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

[scrapgege]

San Lang!

[That blush is definitely not because of the heat of the bath. As Hua Cheng will soon discover, Xie Lian hasn't been shy about telling people he's married, or who he's married to, but that's not exactly the same as making direct allusions, and in front of a gracious host, too!

But then, Xie Lian also knows how Hua Cheng feels about exposing himself to strangers, which is why he hasn't pressed him to join them for now. So, if it makes Hua Cheng more comfortable...]

.... I suppose it would be nice to have some privacy.

[lanclan]

[ San Lang is a more mischievous version of Hua Cheng, as far as Xichen can tell. He's very tender with Xie Lian, very gentle; it's obvious the two of them are in love. That warms Xichen's heart to see.

... Although he does avert his eyes when Gege is spoken, lips twitching.

He looks back up as if not having noticed any of the handsy affection, a picture of good manners even half-naked in a hot tub. ]

Hua-gongzi knows the way, I will ensure no one disturbs the two of you. [ He inclines his head to Xie Lian respectfully, since a bow in the bath would be a little overkill. ] Please visit again, I've enjoyed your company.

[ghastleye]

[ if his highness wishes for privacy, hua cheng is more than happy to provide it. he allows xichen and his husband to make their polite farewells, then rises to his feet, offering a hand down to help xie lian out of the bath. a moment later, he sweeps his own outer robe off and around slim, strong shoulders instead, helping to preserve his husband's modesty.

as he does so, his glance finds lan xichen, brow lifting over his visible eye. ] Don't stew yourself too long. We'll assuredly see you later this evening.

[ considering this human's kindness to xie lian, anxious uncertainties, and hopeful willingness to trust a ghost, well.. hua cheng supposes he's not so bad.

more importantly, though-- he takes his husband's hand again, gently urging him toward the unoccupied women's bath. they assuredly have a great deal to catch up on. ]

[scrapgege]

Ah... apologies, Lan-daozhang, we're being rude, but we'll abuse of your hospitality for a while.

[Xie Lian doesn't protest the robe being draped over him, and points towards his own clothing, left out of range of the splash zone.]

Let me get my robes too and then we'll go.

[They do have a lot to catch up on indeed.]

[lanclan]

Not at all, enjoy yourselves.

[ He will stew a little longer, but once another half-hour is up it's tea-time. Until then Xichen sinks down in the water, closing his eyes feeling fond of both of them and pleased a marriage has been reunited. ]