[Video] Kazoo 16

[ayao]

Forgive me for being...selfish...

And I warn you, the subject matter of my question might be sensitive...

[But why not make this inquiry here rather than in his world where it would surely bring negative repercussions.]

What are your thoughts on two men being in a relationship? [He doesn't dare say married, but he is drawn to the idea.] Do you perceive it as...wrong? Should the men instead continue their respective lines with wives?

[Heirs are important. Yet can they not be had in other ways? Of course said ways are illegal and immoral in the land he knows.]

Comments

[lanxichen]

[ Probably not, but Xichen has never, ever been allowed to be anything less than perfectly mannered and polite, since a very, very young age. Proper, according to all the rules of the sect. On days when he is already weak and vulnerable, attempting to break that training is an insurmountable task.

However, the attending from Meng Yao is both soothing and alarming. How many times has he done something like this over the years?

How many times has it meant different things for them...

He almost chokes on the tea, too. Meng Yao has always been this solicitous... had Xichen taken him for granted, too? He never asked for much at all, so all given, he has been grateful but, but but but--

Closing his eyes, he takes a sip, then gently motions towards the rest of it. His voice is steadier, and color begins to return to his lips, even while his thoughts spin and spin in their barbed ways. ]

You as well. Did it ... did it cost too much to get this specific tea...?

[ His fingers reach to touch his ribbon; having it back is good, and it is not as though he wants for so much more. But Meng Yao might want other things, too. ]

[ayao]

[The question surprises him - like Xichen, he doesn't ask for much. He has some robes and his sword; of course he will spend any of his funds on items he can easily share. Since the handsome Lan before him owns his heart, requesting the herbs to make the tea he likes best had been an easy decision.]

No, of course not. I wanted something we could enjoy together.

[He catches the motion and smiles softly. Those ribbons mean so much to the Lan and he is glad Xichen has his again.]

I have everything I need. [Just sitting here, like this, he finds that statement to be entirely true.]

[lanxichen]

It...

[ Xichen considers the statement, eyes on the younger man. Not hard, if still a little sadder than they used to be. After a moment, he nods. ]

It is peaceful, [ beat, but while it is still teasing rather than as though he is ignoring or misunderstanding, he adds, ] too.

Thank you, Meng Yao.

[ayao]

[His cheeks flare, dark red, and there is a hunger in his eyes that, in the future, turns quite dark. For now, it is innocent - for the most part anyway - and solely directed at Lan Xichen.]

Rest. [He lays a hand on Xichen's arm.] I wish I could gather Little Carrot and Little Radish for you. They are incredibly soft and sweet.

[lanxichen]

[ Xichen's breath catches. Why... why couldn't things be simple. Why couldn't he and Meng Yao and Mingjue live with their love, rather than betrayal and murder and so, so much blood among them. His heart, barely more than ashes, gives a tired twitch at that look, but that is all it can manage.

Then he breathes out, the hint of teasing fading back down again. ]

I think Wangji needs them more. But thank you.

[ayao]

[He hears that catch and he shifts closer, stubbornly taking hold of Xichen's hand. Meng Yao is young with the weight of his horrible future on his shoulders, but they are alone, together. Wasting the time in regret is just that...a waste.]

I am happy to take their place. I am told my hair is soft.

[Please... Just a tiny smile?]

[lanxichen]

[ Maybe... not a smile, he's not whole enough for those yet, but Xichen's expression softens after an initial widening of the eyes.

He tilts his head a bit. ]

You need not take anyone's place, or be other than you are, to be enough.

[ The choices Meng Yao makes determine enough for what, but he truly need not stand in place of anyone or anything. Simply being is enough. ]