[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.]
[That's one good thing about this whole mess, at least! The kids are still okay! As okay as they can be when they've been hearing whispered rumors of kidnapping and violence from other kids at school, anyway.
Wei Wuxian himself is putting all of his energy into keeping an upbeat, positive environment in the apartment. It's difficult, but it's important. This place is supposed to be a home - a safe haven. What can he do if it loses that feeling of safety?]
No, it's fine. I won't keep you long, either.
[He knows Lan Wangji is busy! He knows everyone is busy with the town as it currently is, and he knows it's selfish of him to demand a chunk of Lan Wangji's time, but--
[Life in a 20s mobster town sure makes for exciting playground chats, huh.]
I'm on my way.
[Simple as that, without acknowledging Wei Wuxian's attempted reassurance. As considerate as always, even when it's futile. He'll always stay as long as Wei Wuxian needs.
After he hangs up, he stays just long enough to clear his desk of anything sensitive, as usual--and to ask someone to let Chuuya and Haku know where he's going, as if they'd think he'd be anywhere else. (Still. Considering... everything, it's best to communicate, he thinks.)
When he arrives, he's got a box with him, because of course he does. It's fresh tea leaves, the kind he knows Wei Wuxian likes. He'd meant to send it with Shigure tomorrow, but if Wei Wuxian's gone out of his way to call him, then they might as well use it now. He doesn't head straight for the kitchen, though--first, as soon as he sees Wei Wuxian, he takes a good look at him, as if he can guess what's wrong just by checking him over.]
[yeah on his forehead is written I'VE CONTRACTED TUBERCULOSIS
Actually, anyone but Lan Wangji and two or three others would probably have trouble picking everything that's wrong out of his expression - all the thin lines of paranoid tension and the bone-deep exhausted anger. It's arranged in its usual semblance of cheer and his tone is certainly bouncier than it had been over the phone, for the children more than anything. Two trail after him when he answers the door, and he's all fondness and hair ruffles as he sends them off to go play with Chicken.]
—What's that? What've you brought for us this time?
[Nodding toward the box! SNACKS?? Hell yeah, stress eating.]
He diverts his gaze away from Wei Wuxian just long enough to smile at the children, though even his own usual, mild softness has a distracted edge to it. He's too focused on Wei Wuxian right now to give them the attention they deserve, but he's been over here enough lately that it's not so much of a loss.]
Tea. For you.
[Not "us", this time. It's probably orange cinnamon, or lemon ginger--whatever form of spiced tea Wei Wuxian likes the best. But if he wants to stress eat, then that can be arranged too.]
Have you eaten? [He's moving towards the kitchen to make the tea anyway, so it's not like it would be difficult to cook something while he's in there.]
[He's fond of cinnamon so THAT IT IS. And he perks up a little, since tea is a warm comfort and one he won't turn down... He trails after Lan Wangji as he moseys to the kitchen, sticking close by even for a clingy nerd like himself.]
Hm? Ah-- [Has he?? He glances up, clearly thinking it over.] --Yes! I remembered to bring some bread upstairs last night.
[He probably passed out in the middle of eating it and then woke up an hour or two later to finish the rest. What time is it now?? He's not sure, he hasn't checked the clock in a while. Wen Ning handles breakfast so he only has to worry about dinner...]
[Some bread... he sighs softly, but at least he knows what he's working with.
He moves around the kitchen and around his newly-grown Wei Wuxian tail with ease, automatically adjusting to accommodate him into his space. Still, since Wei Wuxian looks tired--]
You can sit. I will cook.
[Even if Wei Wuxian doesn't want to take him up on it, he'll still give him the option to rest. He has precious few chances to do so as it is...]
[More like he just can't survive unless he's doting on Wei Wuxian in whatever ways he can get away with, because he's Just That Gay.]
No need. I will make it.
[He trusts Wei Wuxian's skills with blades and whatnot even when he's exhausted, but even the best of them are vulnerable to stupid accidents. He doesn't want Wei Wuxian accidentally cutting himself in the kitchen and compromising his ability to defend Yiling Ridge, though he prays that's never going to be a concern anyway.]
[The tug is enough to get him to stop, if only to cover Wei Wuxian's hand with his own, lightly.]
I want to.
[He says it in that gentle-yet-firm tone that means he isn't going to change his mind. He's not going to chase Wei Wuxian out of the kitchen! But he's definitely cooking dinner today, so that's the most he's willing to concede. They'll still have time to talk--he has no intention of leaving anytime soon.]
[It's moments like this that Lan Wangji has to admit, if only to himself, that all his careful logic is bullshit. Every excuse he makes for staying away is, in complete truth, just that--an excuse. That in the end, he simply can't relinquish his iron control, because if he does, he'll be overcome by how much he wants this. If he lets himself bask in Wei Wuxian's presence too often, he'll no longer be able to act like he doesn't ache for it every minute of every day. And if Wei Wuxian is forced to acknowledge it, to tell him in no uncertain terms that his feelings have grown too stifling, then they will shatter this fragile balance they've managed to strike, and Lan Wangji's world along with it.
He is not so prone to youthful dramatics as he once might've been, before he had young people depending on him. His world would not end. But it would change for the worse, and... well. It's just better for both of them, for everyone, to keep things as they have been.
As they were, rather, before this kidnapping mess began.
It's extenuating circumstances, so Lan Wangji permits himself a little more leniency than usual, and he lifts a hand to rest it over Wei Wuxian's hair, very lightly. This is different from Wei Wuxian's usual clinging--he clearly needs the support.]
You can make the tea.
[Just to give him something to do, an excuse to stay in here when he's apparently reluctant to be alone.]
[He's always been a tactile person and clingy at the worst, but there is something a little different in the way he orbits Lan Wangji today. He does need the support. While he's never alone in this raucous, bright apartment, recent events have made it too easy to feel-- isolated, maybe?
But he tilts his head a little, seeking out more than the lightness of that contact for just the barest of seconds. Then he's bustling away to get the kettle, and sticking close again once it's filled and on the stove.]
I can't help with anything else? Boiling water and steeping leaves doesn't take a lot of time.
[But there's a little teasing lilt to his tone; he's just giving Lan Wangji and his fussing some good-natured ribbing.]
[It's always difficult to let Wei Wuxian move away, but Lan Wangji doesn't try to stop him, instead starting to move around the kitchen. He hasn't cooked a meal here in a while, but it's not like he's not familiar with most of what they have in this kitchen, considering he's responsible for its presence.]
Not while you are tired.
[NO KNIVES FOR THE SLEEPY. He'll work quickly, at least; chicken and pasta, for the kids and residents, with a portion of it spiced beyond belief for Wei Wuxian, and a generous helping of greens for everyone, some of which he fashions into a salad for his own meal. That much he only does because he knows Wei Wuxian won't eat if he doesn't make something for himself, even if he insists he's not hungry.]
[Yeah the only additions he didn't provide are like a million types of chili oil (with Lan Wangji's gifted bottles set on the highest shelf NO KIDS ALLOWED) and probably anything unhealthy, like the ice creams.
But! He'll fuss a little, but stick to his tea-making otherwise. Lan Wangji has a point and he's not about to lose a finger to exhaustion... He'll be as annoying as Chicken though, who also comes to join them at some point, squirreling around Lan Wangji's feet as he moves around. Wei Wuxian does much the same, slipping behind his back to steal pieces of chicken (for himself and Chicken) and spoonfuls of spicy sauce and even a leafy green or two. Once Lan Wangji is winding down with his flurry of meal prep, Wei Wuxian bumps up against his side, shoulder to shoulder.]
Looks good. They're going to want to eat your food all the time if you aren't careful, you know?
[LAN WANGJI SENDS DESSERTS TOO SOMETIMES GOSH but yeah it's mostly health food, fuckin rip. These kids will eat their carrots and they'll enjoy it, damn it.
ALSO PLEASE DON'T FEED THE FERRET SPICY SAUCE YOU'LL KILL HIM!! GOD.
Lan Wangji doesn't chase him away, though; he gives him Looks every time he catches him sneaking bites, but he doesn't actually do anything about it. He has a good sense of Wei Wuxian's presence, so there's not much risk of them crashing into each other and making a mess, but he keeps an eye on him anyway, and thus doesn't jump when Wei Wuxian invades his space again. Instead, he glances over, with one of those barely-there smiles.
It's a nice thought. He wants to say he wouldn't mind cooking for them every day--but he's probably overbearing enough with all his deliveries as it is, so he just lets himself daydream about it for a minute.
Loathe as he is to let Wei Wuxian move away from him--]
Call Benedict to serve.
[Because if they stick around down here for dinner, then Wei Wuxian's just going to have to keep up his Everything Is Fine demeanor for even longer, which is contrary to what he wants. He's not actually here for the kids, today, and as much as he loves them, they aren't going to help right now.]
[He'll probably end up keeping up his Everything Is Fine demeanor anyway, honestly. It's so habitual by now that it'd take more effort to pry off than it does to keep it on, god.
But after a brief second in which he lingers by Lan Wangji's side, he'll skirt away, weaving carefully around Chicken.]
Benedict! Can you come down here?
[After a few moments, a bright-eyed teen pokes his head around the corner. What's up?]
Can you handle serving dinner tonight? Lan Zhan and I have some work to do.
[Benedict gives them both a Look™, but nods and gives the okay. While he's busy getting stacks of plates out and calling out for Carol to come help. Wei Wuxian turns to grab the plate of salad and extra spicy share of dinner, nodding upstairs.]
But with that taken care of, he'll collect the teapot and their teacups, looking back at Wei Wuxin as he considers. The office is acceptable, he supposes; he can stay long enough to make sure Wei Wuxian doesn't fall asleep at his desk.]
[GOOD ENOUGH FOR HIM. He smiles at the resident sassy child.]
Let everyone know we're upstairs if anyone needs anything.
[After Benedict nods and waves them away, he sets off toward the stairs! His office is a little more cluttered than usual, with papers piled on his desk and a pile of blankets and pillows on a mattress. Kano sleeps under the desk like a somewhat more normal human now, so he gets a mattress...
Wei Wuxian sweeps over, setting down the plates and gathering up the papers to stuff into a drawer. He pulls both chairs up to one side of the desk.]
Here - just be careful when you lean to the side. The back leg is a little off on that one.
[Both back legs are off on his though. ONLY THE QUESTIONABLE BEST FOR LAN WANGJI.]
[WHY DIDN'T ANYONE WRITE HIM A NOTE THAT WEI WUXIAN NEEDS NEW CHAIRS, DAMN.
Lan Wangji doesn't mind the mess, though. Wei Wuxian's been like this for as long as he can remember, which means that it's not (entirely) a symptom of current events. He's still worried, of course, but he can't take over all of Wei Wuxian's workload for him, much as he would like to. (Even if he could, Wei Wuxian would just run off and find more work for himself anyway.)
For now he makes sure to close the door behind them, trying to muffle the noise of the house as best he can. Once there's space, he sets the teapot and cups down, waiting for Wei Wuxian to sit before he pours their tea. HE'S NOT RISKING ANY INCIDENTS.]
[STOP BUYING HIM FURNITURE HIS OLD STUFF IS WELL-WORN AND COMFORTABLE, DAMN.
But yeah, that's exactly what he'd do. Some people (like them) just can't be happy unless their plates are literally full to the brim at all hours. It happens! Wei Wuxian will dutifully take a seat though, pulling his plate from the desk and onto his lap. A tiny notch of tension seems to leave his shoulders; bare, but still noticeable to someone with eyes as sharp as Lan Wangji's, probably.]
...You really are going to spoil me, you know. It wasn't my intention to take up more than just a little bit of your time.
[It's true that Lan Wangji notices--especially since he's looking carefully, and not trying to hide it (not that he ever does). It's as comforting as it isn't; he's glad to be able to provide even a little bit of peace, but he can't imagine it's anything more than temporary. Until they sort this mess out, that's all it's going to be. Still, he'll take what he can get.]
I do not mind. It is my choice.
[If things were different... it's a choice he would make, over and over again, every single day. But daydreaming about "what if"s is pointless, and he isn't going to waste his time when Wei Wuxian is in front of him right now.]
[Temporary is as good as anything in this town, anyway. That's all peace has ever been, and as much as he hates the reminder, maybe it's a good thing. Maybe it's better to be reminded now, before he gets too sloppy and lets his guard down and ends up sincerely regretting it.
But he doesn't really want to linger on those thoughts right now, either. He's getting a small window of reprieve, as he'd asked for. Almost hurriedly, he stuffs a bite of pasta into his mouth, and abruptly has to fight against the knot that almost immediately forms in his throat. Why are things so unfair?]
—Just as good as always! You know exactly how to season things, hah.
[Lan Wangji watches him for a minute, eyes soft; but in the end, what can he say? He's never had the perfect words to change their circumstances. He can't make this town anything other than what it is--and neither of them are the type to run away without looking back. Their ties are too strong, which has always been their weakness as much as their strength.
He can't imagine what Wei Wuxian finds fulfilling out of his company, but it doesn't really matter. If it's what Wei Wuxian needs, then he's all too happy to provide, and selfish enough to enjoy it while he can.]
No talking while eating.
[He's not actually going to insist, though. He hasn't for a long time. Still, the familiarity--it's warm.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
week 23 in our tired tired hearts
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.]
i still cant fckin believe
Wei Wuxian himself is putting all of his energy into keeping an upbeat, positive environment in the apartment. It's difficult, but it's important. This place is supposed to be a home - a safe haven. What can he do if it loses that feeling of safety?]
No, it's fine. I won't keep you long, either.
[He knows Lan Wangji is busy! He knows everyone is busy with the town as it currently is, and he knows it's selfish of him to demand a chunk of Lan Wangji's time, but--
He needs the familiarity and comfort.]
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I'm on my way.
[Simple as that, without acknowledging Wei Wuxian's attempted reassurance. As considerate as always, even when it's futile. He'll always stay as long as Wei Wuxian needs.
After he hangs up, he stays just long enough to clear his desk of anything sensitive, as usual--and to ask someone to let Chuuya and Haku know where he's going, as if they'd think he'd be anywhere else. (Still. Considering... everything, it's best to communicate, he thinks.)
When he arrives, he's got a box with him, because of course he does. It's fresh tea leaves, the kind he knows Wei Wuxian likes. He'd meant to send it with Shigure tomorrow, but if Wei Wuxian's gone out of his way to call him, then they might as well use it now. He doesn't head straight for the kitchen, though--first, as soon as he sees Wei Wuxian, he takes a good look at him, as if he can guess what's wrong just by checking him over.]
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Actually, anyone but Lan Wangji and two or three others would probably have trouble picking everything that's wrong out of his expression - all the thin lines of paranoid tension and the bone-deep exhausted anger. It's arranged in its usual semblance of cheer and his tone is certainly bouncier than it had been over the phone, for the children more than anything. Two trail after him when he answers the door, and he's all fondness and hair ruffles as he sends them off to go play with Chicken.]
—What's that? What've you brought for us this time?
[Nodding toward the box! SNACKS?? Hell yeah, stress eating.]
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He diverts his gaze away from Wei Wuxian just long enough to smile at the children, though even his own usual, mild softness has a distracted edge to it. He's too focused on Wei Wuxian right now to give them the attention they deserve, but he's been over here enough lately that it's not so much of a loss.]
Tea. For you.
[Not "us", this time. It's probably orange cinnamon, or lemon ginger--whatever form of spiced tea Wei Wuxian likes the best. But if he wants to stress eat, then that can be arranged too.]
Have you eaten? [He's moving towards the kitchen to make the tea anyway, so it's not like it would be difficult to cook something while he's in there.]
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Hm? Ah-- [Has he?? He glances up, clearly thinking it over.] --Yes! I remembered to bring some bread upstairs last night.
[He probably passed out in the middle of eating it and then woke up an hour or two later to finish the rest. What time is it now?? He's not sure, he hasn't checked the clock in a while. Wen Ning handles breakfast so he only has to worry about dinner...]
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He moves around the kitchen and around his newly-grown Wei Wuxian tail with ease, automatically adjusting to accommodate him into his space. Still, since Wei Wuxian looks tired--]
You can sit. I will cook.
[Even if Wei Wuxian doesn't want to take him up on it, he'll still give him the option to rest. He has precious few chances to do so as it is...]
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I want to help. I should start thinking about what to make for dinner, anyway.
[Said with a glance toward the nearest window rather than the nearest clock, because sometimes that's just how you tell time.]
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No need. I will make it.
[He trusts Wei Wuxian's skills with blades and whatnot even when he's exhausted, but even the best of them are vulnerable to stupid accidents. He doesn't want Wei Wuxian accidentally cutting himself in the kitchen and compromising his ability to defend Yiling Ridge, though he prays that's never going to be a concern anyway.]
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I didn't call you over here so you could do my chores for me, Lan Zhan.
[Reaching out, he petulantly tugs on Lan Wangji's sleeve a little - just a pinch of fabric between his thumb and forefinger.]
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I want to.
[He says it in that gentle-yet-firm tone that means he isn't going to change his mind. He's not going to chase Wei Wuxian out of the kitchen! But he's definitely cooking dinner today, so that's the most he's willing to concede. They'll still have time to talk--he has no intention of leaving anytime soon.]
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Well, he knows a losing battle when he sees one. He just sighs, leaning forward enough to bonk his head against Lan Wangji's shoulder.]
Fine, fine. [With a little huff of a laugh:] They'll probably be happy to get a break from my cooking for a night, anyway.
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He is not so prone to youthful dramatics as he once might've been, before he had young people depending on him. His world would not end. But it would change for the worse, and... well. It's just better for both of them, for everyone, to keep things as they have been.
As they were, rather, before this kidnapping mess began.
It's extenuating circumstances, so Lan Wangji permits himself a little more leniency than usual, and he lifts a hand to rest it over Wei Wuxian's hair, very lightly. This is different from Wei Wuxian's usual clinging--he clearly needs the support.]
You can make the tea.
[Just to give him something to do, an excuse to stay in here when he's apparently reluctant to be alone.]
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But he tilts his head a little, seeking out more than the lightness of that contact for just the barest of seconds. Then he's bustling away to get the kettle, and sticking close again once it's filled and on the stove.]
I can't help with anything else? Boiling water and steeping leaves doesn't take a lot of time.
[But there's a little teasing lilt to his tone; he's just giving Lan Wangji and his fussing some good-natured ribbing.]
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Not while you are tired.
[NO KNIVES FOR THE SLEEPY. He'll work quickly, at least; chicken and pasta, for the kids and residents, with a portion of it spiced beyond belief for Wei Wuxian, and a generous helping of greens for everyone, some of which he fashions into a salad for his own meal. That much he only does because he knows Wei Wuxian won't eat if he doesn't make something for himself, even if he insists he's not hungry.]
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But! He'll fuss a little, but stick to his tea-making otherwise. Lan Wangji has a point and he's not about to lose a finger to exhaustion... He'll be as annoying as Chicken though, who also comes to join them at some point, squirreling around Lan Wangji's feet as he moves around. Wei Wuxian does much the same, slipping behind his back to steal pieces of chicken (for himself and Chicken) and spoonfuls of spicy sauce and even a leafy green or two. Once Lan Wangji is winding down with his flurry of meal prep, Wei Wuxian bumps up against his side, shoulder to shoulder.]
Looks good. They're going to want to eat your food all the time if you aren't careful, you know?
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ALSO PLEASE DON'T FEED THE FERRET SPICY SAUCE YOU'LL KILL HIM!! GOD.
Lan Wangji doesn't chase him away, though; he gives him Looks every time he catches him sneaking bites, but he doesn't actually do anything about it. He has a good sense of Wei Wuxian's presence, so there's not much risk of them crashing into each other and making a mess, but he keeps an eye on him anyway, and thus doesn't jump when Wei Wuxian invades his space again. Instead, he glances over, with one of those barely-there smiles.
It's a nice thought. He wants to say he wouldn't mind cooking for them every day--but he's probably overbearing enough with all his deliveries as it is, so he just lets himself daydream about it for a minute.
Loathe as he is to let Wei Wuxian move away from him--]
Call Benedict to serve.
[Because if they stick around down here for dinner, then Wei Wuxian's just going to have to keep up his Everything Is Fine demeanor for even longer, which is contrary to what he wants. He's not actually here for the kids, today, and as much as he loves them, they aren't going to help right now.]
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But after a brief second in which he lingers by Lan Wangji's side, he'll skirt away, weaving carefully around Chicken.]
Benedict! Can you come down here?
[After a few moments, a bright-eyed teen pokes his head around the corner. What's up?]
Can you handle serving dinner tonight? Lan Zhan and I have some work to do.
[Benedict gives them both a Look™, but nods and gives the okay. While he's busy getting stacks of plates out and calling out for Carol to come help. Wei Wuxian turns to grab the plate of salad and extra spicy share of dinner, nodding upstairs.]
My office?
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But with that taken care of, he'll collect the teapot and their teacups, looking back at Wei Wuxin as he considers. The office is acceptable, he supposes; he can stay long enough to make sure Wei Wuxian doesn't fall asleep at his desk.]
Mm.
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Let everyone know we're upstairs if anyone needs anything.
[After Benedict nods and waves them away, he sets off toward the stairs! His office is a little more cluttered than usual, with papers piled on his desk and a pile of blankets and pillows on a mattress. Kano sleeps under the desk like a somewhat more normal human now, so he gets a mattress...
Wei Wuxian sweeps over, setting down the plates and gathering up the papers to stuff into a drawer. He pulls both chairs up to one side of the desk.]
Here - just be careful when you lean to the side. The back leg is a little off on that one.
[Both back legs are off on his though. ONLY THE QUESTIONABLE BEST FOR LAN WANGJI.]
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Lan Wangji doesn't mind the mess, though. Wei Wuxian's been like this for as long as he can remember, which means that it's not (entirely) a symptom of current events. He's still worried, of course, but he can't take over all of Wei Wuxian's workload for him, much as he would like to. (Even if he could, Wei Wuxian would just run off and find more work for himself anyway.)
For now he makes sure to close the door behind them, trying to muffle the noise of the house as best he can. Once there's space, he sets the teapot and cups down, waiting for Wei Wuxian to sit before he pours their tea. HE'S NOT RISKING ANY INCIDENTS.]
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But yeah, that's exactly what he'd do. Some people (like them) just can't be happy unless their plates are literally full to the brim at all hours. It happens! Wei Wuxian will dutifully take a seat though, pulling his plate from the desk and onto his lap. A tiny notch of tension seems to leave his shoulders; bare, but still noticeable to someone with eyes as sharp as Lan Wangji's, probably.]
...You really are going to spoil me, you know. It wasn't my intention to take up more than just a little bit of your time.
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I do not mind. It is my choice.
[If things were different... it's a choice he would make, over and over again, every single day. But daydreaming about "what if"s is pointless, and he isn't going to waste his time when Wei Wuxian is in front of him right now.]
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But he doesn't really want to linger on those thoughts right now, either. He's getting a small window of reprieve, as he'd asked for. Almost hurriedly, he stuffs a bite of pasta into his mouth, and abruptly has to fight against the knot that almost immediately forms in his throat. Why are things so unfair?]
—Just as good as always! You know exactly how to season things, hah.
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He can't imagine what Wei Wuxian finds fulfilling out of his company, but it doesn't really matter. If it's what Wei Wuxian needs, then he's all too happy to provide, and selfish enough to enjoy it while he can.]
No talking while eating.
[He's not actually going to insist, though. He hasn't for a long time. Still, the familiarity--it's warm.]
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