[ hua cheng settles into a seated position behind his husband's head, within easy reach of the other man, their linked hands resting against the wet shoulder of xie lian's robe. his free hand smooths steam-damp dark hair back from his husband's face, tucking it behind his ear with tenderness that most people would assume him incapable of. ]

I'm always very polite, gege, [ he says with mock-offense, sly single eye flicking from the top of his husband's head toward xichen, amusement curling his mouth again. ] You see? Lan Xichen agrees.

[ the mention of the women's bath earns a delighted little laugh. ] That could be dangerous, don't you think? This is no Paradise Manor, but privacy in a hot bath is tempting.