[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

[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. ]