(Text; UN: aloof)

[mourningjade]

Answers. (He demands them. He is almost too angry to type, his fingers hitting the letters firmly.) Gusu Lan? The Cloud Recesses? How far?

(He asks, knowing what awaits him there. A punishment. But at least he can see his brother...his uncle...what family he has left. Just for a little while. He knows he won't be staying there.)

Lan Wangji asks. (That is meant to soften his bluntness, but he doesn't much care if it fails.)

Comments

[mourningjade]

(The pill is taken without question - swallowed with a small sip of water.)

He is a gift. I do not want him devoting his life to anyone unless that is a choice he makes freely.

[firstjade]

He is. And he's learning all he needs to. He went with you on the Night Hunts that brought you and Wei-gongzi back together.

[mourningjade]

(Longing eventually brings them together. That's sort of fitting, isn't it?)

If I know he will return, it doesn't hurt so bad. I trust my Gege.

[firstjade]

[ So very fitting~ Xichen finishes the last of what's immediately needed. His brother still needs to rest...but to see Wei Wuxian first. ]

He does. I would not give you false hope. [ He rests a hand on his brother's shoulder. ]

Go to him. He told you where to find him. I will be here when you are ready to sleep.

[mourningjade]

(He doesn't want Xichen to feel like he is trapped in a thankless duty. So he tries, just a little, to show his gratitude. When the hand rests on his shoulder, he shyly takes hold of it and gives it a warm squeeze.)

I'll knock. (So there's no need for Xichen to wait up if he wants to rest.)

[firstjade]

[ He never feels trapped when it comes to his brother. So that hand gets an answering squeeze and a warm smile. ]

If you decide to stay with him tonight, I would appreciate to know. [ So he doesn't worry as much. ]

[mourningjade]

I think that unlikely. (He knows how he feels about Wei Ying, but the other has enough on his plate. Either he will come to feel the same way or he won't.)

But I would let you know.

[firstjade]

[ Xichen nods. ]

I know you will follow your heart.

[ He gestures for his brother to precede him from the bathroom. ]

Go, didi. I will be here when you return.

[ And he'll see about food. ]

[mourningjade]

(Wangji slips out of the bathroom and keeps those words close to his heart. He is scared, but he hides it, showing nothing more than a detached mask to the world.

Later, he will return, exhausted, but relieved. He knocks on Xichen's door - softly this time so that the neighbors are not woken.)

[firstjade]

[ Xichen knows better than to believe that mask. It's how his brother protects himself. So it falls to him to create a safe place where Wangji can relax, when he lets himself rest.

By the time his brother returns, he's gotten a few things - mostly food that he has been instructed on how to heat up, but also some incense which he has already lit while he waits in quiet meditation.

The knock pulls him from his thoughts and he stands, moving swiftly to the door. He searches his brother's face, finding that relief and smiling as he steps aside without a word. ]

Are you hungry, didi?

[mourningjade]

(The mask has never worked on Xichen and he is grateful for that. His brother knows him too well; he knows when to push and when to let things be. At this moment, he is grateful for the gentle nudge. He must overcome his fear and see if the stranger he spoke to is indeed Wei Ying.

When he returns, he is relieved. His soulmate is alive and as well as can be expected. The question is another careful nudge - one that he desperately needs based on how his stomach growls!)

Mm. (He enters the apartment carefully, taking his boots off at the door. The smell of the incense makes it feel more like home and he gives his brother a small smile.) He's well.

[firstjade]

[ He'd need the same time should Mingjue or A-Yao show up here.

Xichen smiles fondly at how that poor stomach growls, and only nods. He's long since shed the outermost layer of his robes, folding them carefully for future explorations of this new world. ]

Then take a seat. I will join you in a few moments.

I am glad to hear he is well. [ And he is. Not just for his brother's sake, but for Wei Wuxian's sake as well. ]

[mourningjade]

(Time that would be given. Wangji would sit outside of his brother's door for a thousand years if that's what Xichen needed.)

I will make you a meal soon. (To make up for how much he has relied on his brother today. He doesn't like asking for much of anything, but he can't help seeking out Xichen after such an awful battle.

And a tragic loss.)

He doesn't know. (How Wangji feels about him.)

[firstjade]

[ Xichen isn't the cook of the two. But he manages to heat up food for them, and can heat water for more tea. Both of which he does now.

The promise warms his smile. ]

I always enjoy the food you make. [ Such efforts are not needed between brothers. He's grateful he can be here now for his brother.

His gaze drops as he hears the unspoken words. That is about all that really upsets him about Wei Wuxian. That lack of awareness of the treasure he holds. ]

What will you do?

[mourningjade]

(Wangji enjoys cooking; he is good at remembering ingredients, processes and, at times, experimenting with flavors that complement each other. Xichen has often been a guinea pig for his new recipes - some delicious, others unfortunate. Yet his Gege has always encouraged him.)

I will make you your favorite dishes.

(If he can find what he needs. He will do his best. The question earns a faint smile and he shakes his head slowly.)

He is alive. What else matters?

[firstjade]

[ Xichen is happy to try everything Wangji gives him! And he'll always support his little brother. Always.

His smile widens at that particular promise. ]

The people here are pretty helpful. I am sure you will find everything we need.

[ Including a new robe for Wangji, with this one torn and stained. He comes out with a tray holding two bowls of stew, rice, and their tea, and sets it down on the low table. ]

Your happiness.

[mourningjade]

This is Nippon? (That is the name he was given - as well as Japan.) The ingredients might vary.

(But he will do his best. Xichen never gets less than his best. And a new robe would be nice. Wangji likes looking clean and the blood will just remind him of...everything.)

I am happy. (For the most part. He kneels down by the table, using a pillow to cushion himself (he's still sore).)

I have Gege and Wei Ying.

[firstjade]

From what I have been told, yes. [ Xichen only serves them both with the selection of food, and pours them each some tea with a gentle smile.

They'll just have to get those new robes soon. ]

You do. I will always be here for you, didi.

[mourningjade]

(There is familiarity and comfort in sharing a meal with his brother. Wangji eats well - a far cry from the appetite he had directly after Wei Ying's death.)

I am here for you. (He can be...selfish. Not on purpose, but because he gets overwhelmed by his emotions. Xichen deserves better.) I will protect you.

[firstjade]

[ They both do. And the meal is tasty, if a bit odd. ]

I know, Wangji. We will protect each other. [ Because family. And their bond allows nothing less. ]

[mourningjade]

(Food is what he needs, he realizes. The shakiness fades with each bite and he is able to breathe deeper.)

May I stay? (Just for a night? He knows he will acquire his own place, but sleeping alone feels...daunting.)

[firstjade]

[ They both need it, really. He nods. ]

There are two rooms with beds in this apartment. You may stay as long as you wish.

[ He won't cage his brother, even if he'd love to stay near if not sharing this particular apartment. ]

[mourningjade]

(The realization sets his heart at ease. He won't be causing Xichen any discomfort, then.)

There might be others...in time...that you wish to offer that room.

[firstjade]

Then we will find a larger place. You will always have a place with me.

[ There is no hesitation at all in his answer. ]

[mourningjade]

(It means the world to him. Wangji is exhausted, mentally, physically and emotionally. Knowing that he will be near his brother while he sleeps is all the comfort he needs.)

Gege is always good to me.