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『 𝔣𝔯𝔞𝔠𝔱𝔲𝔯𝔞 』 you flash like a setting sun
hua cheng
THIEF'S CLASS
fragments ✦✦✦✦✧
THIEF'S CLASS
fragments ✦✦✦✦✧
[ eating lunch with san lang is a pretty much daily thing at argos. it's a peaceful affair (as peaceful as it can be, anyway) compared to the past few years of running and assassinating and everything else that their lives were. plus, it's one of the rare times he gets to see him without any students or TAs around! it's only polite to ask and make sure he's not too busy.
but!! since he's not!!! it's not much long after his "see you soon!" that there's a knock at hua cheng's office door. xie lian's his normal self, his clothes as typically humble as ever, hat on his back, and he's holding a box that must be his lunchbox, a thermos of something, a small stack of papers, and precariously stacked on top, his smartphone.
he knocked with his foot though because he's polite. he brightens the moment the door opens and gives san lang a nice, bright smile. ] San Lang!
but!! since he's not!!! it's not much long after his "see you soon!" that there's a knock at hua cheng's office door. xie lian's his normal self, his clothes as typically humble as ever, hat on his back, and he's holding a box that must be his lunchbox, a thermos of something, a small stack of papers, and precariously stacked on top, his smartphone.
he knocked with his foot though because he's polite. he brightens the moment the door opens and gives san lang a nice, bright smile. ] San Lang!
[ His office is... interesting, so Hua Cheng has been poking around it, learning more about what's going on. The letter - or whatever one could call it - told him that Xie Lian and he were each others' important person, which does more than enough to warm his dead heart, just like anything regarding Dianxia tends to do. But there wasn't much more about them than that, so he's going to play this by ear.
With a quick smile at his phone, he gets up from where he'd been rummaging in the desk. There are papers to grade, apparently, and projects he needs to look at, but he has no interest in that. Not when his gege is showing up.
So the moment he hears the knock, he opens the door, smiling down at Xie Lian warmly. His visible eye crinkles a little, just the slightest crescent, and he reaches to pluck the phone off the stack, other hand moving to cup one of Xie Lian's like he can help keep everything a little less precarious. ] Gege, here, I cleared the desk some.
With a quick smile at his phone, he gets up from where he'd been rummaging in the desk. There are papers to grade, apparently, and projects he needs to look at, but he has no interest in that. Not when his gege is showing up.
So the moment he hears the knock, he opens the door, smiling down at Xie Lian warmly. His visible eye crinkles a little, just the slightest crescent, and he reaches to pluck the phone off the stack, other hand moving to cup one of Xie Lian's like he can help keep everything a little less precarious. ] Gege, here, I cleared the desk some.
Ah, thank you, thank you. San Lang- [ turning to look at the desk, xie lian can't help but smile. lan wangji must not have been by to organize his desk lately... it's an absolute disaster, and it's very charmingly san lang. once he's gotten his phone moved, xie lian gives him a smile and briefly flexes his fingers underneath his hand, then scurries away to go set up.
his lunch smells less than appetizing to anyone with eyeballs, but it obviously doesn't bother xie lian any. it seems he's making himself busy--he hasn't just made his own lunch, but one for san lang too. setting out the little tupperwares, and pouring a cup of tea from the thermos for each of them, he's a busy little bee to make their usual set up look a little nicer than usual.
the mantou he made, even... sure, they're a little off color, and frankly, kind of lumpy, but they're shaped into a little set of white flowers.
xie lian looks a bit fidgety when he pulls up a chair to sit down across from hua cheng's teacher one. fidget, fidget, he reaches up and plays with the red string around his finger. ] - Then let's eat!
his lunch smells less than appetizing to anyone with eyeballs, but it obviously doesn't bother xie lian any. it seems he's making himself busy--he hasn't just made his own lunch, but one for san lang too. setting out the little tupperwares, and pouring a cup of tea from the thermos for each of them, he's a busy little bee to make their usual set up look a little nicer than usual.
the mantou he made, even... sure, they're a little off color, and frankly, kind of lumpy, but they're shaped into a little set of white flowers.
xie lian looks a bit fidgety when he pulls up a chair to sit down across from hua cheng's teacher one. fidget, fidget, he reaches up and plays with the red string around his finger. ] - Then let's eat!
Edited 2020-03-14 23:00 (UTC)
[ Eventually, eventually, he'll harass Lan Wangji about organizing his desk. There's method to his madness right now, though, and he's far more interested in Xie Lian, brightly smiling at him. His cool fingers feel a little warm, where the pads of them had touched his hand. So he focuses on that and watches Xie Lian putter over to the desk, shutting - and locking - the door before he moves to follow after him. He's quite busy, his gege.
And busy enough to make them both tea and lunch. Hua Cheng smells the food, recognizes that it's probably one of the most offensive things that most people could smell, and merrily makes his way over to his seat, pausing as he settles into it when he sees the red string around Xie Lian's finger.
His heart might as well jump into his throat, but he keeps smiling. His expression curls into a more obvious crescent, delighted and warm between trying to keep his mind from racing and the sight of the white flower mantou. ]
Gege, these mantou... I think they're the best ones I've seen yet? [ He reaches for one, lumpy as it is, to take a bite. ]
And busy enough to make them both tea and lunch. Hua Cheng smells the food, recognizes that it's probably one of the most offensive things that most people could smell, and merrily makes his way over to his seat, pausing as he settles into it when he sees the red string around Xie Lian's finger.
His heart might as well jump into his throat, but he keeps smiling. His expression curls into a more obvious crescent, delighted and warm between trying to keep his mind from racing and the sight of the white flower mantou. ]
Gege, these mantou... I think they're the best ones I've seen yet? [ He reaches for one, lumpy as it is, to take a bite. ]
Do you really think so...?
[ xie lian looks, as ever, surprised about this development. partially shocked, partially touched.... even after all these years, the fact that hua cheng really likes his food is surprising, because, well, no one likes his disgusting food. it blooms something bright and warm in his chest that's been around for ages, and the expression changes, until he's smiling down at his plate, lifting a hand to tuck a lock of his dark hair behind his ear. ] ...I'm glad. Shaping them was a bit difficult, and it's obvious, I think... but, ah, well, I won't bother you with the specifics. Let's eat.
[ the smile remains as he munches on his own mantou. as ever, they're... well, they're edible, and that's good enough for xie lian, who is completely distracted. it wasn't enough to repay san lang for his massive gift last month, embarrassing and amazingly wonderful...it's a good thing he has another gift, but still. really, san lang is too kind to him.
and he's smiling...ah... handsome...what a nice atmosphere. ] How was your day? [ it's almost obvious that xie lian is trying so hard not to talk about something else. he is being distracting! yes! he is absolutely not thinking about how best to gift him this silly little present he got him. definitely not. ]
[ xie lian looks, as ever, surprised about this development. partially shocked, partially touched.... even after all these years, the fact that hua cheng really likes his food is surprising, because, well, no one likes his disgusting food. it blooms something bright and warm in his chest that's been around for ages, and the expression changes, until he's smiling down at his plate, lifting a hand to tuck a lock of his dark hair behind his ear. ] ...I'm glad. Shaping them was a bit difficult, and it's obvious, I think... but, ah, well, I won't bother you with the specifics. Let's eat.
[ the smile remains as he munches on his own mantou. as ever, they're... well, they're edible, and that's good enough for xie lian, who is completely distracted. it wasn't enough to repay san lang for his massive gift last month, embarrassing and amazingly wonderful...it's a good thing he has another gift, but still. really, san lang is too kind to him.
and he's smiling...ah... handsome...what a nice atmosphere. ] How was your day? [ it's almost obvious that xie lian is trying so hard not to talk about something else. he is being distracting! yes! he is absolutely not thinking about how best to gift him this silly little present he got him. definitely not. ]
I do. They've got a lovely shape, especially since it's the first time I've seen them. You must've worked very hard to make them. [ And he huffs a soft laugh after saying that. ] The taste is good, too. Surely if gege practices more the shape will be perfect. I'm more than happy to be your test subject.
[ Feed Him. Especially when Xie Lian makes such a warm face as that, tucks his hair behind his ear like that. The thing in his chest that passes for a heart, if only for this one person, could very well beat again all on its own, seeing such a thing. Hua Cheng eats the mantou in hand with his cheek nestled in the other, looking at Xie Lian with something sincere and soft. Adoring. Even in this other world, that won't change.
It doesn't matter.
Although, Xie Lian is a bad liar when it isn't life or death. Hua Cheng takes another bite of the mantou, feigning ignorance. ] It's been... interesting. Nothing exciting has happened, really. But I happened across the OSHA club trying to recruit. [ momf ] And gege's day?
[ Feed Him. Especially when Xie Lian makes such a warm face as that, tucks his hair behind his ear like that. The thing in his chest that passes for a heart, if only for this one person, could very well beat again all on its own, seeing such a thing. Hua Cheng eats the mantou in hand with his cheek nestled in the other, looking at Xie Lian with something sincere and soft. Adoring. Even in this other world, that won't change.
It doesn't matter.
Although, Xie Lian is a bad liar when it isn't life or death. Hua Cheng takes another bite of the mantou, feigning ignorance. ] It's been... interesting. Nothing exciting has happened, really. But I happened across the OSHA club trying to recruit. [ momf ] And gege's day?
Mm, it wasn't very exciting. I taught a few classes this morning, and.. oh! That sword that we retrieved from the diplomat's house was cursed after all. [ xie lian recalls his own day and vaguely recalls his own running around to avoid the possessed weapon that chased him and wei wuxian around the big gym for the better part of twenty minutes. he probably still has glitter in his hair from wei wuxian's smokescreen cloud... how silly of him to forget!
he's left smiling still as san lang compliments his food, and eats his own mantou with renewed vigor. because he did work hard! a few moments of companionable silence pass--with san lang, xie lian never feels the awkwardness that might come from such a thing--but eventually, though, xie lian's own tendency of overthinking gets away from him. while hua cheng comfortingly doesn't point out how obvious xie lian must look, he feels it, and ends up cracking like an egg. ] ...I did, ah, make them a bit special today. I was trying to... well, it's nowhere near anything you did last month, but, well...
[ very abruptly, he ducks down between them and digs into his bag, pulling out a small red box. it's nothing especially fancy, the wrapping a bit crooked, but nestled among the tissue paper on the inside is a small key. hua cheng should recognize it as the key to their very first safehouse--a place they had to abandon to come here, but a place full of special memories, full of them. there's a small hole carefully drilled in the top of it, and it's strung on a delicate, silver chain. a necklace, meant to be worn close to the heart.
xie lian's nerves take advantage of him before he can just let san lang see the gift, though, and he starts talking as he watches him opening it, heartbeat loud in his ears. ] I--I wanted to thank you for your gift last month, since that's the tradition for White Day, and return the feelings as honestly as I can. It's, ah, from the safehouse--I know this place isn't our home like that was, but you came with me, and you didn't have to do that, and that meant so much to me. So I wanted to keep it close by even though we closed that chapter in our lives. [ a beat before he fiddles with his own collar and pulls out his own, the matching key, eyes flicking back up to san lang's. ] I tried to put a protective charm on it but it blew up in my face, so I connected to our strings instead, so... so maybe it can always bring you home. Wherever, um, that might be. Since you did that...you did that for me. San Lang. You've always been that for me.
[ xie lian's face has gone fantastically red--this is silly, there's nothing between them newly stated here, but he's mortified anyway--and he blurts out, at the end ] --And I made cake, too. It's really ugly, you don't have to eat it. In fact, I definitely think you shouldn't even look at it, I can just take it back...
he's left smiling still as san lang compliments his food, and eats his own mantou with renewed vigor. because he did work hard! a few moments of companionable silence pass--with san lang, xie lian never feels the awkwardness that might come from such a thing--but eventually, though, xie lian's own tendency of overthinking gets away from him. while hua cheng comfortingly doesn't point out how obvious xie lian must look, he feels it, and ends up cracking like an egg. ] ...I did, ah, make them a bit special today. I was trying to... well, it's nowhere near anything you did last month, but, well...
[ very abruptly, he ducks down between them and digs into his bag, pulling out a small red box. it's nothing especially fancy, the wrapping a bit crooked, but nestled among the tissue paper on the inside is a small key. hua cheng should recognize it as the key to their very first safehouse--a place they had to abandon to come here, but a place full of special memories, full of them. there's a small hole carefully drilled in the top of it, and it's strung on a delicate, silver chain. a necklace, meant to be worn close to the heart.
xie lian's nerves take advantage of him before he can just let san lang see the gift, though, and he starts talking as he watches him opening it, heartbeat loud in his ears. ] I--I wanted to thank you for your gift last month, since that's the tradition for White Day, and return the feelings as honestly as I can. It's, ah, from the safehouse--I know this place isn't our home like that was, but you came with me, and you didn't have to do that, and that meant so much to me. So I wanted to keep it close by even though we closed that chapter in our lives. [ a beat before he fiddles with his own collar and pulls out his own, the matching key, eyes flicking back up to san lang's. ] I tried to put a protective charm on it but it blew up in my face, so I connected to our strings instead, so... so maybe it can always bring you home. Wherever, um, that might be. Since you did that...you did that for me. San Lang. You've always been that for me.
[ xie lian's face has gone fantastically red--this is silly, there's nothing between them newly stated here, but he's mortified anyway--and he blurts out, at the end ] --And I made cake, too. It's really ugly, you don't have to eat it. In fact, I definitely think you shouldn't even look at it, I can just take it back...
Edited 2020-03-15 01:41 (UTC)
[ There's a bark of a laugh, rude as ever at someone else's misfortune, as Xie Lian tells him about his and Wei Wuxian's encounter with the sword. He can't say he knows what he's referring to, but he can only imagine it's something that the two of them did in this world - good. Good, he's glad that their history is deep here, too. No matter what it is. To have him listed as his most important person, and to know that he's the same for him... ]
That's a little exciting, gege. [ Snort. But the humor dies to something softer as he tilts his head, eating, drinking his tea, just admiring Xie Lian. And, of course, he cracks. His single eye tracks his Dianxia's movements with a calm fondness that comes from seeing him perk up like that, even if he's nervous. There's no hesitation in him as he accepts the box, smoothing long fingers across the messy wrapping before he rips it open.
A part of his mind makes a note to look up what White Day is, and what the correlating date in the previous month happens to be. After all, he wants to know every experience he's had with Xie Lian. He wants to know what he could've done for him, what it means that they did something for each other on these days. And then he listens more closely to what he's saying when he sees the key, blinking once, twice, as he draws it out.
Slowly, ever so slowly, he looks away from the key to Xie Lian. Takes in his flushed face, the words he pours out for him. And that - it isn't him. Those words don't belong to him, but he drinks them up like a man lost in the desert, suddenly finding the sanctuary and paradise of an oasis amidst a true hell.
The key is set down with utmost care between them, but Hua Cheng's full attention is on the man across from him. He scoops up Xie Lian's hands in his, folding his fingers around his, bringing them up to press a reverent kiss to his knuckles. These hands have held him, have held the world; surely the same could be said of this Xie Lian? ]
I want to see it. [ A little teasingly. ] I want to see each and every thing you cook, bake, make. Wherever home might be. Another city, another country, another world. So long as it's with Dianxia.
[ Does he deserve to say these words? They're regardless true. ]
That's a little exciting, gege. [ Snort. But the humor dies to something softer as he tilts his head, eating, drinking his tea, just admiring Xie Lian. And, of course, he cracks. His single eye tracks his Dianxia's movements with a calm fondness that comes from seeing him perk up like that, even if he's nervous. There's no hesitation in him as he accepts the box, smoothing long fingers across the messy wrapping before he rips it open.
A part of his mind makes a note to look up what White Day is, and what the correlating date in the previous month happens to be. After all, he wants to know every experience he's had with Xie Lian. He wants to know what he could've done for him, what it means that they did something for each other on these days. And then he listens more closely to what he's saying when he sees the key, blinking once, twice, as he draws it out.
Slowly, ever so slowly, he looks away from the key to Xie Lian. Takes in his flushed face, the words he pours out for him. And that - it isn't him. Those words don't belong to him, but he drinks them up like a man lost in the desert, suddenly finding the sanctuary and paradise of an oasis amidst a true hell.
The key is set down with utmost care between them, but Hua Cheng's full attention is on the man across from him. He scoops up Xie Lian's hands in his, folding his fingers around his, bringing them up to press a reverent kiss to his knuckles. These hands have held him, have held the world; surely the same could be said of this Xie Lian? ]
I want to see it. [ A little teasingly. ] I want to see each and every thing you cook, bake, make. Wherever home might be. Another city, another country, another world. So long as it's with Dianxia.
[ Does he deserve to say these words? They're regardless true. ]
[ well now he's just embarrassed!! still, hua cheng picking up his hand like that and holding it soothes some of the nerves, though it doesn't make his heart race any less. really, it's impossible to save face in front of san lang for more than a minute, isn't it? he deflates, some of the nervous energy coming out of him like a balloon as hua cheng kisses his knuckles.
somehow, he's more relaxed and more embarrassed all at once. xie lian's shoulders hunch up a little across the table, and he can't help the smile that spreads back across his face, small and private and still a little startled. even years later, it's so easy to fall in love with hua cheng, over and over and over. by far, he was the luckiest thing that ever happened to him.
he liked it, some small, giddy part of him sings, he liked it. his white day quest was successful. xie lian nods, his whole expression softening into goo. ] ...Of course, I want to see those things with San Lang too.
[ another world? that's just silly, but in the moment, he feels the same way. there's nowhere xie lian wants to be than beside this person, taking on whatever challenge they could, life, death, otherwise. he gives san lang's hand a tiny squeeze, a bit sheepish. ] I know this place isn't... always ideal for you - [ the teaching thing, the not being able to be together all the time thing, not sharing a bed or even a dorm...he misses that too, is what he's trying to get at, but he's too embarrassed to say so out loud. ] - but if there's ever anything I can do to ease it for you, I will, and that isn't just because of some silly holiday.
[ another little squeeze. he's forgotten the embarrassingly bad cake in favor of looking lovingly into san lang's face. gross. ] It's because San Lang is my most important partner.
somehow, he's more relaxed and more embarrassed all at once. xie lian's shoulders hunch up a little across the table, and he can't help the smile that spreads back across his face, small and private and still a little startled. even years later, it's so easy to fall in love with hua cheng, over and over and over. by far, he was the luckiest thing that ever happened to him.
he liked it, some small, giddy part of him sings, he liked it. his white day quest was successful. xie lian nods, his whole expression softening into goo. ] ...Of course, I want to see those things with San Lang too.
[ another world? that's just silly, but in the moment, he feels the same way. there's nowhere xie lian wants to be than beside this person, taking on whatever challenge they could, life, death, otherwise. he gives san lang's hand a tiny squeeze, a bit sheepish. ] I know this place isn't... always ideal for you - [ the teaching thing, the not being able to be together all the time thing, not sharing a bed or even a dorm...he misses that too, is what he's trying to get at, but he's too embarrassed to say so out loud. ] - but if there's ever anything I can do to ease it for you, I will, and that isn't just because of some silly holiday.
[ another little squeeze. he's forgotten the embarrassingly bad cake in favor of looking lovingly into san lang's face. gross. ] It's because San Lang is my most important partner.
Edited 2020-03-15 18:06 (UTC)
[ Will Xie Lian remember this vow, he wonders, when they return to that strange space? Hua Cheng won't worry himself over it, and instead focus on the way that everything in him seems to warm. Even his cold, cold skin feels like it's alight all over again, warmed to the very core as he is, and he squeezes Xie Lian's fingers tighter in his with a frankly disgusting smile on his face. It changes everything about him, softens every sharp edge even if it doesn't take away the danger inherent in him.
But the threat that he is poses no risk to Xie Lian - to make him safe, to make him happy, is all that he would use that volatile nature for. He rubs his thumbs over Xie Lian's knuckles, head angled so that he looks at him from just under the fall of his hair. ]
Gege is here. [ His voice softens, too, and he huffs a little laugh. It isn't unkind, and he leans his weight on his elbows. No, this place isn't ideal - it doesn't mesh, really, with the kind of person that he is. Even without the memories. Just his origins tell him all that he needs to know about the person that this Dianxia calls his most important person. Neither of them likely thrive here as they should. ] It doesn't matter the sort of place we're in. I came here with you of my own choice, you know, and I knew what I was going to be facing by making that choice.
Because gege is my most important partner. [ Don't let him know, don't upset him, don't give him reason to doubt. So long as he's happy, Hua Cheng will say whatever he needs to hear. ]
But the threat that he is poses no risk to Xie Lian - to make him safe, to make him happy, is all that he would use that volatile nature for. He rubs his thumbs over Xie Lian's knuckles, head angled so that he looks at him from just under the fall of his hair. ]
Gege is here. [ His voice softens, too, and he huffs a little laugh. It isn't unkind, and he leans his weight on his elbows. No, this place isn't ideal - it doesn't mesh, really, with the kind of person that he is. Even without the memories. Just his origins tell him all that he needs to know about the person that this Dianxia calls his most important person. Neither of them likely thrive here as they should. ] It doesn't matter the sort of place we're in. I came here with you of my own choice, you know, and I knew what I was going to be facing by making that choice.
Because gege is my most important partner. [ Don't let him know, don't upset him, don't give him reason to doubt. So long as he's happy, Hua Cheng will say whatever he needs to hear. ]
[ san lang has this way of saying things that just soothe xie lian's fears or worries. after all, hua cheng met him at his absolute worst--barely a shell of the person he used to be, angry and full of vengeance and fear, and stayed by his side. he was there, when xie lian rediscovered kindness. rediscovered how simple and easy it could be to happy, even after years of suffering, of pain. their partnership was one born from fire and hardened because of it; xie lian then never understood why hua cheng stayed by his side, and now, he barely understands either, but he's more than thankful for it, and will spend the rest of his life showing his gratitude in all the ways he can.
he says gege is here and his expression softens. xie lian squeezes the hand in his, too, reaching over to hold it with both of his, to try and push some of that warmth into this important, beloved person. ] ...okay. [ the butterflies here don't come from hua cheng, silvery wraith beings--they come from being with him, so thick and heavy in his lungs it feels like he can't breathe, in the best way possible.
xie lian brings hua cheng's hand to him in return, and though his cheeks pinken, he bows his head, and presses his forehead against his knuckles gently, eyes closed. eventually, he seems to summon up the courage and presses a soft, fluttery kiss of his own to his knuckles in return. as if to return the favor--i am yours as much as you are mine. ] ...happy White Day.
[ he says, quietly, and releases the hand held in his own, the smile on his face small and genuine--an expression of pure happiness, reserved solely for his san lang.
and--okay, okay, that's enough of that embarrassingness!! xie lian puffs a little air, pulling back, the smile brightening up. ] Besides, we might have to be a bit more separate than usual, but at least we get to see each other like this! I'm glad. Working with you is fun!
he says gege is here and his expression softens. xie lian squeezes the hand in his, too, reaching over to hold it with both of his, to try and push some of that warmth into this important, beloved person. ] ...okay. [ the butterflies here don't come from hua cheng, silvery wraith beings--they come from being with him, so thick and heavy in his lungs it feels like he can't breathe, in the best way possible.
xie lian brings hua cheng's hand to him in return, and though his cheeks pinken, he bows his head, and presses his forehead against his knuckles gently, eyes closed. eventually, he seems to summon up the courage and presses a soft, fluttery kiss of his own to his knuckles in return. as if to return the favor--i am yours as much as you are mine. ] ...happy White Day.
[ he says, quietly, and releases the hand held in his own, the smile on his face small and genuine--an expression of pure happiness, reserved solely for his san lang.
and--okay, okay, that's enough of that embarrassingness!! xie lian puffs a little air, pulling back, the smile brightening up. ] Besides, we might have to be a bit more separate than usual, but at least we get to see each other like this! I'm glad. Working with you is fun!
[Because Lan Wangji is a gay disaster at any age, but a younger Lan Wangji has his studies to throw himself into, and distracts himself from his confusions by working even harder than usual. Somehow. If that's possible.
But that's why it's so unusual to find him doing something like this. He's in Hua Cheng's office, as usual, with a stack of work next to him and his laptop open. He's been sitting quietly, also like usual, seemingly utterly focused on whatever he's looking at.
...Except that the pile of papers next to him has barely been touched, and he's been here for at least half an hour. HM.
He doesn't seem to notice that he's frowning openly at his laptop, and when he does type something, it's slower than usual. Once, he even lets out a low sigh of obvious frustration, which is exceedingly out of character.
Normally, Lan Wangji doesn't let people sneak up on him, but considering this is Hua Cheng, he probably has his ways. If the illustrious professor simply decides to ask him, he'll probably try to be (poorly) evasive--if he decides to simply look for himself, he'll see that Lan Wangji isn't actually working at all.
In fact, he's clothes shopping. During working hours. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE THE REASON FOR THIS.]
But that's why it's so unusual to find him doing something like this. He's in Hua Cheng's office, as usual, with a stack of work next to him and his laptop open. He's been sitting quietly, also like usual, seemingly utterly focused on whatever he's looking at.
...Except that the pile of papers next to him has barely been touched, and he's been here for at least half an hour. HM.
He doesn't seem to notice that he's frowning openly at his laptop, and when he does type something, it's slower than usual. Once, he even lets out a low sigh of obvious frustration, which is exceedingly out of character.
Normally, Lan Wangji doesn't let people sneak up on him, but considering this is Hua Cheng, he probably has his ways. If the illustrious professor simply decides to ask him, he'll probably try to be (poorly) evasive--if he decides to simply look for himself, he'll see that Lan Wangji isn't actually working at all.
In fact, he's clothes shopping. During working hours. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE THE REASON FOR THIS.]
[ Sweet, sweet Dianxia. Hua Cheng can see the way his words soothe, and his heart softens with it. Because he wants that for him, wants nothing more than for his happiness and safety. If he's granted it to this Xie Lian, then all the more respect to his other self. (But jealousy, too, to know that he can be like this with his beloved. That he's somehow earned the way that Xie Lian smiles at him, now, the softness in his expression, the tenderness in his touch.) ]
Okay. [ He rubs his thumb over his knuckles, smile small and sweet in response. No one else makes him feel this way, no matter the world he's found himself in. Watching him bow his head causes that flushed feeling in his chest again, a threat of making his heart beat for the first time in 800 years. And it jumps into his throat when Xie Lian kisses his knuckles, everything honey sweet and just as sticky inside his ribs.
He never wants to leave this. ] Happy White Day, gege.
[ His hands draw back, but he leans his weight on his arms to stay in his space. His head cocks, curious, and he huffs a little laugh. Hua Cheng will never get tired of this brightness. ] Working with you is fun, too. I can't wait to see what else we do, while we're here - and we'll always be able to find time together, won't we? To have lunch, teach, work... eat cake.
[ Teasing. Don't think he forgot about that cake. ]
Okay. [ He rubs his thumb over his knuckles, smile small and sweet in response. No one else makes him feel this way, no matter the world he's found himself in. Watching him bow his head causes that flushed feeling in his chest again, a threat of making his heart beat for the first time in 800 years. And it jumps into his throat when Xie Lian kisses his knuckles, everything honey sweet and just as sticky inside his ribs.
He never wants to leave this. ] Happy White Day, gege.
[ His hands draw back, but he leans his weight on his arms to stay in his space. His head cocks, curious, and he huffs a little laugh. Hua Cheng will never get tired of this brightness. ] Working with you is fun, too. I can't wait to see what else we do, while we're here - and we'll always be able to find time together, won't we? To have lunch, teach, work... eat cake.
[ Teasing. Don't think he forgot about that cake. ]
[ Hua Cheng in this world is a silent killer, a brutal assassin that can walk in the shadows with little to no problems. Nearly impossible to detect.
This Hua Cheng is the Ghost King, a Supreme, capable of walking in and out of the Heavens under the emperor's nose. Sneaking up on a distracted TA is hardly an issue for him to do, especially given how deeply he's engrossed in whatever he's doing on his laptop. Arms folded behind his back, he slowly meanders over when he notes that no work is getting done. He doesn't necessarily care, but he's particularly interested in what he's doing.
He comes to stand behind him, single eye focusing on the screen. Technology is fascinating, he thinks absently, as he watches him scroll through the clothes he's looking at.
Silence reigns for a few minutes longer.
He assesses, making sure there's nothing immediately dangerous that could be used as a weapon. (Not that it'd kill him, considering he's already dead, but it would blow his cover.) ]
My, my, Wangji. Looking for a change in style?
This Hua Cheng is the Ghost King, a Supreme, capable of walking in and out of the Heavens under the emperor's nose. Sneaking up on a distracted TA is hardly an issue for him to do, especially given how deeply he's engrossed in whatever he's doing on his laptop. Arms folded behind his back, he slowly meanders over when he notes that no work is getting done. He doesn't necessarily care, but he's particularly interested in what he's doing.
He comes to stand behind him, single eye focusing on the screen. Technology is fascinating, he thinks absently, as he watches him scroll through the clothes he's looking at.
Silence reigns for a few minutes longer.
He assesses, making sure there's nothing immediately dangerous that could be used as a weapon. (Not that it'd kill him, considering he's already dead, but it would blow his cover.) ]
My, my, Wangji. Looking for a change in style?
[It's very rare that Lan Wangji is unfocused enough to jump, but that's exactly what he does now, very nearly banging his knee on the desk as he does. His first instinct is to slap his laptop closed, as if he was caught doing something much more scandalous than browsing Eternally22.
His own actions catch up with him a second later, though, and he lowers his head, the tips of his ears reddening. NO USE IN DENYING IT NOW... not that he would, but still. IT'S EMBARRASSING.]
I apologize. I am [very gay] distracted.
[NO SHIT, LWJ.]
His own actions catch up with him a second later, though, and he lowers his head, the tips of his ears reddening. NO USE IN DENYING IT NOW... not that he would, but still. IT'S EMBARRASSING.]
I apologize. I am [
[NO SHIT, LWJ.]
[ ah.... cake.... xie lian laughs, ducking his head--even so, the laugh is light and warm, sheepish. the entire mood of their conversation is light, and xie lian feels like he could float out of his chair with no elemental magic involved. even though he's ashamed of his ugly cake, san lang wants it, and san lang's reassurance means the world to xie lian, like it always has. ]
I was hoping you might have forgotten... [ because really, it's gross... but true to form, xie lian will present his white day cake. it is ugly, and it probably isn't very sweet, but he pushes the slightly smushed box across the table to him anyway. ] If you're poisoned, I'll carry you to the infirmary before it can take hold properly...
[ god, poisoning his long term boyfriend on white day WOULD happen to him. really, xie lian is lucky san lang has stayed with him this long... he's so blessed he could never forget it. ]
I was hoping you might have forgotten... [ because really, it's gross... but true to form, xie lian will present his white day cake. it is ugly, and it probably isn't very sweet, but he pushes the slightly smushed box across the table to him anyway. ] If you're poisoned, I'll carry you to the infirmary before it can take hold properly...
[ god, poisoning his long term boyfriend on white day WOULD happen to him. really, xie lian is lucky san lang has stayed with him this long... he's so blessed he could never forget it. ]
[ Hua Cheng laughs, too, a little mean but no less warm. It's just playful bullying, the same that Xie Lian has given him and the same that they'll always have. Because teasing him is easy, and he certainly won't miss out on being able to eat something that gege has made. Especially when it's for him!
It might be disgusting. It might very well be poison. But he draws the box closer, taking off the top and ignoring the smear of ugly icing left on the top of it. ]
How could I forget anything that gege has ever told me? [ He clucks his tongue, but pokes through their utensils for a spoon. Easier to shovel whatever concoction Xie Lian's made than trying to use another one he's less familiar with for eating. ] It'll be fine.
[ Aaaand... momf. ]
It might be disgusting. It might very well be poison. But he draws the box closer, taking off the top and ignoring the smear of ugly icing left on the top of it. ]
How could I forget anything that gege has ever told me? [ He clucks his tongue, but pokes through their utensils for a spoon. Easier to shovel whatever concoction Xie Lian's made than trying to use another one he's less familiar with for eating. ] It'll be fine.
[ Aaaand... momf. ]
[ The gleam in his dark eye is practically maniacal, and obviously holds back a cackle at the way he makes Lan Wangji jump. How satisfying that is, especially when this is a person that seems unflappable. Moving over, he leans against the desk, just barely sitting on the edge of it as he uses two fingers to turn the laptop more towards himself.
A little tsk escapes him, like he actually cares to scold him. He doesn't understand what he's looking at, at least not until he scans it a moment longer. ]
You're very distracted, it seems. [ NO SHIT ] Are you trying to dress to impress..?
A little tsk escapes him, like he actually cares to scold him. He doesn't understand what he's looking at, at least not until he scans it a moment longer. ]
You're very distracted, it seems. [ NO SHIT ] Are you trying to dress to impress..?
[Lan Wangji sits, tense, but he makes no move to stop Hua Cheng, resting clenched fists in his lap instead. There's a sort of anxious resignation about him; this has never happened to him before, but he seems perfectly aware that there's no getting out of it. And, well--somehow, Hua Cheng is the professor he's closest to, which is the only reason he's willing (kind of) to discuss this, instead of clamming up and fleeing with the scraps of his dignity.]
No. It is for Wei Ying. [CUE SHOCK not. If Hua Cheng has seen the two of them together for even five seconds he's probably figured them both out tbh. THEY'RE STUPID, NOT SUBTLE. He looks, for a moment, like he wants to say something else, but he can't figure out a way to phrase "I offered to buy a new one because I felt guilty for stabbing him on reflex but then he laughed and said I'd buy him something lame so now I have to prove him wrong". So in the end, he just awkwardly presses his lips together.]
No. It is for Wei Ying. [CUE SHOCK not. If Hua Cheng has seen the two of them together for even five seconds he's probably figured them both out tbh. THEY'RE STUPID, NOT SUBTLE. He looks, for a moment, like he wants to say something else, but he can't figure out a way to phrase "I offered to buy a new one because I felt guilty for stabbing him on reflex but then he laughed and said I'd buy him something lame so now I have to prove him wrong". So in the end, he just awkwardly presses his lips together.]
[ Eat shit, Wangji. While he's not sure how he wound up with this morally upright young man as his TA - and he doubts the Other Hua Cheng knows, either - he's a little amusedly fond of this outstanding cultivator-turned-student. He's learning very quickly that it's very, very easy to pick on him like this, and he sinks his teeth into the scraps of his dignity like a fox cornering a chicken. ]
Ah, is it? [ There isn't even the courtesy of mock-shock, here. He scrolls through the clothes with a scrutinizing eye. Unfortunately for all parties, he only has the one eye, so it's very, very scrutinizing. ] How nice. Though your, ah, taste doesn't line up very much with his. [ Stop being a dick for like, five seconds.
... actually, considering their similar aesthetic...
He clicks the trackpad with a single finger, once he pinpoints something appropriate. ]
Ah, is it? [ There isn't even the courtesy of mock-shock, here. He scrolls through the clothes with a scrutinizing eye. Unfortunately for all parties, he only has the one eye, so it's very, very scrutinizing. ] How nice. Though your, ah, taste doesn't line up very much with his. [ Stop being a dick for like, five seconds.
... actually, considering their similar aesthetic...
He clicks the trackpad with a single finger, once he pinpoints something appropriate. ]
No. [NO IT DOES NOT LINE UP, that's true. Everything about this is horrendously embarrassing, but at least Lan Wangji doesn't seem offended by truthful statements. Wei Wuxian had explicitly (yet unknowingly) rejected his first idea, but he hadn't actually provided any alternatives, and since they wear uniforms he doesn't really have anything to work with besides his vague knowledge of Wei Wuxian's tastes. He's bought things for other people before, but most of them had been either thoughtfully sentimental, or practical. He's never actually bought clothes for anyone but his brother before.
Cautiously, he glances up at the screen, staring with an uncertainty that looks far more mild than it feels.]
...Do you think so? [His voice is even, but it doesn't really matter, because he's obviously totally lost.]
Cautiously, he glances up at the screen, staring with an uncertainty that looks far more mild than it feels.]
...Do you think so? [His voice is even, but it doesn't really matter, because he's obviously totally lost.]
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