight for those he loved, protect those that he held dear, defend what he saw as right, it was not necessarily a reminder to ensure he did what he could to see that barely-there smile on Lan Zhan's face as often as he could, at whatever cost he might have to pay. and while those lessons might not have had this result in mind, Wei Ying certainly is grateful to them, because he is sure that he would not be here, filled with happiness, if they had not been taught to him.
Wei Ying lets his arm come up and slide around Lan Zhan's shoulders, finger tangling in silken strands slightly while he tries to keep himself grounded.]
Mmm cultivation partners, that sounds terribly responsible and perfectly amazing, Lan Zhan. As for talking, would you like me to tell you what else my mouth could be doing? Because I have read som-mmmf.
[ as it turns out, kissing Wei Ying is a very good way to shut up him.]
[ It was hard to ignore the fact that Wei Ying was so happy, like the emotion was spilling out of him in every direction and flooding the world around them. It was hard to kiss him because Wei Ying's lips didn't seem to want to stay in one place - laughing or talking or grinning.
Lan Zhan had felt like he had been pulled taut enough to shatter, his frustration and his desperation rendering the moment far too sharp and fragile. But Wei Ying's happiness was slowly taking a toll on him. He was starting to relax, starting to let some of that happiness bleed through into him too, now that he was starting to believe this was actually real and not a poorly timed joke that would be ripped out from under him. He felt his skin prickle under fabric as Wei Ying's arm slid around him, and he wondered if the man could hear his heart thundering from here.
He was trying to find a way to actually voice his feelings rather than cut off all speech when Wei Ying spoke again and reminded him of exactly why he had been trying to shut him up in the first place. His face felt flaming - even if he didn't look it, and he quickly silenced him with a hard kiss, pressing closer than he was before, his kiss still clumsy but an edge of hunger was lacing into it. ]
Shameless. [ He accused in a low breath against Wei Ying's lips. But he didn't seem to be stopping... ]
[ there is a very good chance that Wei Ying was going to be insufferably cheerful and pleased for the next, oh, forever about all of this. he can feel the tension in Lan Zhan slowly slipping away, melting off of him as ice might with a spring thaw, can feel Lan Zhan accepting this as a truth and not something that Wei Ying is saying to tease (there are many things he will say to tease, even more so with this turn of events but-- it would be a different kind of teasing. a whole new world has opened up for him now.) it is impossible for Wei Ying to not be happy about this, to not let the joy he is feeling bubble up and over.
when he first met Lan Zhan all those years ago, white jade on the rooftop in the moonlight, he was immediately drawn to him. throughout the years, the studies and battles, short meetings and long ones, Wei Ying has always been a little fixated on him. it took him a long time (too long) to realize why. (actually, he didn't figure it out at all, Huiasang said something and suddenly Wei Ying couldn't breathe because, ohgods, he really did love Lan Zhan). and now-- now he had Lan Zhan pressed against him, mumbling shameless against his lips far too fondly for him to take it to heart.]
Mmmm, says the one kissing me in public. Ah, Hanguang Jun I am rubbing off on you in all the best ways I think. [ and when he curls an arm around Lan Zhan's lower back to press them flush, no room at all between them, it is nearly a literal statement. ] Lan Zhan....
[ Ah. Yes. Public. He'd actually forgotten. He didn't know how Wei Ying managed to make him forget these things, but he did, and now he was forced to acknowledge the fact that they were being incredibly indecent.
Or. Well. He would acknowledge it, if Wei Ying hadn't then gone and completely derailed him by pressing their bodies flush. It pulled a deep, low groan from his throat and he pressed closer, threading an arm around Wei Ying's waist and pulling him up harder against him. He was quickly losing all sense of self control that he had carefully kept up until this point, his eyes falling shut as he shifted a little against Wei Ying's body.
Ah. Yes. This was a problem. Even though layers and layers of fabric between them... ]
Privacy, then. [ He decides roughly, forcing himself to pull away, his breath coming too hard and a hunger in his eyes that he couldn't quite hide. His hand wrapped firmly around Wei Ying's, threading their finger together. ]
[ where Lan Zhan has tugged him to, there are no prying eyes and even the bustle from the street seems muted here. that, of course, could entirely be from the blood rushing to Wei Ying's head at how close Lan Zhan as, but he was still pretty sure that they were not being watched right at this moment.
which is why he lets his head fall to Lan Zhan's shoulder when he is pulled close, which is why he lets a hitched noise spill past instead of just teasing words. even if he didn't really know what he was doing, that didn't lessen the sheer amount of want that seemed to ignite in him. he makes a quick decision to see if he can make Lan Zhan spill more of those noises, likes the way the deep sound shakes his chest, and is curling his fingers into the fabric at Lan Zhan's back when the warmth is gone and--
oh.
oh that-- Wei Ying laughs again, but there is something smokey about it. the happiness is still there, still overflowing, but there is also something a little darker, responding to Lan Zhan. he squeezes Lan Zhan's fingers and cocks his head to the side as he steps back.]
So no ice cream then? Ah, Lan Zhan, you had best be sure that what you want privacy for is better than ice cream. [ of course it will be. Wei Ying thinks sitting in the room copying rules with Lan Zhan is better than ice cream. ]
[ It's still outside, it's still on a street, and people could still wander by whenever they wished. It was private enough for a conversation, but not--
The heat ran rampant, if unseen, beneath his skin. ]
Later.
[ Honestly? Ice cream is the last thing on his mind, right now, but he did promise, so he'll see it through. Just... later.
Wei Ying had been the one with the porn, before. Him and his friends. But it had given Lan Wangji enough of an idea that a little more research had ended up in a spiral he would never admit to. He'd seen enough images now to flood his imagination in a terrible, degenerate way. Would he really be able to face his brother, if he did this?
(Would he really be able to calm his blood, if he didn't?)
He didn't reply to the question, just tugged Wei Ying roughly behind him as he quickly calculated the fastest way to privacy. An Inn, maybe, but that came with other complications. They were too well known, this close to Cloud Recesses. His quarters, maybe? But they were far and then he would be breaking at least 80 rules and both of them would get deeply punished for it. The woods? Private, potentially, but not comfortable. Even if much of the documentation of such activity did take place in them. So, a choice: ]
[ since figuring out that the desire to have Lan Zhan's attention on him was perhaps a little less friendly than he initially thought, Wei Ying has made a few trips to some interesting stores to get some books of a less-than-appropriate variety. well, no, they were perfectly appropriate for what he wanted, but they were certainly the kind of book that would have him in trouble in any other aspect in life. right now they were all he needed to conjure up some very interesting ideas about what else could be done and--
you know what, maybe they were gonna get him into some trouble now too because he just kept thinking, kept imagining and it was making all of this very difficult to not trip over his own desires and maybe his own feet as well while Lan Zhan tugs him behind. there are more words, teasing and shifting, about ice cream and uses of time but he is fairly sure that the heat in his bones isn't going to fade with ice cream at all, it will only be soothed with more Lan Zhan.
everyone always said that he was as cold as white jade. even if right now the heat of his palm in Wei Ying's feels like it could burn the town to ash.]
Inn or--- oh! [ blame the fact that most of his blood is no longer circulating his brain for the momentary confusion. he steps closer behind Lan Zhan, smile in his voice even as it trembles slightly. (thinks about how Lan Zhan really wants this, how this is so much more than he thought he would get, so much more than he was worthy of, wonders if-- )] Lan Zhan, wherever you wish to go works for me.
[ I will follow you anywhere implicit in the softness, the way he squeezes Lan Zhan's fingers and smiles. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2020-01-05 12:19 am (UTC)even more curious now.]
Hmmm? Close with Huaisang? Of course! Who do you think gave me that-- ahh, wait, I probably shouldn't out my sources should I. [ even if, in saying such, he kind of is. Wei Ying laughs, grin turning mischievous as he turns to walk in front of Lan Zhan with his head cocked and eyes amused, trusting that Lan Zhan will stop him from walking into anything should it cross his path behind his back. trust that Lan Zhan will not let him fall.]
Why Lan Zhan, have you been paying attention to Nie Huaisang for some reason?
[ this is who you have chosen to like, Lan Wangji, as yourself why.]
no subject
Date: 2020-01-05 02:24 am (UTC)I am not. [ Tensely.
Ugh. He started walking a little faster without looking at Wei Ying. ]
Focus on the task.
[ ... Of getting ice cream. Despite him being the one who asked... ]
im.... so sorry idefk.
Date: 2020-01-05 02:49 am (UTC)happening againon his to-do list today. Wei Ying just laughs at the look on Lan Zhan's face before the second jade walks past him.which means that Wei Ying reaches out to latch onto Lan Zhan's arm with a noise that is part whine part exclamation.]
Lan Zhan! What... ah, you know if you didn't scowl so much Huaisang might not be so terrified of you! Then you could also spend time with him!
[ that's what you wanted, right?
it's not really what Wei Ying wants, at all, wow. he is... maybe jealous but also-- he would like it if you were happy. so. ]
You should bring back some ice cream. That would be a good start.
he knows he fell for a moron, this is what he gets
Date: 2020-01-05 03:02 am (UTC)He shook, to try to dislodge the other man, before shooting him a pointed look. ]
Ice cream with Wei Ying. That is all.
perfect icon is perfect
Date: 2020-01-05 03:52 am (UTC)still, there is something that relaxes at how Lan Zhan denies it.]
...even if I'm ridiculous and get three flavours?
[ and will probably steal some of yours, tea flavour or not.]
ty i do my best. but don't worry, lan zhan is also a fucking moron
Date: 2020-01-05 04:00 am (UTC)[ He gave up trying to get Wei Ying to let go, though he was still tense under his grip. If it wasn't Huaisang, who could Wei Ying possibly have been talking about...?
He couldn't very well ask more questions. He'd already had disastrous results doing that. So he would have to simply subject himself to the misery of never knowing where Wei Wuxian's heart truly lay, save that it didn't lie in him.
At least they were coming to the edge of town, soon... ]
the perfect pair of idiots
Date: 2020-01-06 03:19 pm (UTC)[ Wei Ying's laughter is bright at that, and his smile stretching his lips wide as they move into town. they get more than a few looks, things that usually Wei Ying pays attention to but for now he can't quite take his eyes off of Lan Zhan. beneath the happiness, the sunbright smile and rainfall laughter, he is trying to puzzle this all out.
and by this he means Lan Zhan. he likes to think he is a fairly observant person (usually, at least), and there was something off about this.
but also-- ice cream.]
Mmm, Lan Zhan, how would you tell someone you liked them?
[ what. it is a perfectly valid question that will let Wei Ying know if Lan Zhan does like someone (and keep his eye out for who it could be). hopefully. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-01-06 04:03 pm (UTC)[ Or, more likely, he would while he was trying not to watch Wei Yin with a stupidly fond expression. He spent a lot of time lately making sure he didn’t do that.
The question gave him pause, his heart skipping a beat. Had he been too obvious? His lips thinned an almost imperceptible amount. ]
... I would not.
[ Not tell them, or not like them? It didn’t make a difference. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-01-06 11:48 pm (UTC)[ it is a considering noise, paired with a familiar curl of his lips. not that he doesn't believe Lan Zhan but also, he is sure that there will be at least a brow furrow in his general direction over the indulgences he takes with the dessert. Wei Ying tugs Lan Zhan a little faster, the place where they were headed in sight.]
Really? You wouldn't tell them at all? Why not? Wait, is it against a rule? I'm pretty sure I don't remember copying that rule at any point. Though there was that one about not being too happy I suppose. But really Lan Zhan, what if they liked you back?
[ does this mean that Lan Zhan does like someone? but would just-- never tell him? or that the Second Jade is simply... above such things. Wei Ying slides a glance sideways, a minute furrow finding its way between his own brows at that thought.
makes his ribcage feel too tight around his lungs. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-01-07 12:12 am (UTC)[ Well, technically, there were many rules and he was pretty sure that liking Wei Wuxian broke rules his Uncle hadn't even invented yet, but it wasn't like Lans were forbidden from finding a partner or getting married. Though there was one about keeping men and women separate.
He hesitated, a twitch in his brow as his eyes lowered, still stepping towards the tea house where the ice cream could be found.
He already knew the person he loved didn't love him back. ]
Unreturned. Pointless.
Better to focus on duty.
no subject
Date: 2020-01-07 01:50 am (UTC)so he might have Lan Zhan crash into him when he stops suddenly, mouth open and brows creased when Lan Zhan tells him with so much certainty that who he likes doesn't like him back. firstly, because it means that Lan Zhan does like someone, secondly--]
That is complete horse shit Lan Zhan! Unless you tell them how could you know? [ wait. shit. he squints.] Unless you can read minds. Even then! You would know that the only thing that would keep someone from liking you is because they would know that they aren't actually good enough for you.
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Date: 2020-01-07 03:55 pm (UTC)His brows twitch, the slightest edge of confusion and frustration. ]
Made clear. [ Wei Ying went out of his way to remind him of how pretty girls were, often. How he wanted to marry someone else. ]
More than well suited. [ This he believed. He really did. But... ]
Wei Ying. Don't tease where it isn't meant.
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Date: 2020-01-09 02:43 pm (UTC)Wei Ying stays there, lingering outside the door of the tea house, lips pressed together firmly for a few more heartbeats before he seems to make up his mind.]
I'm not teasing, Lan Zhan, I wouldn't tease about this! I'm not as heartless and people like to say. You are one of the best culti-- no, one of the best human beings that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Even with your cold glares and your penchant for rules, you are a great person and anyone would be damn well lucky to worm their way into your good graces let alone heart. You care about people in your own quiet way, and you love rabbits, and even though I know I annoy the hell out of you you still let me drag you everywhere. And-- and you should tell me who you like, I will go talk some sense into them.
[ the look on his face makes it clear that when he says talk he-- probably isn't going to be nice about it. ]
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Date: 2020-01-09 02:53 pm (UTC)He covers for it quickly, brow twitching a little in annoyance.
Just how dense can Wei Ying be, sometimes?
He gripped his sword a little harder. ]
Speak to yourself, then. [ He says tightly, and then attempts to walk past Wei Ying and head into the shop and hopefully right out of this topic of conversation. ]
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Date: 2020-01-09 03:13 pm (UTC)even when he was nearing furious, Lan Zhan was gorgeous.
and maybe Wei Ying gets a little caught on that fact. which is why he doesn't quite get the words. well, he hears them but-- they don't make sense. blinking a few times, Wei Ying tries to parse that, speak to yourself, does that mean Lan Zhan wants him to practice the speech first? or--
wait.
w a i t.]
Lan Zhan!
[ he nearly yells, hand reaching out to curl against the curve of Lan Zhan's elbow, keeping him from going into the tea house. there are eyes on them, curious stares, but Wei Ying doesn't notice them at all, stays focused on the lines of Lan Zhan's profile. the slope of his nose and the pres of his brows and--
and Wei Ying's mouth is moving without his brain really thinking about it.]
Lan Zhan do you mean for me to talk to myself? Because you think I am spouting teasing things to you without care or because-- or because you like me? Because if that is the case I need to remind you about what you said early about how you shouldn't tease where it isn't meant.
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Date: 2020-01-09 03:27 pm (UTC)He doesn't know that the tips of his ears are starting to turn a little red.
He is frozen, Wei Ying's grip on his elbow as firm as an anchor, and Lan Zhan is desperately seeking a way out of this potential conversation. He doesn't think he could bear Wei Ying teasing him when the other man already wanted to marry someone else. ]
Irrelevant. [ He says tightly, unable to lie but unwilling to answer. The answer is both, anyway. He does think Wei Ying is spewing nonsense, but he also...
He grips his sword even tighter. ]
Ice cream or not?
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Date: 2020-01-09 04:35 pm (UTC)[ this is so far from irrelevant! Wei Ying is actually fairly sure this would take precedence over him getting free Emperor's Smile at this point, that is how relevant it is! not that he can tell Lan Zhan that right now because Lan Zhan looks like he is done with this conversation, or with Wei Ying in general, and he should drop this subject he knows that, but-- well he is terrible at following social etiquette rules. and as mad as Lan Zhan seems to be, Wei Ying knows that if he doesn't press this now, he never will.
( live freely. achieve the impossible. )
when he speaks again, Wei Ying's voice is lower, softer than it has been. like he is talking to a cornered animal. trying to coax one of Lan Zhan's bunnies to him. his grip loosens but he stays close, steps closer even so that his voice doesn't carry to ears that lean in. it is just for Lan Zhan.]
Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan you have to know that this isn't irrelevant. Not to me. Do you-- Lan Zhan, do you like me?
[ if his voice wavers ever so slightly, Lan Zhan is the only one that will be able to hear it. along with the heavy beating of his heart, where is seems to sit in his throat.]
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Date: 2020-01-09 05:34 pm (UTC)He can’t lie. He won’t. But how can he possibly give an honest answer?
His muscles are incredibly tense, and he swallows.
A question instead of an answer: ]
Who were you speaking of, when you messaged me?
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Date: 2020-01-09 05:51 pm (UTC)oh.
oh.
wow, Wei Wuxian, you are an idiot.
the look on his face softens after a moment (or several), and there might even be the barest hint of a flush creeping along his neck, the tops of his cheeks, as he fidgets. but he looks at Lan Zhan, holds his gaze when he answers softly.]
Ah, that-- I mean I meant to message Huiasang that you know. He was pestering me about these pictures I was bragging about, that I was rather protective of actually. Pictures of the one and only lovely Hanguang Jun cuddling with his rabbits in the grass. [ it isn't a direct answer, but also:] Imagine my embarrassment when I realized I sent you a message about yourself, ah Lan Zhan, I thought I was going to combust!
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Date: 2020-01-09 08:09 pm (UTC)Rabbits are scandalous? [ He asked tightly. ]
No one I know?
[ These were the assertions that Wei Ying had made which had thrown him off so badly.
But they were still standing outside the shop, and despite speaking lowly they were starting to draw a crowd. Abruptly, he grabbed Wei Ying’s wrist and started to pull him away. Ice cream be damned. ]
Not here.
[ This wasn’t a conversation to have in public. ]
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Date: 2020-01-09 08:24 pm (UTC)there is a quiet whine at that (for the ice cream, honestly, he does want some, but they can come back. later) but Wei Ying follows along oddly obedient.
but not silent.]
Ah, not the rabbits! It was the smile on your face Lan Zhan! It was-- well I can show you later I suppose, as long as you promise not to destroy it. [ because he really wasn't kidding about him hoarding it somewhat possessively okay. ] And I couldn't very well tell you that I had the picture of you, or that I had inadvertently proposed to you right then! I thought you barely tolerated me Lan Zhan! Besides, it isn't really a lie, who can truly know himself after all, it is-- ah, Lan Zhan, where are we going?
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Date: 2020-01-09 09:48 pm (UTC)He feels like he’s made of edged glass - sharp as anything, but so so close to being easily broken. ]
Idiot. [ Just to get that out of the way. To think that Wei Ying thought he barely tolerated him, when Wangji had to constantly hold himself back from—
His grip tightened. ]
Answer bluntly. Proposal - - Mockery?
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Date: 2020-01-09 10:18 pm (UTC)as free-spirited as he might be, he was aware of how important this was. how much his words and truth meant at this moment. so when Lan Zhan looks at him like that, like whatever truth he has to say has the power to ruin him, Wei Ying finds himself swallowing the teasing words and laying the truth as bare as he could. ]
Ah, no. Not mocking, Lan Zhan. Wishful thinking if anything. [ he turns his hand in Lan Zhan's grip, triest to curl his fingers around Lan Zhan's wrist in turn, lets the corner of his lips curl.]
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Date: 2020-01-09 11:20 pm (UTC)A beat. Two. It almost seems like he will do nothing at all, and then suddenly he’s surging forward to press a firm, unpracticed kiss to Wei Ying’s lips. ]
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Date: 2020-01-09 11:44 pm (UTC)it takes longer than Wei Ying would like to process but when it finally does, a small noise slips free before he is responding in kind. hand moving to Lan Zhan's elbow and smile growing on his face. it makes kissing awkward (more awkward, wow he has no idea what he is doing) but that is perfectly fine with him.
by the time he tips his head back, his lips are stretched into a full grin and he is fairly sure he could outshine the sun at this moment.]
Lan Zhan! Does this mean you accept? Or were you trying to shut me up in a very effective manner? I have to say, I never expected you to be the one to steal my first kiss, not that it's a bad thing in fact it is probably the best possible outcome considering what i considered, but--
[ is he simply going to speak for the sake of speaking and happiness right now? perhaps. ]
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Date: 2020-01-10 01:43 am (UTC)Did he accept? That felt like a lot, right now, and he found he couldn’t answer. He did want it, more than anything, but neither of them were really in the position to—
Enough. ]
Cultivation partners.
[ His counter offer. Marriage in almost everything but name, but maybe he could pretend that this decision had something to do with his head and not just his heart.
Wei Ying was babbling, though, and Lan Zhan raised a finger to press it to Wei Ying’s lips. ]
Too much talking.
[ And then, before Wei Ying could retort, he stole another kiss, not even bothering to move his finger out of the way. ]
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Date: 2020-01-10 02:27 am (UTC)Wei Ying lets his arm come up and slide around Lan Zhan's shoulders, finger tangling in silken strands slightly while he tries to keep himself grounded.]
Mmm cultivation partners, that sounds terribly responsible and perfectly amazing, Lan Zhan. As for talking, would you like me to tell you what else my mouth could be doing? Because I have read som-mmmf.
[ as it turns out, kissing Wei Ying is a very good way to shut up him.]
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Date: 2020-01-10 03:36 am (UTC)Lan Zhan had felt like he had been pulled taut enough to shatter, his frustration and his desperation rendering the moment far too sharp and fragile. But Wei Ying's happiness was slowly taking a toll on him. He was starting to relax, starting to let some of that happiness bleed through into him too, now that he was starting to believe this was actually real and not a poorly timed joke that would be ripped out from under him. He felt his skin prickle under fabric as Wei Ying's arm slid around him, and he wondered if the man could hear his heart thundering from here.
He was trying to find a way to actually voice his feelings rather than cut off all speech when Wei Ying spoke again and reminded him of exactly why he had been trying to shut him up in the first place. His face felt flaming - even if he didn't look it, and he quickly silenced him with a hard kiss, pressing closer than he was before, his kiss still clumsy but an edge of hunger was lacing into it. ]
Shameless. [ He accused in a low breath against Wei Ying's lips. But he didn't seem to be stopping... ]
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Date: 2020-01-10 03:07 pm (UTC)when he first met Lan Zhan all those years ago, white jade on the rooftop in the moonlight, he was immediately drawn to him. throughout the years, the studies and battles, short meetings and long ones, Wei Ying has always been a little fixated on him. it took him a long time (too long) to realize why. (actually, he didn't figure it out at all, Huiasang said something and suddenly Wei Ying couldn't breathe because, ohgods, he really did love Lan Zhan). and now-- now he had Lan Zhan pressed against him, mumbling shameless against his lips far too fondly for him to take it to heart.]
Mmmm, says the one kissing me in public. Ah, Hanguang Jun I am rubbing off on you in all the best ways I think. [ and when he curls an arm around Lan Zhan's lower back to press them flush, no room at all between them, it is nearly a literal statement. ] Lan Zhan....
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Date: 2020-01-12 06:49 pm (UTC)Or. Well. He would acknowledge it, if Wei Ying hadn't then gone and completely derailed him by pressing their bodies flush. It pulled a deep, low groan from his throat and he pressed closer, threading an arm around Wei Ying's waist and pulling him up harder against him. He was quickly losing all sense of self control that he had carefully kept up until this point, his eyes falling shut as he shifted a little against Wei Ying's body.
Ah. Yes. This was a problem. Even though layers and layers of fabric between them... ]
Privacy, then. [ He decides roughly, forcing himself to pull away, his breath coming too hard and a hunger in his eyes that he couldn't quite hide. His hand wrapped firmly around Wei Ying's, threading their finger together. ]
Now.
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Date: 2020-01-13 08:18 pm (UTC)which is why he lets his head fall to Lan Zhan's shoulder when he is pulled close, which is why he lets a hitched noise spill past instead of just teasing words. even if he didn't really know what he was doing, that didn't lessen the sheer amount of want that seemed to ignite in him. he makes a quick decision to see if he can make Lan Zhan spill more of those noises, likes the way the deep sound shakes his chest, and is curling his fingers into the fabric at Lan Zhan's back when the warmth is gone and--
oh.
oh that-- Wei Ying laughs again, but there is something smokey about it. the happiness is still there, still overflowing, but there is also something a little darker, responding to Lan Zhan. he squeezes Lan Zhan's fingers and cocks his head to the side as he steps back.]
So no ice cream then? Ah, Lan Zhan, you had best be sure that what you want privacy for is better than ice cream. [ of course it will be. Wei Ying thinks sitting in the room copying rules with Lan Zhan is better than ice cream. ]
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Date: 2020-01-14 04:54 pm (UTC)The heat ran rampant, if unseen, beneath his skin. ]
Later.
[ Honestly? Ice cream is the last thing on his mind, right now, but he did promise, so he'll see it through. Just... later.
Wei Ying had been the one with the porn, before. Him and his friends. But it had given Lan Wangji enough of an idea that a little more research had ended up in a spiral he would never admit to. He'd seen enough images now to flood his imagination in a terrible, degenerate way. Would he really be able to face his brother, if he did this?
(Would he really be able to calm his blood, if he didn't?)
He didn't reply to the question, just tugged Wei Ying roughly behind him as he quickly calculated the fastest way to privacy. An Inn, maybe, but that came with other complications. They were too well known, this close to Cloud Recesses. His quarters, maybe? But they were far and then he would be breaking at least 80 rules and both of them would get deeply punished for it. The woods? Private, potentially, but not comfortable. Even if much of the documentation of such activity did take place in them. So, a choice: ]
Inn, or woods. Choose.
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Date: 2020-01-16 12:38 am (UTC)you know what, maybe they were gonna get him into some trouble now too because he just kept thinking, kept imagining and it was making all of this very difficult to not trip over his own desires and maybe his own feet as well while Lan Zhan tugs him behind. there are more words, teasing and shifting, about ice cream and uses of time but he is fairly sure that the heat in his bones isn't going to fade with ice cream at all, it will only be soothed with more Lan Zhan.
everyone always said that he was as cold as white jade. even if right now the heat of his palm in Wei Ying's feels like it could burn the town to ash.]
Inn or--- oh! [ blame the fact that most of his blood is no longer circulating his brain for the momentary confusion. he steps closer behind Lan Zhan, smile in his voice even as it trembles slightly. (thinks about how Lan Zhan really wants this, how this is so much more than he thought he would get, so much more than he was worthy of, wonders if-- )] Lan Zhan, wherever you wish to go works for me.
[ I will follow you anywhere implicit in the softness, the way he squeezes Lan Zhan's fingers and smiles. ]