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

[consignation]

[ the image of jiang cheng jolts immediately as though physically struck at xichen speaking his name. ]

Zewu-jun, [ he answers automatically, because that's what he's supposed to say after the man calls him 'jiang wanyin', but what follows after that? jiang cheng reaches, flusters, falters, and then— ]

You're incredibly— [ thoughtful? considerate? kind? generous? jiang cheng is almost there. he almost completes a coherent sentence. and then the invasive thought strikes, overtaking his tongue. ] —wet.

[lanclan]

That is a side-effect of bathing.

[ His amusement is understated but clear, blinking softly through a smile and not at all mentioning the nervous vibe radiating off the other man. He opts to kindly prompt, ]

Will you be joining me?

[consignation]

I— Wh— Yes? Now?

[ it's possible the sect leader is having a stroke but don't worry about it. ]

[lanclan]

[ He takes a moment to glance down at the bath, pointedly, then back up. ]

Yes, while I am still in the water would be ideal.

un : dappled peals of the parted seas (voice)

[beitangmoran]

Does he lose his words often?

[lanclan]

[ !! Moran coming in like a wrecking ball! Hello, friend. ]

Jiang Wanyin has a great deal to say. I think his device may be affected from lake-water, as he swims often.

[beitangmoran]

Oh, the water does not affect them, I assure you.

I do believe... Sect Leader Jiang, was it? is experiencing the stuttering all on his own.

[lanclan]

I don't usually share public baths, it's true. My brother was similarly surprised ... but, [ his voice softens with a quiet breath of a laugh, ] I wanted to do something different.

[beitangmoran]

I do believe he is appreciating it very much, and it might be the source of his tongue being slightly tied.

[lanclan]

[ Is Xichen being inspirational to Jiang Cheng? How touching! He's so pleased, that's very flattering. ]

I hope the hot bathhouse is as pleasant for Jiang Wanyin as the lakes.

[beitangmoran]

I am sure he will appreciate the view.

[lanclan]

Will you not join us?

[beitangmoran]

I might when it is less crowded. I'm not much for loud noises and boisterousness.

[lanclan]

It isn't as busy as all that, the sailors are keeping largely to themselves. As you wish, however. It is quieter in the mornings, if you would like to come by then.

[beitangmoran]

I don't sleep much, so that might be agreeable. Thank you, Master Lan.

[lanclan]

You are always welcome.

un: absterge

[downswing]

No.

[lanclan]

[ So rude, bro! ]

Wangji.

[weifinder]

He did say now, little brother.

( how to both annoy the hell out of your brother and be amused at how obvious he's... yearning? he shakes his head, mostly wondering what he's missed.

his brother is, apparently, also into men sometimes??? or is this a lan specialty, are they just Like This?

... seems possible, the twin jades are unfairly handsome, if nothing else. )

Want a comb for later?