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[duplicitous_dimples]

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[action]

[sadflutenoises]

[Wei Wuxian is many things, and willing to accept the titles, both good and bad, but he isn't a bully, he tells himself, as he walks to the now-familiar door in Shijie's house where one Jin Guangyao resides. Whatever was really going on with the man, he'd offered a second chance, only to promptly... do him an unkindness, unintentional as it might have been.

So here he stands, in front of the man's door, looking vaguely uncomfortable. In penance for the mess he and Lan Zhan had made of his sheets(at least they'd stripped the bed! They weren't animals!), it'd taken him a bit of fiddling to get it properly right, but he's made a talisman, one similar to what's woven into the Lan's clothing to ward away unwanted stains.

That was the easy part.

He sighs again and knocks, hoping somehow that Jin Guangyao won't even be home and he can just... perhaps leave a note.]

Re: [action]

[duplicitous_dimples]

[The room had been furnished with the basics when he arrived - a simple bed, dresser, and desk in matching style and color. He has done nothing to personalize the space in his time here, and so the only signs of its occupation are the clothes in the drawers, a locked box beneath the bed, and the gentle strains of music playing from a small speaker he has paired to his device.

He is at the desk, reading intently through the articles on an encyclopaedic site that has proved both helpful and credible so far, when he hears the knock. It lacks the gentle sense of inquiry that would identify the visitor as Lady Jiang...and frankly, he can think of no one else in the house that might try or even want to check in on him.

With a wary glance, he pauses his music goes to the door. His surprise upon opening it is not false, though it is controlled.]

Master Wei!

[he gives a careful smile, eyes glancing behind the man to see if Jiang Yanli had accompanied him. But he is alone.]

Please, come in. [He fully opens the door, inviting the Yiling Patriarch into the room with a gentle sweep of his arm and a polite, practiced nod. He keeps his posture formal, his eyes holding a look of confused interest that he needs only exaggerate slightly for effect.]

To what do I owe the pleasure?

Re: [action]

[sadflutenoises]

[He curses inwardly as soon as he hears movement behind the door. Ugh, he's really going to have to do this, isn't he?

The greeting he gets from Jin Guangyao seems sincere, and given how hostile Wei Wuxian had been at their first meeting, it's downright friendly, which doesn't make things much easier. Wei Wuxian's gaze, which had been steady and piercing before is now reluctant, his eyes flicking around the room for a moment in defeated confirmation before he finally looks at the other man.]

Ah. Right, well.

[He clears his throat and pulls a small stack of hand-written talismans from his belt, offering them, even as he struggles to make eye-contact.]

I made these talismans- they're actually based on the spells the Lan Sect weaves into their robes to keep them clean. If you set it under the mattress or behind the headboard, it'll keep the bed clean, keep stains from setting in, all that stuff.

[Another cough.]

In case you have any more trouble at ah- at any of Shijie's... mm.

[He trails off, swallowing sheepishly before he finally rallies and redirects his gaze down at Jin Guangyao.]

Look, you don't have to accept them or my apology, but I just wanted you to know it wasn't, y'know- an intentional slight. Or anything.

[duplicitous_dimples]

[Jin Guangyao watches the man's gaze dart about the space, and though his expression remains polite and curious, he notes the discomfort and recognition in those eyes with no small amount of satisfaction.

Wei Wuxian's simplicity can be a blessing or a curse depending on the nuance of the situation - currently it is the former, as he was squirming with guilt when confronted by the scene of his crime. And Jin Guangyao, as the victim, feels he has every right to draw this moment out.

He takes the stack of talismans, making the motion hesitant, as though he was confused but didn't want to be rude. As Wei Wuxian is avoiding eye contact, he makes sure to maintain it - this means every time the fidgetting man does look forward, he is met directly with a pleasant, inquiring look. The results are consistently gratifying.]

...apology?

[his voice is tentative, as he looks from the talismans, to the bed, and then to the basket where he had found the hastily stripped sheets. He considers forcing the Yiling Patriarch to give him more details, but decides against it, letting a look of sudden understanding bloom on his face.]

Ah.

[He keeps the sound small, accompanied by a courtly, bashful expression - so similar to the sincere one he had given his sister-in-law, the night they had worked together to clean up. The memory makes it easy for him to continue leaning into the act, as he makes his speech a bit rushed, as though the realization had left him flustered.]

O-of course, Master Wei, of course. I accept, and I will be sure to share these with Lady Jiang. [he averts his eyes again, gives a small cough]

I've not had the chance to...congratulate you, on your marriage to Lan Wangji.

[sadflutenoises]

[Wei Wuxian has been in trouble plenty of times. Plenty. He takes physical punishment with only a moderate amount of whining and complaining, and he'd even taken writing boring lines over and over for Lan Qiren with a smiling disposition that was barely dampened at all by the chore.

Tattling to Shijie though? Ugh. Like the time they'd called Jiang Shushu all the way from Lotus Pier just because of a little scuffle with Jin Zixuan, or when Lan Zhan had outed them all for drinking in their rooms. He scrunches his nose briefly.]

Right, right, thank you.

[Wait.]

Go back to the part about Shijie. She doesn't-

[His color drains a little and he wants to drag his hands over his face. WHy had he let Lan Zhan get him all worked up? Why had he goaded him on? Aiyah.

He does, in fact, put a hand to his temple and lets out a curse under his breath. First the phone incident and now this?]

Tell me Shijie doesn't already know about this.

[duplicitous_dimples]

[The display of emotions on Wei Wuxian's face is as impressive as it is rewarding - Jin Guangyao's need for this bit of revenge is nearly sated by it. Nearly.

He winces sympathetically, lowering his eyes for a moment as if sharing in the mutual embarrassment, drawing out an awkward pause before he answers.]

I'm afraid she does. I hadn't become familiar with the laundry facilities here and she... encountered me on the way there, the night of the gathering.

[a tight, knowing smile]

I assure you, I did try to ah...handle it with discretion, but she was quite insistent on helping. Her and I took care of the task together.

[sadflutenoises]

[Wei Wuxian exhales a few short curses.

First, that night in the woods, and now this?! Okay, usually he let Lan Zhan take care of clean-up, but he really had the best of intentions to return later and help. Of course, intentions never mattered as much as actions.

He lets out a groan, pressing the heels of his palms into his eyes for a moment.]

How mad was she?

[He's already making mental note of all the apologies he owes his sister, but Lan Zhan had a heavy hand in this too!! Wei Wuxian was just as set on dragging his husband along when he went to make amends.]

I need to know just how far into the dirt I'll have to grind my forehead later.

[duplicitous_dimples]

[He watches from behind a mask of mild concern as the man agonizes, and feels the final weights fall onto the scale inside his mind. It seemed fairly obvious that Wei Wuxian would take the reins of his own torture upon the news of Jiang Yanli's awareness of and involvement in the situation. Besides, he had made an effort to apologize to Jin Guangyao, which was a rare enough occassion - whatever the reasons behind it, it counted for something.

And so, they were even enough. For now.]

Ah... to be honest, Master Wei, she did not seem particularly upset.

[He coughs again, turning to place the talismans on this desk, as though the motion would hide an embarrassed expression, rather than the quick indulgence of a satisfied smirk.]

If anything, she was fondly excusing of your...enthusiam.

[sadflutenoises]

Aiyah...

[He rubs his forehead red, wincing a little. Of course Shijie would be the one to have come across them or their aftermath, twice now, twice! Could he really be blamed for not being completely aware of his surroundings when his husband was railing him? He would dare anyone to be any sort of coherent in such circumstances!]

Shijie is practically a bodhisattva, of course she'd say that.

[He runs a hand down his face and lets out a sigh. At least Jin Guangyao wasn't going to spurn his apology gift, he supposed the situation could be a lot worse. Still, he made a mental note to make sure their apology gifts to Shijie would be suitably... apologetic.

Business taken care of, he recovers quickly, glancing around the room. He feels at leasst somewhat justified, in as much as the room hardly looks lived in. There's barely anything that could be called personal effects, it's minimal enough to believe it were a room in any old inn or hotel. Besides, it's not like him to be upset, and certainly not embarrassed for very long, he's always had a fairly thick face.]

Oh- I guess that's everything, ah... say-

Shijie, I mean. All of that aside, she seems happy, doesn't she? I told her she could stay with us, but I think there's a little too much hm- enthusiasm at our place. [He laughs, briefly, at his own joke.]

Shijie- I don't want her to want for anything, okay? You'll let me know if anything comes up, yeah?

text | un: konoha

[lumberlady]

greetings, JIN GUANGYAO
is konoha 🌳🍃
thank you for placing bid at auction
unfortunate luck, you is not winning
but
if send i address
will receive surprise
as gratitude for charity money

you accept?

[duplicitous_dimples]

Hello, Miss Konoha.

How very generous of you. I am honored to accept the gift.

[He lists his address, location, and even a link to a little map.]

Many thanks for your support towards the festival and the worthy causes it benefits.

[lumberlady]

thank you for fast response!
i send tomorrow
do you like red bean?
if not, do you like black bean?
if not, do you like bracken starch?

of course i support!
is good reason
and also must show GEM who is to be “voting”
GEMBONDED is not for fearing.

[duplicitous_dimples]

I must admit, they all sound delicious.
Might I request whichever is your favorite?

Very well said.
Fear can be a powerful thing, especially in a politician's hands. I hope we can convince the local population that a good relationship with us would be mutually beneficial. And a great deal more comfortable.

[lumberlady]

in this case
i will send red bean
is i 's mother 's recipe
so becomes most delicious.

yes
i know this much well.
i know politician is much good speaker but
hopefully GEM will see action not word.

[duplicitous_dimples]

How lovely. I look forward to it.
I have found that food tastes best when seasoned with a mother's influence.

And I certainly agree, Miss Konoha.
Promises are easily spoken, but actions are far more effectively witnessed.
Hopefully the impact of our efforts will be enough to combat any frightful words, and can convince the Gems that we only wish to coexist. Actively, and peacefully.

With help like yours, I feel that outcome becomes more and more likely.

[lumberlady]

is true.
and among GEMBONDED i know only three mothers
so must work much hard to make up for.
is mother 's duty.

you is much good with words also though!
sounds smart and educated
so i hope can be useful for talking to GEM people

i will help like i can
which is small action.

[duplicitous_dimples]

[There is a rare, soft smile as he answers, though of course she cannot see it.]

I have noticed a similar instinct in the only Gembonded mother I know. There is no substitute for the base comfort a mother can give - and one can never have enough, at any age. It is an irreplaceable kindness to offer it.


Thank you very much for the compliment. You flatter me, indeed.
I do hope I can communicate effectively enough to help the situation in a meaningful way. It is certainly my intention to try.


Small does not mean insignificant.
Small actions win wars, just as well-placed acts of compassion can have great impact.
Your help is appreciated, and invaluable.

[lumberlady]

now i know you is much more smart even than i thought before
yes is true
you is knowing YANLI yes?
is good woman in similar situation to i
kind woman.

if i 's help can be useful in other times for goal of good relationship with GEMs
please call any time

[duplicitous_dimples]

I do know Jiang Yanli - she is my sister-in-law, in fact.
She is very kind, and very strong. The both of you would find good company in each other, I think.


I will most gratefully accept that offer, Miss Konoha. There are many ways we could use help such as yours as we continue our efforts.
I hope that you will do likewise, and reach out to me again should you ever find yourself in need. I will be sure to answer, even for something as simple as a pleasant conversation.

[lumberlady]

sister-in-law!
what joy to have family
yes
YANLI is a good friend of i 's who understands many things other do not

yes
is deal!

i hope you will enjoy consolation sweets!
please share with family if desired.

action; coincidentally just after his talk with jin ling

[equivocations]

[ It's such a little thing, really. He'd been shopping at the little farmer's market nearby, picking up vegetables and fruit and delighting in finding new things to try, when he'd come across a vendor that sold both fine teas and the plants that were used to make them, all native to Noctium.

There'd been something about the vendor's smile that reminded him of the owner of a tiny shop that Lan Xichen and Meng Yao had come across when they were in hiding, the one who'd traded a hot meal and a bag of tea for some help around the shop. Lan Xichen had mostly lifted things up and down, stacking and moving things around, but he still remembers her kindness, and he still remembers how he and Meng Yao had enjoyed the tea later, huddled together.

It's one of the slowly growing number of things that Lan Xichen believes with certainty was real, the hundreds of tiny moments that had kept him sane while they were in hiding. Even now, even after everything, he believes in the depth of the bond that they had formed during that time.

The vendor had offered him a set - a pot with two seedlings, and a box of tea made from their flowers. The tea smelt lovely, grassy and floral with faint hints of cinnamon and hibiscus and mint. Though the small pot it came with only held two little green sprouts, the examples of a fully grown white cap and cinder flower were equally lovely - the one with pure white petals, silky soft to the touch, and the other with orangey red blooms that glow with a warm, soothing light that the vendor called bioluminescence.

He'd boughten them right then, and he'd only stopped at his home long enough to put away his other purchases before he headed over to see Jin Guangyao. Balancing the tea and plant in one hand, he knocks on the door to his room with the other. ]

A-Yao, are you in?

[duplicitous_dimples]

[The knocking comes not long after his return.

While it would be a lie to claim he does not remember how he made his way home - his flawless memory is no secret, especially to himself - he does feel as though he went through the motions in a fog, not fully present in any of the actions that his body so convincingly performed. It was not an unfamiliar feeling, the way his mind assumed maintenance of his actions and projected capability and collectedness while his heart sulked into a corner to nurse its wounds.

It mutters bitter reminders, somewhere unseen and safe, and always, always alone. He actively slashes at that pathetic and resilient piece of himself, that dares to hope and never learns, and never dies.

Since his arrival, Jin Guangyao has done little more than sit at his small desk and stare at the paperwork on its surface as he compartmentalized, his mind moving to the comfortable task of planning based on what he now knows. His relationship with Jin Ling may not mend, but his determination to care for the boy had not waivered, even with the deep and empty ache he now added to the maw in his chest. At least he can formulate a clear system to handle his nephew's presence in Noctium - working as a benefactor, remaining subtle and anonymous. It would be easy enough.

The sound at his door startles him, his gaze snapping towards it - though the sound of Lan Xichen's voice quickly eases the sudden tension from his muscles. Though visitors are rare, he hardly wanted to see anyone at the moment...of course, his sword brother remains an exception, even now. Or especially now, he isn't sure.

He stands and makes a silent approach, gripping the handle hesitantly while resting his other hand against the surface of of the door. He leans against it, pressing his forehead into the wood and taking a deep, careful breath - feeling for the gentle synchrony he can already sense on the other side, the positive and benign emotions there brushing his scorched edges like cool water.]

Yes, Er-ge, I'm here.

[His answer is quiet, but there is a smile on his lips as he opens the door, the soft and small version of the expression that exists only for the Lan Sect leader. He dips to his customary height, though pulls himself up from it quickly when he notices that the other man's hands are occupied by the box, and two small plants that make his eyes widen with genuine delight and curiosity. His voice brightens a bit.]

Please, come in. I must admit this is a welcome surprise.

text; un: jin.ling

[jinlingers]

[ Jin Ling hasn't completely avoided his uncle but he's still had a lot on his mind after their first conversation here. He's still struggling with the mixed feelings the juxtaposition. He finally sends a direct message to him. ]

Do you want to have a meal?

[duplicitous_dimples]

[The response is almost immediate, delayed only by a moment of surprise in which Jin Guangyao double-checks the sender information and rereads the short message with raised brows.]

Certainly, A-Ling. Have you a time and place in mind?

[jinlingers]

[ Jin Ling wonders if this is really a good idea. He still can't reconcile things. He's still angry and hurt but he misses his shushu. ]

Tomorrow. I don't have a set place in mind.

[duplicitous_dimples]

Tomorrow, then. There is a teahouse I have frequented in the past month that I feel you may enjoy. If that sounds agreeable, perhaps we can meet there?

[He attaches the coordinates, curiosity driving his efficiency in planning their meeting.]

[jinlingers]

I will meet you there.

[ He won't back out of this even if he's nervous and conflicted. ]

action

[duplicitous_dimples]

[Jin Guangyao sends a simple “very well” in response, erring on the side of caution in hopes of preserving the chance of seeing his nephew again. Though their previous meeting had been painful, it was a pain that Jin Guangyao was no stranger to - his heart was a mess of scars from different hands all holding the same knife, and the wound he was nursing could not possibly hurt enough to stop him from caring for Jin Ling.

It would be a welcome change, to see him in person, rather than assisting and guiding from afar in ways that were engineered to go unnoticed.

He arrives early, when the time comes, and makes sure to reserve a spot in the cozy space that affords them some aspect of privacy without feeling closed off from the comfortable ambiance of the place. It is a small, warm, well-lit establishment. The menu is also small, and prominently displayed at each table on a simple placard.

He reads through it multiple times, though he knows he has it memorized, and huffs a very quiet sigh in an attempt to settle his nerves.]

[jinlingers]

[ Jin Ling had been wrestling with their last meeting all this time. He's still wrestling with it, unsure if he should have asked for this meeting, if he should even come but in the end he does.

Jin Ling is not early but he's not late either. He leaves Fairy outside, knowing she wouldn't be particularly friendly toward Jin Guangyao. Still, she's close enough to be there for him if he called her. He lets out a soft breath as he enters the establishment. It's not hard to catch sight of his uncle and he feels his feet go leaden for a minute before he wills himself forward.

He can't seem to let go of the anger and the feeling of betrayal and doubt but regardless of that he loves his shushu and he doesn't know what the right thing is. And he doesn't feel like there is anyone that can really give him those answers -- and he hasn't found them himself.

He bows before he sits down, his heart racing in his chest and he searches for the simple words of greeting and finds his mouth dry. ]

A PACKAGE

[billowing]

[ Left on JGY's doorstep is a package addressed to him. Inside contains a new set of robes in a fine pale gold color, with a note from Lan Wangji signing it with a simple well-wishes for his birthday. ]

[duplicitous_dimples]

[A few days later, he would receive a cordial thank-you note.

And now Jin Guangyao has proof to present Lan Xichen as evidence that he and Lan Wangji are being civil to each other.]