video: average sighren

[lanclan]

[ The scene is one of steam and muffled, echoing male voices from elsewhere, tiles covering walls. Xichen's face is in shot, hair unbound and soaked where it falls down his bare shoulders, pink from the hot water (no fear, he has a thin robe shrugged off but tied about his waist out of shot) where he is leaning over the edge of the bath. ]

This is rather unorthodox, in many ways, as first meetings go. Pardon my appearance, robes are somewhat contradictory to my surroundings. [ But he's out of seclusion, in a strange realm, and this is the only way he knows to prove the bathhouse is safe: by using it. ] Some of you already know my younger brother, Lan Wangji. You may call me Lan Xichen.

[ He sighs, nasal and soft. More of an exhale. His smile hitches back up. ]

I now live above the bathhouse. Technically, [ here he glances over blandly to a pair of guffawing sailors in the background, lips pursing as he holds back his real opinion, ] this is a private residence, but it would be rude to deny access to those who wish to use the downstairs, so I would like to invite over anyone who wishes to bathe in something other than cold lake-water — if my housemates wouldn't mind, I should like to meet all of you, too.

There is a separate area for women, of course. Please use the rinsing stations before entering the main baths and wear something discreet, for the sake of others.

[ Xichen glances around as someone calls his name and there is a momentary wider shot of him soaked to the waist as he straightens to nod in answer, raking back his hair so it isn't stuck to his chest you're welcome. He looks again to the video and smiles warmly, tilting his head in apology for the break in his attention. ]

It is seemingly busier in the afternoons.

Comments

[lanclan]

Wangji is welcome to move in with me.

[ Xichen is not the type to say it, but he is not living in a cave given the slightest chance of another option. Even a bathhouse where sailors come and go downstairs is better. ]

You are a friend of his?

[somebadnews]

His constant companion. We go back to the beginning. [ Not anywhere near a friend, but someone who knows him. ]

I’m not surprised if he has some reason not to. You know how he is.

[lanclan]

[ You know how he is is a little too overly familiar from a stranger, even if Wangji has known this person for two years. He smiles politely and keep his voice mild for the audio. ]

He is always welcome, regardless. Will you tell me more of your meeting?

[somebadnews]

[ He's not usually one to get so involved in family matters, but it's obviously a special occasion. ]

I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing. How much has he told you?

[lanclan]

Of you? Apologies, nothing.

[somebadnews]

[ Ha. Wouldn't that have been something? ]

More about what you walked in on. It's a long story for someone so short on words.

[lanclan]

He was succinct. Others have spoken of their ... experiences.

[somebadnews]

Well, there are some things you had to be there for. [ No need to get specific. ]

I'm sure the rest will come up once you've settled in.

[lanclan]

I would rather return us home but that seems to not be an option, currently. Thank you for your kind words.

[somebadnews]

I wouldn't miss the chance to welcome family. You might as well make the most of it.

[lanclan]

I absolutely will. Might I have your name?

[somebadnews]

Number Five. If you need anything, I'll know where to find you.

[lanclan]

[ OMINOUS. ]

Thank you.