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]

[ The thought creeps in that he could be wrong, of course, he has considered this before. It makes him want to retreat into seclusion away from everyone, where he doesn't have to judge anybody ... or be wrong, again.

Foolish, he hears, and doesn't reply. Fretting with building anxiety. ]

[downswing]

...perhaps Sizhui may visit.

[lanclan]

I have invited him, he said he would bring tea.

[ He would keep all of his family close by, if he could, but he's highly conscious they have been living their lives for years here without him and he has very little authority. It wouldn't be right to make demands of them when they have been surviving just fine without him.

The hot water keeps him calmer than he would be, sinking down in it to his neck so the mildly uncomfortable temperature holds his focus. ]

[downswing]

And Wei Ying.

You have us.

[lanclan]

You are both welcome any time, of course.

[downswing]

Please. Allow me to perform your meals.

[lanclan]

That is not necessary, Wangji, thank you. I can prepare them.

[ Not well, but he doesn't eat much and would rather Wangji didn't see. ]

[downswing]

It would please me.

A companion, Emilia has taught.

[lanclan]

She taught you how to cook? You have many friends here.

[downswing]

The student is unworthy of the master.

[lanclan]

I'm sure what you make is very accomplished.

[downswing]

Then, permit me to honour my master.

[lanclan]

[ Maybe if he lets him deal with one meal, he can sidestep any others ... ]

No one is usually up at the hour of the rabbit, it would be pleasant to spend breakfast with you.

[downswing]

( WAKING UP AT FOUR TO COOK AND CROSS THE VILLAGE IN TIME FOR 6AM BREAKFAST IT IS. )

Gratitude.

[lanclan]

[ WHAT'S WRONG, HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN YOUR GUSU ROOTS??? ]

I look forward to seeing you.

[downswing]

...full.

[lanclan]

Wangji?

[downswing]

You have made my heart full.

Thank you.

[lanclan]

[ Confused but pleased, he won't leave that emotion hanging. ]

You always fill my heart.