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[Yeah he may have started this off by just being some lumberjack from a tiny country but now that Idoll's won, he's been mobbed on and off by people EVERYWHERE HE GOES... NO PEACE FOR WEI WUXIAN.
So when he knocks on Lan Wangji's door in the hotel, he might not be immediately recognizable. He's adapted pretty seamlessly to the modern style in their time here, and he's using it to his fullass advantage. Big ol' sunglasses, a bomber jacket with the collar pulled up, a hat that he's tucked his hair under - it's incognito mode babey. Still, Lan Wangji of all people will probably be able to recognize him even before he opens his mouth and immediately gives himself away.]
Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, we need to talk. You're not doing anything right now, are you? No visitors?
[HE ASKS HIS BUT HE'S ALREADY PUSHING HIS WAY AROUND LAN WANGJI'S SHOULDER TO LOOK INSIDE HIS ROOM. If it is empty, which he's assuming is the case, he'll also just invite himself in. God.]
So when he knocks on Lan Wangji's door in the hotel, he might not be immediately recognizable. He's adapted pretty seamlessly to the modern style in their time here, and he's using it to his fullass advantage. Big ol' sunglasses, a bomber jacket with the collar pulled up, a hat that he's tucked his hair under - it's incognito mode babey. Still, Lan Wangji of all people will probably be able to recognize him even before he opens his mouth and immediately gives himself away.]
Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, we need to talk. You're not doing anything right now, are you? No visitors?
[HE ASKS HIS BUT HE'S ALREADY PUSHING HIS WAY AROUND LAN WANGJI'S SHOULDER TO LOOK INSIDE HIS ROOM. If it is empty, which he's assuming is the case, he'll also just invite himself in. God.]
[WELCOME TO HIS LIFE, WEI WUXIAN!!! Except that instead of attempting to go incognito, Lan Wangji has just been... enduring... they're both their own brands of dumbass, god. He does, of course, recognize Wei Wuxian immediately, but he stops to stare anyway, because Wei Wuxian looks unfortunately good in anything he wears and Lan Wangji is too gay to function ever.
He lets him in easily, though, shutting the door behind him and letting Wei Wuxian see the answer for himself. No visitors, and the hotel room looks immaculate, as if Lan Wangji has barely set foot inside it. There's no immediate obvious signs of clothing or a suitcase (although that's simply because Modern Lan Wangji puts his clothes away and stores his suitcase in the closet like an alien). The only thing out of place is the desk chair that's pulled out, where Lan Wangji was sitting.]
What is it?
He lets him in easily, though, shutting the door behind him and letting Wei Wuxian see the answer for himself. No visitors, and the hotel room looks immaculate, as if Lan Wangji has barely set foot inside it. There's no immediate obvious signs of clothing or a suitcase (although that's simply because Modern Lan Wangji puts his clothes away and stores his suitcase in the closet like an alien). The only thing out of place is the desk chair that's pulled out, where Lan Wangji was sitting.]
What is it?
[Well! ALL OF THAT SURE HAPPENED. Chuuya & Wei Wuxian disappeared somewhere in the chaos of the gala, and after being out for a while, it's time for the triumphant(?) return of the dumbass squad, both miraculously still alive, albeit burned. Chuuya's lost part of a sleeve off his suit, forearm burned where the fabric's gone, and it looks like he's got a cut on one leg; his stupid side-mullet hairstyle has also made a return, thanks to some of his hair being singed off. Unfortunate.
On the plus side, after observing some of the activity at the gala before things went wild, Chuuya knows just who he's looking out for-- once he catches sight of Lan Wangji, he's headed in his direction.]
Oi, delivery for you.
[as he jerks a thumb at Wei Wuxian, indicating him and whatever state he happens to be in after all of that.]
Looks like things are a little calmer now, huh-- everything okay?
On the plus side, after observing some of the activity at the gala before things went wild, Chuuya knows just who he's looking out for-- once he catches sight of Lan Wangji, he's headed in his direction.]
Oi, delivery for you.
[as he jerks a thumb at Wei Wuxian, indicating him and whatever state he happens to be in after all of that.]
Looks like things are a little calmer now, huh-- everything okay?
[YEEHAW he's trailing along after Chuuya, looking. Uh. Well, unaffected by his injuries first of all, because of his ungodly pain tolerance and the fact that he's more distressed about WHAT JUST HAPPENED WITH THAT REBEL. It's fine, it's fine. It looks like his forearms have taken the brunt of the damage considering he was using them to protect his face, his nice suit also burnt away and the patches of flesh below red and angry. His torso looks a bit singed too, though the fabric isn't burnt away there, at least. Fortunately, he is not sporting a side mullet either.
He's also still wearing those fucking rollerblades.]
Lan Zhan... [CHUUYA DON'T MAKE IT WEIRD THEY'RE CLEARLY JUST FRIENDS?? He reaches out and gently touches Chuuya's shoulder as if in thanks (and maybe some concern since they're both kinda beat up here) before scooting around him and over to Lan Wangji.]
Is anyone injured? Have they already cleared out this area? They're doing a lot of arrests over on that end.
He's also still wearing those fucking rollerblades.]
Lan Zhan... [CHUUYA DON'T MAKE IT WEIRD THEY'RE CLEARLY JUST FRIENDS?? He reaches out and gently touches Chuuya's shoulder as if in thanks (and maybe some concern since they're both kinda beat up here) before scooting around him and over to Lan Wangji.]
Is anyone injured? Have they already cleared out this area? They're doing a lot of arrests over on that end.
[But before he goes to become the purple nugget whose name is apparently Grimace. Wild.
ANYWAY-- Here he is with his burns and his first aid stuff!! His fuckin skates are finally off, taking away his few extra inches of height and leaving him wishing for the robes that he'd feel much less tiny and exposed in. He's actually uncharacteristically quiet for a second - just a beat of a breath, barely anything at all, but more than enough for anyone who knows him well. He turns to face Lan Wangji.
Lan Wangji is smart. More than that, he's stubborn beyond anyone's expectations. If Wei Wuxian tries to avoid letting him attempt to pass spiritual energy, it would only serve to stir suspicions. If he gives in, Lan Wangji will be able to see for himself that things aren't as they should be.
So he goes with what's the best of bad options; a direct (but softened) version of the truth.]
You can save your energy, Lan Zhan. Something is wrong - I don't think it would work.
ANYWAY-- Here he is with his burns and his first aid stuff!! His fuckin skates are finally off, taking away his few extra inches of height and leaving him wishing for the robes that he'd feel much less tiny and exposed in. He's actually uncharacteristically quiet for a second - just a beat of a breath, barely anything at all, but more than enough for anyone who knows him well. He turns to face Lan Wangji.
Lan Wangji is smart. More than that, he's stubborn beyond anyone's expectations. If Wei Wuxian tries to avoid letting him attempt to pass spiritual energy, it would only serve to stir suspicions. If he gives in, Lan Wangji will be able to see for himself that things aren't as they should be.
So he goes with what's the best of bad options; a direct (but softened) version of the truth.]
You can save your energy, Lan Zhan. Something is wrong - I don't think it would work.
[This is just giving me visceral flashbacks of watching the Ronald McDonald movies as a kid
But more importantly!! It's probably not surprising that Lan Wangji's sticking so closely to him right now, not after what happened and especially not after his behavior. It's not the first time Lan Wangji's seen him brush off healing, but that was long ago. Still, as with everything related to Wei Wuxian, it's burned into his memory like a brand, and even in a situation like this, he can't help but notice the similarities.
It could've been that Wei Wuxian simply didn't want Chuuya to see it. But Lan Wangji knows him better than that--his heart is telling him there's more to it, and lo, here they are.
This time, though, it seems Wei Wuxian intends to be honest with him from the start. It's a level of trust he'd wanted, in the past, but hadn't ever known how to ask for. It warms him, to receive it now, though he doesn't let himself bask in it--Wei Wuxian's well-being is, as always, his top priority.]
What is it?
But more importantly!! It's probably not surprising that Lan Wangji's sticking so closely to him right now, not after what happened and especially not after his behavior. It's not the first time Lan Wangji's seen him brush off healing, but that was long ago. Still, as with everything related to Wei Wuxian, it's burned into his memory like a brand, and even in a situation like this, he can't help but notice the similarities.
It could've been that Wei Wuxian simply didn't want Chuuya to see it. But Lan Wangji knows him better than that--his heart is telling him there's more to it, and lo, here they are.
This time, though, it seems Wei Wuxian intends to be honest with him from the start. It's a level of trust he'd wanted, in the past, but hadn't ever known how to ask for. It warms him, to receive it now, though he doesn't let himself bask in it--Wei Wuxian's well-being is, as always, his top priority.]
What is it?
[Well, he's here now, he's alive, and he's still... figuring out just what all of that's going to mean. Wei Wuxian has told him a few things-- including that Lan Wangji is here-- and now that he's been looked over and provided with better clothes, he sets off from Notsco, presumably because Wei Wuxian has left to go do something else?? The point is he has time alone.
He also has on probably the most attention-getting thing he has ever worn in his LIFE, thanks to Wei Wuxian picking out a nice comfy sweater with... a flamingo and light-up shrimps on it. Also jogging pants. Wen Ning is very comfy, but simultaneously uncomfortable due to how this doesn't blend in whatsoever. He at least has the chains more contained too, wrapped around his limbs so they're not just dragging.
But! He's managing! Wherever Lan Wangji happens to be, Wen Ning seeks him out, offering him a polite bow when he comes across him.]
Y-young master Lan. I was told you were here, as well.
He also has on probably the most attention-getting thing he has ever worn in his LIFE, thanks to Wei Wuxian picking out a nice comfy sweater with... a flamingo and light-up shrimps on it. Also jogging pants. Wen Ning is very comfy, but simultaneously uncomfortable due to how this doesn't blend in whatsoever. He at least has the chains more contained too, wrapped around his limbs so they're not just dragging.
But! He's managing! Wherever Lan Wangji happens to be, Wen Ning seeks him out, offering him a polite bow when he comes across him.]
Y-young master Lan. I was told you were here, as well.
[ALSO LET'S SAY that Wei Wuxian has not in fact located Lan Wangji yet to inform him of this, for maximum emoting potential on Lan Wangji's part. He's been forced to keep himself scarce on occasion with all this Thought Sharing nonsense anyway, though it's unlikely Wei Wuxian has noticed.
Essentially, though, it means that this is the first time he's seeing any familiar faces outside of Wei Wuxian, and for it to be Wen Ning, looking as he does... the surprise on his face is equivalent to someone else staring, wide-eyed and open-mouthed.
It takes him so long to recover that it's borderline disrespectful, but he catches himself in time to offer a small bow of his own, his thoughts moving too quickly for anything to slip through.]
You saw Wei Ying? [He's the only person who would be able (and willing) to tell Wen Ning that he's here, since he doubts Wen Ning would've gone around asking after him to strangers. Not to mention, that sweater absolutely screams Wei Wuxian's influence--but he has to confirm it, before anything else. Because if he's wrong, then they're turning around and heading straight for Wei Wuxian.]
Essentially, though, it means that this is the first time he's seeing any familiar faces outside of Wei Wuxian, and for it to be Wen Ning, looking as he does... the surprise on his face is equivalent to someone else staring, wide-eyed and open-mouthed.
It takes him so long to recover that it's borderline disrespectful, but he catches himself in time to offer a small bow of his own, his thoughts moving too quickly for anything to slip through.]
You saw Wei Ying? [He's the only person who would be able (and willing) to tell Wen Ning that he's here, since he doubts Wen Ning would've gone around asking after him to strangers. Not to mention, that sweater absolutely screams Wei Wuxian's influence--but he has to confirm it, before anything else. Because if he's wrong, then they're turning around and heading straight for Wei Wuxian.]
[The first sign that something is wrong is the fact that Wei Wuxian crashes into Lan Wangji at all.
He's spent years keeping a keen pulse on his surroundings, out of necessity as much as anything else. It's rare for him to bump into someone unless it's intentional, which it clearly isn't this time, since Lan Wangji is a fucking wall and Wei Wuxian ends up stumbling. He puts his hands up immediately - another sign - eyes wild and wide for a fraction of a second before what he's seeing catches up with his brain and gets processed properly.
They're still in Notsco and he'd been - looking for a place to calm down and gather himself back up again before reaching out to Wen Ning and Lan Wangji, but looks like one of those future tasks has become a Right Now task.]
—Lan Zhan?
[A third; no outpouring of babble as soon as he's recognized who he's run into.
Oh yeah he's also got a fist-sized bruise just blooming on his cheek that's FUN. He's had a FUN FEW HOURS.]
He's spent years keeping a keen pulse on his surroundings, out of necessity as much as anything else. It's rare for him to bump into someone unless it's intentional, which it clearly isn't this time, since Lan Wangji is a fucking wall and Wei Wuxian ends up stumbling. He puts his hands up immediately - another sign - eyes wild and wide for a fraction of a second before what he's seeing catches up with his brain and gets processed properly.
They're still in Notsco and he'd been - looking for a place to calm down and gather himself back up again before reaching out to Wen Ning and Lan Wangji, but looks like one of those future tasks has become a Right Now task.]
—Lan Zhan?
[A third; no outpouring of babble as soon as he's recognized who he's run into.
Oh yeah he's also got a fist-sized bruise just blooming on his cheek that's FUN. He's had a FUN FEW HOURS.]
[Lan Wangji would recognize him anywhere, of course. If he properly understood the thought-sharing ability, he would've reached out that way immediately. But he hardly needs it when his very soul is so accustomed to seeking out the slightest scrap of a sign of Wei Wuxian's presence.
He doesn't even need to look to see it's Wei Wuxian, his hands immediately flying up to steady him, but he stops short of actually grabbing onto him as soon as he spots that expression. For a moment, his hands hover at Wei Wuxian's shoulders, his eyes widening as he takes in everything about this. Every inch of bad and wrong he's seeing.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out the source, either. The anger that had been doused by shock and discomfort reignites with a vengeance at the sight of Wei Wuxian, injured and so clearly distraught. But more than that, his heart aches--and Wei Wuxian doesn't need more anger anywhere near him. He's clearly had enough.
So, gently, very gently, he lowers his hands to Wei Wuxian's arms. He's not grabbing tightly, the way he'd like to, but he's resting them firmly enough to be, he hopes, reassuring. A touch that says you can fall without fear, for I will catch you every time.]
Wei Ying.
[I am here.]
He doesn't even need to look to see it's Wei Wuxian, his hands immediately flying up to steady him, but he stops short of actually grabbing onto him as soon as he spots that expression. For a moment, his hands hover at Wei Wuxian's shoulders, his eyes widening as he takes in everything about this. Every inch of bad and wrong he's seeing.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out the source, either. The anger that had been doused by shock and discomfort reignites with a vengeance at the sight of Wei Wuxian, injured and so clearly distraught. But more than that, his heart aches--and Wei Wuxian doesn't need more anger anywhere near him. He's clearly had enough.
So, gently, very gently, he lowers his hands to Wei Wuxian's arms. He's not grabbing tightly, the way he'd like to, but he's resting them firmly enough to be, he hopes, reassuring. A touch that says you can fall without fear, for I will catch you every time.]
Wei Ying.
[I am here.]
[Chuuya looks so tired as Lan Wangji enters their meeting spot, which is probably just a spare room in Chuuya's place that he keeps for when visitors hang out... the actual private one, not the main one he'd take someone less familiar to. This one's a little cozier, more comfortable to just chill in, and Chuuya's already poured two glasses of wine.]
If I don't stop getting stupid packages, I'm going to just ask Shigure not to bring me any deliveries, I really am.
[but he gestures to the other side of the low table-]
C'mon, sit.
If I don't stop getting stupid packages, I'm going to just ask Shigure not to bring me any deliveries, I really am.
[but he gestures to the other side of the low table-]
C'mon, sit.
[BUT HERE HE IS as always, considering they probably do this all the time. He sits dutifully, though he doesn't touch the wine just yet. HE MAY OR MAY NOT TOUCH IT AT ALL it depends on how the conversation goes, honestly. But he appreciates the gesture of hospitality anyway.]
What did you receive now?
What did you receive now?
[Lil Haku comes to his father quietly when neither of them are very busy. He opens the door to Lan Wangji's study (thank god he isn't walking in on something indecent), and he absolutely
glitters??
with the movement of the light over him. Upon further inspection, he doesn't have a whole lot on him, but there seems to be bits and piece of glitter still stubbornly stuck to him in different places.]
Father.
glitters??
with the movement of the light over him. Upon further inspection, he doesn't have a whole lot on him, but there seems to be bits and piece of glitter still stubbornly stuck to him in different places.]
Father.
[PLEASE the only indecent thing that might be happening in here is Lan Wangji composing a song or writing a stupid love note... he is, in fact, writing something at his desk, but it doesn't look important. The only change from the last time Haku's visited is a small succulent sitting in the corner of his desk.
He glances up as Haku enters, pausing in whatever he's writing and staring for a minute before he slowly puts his pen away.]
Haku?
[You uh... wanna explain...]
He glances up as Haku enters, pausing in whatever he's writing and staring for a minute before he slowly puts his pen away.]
Haku?
[You uh... wanna explain...]
[It's fate for Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng to converge at Yiling Ridge.
Worse, Wei Wuxian isn't even involved in the planning of any of this. No, they just happened to pick the same day and around the same time to stop for a visit. Awful. Double worse: Jiang Cheng has brought a dog, which may be why Wei Wuxian is not flapping around him being a gremlin.
Thankfully, it's Hercules the English bulldog, who is cute and chonky and stubby, and a lot of the children are charmed by this more than, say, the others. So he's stuck in a sea of chaos of some of the children, chickens, and some cats, all of them vying for Hercules' attention while Jiang Cheng just...... stands off to the side with his hands in his pockets.
But the fond, partial smile on his lips drops immediately when he spots Lan Wangji.]
Worse, Wei Wuxian isn't even involved in the planning of any of this. No, they just happened to pick the same day and around the same time to stop for a visit. Awful. Double worse: Jiang Cheng has brought a dog, which may be why Wei Wuxian is not flapping around him being a gremlin.
Thankfully, it's Hercules the English bulldog, who is cute and chonky and stubby, and a lot of the children are charmed by this more than, say, the others. So he's stuck in a sea of chaos of some of the children, chickens, and some cats, all of them vying for Hercules' attention while Jiang Cheng just...... stands off to the side with his hands in his pockets.
But the fond, partial smile on his lips drops immediately when he spots Lan Wangji.]
["FUCK" yells Lan Wangji as soon as he walks in the door--
no okay but judging by his face, he's probably thinking the 1920s mafia equivalent of that (which, lbr, is probably still "fuck"). He's got a box in his hand, because of course he does. He never comes over here empty-handed. The soft look on his own face as he enters is immediately replaced with something far more severe, once he sees who the cause of all the chaos is--a look he clearly doesn't wear at all when he comes to visit here, because the few kiddos that actually tear their attention away from the dog long enough to notice he's here seem confused.
Lan Wangji doesn't greet them yet, though. Instead, he looks at Jiang Cheng, keeping his voice flat and even.]
Where is Wei Ying?
[oh yeah and "hi" or whatever... he guesses...]
no okay but judging by his face, he's probably thinking the 1920s mafia equivalent of that (which, lbr, is probably still "fuck"). He's got a box in his hand, because of course he does. He never comes over here empty-handed. The soft look on his own face as he enters is immediately replaced with something far more severe, once he sees who the cause of all the chaos is--a look he clearly doesn't wear at all when he comes to visit here, because the few kiddos that actually tear their attention away from the dog long enough to notice he's here seem confused.
Lan Wangji doesn't greet them yet, though. Instead, he looks at Jiang Cheng, keeping his voice flat and even.]
Where is Wei Ying?
[oh yeah and "hi" or whatever... he guesses...]
[ It's a sunny day in Middleton! Lan Wangji is out and about looking into a certain matter, and 9S is eager to tag along and make himself useful any way he can. Their lead is a little vague, so 9S keeps his eyes and ears open for anything at all that might help...
Which is why he easily spots an unusual sight! A young girl of no more than eight and what seems to be her little brother are huddled at the corner of the florist's shop. They're in tattered-looking Xian Le clothes, and they have a little bowl with a few pennies in it.
9S's eyes go wide when he sees them, and he keeps himself from dashing off toward the children only long enough to tug at Lan Wangji's wrist -- something he would normally never do to a human, but his excitement now gets the better of him. ]
Mr. Wangji! I recognize those kids! Please, can we stop by and talk to them?
Which is why he easily spots an unusual sight! A young girl of no more than eight and what seems to be her little brother are huddled at the corner of the florist's shop. They're in tattered-looking Xian Le clothes, and they have a little bowl with a few pennies in it.
9S's eyes go wide when he sees them, and he keeps himself from dashing off toward the children only long enough to tug at Lan Wangji's wrist -- something he would normally never do to a human, but his excitement now gets the better of him. ]
Mr. Wangji! I recognize those kids! Please, can we stop by and talk to them?
[It's not like Lan Wangji had had any doubts in the first place, but 9S has truly been proving himself today. He's hard-working and attentive, and paired with Lan Wangji's extensive experience, they're making a good pair. No real progress to note, but that's fine--there's no indication that the note they're following up on is recent or relevant anyway.
Except then 9S is latching onto him, which is unusually enough to make him blink down in surprise. He follows 9S's gazes, taking a quick look at the children. Oh... Dad!Wangji is emerging...]
Mm. [A sound of agreement; he stops, first, to pull out his wallet, in order to fish out a couple of quarters--but then he offers a small nod, letting 9S lead the way.]
You recognize them? [They're Xian Le though... unusual, considering 9S is one of their most loyal members.]
Except then 9S is latching onto him, which is unusually enough to make him blink down in surprise. He follows 9S's gazes, taking a quick look at the children. Oh... Dad!Wangji is emerging...]
Mm. [A sound of agreement; he stops, first, to pull out his wallet, in order to fish out a couple of quarters--but then he offers a small nod, letting 9S lead the way.]
You recognize them? [They're Xian Le though... unusual, considering 9S is one of their most loyal members.]
[I'm so scared about everything all the time
NOT LAN WANGJI, THOUGH. He can hear the change in tone (though his expression, as always, doesn't change to show that he's noticed), and it's enough to make him stop what he's doing, turning to give Shigure his full attention. (Not that he wouldn't anyway, of course--by now, he'd like to think they're something close to friends.)]
What is it?
NOT LAN WANGJI, THOUGH. He can hear the change in tone (though his expression, as always, doesn't change to show that he's noticed), and it's enough to make him stop what he's doing, turning to give Shigure his full attention. (Not that he wouldn't anyway, of course--by now, he'd like to think they're something close to friends.)]
What is it?
[ One of the times Lan Wangji is at Yiling Ridge, Shinobu is, too. She approaches him with a civil and courteous smile. She's never been outright antagonistic with him, and in a place that's supposed to be a refuge, she won't do anything to mar that. (Or she'll try her very best not to.) ]
Good afternoon, Lan Wangji. Have these past few days found you well? Are you excited about the Date Auction coming up?
Good afternoon, Lan Wangji. Have these past few days found you well? Are you excited about the Date Auction coming up?
[I don't trust anything about this
AND HONESTLY NEITHER WOULD LAN WANGJI except that 1. he knows Shinobu is a doctor, and 2. he knows Wei Wuxian puts the safety of his people above everything else. If Wei Wuxian trusts Shinobu here, then Lan Wangji isn't going to be (too) suspicious of her, nor will he cause any trouble. Especially not here.
ALSO DEPENDING ON WHEN THIS IS HAPPENING Shinobu may or may not have noticed two new kiddos have joined Xianhaus... a girl of around 8 and her little brother. A LOT HAS HAPPENED THIS WEEK.
Anyway, he'll incline his head in greeting to her when she approaches! Honestly, he would've completely forgotten about the date auction if not for the fact that Chuuya's attending, and he's going to be there as his bodyguard (and for no other reason, he thinks, like a FOOL).]
It is always a spectacle, when certain individuals are in the same place.
[honestly he could be talking about literally anyone AND it could be a compliment, an insult, or both...]
AND HONESTLY NEITHER WOULD LAN WANGJI except that 1. he knows Shinobu is a doctor, and 2. he knows Wei Wuxian puts the safety of his people above everything else. If Wei Wuxian trusts Shinobu here, then Lan Wangji isn't going to be (too) suspicious of her, nor will he cause any trouble. Especially not here.
ALSO DEPENDING ON WHEN THIS IS HAPPENING Shinobu may or may not have noticed two new kiddos have joined Xianhaus... a girl of around 8 and her little brother. A LOT HAS HAPPENED THIS WEEK.
Anyway, he'll incline his head in greeting to her when she approaches! Honestly, he would've completely forgotten about the date auction if not for the fact that Chuuya's attending, and he's going to be there as his bodyguard (and for no other reason, he thinks, like a FOOL).]
It is always a spectacle, when certain individuals are in the same place.
[honestly he could be talking about literally anyone AND it could be a compliment, an insult, or both...]
[ enter a small pink haired teenager who looks a little tired with a modest bouquet of flowers (roses) in her hands. he might have seen her around randomly going up to people asking for a "lan wangji" but ultimately she'll track him down—wherever he is. ]
H, hello.
[ she fidgets a bit. PLEASE LET HIM BE THE ONE. ]
Are you, by chance, Lan Wangji?
H, hello.
[ she fidgets a bit. PLEASE LET HIM BE THE ONE. ]
Are you, by chance, Lan Wangji?
[OH HEY it's tech girl!! Lan Wangji hasn't had much reason to seek her out lately, since he is a boring old man isn't one to mess around with technology, but surely it hasn't been that long?! IS SHE OKAY...
Actually he's just going to ask that out loud]
Are you alright?
Actually he's just going to ask that out loud]
Are you alright?
Edited 2020-02-01 22:14 (UTC)
[WELP. Things just keep rockin' and rollin' rapidly downhill for this madlad! Between that and the fact that Lan Wangji is one of the people he feels the most comfortable with, he doesn't bother trying to mask the entirety of his turbulent emotions. His voice is unusually soft whenever Lan Wangji picks up.]
It's me. Can you come over?
It's me. Can you come over?
[It isn't often that Wei Wuxian calls him--mostly because they have little need for it. They communicate frequently already, and Wei Wuxian needs his phone line open for genuine business, after all. So it's a surprise, but not necessarily a pleasant one.
His first reaction is alarm, but it's brief. Wei Wuxian would not have asked so simply, so quietly, if the children were harmed. He's still concerned, though; it's not a tone he's heard from Wei Wuxian often, but it's one that makes his heart ache all the same.]
Should I bring anything?
[The answer is always yes. He doubts he needs to say that much.]
His first reaction is alarm, but it's brief. Wei Wuxian would not have asked so simply, so quietly, if the children were harmed. He's still concerned, though; it's not a tone he's heard from Wei Wuxian often, but it's one that makes his heart ache all the same.]
Should I bring anything?
[The answer is always yes. He doubts he needs to say that much.]
Edited 2020-02-06 03:55 (UTC)
[Ring, ring, Papa Zhan. There's a pause, however, after Lan Wangji answers. Haku isn't sure what to say at first, surprisingly.]
It's me. I'm okay.
It's me. I'm okay.
[Lan Wangji probably has his own fuckin telephone, honestly, if only so that he doesn't tie up the Mori HQ phone line when he's having gay chats with Wei Wuxian. God. He's likely only here because someone (probably Chuuya), advised him to check and see if Haku had made his way home by himself--and he'd probably been half a second away from heading straight to the armory to hit the streets again before the phone rang.
He moves fast, picking up before the first ring even finishes, and his voice is probably more urgent than Haku's ever heard in his life.]
Hello?
[It's not much better when Haku speaks--he lets out a ragged breath, and it's only the sound of Haku's voice that has him noticing, for the first time all night, how his heart is pounding. Have his hands really been shaking this whole time? Unimportant.]
Where are you? [The worry in his voice is palpable. For anyone else, it'd sound like a full-on breakdown.]
He moves fast, picking up before the first ring even finishes, and his voice is probably more urgent than Haku's ever heard in his life.]
Hello?
[It's not much better when Haku speaks--he lets out a ragged breath, and it's only the sound of Haku's voice that has him noticing, for the first time all night, how his heart is pounding. Have his hands really been shaking this whole time? Unimportant.]
Where are you? [The worry in his voice is palpable. For anyone else, it'd sound like a full-on breakdown.]
[ This could be yesterday. This could be today. This could be before or after Coffee Grounds Are Bad.
Somehow, even though she's declared herself neutral, Yiling Ridge is still the best place for her to meet Lan Wangji because she can still make the meeting seem like chance. ]
... I think there's some information you should hear, if no one's reported to you about it already.
[ She isn't smiling. Wow. ]
Somehow, even though she's declared herself neutral, Yiling Ridge is still the best place for her to meet Lan Wangji because she can still make the meeting seem like chance. ]
... I think there's some information you should hear, if no one's reported to you about it already.
[ She isn't smiling. Wow. ]
[Fair, honestly; Lan Wangji's been here a lot more than usual lately as it is, so it's not like it'll be difficult. Between helping with the repairs, checking in on the kids, and just trying to offer as much support as he can, he's been dividing his time between here and his own home much more evenly than he used to.
She sure isn't smiling, though, wow. That's a rare sight. It's also probably extremely bad news. His own expression is, as usual, pretty stoic, but she can probably tell how seriously he's listening now.]
Go on.
She sure isn't smiling, though, wow. That's a rare sight. It's also probably extremely bad news. His own expression is, as usual, pretty stoic, but she can probably tell how seriously he's listening now.]
Go on.
[Out of her list of top ten things Okuni never expected to happen to her this week, at least six of them have something to do with LWJ. (The number one spot used to be something involving UTTER CHAOS but considering the recent events this week it's probably better not to tempt fate, so Okuni's switched it to something mundane like 'winning the lottery'). The second spot is Lan Wang Ji seeking her out of his own volition for a reason that's not yelling, pulling his gun on her, or just punting her somewhere off the Peony Bridge.
Considering the fact that he asked her to meet him here though? She can't actually cross the last one off the list... She could still be thrown off. That's still a possibility. If she had to meet her death by the hands of Lan Wang Ji or a group of shoddy kidnappers though... she'd pick the former any day. It would be less embarrassing for her reputation. With that single thought to comfort her, Okuni makes her way to the bridge. She's dressed in an outfit aimed to attract as little attention as possible, and she has a pair of shades on and a hat to hide her face and distinctive hair.]
...Lan Lan! [she gives a little wave as she approaches. anyone who knows her well could perhaps tell that she's NERVOUS.... to anyone else she'd just look vaguely suspicious.] Sorry, I had to take a couple of detours just in case I was being followed.
[SHE'S PROBABLY LIKE TEN MINUTES LATE]
Considering the fact that he asked her to meet him here though? She can't actually cross the last one off the list... She could still be thrown off. That's still a possibility. If she had to meet her death by the hands of Lan Wang Ji or a group of shoddy kidnappers though... she'd pick the former any day. It would be less embarrassing for her reputation. With that single thought to comfort her, Okuni makes her way to the bridge. She's dressed in an outfit aimed to attract as little attention as possible, and she has a pair of shades on and a hat to hide her face and distinctive hair.]
...Lan Lan! [she gives a little wave as she approaches. anyone who knows her well could perhaps tell that she's NERVOUS.... to anyone else she'd just look vaguely suspicious.] Sorry, I had to take a couple of detours just in case I was being followed.
[SHE'S PROBABLY LIKE TEN MINUTES LATE]
[Look, if he didn't murder her when she locked him into a party at the bar like a day after the whole kidnapping stunt, he probably isn't going to do it now. He's patient, and he holds grudges, so it's not like he's happy with her right now, but this is... hm. Not a show of trust, but an olive branch. He's willing to work with her for something that needs to be done (and also because Wei Wuxian would be sad if they fought forever, let's be real).
He looks as put-together as always, no sign on his face of whether he'd been waiting long or not. He just nods at her explanation, because this is a mafia town and that's a perfectly normal thing to do.]
This way.
[OFF THEY GO into Mori territory... dun dun dun]
He looks as put-together as always, no sign on his face of whether he'd been waiting long or not. He just nods at her explanation, because this is a mafia town and that's a perfectly normal thing to do.]
This way.
[OFF THEY GO into Mori territory... dun dun dun]
Wangji.
[That's the first sign something is up-- Chuuya usually uses his full name when he's greeting Lan Wangji. This is reserved for when he's in a hurry to get to business, and regardless of what Lan Wangji is up to, Chuuya's just swooping in and locking the door.]
Got a message today. We need to talk.
[That's the first sign something is up-- Chuuya usually uses his full name when he's greeting Lan Wangji. This is reserved for when he's in a hurry to get to business, and regardless of what Lan Wangji is up to, Chuuya's just swooping in and locking the door.]
Got a message today. We need to talk.
[Honestly, Chuuya's lucky that he's in, given how he's staying at Yiling Ridge more than he isn't, these days. IF ONLY WEI WUXIAN WOULD STOP ACQUIRING HIGHLY TRAUMATIZED CHILDREN.
REGARDLESS he's in his office when Chuuya comes in, and if his name wasn't enough to tell him this is Immediate Serious Business, Chuuya's demeanor is. He sets his pen downhe was not doodling aiaigasa, thank you and stands up, immediately moving to shut the curtains to his windows. NO RISKS TAKEN.
He remains standing even after he's done, turning back to Chuuya.]
About the kidnappings? [Since that's currently the entire city's top priority, he's assuming it's related.]
REGARDLESS he's in his office when Chuuya comes in, and if his name wasn't enough to tell him this is Immediate Serious Business, Chuuya's demeanor is. He sets his pen down
He remains standing even after he's done, turning back to Chuuya.]
About the kidnappings? [Since that's currently the entire city's top priority, he's assuming it's related.]
[ It's go time. What better way to show she's neutral than to ask Lan Wangji to help her look into one of the many problems troubling the little mafia town of Montevallo. There's blood that led away from the coffee shop of murders and left behind tongues, and Shinobu wants to follow that, wherever it may lead.
She's asked him to meet him in front of the coffee shop and they can follow blood splotches into trouble or into nothing. Shinobu is frustrated enough that she wants trouble because that would mean something; it would mean progress.
She faces Lan Wangji with a smile, serene on the surface but restless underneath. ]
Shall we endeavor to find something?
She's asked him to meet him in front of the coffee shop and they can follow blood splotches into trouble or into nothing. Shinobu is frustrated enough that she wants trouble because that would mean something; it would mean progress.
She faces Lan Wangji with a smile, serene on the surface but restless underneath. ]
Shall we endeavor to find something?
[TIME TO INVESTIGATE!! Really, even if she wasn't neutral, he would've agreed to go with her--she's efficient, no-nonsense, and capable enough that he doesn't feel like he has to babysit her. An ideal partner tbh.
He's a couple minutes early, dressed as formally as he always is, and gives her a nod in greeting. YES, let them find something. Please. He's tired of losing his people.]
What do you know so far?
He's a couple minutes early, dressed as formally as he always is, and gives her a nod in greeting. YES, let them find something. Please. He's tired of losing his people.]
What do you know so far?
[SO IT'S A FEW DAYS POST-FIRE and life has been Hectic and Wei Wuxian has constantly been on the move, almost-constantly awake, and also constantly sounding like a hotass raspy mess because he probably burnt his lungs. It's fine. Lan Wangji may have noticed him favoring his right arm too but it's FINE WE'RE DOING GREAT IN THIS HOUSE.
This fine afternoon, he knocks on whatever doorframe leads to the apartment room Lan Wangji is currently lurking in. He's HERE. Peering over with his little demon bloodshot eyes and eyebags down to the floor, god. It's probably not the first time Lan Wangji has seen him like this, at least, even if it's been years.]
Lan Zhan? Are you busy?
[When is anyone not, these days.]
This fine afternoon, he knocks on whatever doorframe leads to the apartment room Lan Wangji is currently lurking in. He's HERE. Peering over with his little demon bloodshot eyes and eyebags down to the floor, god. It's probably not the first time Lan Wangji has seen him like this, at least, even if it's been years.]
Lan Zhan? Are you busy?
[When is anyone not, these days.]
[THAT SURE WAS A BIG OL' FIRE THAT WEI WUXIAN PLUNGED HEADFIRST INTO!!!! NOTHING ABOUT THIS IS FINE and if Lan Wangji hadn't been halfway living here already, he definitely would've been by now. They literally just sorted their shit out less than 24 hours before the bell hit the road, okay, HE'S NOT GOING TO LOSE WEI WUXIAN TO CRISPY LUNG SYNDROME.
Anyway, whatever he's doing in here is apparently not that important; immediately, he's moving over, reaching out for Wei Wuxian. That's something he took to pretty much immediately--he likes, whenever possible, to have a tangible connection.]
What do you need?
Anyway, whatever he's doing in here is apparently not that important; immediately, he's moving over, reaching out for Wei Wuxian. That's something he took to pretty much immediately--he likes, whenever possible, to have a tangible connection.]
What do you need?
[At some point at night, when Lan Wangji checks their room, he'll find an envelope on the bed! If he opens it, he'll find:]
Lan Zhan,
I wish you didn't have to read this. I really mean it when I say you were one of the only good things in the last few weeks.
I hope you can forgive me for being so selfish. I didn't want to regret never saying anything. I kept thinking of all the worst-case scenarios and how it would feel knowing that you would never know just how important you are to me. I didn't want that at all, so I said something even though I shouldn't have. Who does that? Who does that to someone they love? I can't think of a way to apologize. I never wanted to hurt you or this city. If I never had to pick up a weapon again, I think I probably could have died satisfied. 90 years old on a farm somewhere, you know? Rocking in a chair I carved myself from driftwood - we'd live on a beach or something, so there would be a lot of it.
Is it bad that I still wish we could have that, even now?
I thought I had things under control, but I didn't. Explaining it feels too much like I'm trying to run away from the consequences. Just know that there's nothing in this world I wouldn't do to protect you all. I want to see the city come together as Montevallo, not just Eastside and Westside. It wasn't my goal to destabilize Xian Le or get rid of Xie Lian, but I would kill those kidnappers ten times over for what they've done. I'm not sorry for that. I won't stop until every last one is dead, or I am. I hope you can forgive me.
The key that I gave you on the bridge opens a box underneath my bed, not the lock. It should have everything you need to handle the apartment and residents in the event of my death or disappearance. Will, property statements - everything. Please share them with Wen Ning when you can.
I've tried writing this letter at least five times now and this is the point where I usually start rambling, so I'll just stop before I run out of paper.
Lan Zhan, you gave me so much that I'll probably spend my next few lives paying it back. I don't mind it, though. Maybe it's the best thing to happen to me.
Thank you. I'm sorry.
I love you.
Yours,
Wei Ying
Lan Zhan,
I wish you didn't have to read this. I really mean it when I say you were one of the only good things in the last few weeks.
I hope you can forgive me for being so selfish. I didn't want to regret never saying anything. I kept thinking of all the worst-case scenarios and how it would feel knowing that you would never know just how important you are to me. I didn't want that at all, so I said something even though I shouldn't have. Who does that? Who does that to someone they love? I can't think of a way to apologize. I never wanted to hurt you or this city. If I never had to pick up a weapon again, I think I probably could have died satisfied. 90 years old on a farm somewhere, you know? Rocking in a chair I carved myself from driftwood - we'd live on a beach or something, so there would be a lot of it.
Is it bad that I still wish we could have that, even now?
I thought I had things under control, but I didn't. Explaining it feels too much like I'm trying to run away from the consequences. Just know that there's nothing in this world I wouldn't do to protect you all. I want to see the city come together as Montevallo, not just Eastside and Westside. It wasn't my goal to destabilize Xian Le or get rid of Xie Lian, but I would kill those kidnappers ten times over for what they've done. I'm not sorry for that. I won't stop until every last one is dead, or I am. I hope you can forgive me.
The key that I gave you on the bridge opens a box underneath my bed, not the lock. It should have everything you need to handle the apartment and residents in the event of my death or disappearance. Will, property statements - everything. Please share them with Wen Ning when you can.
I've tried writing this letter at least five times now and this is the point where I usually start rambling, so I'll just stop before I run out of paper.
Lan Zhan, you gave me so much that I'll probably spend my next few lives paying it back. I don't mind it, though. Maybe it's the best thing to happen to me.
Thank you. I'm sorry.
I love you.
Yours,
Wei Ying
[You know this means that at some point they banged and I hate that a lot
But also, more importantly-- Wei Wuxian did not tell him not to open this letter, which is a good thing, because it means he doesn't wait to do so. He sits down on the bed to read it once, then twice. Then a third time, slowly. Then, for a long time, he simply sits, ignoring any knocking or calls of his name, and looks around the room.
They may never see it again, after all.
Because once upon a time, they both made difficult choices. Wei Wuxian, with his big heart and his black reputation, chose to walk away from everything he'd ever known, and make a brand new life for himself. Lan Wangji, through the turmoil of love and loyalty, chose to stay where he was needed, and continue working to protect those dear to him.
But wasn't it the same, in the end? Less than a year ago, Lan Wangji bloodied his hands for the exact same reason Wei Wuxian's bloodied his now. It hurts a little, that Wei Wuxian hadn't trusted him enough to confide--but Lan Wangji never told him the full truth, either. They've always been evenly matched.
It would've been unthinkable when they were young, but his path now is so clear that it's hardly even a choice. There are so many wrongs that need to be righted, but the first and foremost is the fact that Wei Wuxian thinks he needs to apologize. To him, of all people. That he left, thinking, apparently, that Lan Wangji wouldn't understand. Wouldn't support him, protect him, love him, just as he did when Wei Wuxian's name was darker than the night sky. If Wei Wuxian doesn't understand that yet, Lan Wangji will simply have to make it clear to him.
Chuuya will understand.
He will, of course, take precautions. Lan Wangji has never been anything but thorough, and he would not dream of leaving Yiling Ridge in a state of disarray, especially not when Wei Wuxian entrusted its care to him. He will need to speak to Chuuya about Shinobu, and ask for trusted guards, and find a loyal informant--he will need to apologize to the churro lady, and explain that he will no longer be able to support her work. He will need to make the rest of his goodbyes in private; presumably, no one will be surprised to hear what he's chosen to do. When he does finally leave Montevallo, he will need to take extra care that he is not followed.
But for now, he simply sits, and looks.
When he breathes, he feels the warm metal of a lock pressed against his chest.]
But also, more importantly-- Wei Wuxian did not tell him not to open this letter, which is a good thing, because it means he doesn't wait to do so. He sits down on the bed to read it once, then twice. Then a third time, slowly. Then, for a long time, he simply sits, ignoring any knocking or calls of his name, and looks around the room.
They may never see it again, after all.
Because once upon a time, they both made difficult choices. Wei Wuxian, with his big heart and his black reputation, chose to walk away from everything he'd ever known, and make a brand new life for himself. Lan Wangji, through the turmoil of love and loyalty, chose to stay where he was needed, and continue working to protect those dear to him.
But wasn't it the same, in the end? Less than a year ago, Lan Wangji bloodied his hands for the exact same reason Wei Wuxian's bloodied his now. It hurts a little, that Wei Wuxian hadn't trusted him enough to confide--but Lan Wangji never told him the full truth, either. They've always been evenly matched.
It would've been unthinkable when they were young, but his path now is so clear that it's hardly even a choice. There are so many wrongs that need to be righted, but the first and foremost is the fact that Wei Wuxian thinks he needs to apologize. To him, of all people. That he left, thinking, apparently, that Lan Wangji wouldn't understand. Wouldn't support him, protect him, love him, just as he did when Wei Wuxian's name was darker than the night sky. If Wei Wuxian doesn't understand that yet, Lan Wangji will simply have to make it clear to him.
Chuuya will understand.
He will, of course, take precautions. Lan Wangji has never been anything but thorough, and he would not dream of leaving Yiling Ridge in a state of disarray, especially not when Wei Wuxian entrusted its care to him. He will need to speak to Chuuya about Shinobu, and ask for trusted guards, and find a loyal informant--he will need to apologize to the churro lady, and explain that he will no longer be able to support her work. He will need to make the rest of his goodbyes in private; presumably, no one will be surprised to hear what he's chosen to do. When he does finally leave Montevallo, he will need to take extra care that he is not followed.
But for now, he simply sits, and looks.
When he breathes, he feels the warm metal of a lock pressed against his chest.]
[ANYWAY WOW at some point during the week after those wildass rumor announcements, Wei Wuxian will be tracking down Lan Wangji ONCE AGAIN...
Though this time, he looks more miserable than he has in ages. He's fuckin frigid, and even though he had the good fortune of touching a charmed item with instructions on it, that hasn't helped him!! He doesn't want to be stuck with just anyone, okay. It has to be someone that can keep him entertained for a while! Yeah, yes, that is entirely and completely the only reason he immediately zoned in on Lan Wangji. Mmhm.
Anyway, TARGET SPOTTED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HALL. This stupid shivering bundle starts nyooming that way without pause.]
Lan Zhan ah, Lan Zhan - come here! Are you busy? You're not busy, are you?
[A sticky Wei Wuxian is about to be the least of his problems though, considering the floor at the end of the hallway he's zooming away from appears to be... burbling and heating up? Hm.]
Though this time, he looks more miserable than he has in ages. He's fuckin frigid, and even though he had the good fortune of touching a charmed item with instructions on it, that hasn't helped him!! He doesn't want to be stuck with just anyone, okay. It has to be someone that can keep him entertained for a while! Yeah, yes, that is entirely and completely the only reason he immediately zoned in on Lan Wangji. Mmhm.
Anyway, TARGET SPOTTED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HALL. This stupid shivering bundle starts nyooming that way without pause.]
Lan Zhan ah, Lan Zhan - come here! Are you busy? You're not busy, are you?
[A sticky Wei Wuxian is about to be the least of his problems though, considering the floor at the end of the hallway he's zooming away from appears to be... burbling and heating up? Hm.]
[Wouldn't it be funny if Lan Wangji also touched a charmed item and has been ice cold this whole time except nobody noticed the difference
REGARDLESS OF CURRENT BODY TEMPERATURE he looks exactly the same as always, except that he's carrying... something? Some sort of unopened parcel, which is tucked under his arm. Tragically it is not the flour sack baby, because Lan Wangji sucks and has no school spirit.
Anyway, even though he was on his way to find Wei Wuxian in the first place, he still looks a little (kind of, sort of) surprised to see him so unexpectedly.]
Wei Ying?
[What is it... is he being chased by a cursed sword again]
REGARDLESS OF CURRENT BODY TEMPERATURE he looks exactly the same as always, except that he's carrying... something? Some sort of unopened parcel, which is tucked under his arm. Tragically it is not the flour sack baby, because Lan Wangji sucks and has no school spirit.
Anyway, even though he was on his way to find Wei Wuxian in the first place, he still looks a little (kind of, sort of) surprised to see him so unexpectedly.]
Wei Ying?
[What is it... is he being chased by a cursed sword again]
[Wei Wuxian's gone out of his way to make arrangements for the both of them to be able to meet up today. How? Don't ask questions, it's fine, don't worry about it.
With the time and location (their stupid snale cave of course) set, all that's left is for Lan Wangji to show - and when he does, a bundle of feathery idiocy immediately comes hurtling his way. He is CLINGY and he's full of boundless affection for this stiff and awkward punk, grabbing hold of one of his arms and starting to bounce his way on into the cave.]
Lan Zhan ah, Lan Zhan! Look at you, punctual as ever. I knew I'd have to show up at least half an hour early to beat you here!
With the time and location (their stupid snale cave of course) set, all that's left is for Lan Wangji to show - and when he does, a bundle of feathery idiocy immediately comes hurtling his way. He is CLINGY and he's full of boundless affection for this stiff and awkward punk, grabbing hold of one of his arms and starting to bounce his way on into the cave.]
Lan Zhan ah, Lan Zhan! Look at you, punctual as ever. I knew I'd have to show up at least half an hour early to beat you here!
[LAN WANGJI CERTAINLY ISN'T ASKING QUESTIONS THOUGH he is perfectly content to remain in the dark about Wei Wuxian's mysterious powers of chaos and persuasion. Unlike Wei Wuxian, who has plenty of reason to go wherever, Lan Wangji has to carefully craft his excuses, making sure they pass muster. His sister knows him too well to accept his noncommittal grunts and silences, and if he doesn't manage to fool her, he's probably got an extra 30 minutes of waiting for her to stop tailing him before he can make his way to his true destination. HE HAS TO WORK VERY HARD TO GET HERE OKAY.
(...Well, okay, he doesn't strictly have to. But indulging Shinobu in her overprotectiveness for a while is the least he can do when they both know he'll ultimately do whatever he wants.)
It's much easier to fool Shinobu when he gets up and leaves at an hour when Wei Wuxian is most certainly not awake, so by the time he does arrive, Lan Wangji's almost always waiting for him. This time, though, Wei Wuxian had been extremely insistent about the particulars, swearing up and down that they wouldn't be disturbed. So here's Lan Wangji, arriving about 5 minutes before Wei Wuxian told him to, because he physically can't be "on time".
He doesn't actually have time to be surprised that Wei Wuxian is, though, because he's too busy grunting softly at the impact, even as his arms automatically come up to wrap around Wei Wuxian. WHAT A HYPER NERD. Lan Wangji loves him way too much, terrible.]
I would not be late for this. [As if he's ever late to anything ever. He lifts one hand to smooth over Wei Wuxian's feathers, very gently, his own tail shivering once with happiness before it settles.] But I thought you might be.
[HE DIDN'T he's just being a shit, amusement obvious in his tone.]
(...Well, okay, he doesn't strictly have to. But indulging Shinobu in her overprotectiveness for a while is the least he can do when they both know he'll ultimately do whatever he wants.)
It's much easier to fool Shinobu when he gets up and leaves at an hour when Wei Wuxian is most certainly not awake, so by the time he does arrive, Lan Wangji's almost always waiting for him. This time, though, Wei Wuxian had been extremely insistent about the particulars, swearing up and down that they wouldn't be disturbed. So here's Lan Wangji, arriving about 5 minutes before Wei Wuxian told him to, because he physically can't be "on time".
He doesn't actually have time to be surprised that Wei Wuxian is, though, because he's too busy grunting softly at the impact, even as his arms automatically come up to wrap around Wei Wuxian. WHAT A HYPER NERD. Lan Wangji loves him way too much, terrible.]
I would not be late for this. [As if he's ever late to anything ever. He lifts one hand to smooth over Wei Wuxian's feathers, very gently, his own tail shivering once with happiness before it settles.] But I thought you might be.
[HE DIDN'T he's just being a shit, amusement obvious in his tone.]
[HERE IS WEI WUXIAN. Or Wei Wuxian's back, anyway - his wings currently folded neat and tidy as he waits for Lan Wangji at one of their many fucking sneaky hidey-holes that they have to run to any time they want a moment alone without their siblings hounding them. God.
Currently, he seems a bit distracted! Maybe it's the ring on his finger that he's gently rotating. Maybe it's the general State Of Life this Monday, which has set everyone off on weird superdick and yaoi hand powertrips. In any case, he's a SITTING DUCK, just WAITING TO BE SNUCK UP ON.]
Currently, he seems a bit distracted! Maybe it's the ring on his finger that he's gently rotating. Maybe it's the general State Of Life this Monday, which has set everyone off on weird superdick and yaoi hand powertrips. In any case, he's a SITTING DUCK, just WAITING TO BE SNUCK UP ON.]
[Next time you yell at me I want you to remember that you're the one that put "superdick" in writing
ANYWAY
How the hell they even get messages to each other without their siblings knowing is a genuine mystery, but however they do it, they've both managed to make it here!! It's a toss-up as to whether or not Lan Wangji's just now arriving, or if he's been waiting, hidden from view, just so that he can have a little time to watch Wei Wuxian like this, because he's a fucking weirdo who does shit like that.
There's no way he made it out of the house without noticing his increased strength, but considering Lan Wangji's already stupidly strong, he goes through most of the day with a light touch anyway, so he's vastly underestimating how bad it is. The main problem here is that Wei Wuxian's never complained about being held too tightly (not seriously, that is), so Lan Wangji doesn't think much of his actions as he approaches, his feet just barely off the ground so that he makes no noise. He doesn't often try to startle Wei Wuxian, but mostly because Wei Wuxian isn't easy to surprise to begin with.
Careful, as always, of his horns, Lan Wangji reaches out once he's close, pressing his palm to his favorite spot on Wei Wuxian's back, between his wings. His other arm comes up to rest on Wuxian's hip, to prevent him from whipping around and thwapping him in the face with feathers. This may or may not have happened before. It's fine.]
ANYWAY
How the hell they even get messages to each other without their siblings knowing is a genuine mystery, but however they do it, they've both managed to make it here!! It's a toss-up as to whether or not Lan Wangji's just now arriving, or if he's been waiting, hidden from view, just so that he can have a little time to watch Wei Wuxian like this, because he's a fucking weirdo who does shit like that.
There's no way he made it out of the house without noticing his increased strength, but considering Lan Wangji's already stupidly strong, he goes through most of the day with a light touch anyway, so he's vastly underestimating how bad it is. The main problem here is that Wei Wuxian's never complained about being held too tightly (not seriously, that is), so Lan Wangji doesn't think much of his actions as he approaches, his feet just barely off the ground so that he makes no noise. He doesn't often try to startle Wei Wuxian, but mostly because Wei Wuxian isn't easy to surprise to begin with.
Careful, as always, of his horns, Lan Wangji reaches out once he's close, pressing his palm to his favorite spot on Wei Wuxian's back, between his wings. His other arm comes up to rest on Wuxian's hip, to prevent him from whipping around and thwapping him in the face with feathers. This may or may not have happened before. It's fine.]
[ did you want beau's nightmares, lan wangji, because you're getting them.
umite is very pretty at dusk, especially along the beaches. unfortunately, as lan wangji finds, tonight that beauty is a little marred by the bodies. what bodies? the super murdered bodies all spread out for a mile. he might recognize some of them - a young silver haired woman with a slit throat; a blonde boy with an oversized hoodie, bloodied fingers reaching out; a man with black spiky hair in a crumpled, broken heap.
he'll definitely recognize shinobu, leaning against one of the piers, eyes lifelessly staring out at the waves. that one might have him pausing, understandably.
and then there's beau, a little further on, collapsed on her knees in the sand, holding the body of a teenage boy with ginger hair, sobbing into his shirt. ]
umite is very pretty at dusk, especially along the beaches. unfortunately, as lan wangji finds, tonight that beauty is a little marred by the bodies. what bodies? the super murdered bodies all spread out for a mile. he might recognize some of them - a young silver haired woman with a slit throat; a blonde boy with an oversized hoodie, bloodied fingers reaching out; a man with black spiky hair in a crumpled, broken heap.
he'll definitely recognize shinobu, leaning against one of the piers, eyes lifelessly staring out at the waves. that one might have him pausing, understandably.
and then there's beau, a little further on, collapsed on her knees in the sand, holding the body of a teenage boy with ginger hair, sobbing into his shirt. ]
[NO HE DOES NOT WANT BEAU'S NIGHTMARES!!!
Lan Wangji hasn't been sleeping terribly well, since all of this began, but this--this is new. Dreamwalking isn't an ability Lan Wangji possesses, and he's only tipped off by the fact that he would never visit Umite this late. Not alone.
Even then, it's hard to concentrate on gauging... whatever this is, when there's so much bloodshed to distract him. He's not armed (well, not counting his horns, and his natural strength), so he walks slowly, carefully studying each and every one of their faces. Even if this isn't real, they deserve to be known.
The sight of his sister has him freezing in his tracks. Even with the suspicion that this is a dream, it's difficult not to immediately run to her--if he hadn't heard the cries of someone very much alive, he likely would've.
He doesn't tear his eyes away from Shinobu's body until he must. His nails dig into his palms as he approaches, and he has to take a steadying breath, but the pain grounds him enough to realize he recognizes her.]
Miss Beau?
Lan Wangji hasn't been sleeping terribly well, since all of this began, but this--this is new. Dreamwalking isn't an ability Lan Wangji possesses, and he's only tipped off by the fact that he would never visit Umite this late. Not alone.
Even then, it's hard to concentrate on gauging... whatever this is, when there's so much bloodshed to distract him. He's not armed (well, not counting his horns, and his natural strength), so he walks slowly, carefully studying each and every one of their faces. Even if this isn't real, they deserve to be known.
The sight of his sister has him freezing in his tracks. Even with the suspicion that this is a dream, it's difficult not to immediately run to her--if he hadn't heard the cries of someone very much alive, he likely would've.
He doesn't tear his eyes away from Shinobu's body until he must. His nails dig into his palms as he approaches, and he has to take a steadying breath, but the pain grounds him enough to realize he recognizes her.]
Miss Beau?
[He's sent word through a mutual friend that he'd like to speak to Lan Wangji today, so in the morning, Hunter heads up the mountain to the spot that they arranged a meeting. He doesn't look much more than thoughtful as he approaches, though he does raise a hand in greeting once he sees the older man there. With a wave, he's heading over.]
Hey. Thanks for coming.
Hey. Thanks for coming.
[HERE IS LAN WANGJI, approaching exactly on time, like the fuckin nerd he is. He doesn't have his wings out today, and he approaches via walking instead of flight, but his horns and tail are, as always, perfectly visible. He bows politely in response.]
Of course.
[If it's a request from someone he trusts, then he'll rarely say no. Unless it's about Minato, in which case he'll always say no. It's fine.]
What do you need?
Of course.
[If it's a request from someone he trusts, then he'll rarely say no. Unless it's about Minato, in which case he'll always say no. It's fine.]
What do you need?
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