baiyueguang | Deer County IC Contact

[at that shocked intake of breath, he goes full steel magnolias-style aghast, closes his eyes, and looks aside. he was right, this was just too much, how is he going to come back from this, etc.

but then, Lan Xichen--laughs? and thanks him? what is happening. Jin Guangyao blinks in surprise and looks back at him, expression noncomprehending.]

...This one is pleased to assist, [his usual rote reply, which is rather incongruous when set against his expression of scandalized shock.] You truly don't mind?

[His smile softens to something more reassuring and he nods, passing the omni back.]

I truly do not mind. Besides, you know I've confiscated far worse from Wei-gongzi and Huaisang.

[There is, for a moment, a distant sadness in his smile. They were all so young and foolish once.]

And this seems like a rather sweet and playful gesture for this man and his dear friend.

[Because Xichen can read and has functioning eyes. He saw the squid with glasses.]

[some of them ~~Huaisang~~ remain young and foolish to this day. Jin Guangyao hopes that does not have to change.]

This one is relieved not to have caused Zewu-jun discomfort or offence, [he admits and even laughs a little as he says it, the tension going out of his shoulders and a small, relieved smile dimpling his cheeks. clearly he's relaxed enough to lapse back into their familiar banter.] And I agree, it is a thoughtful gesture.

[just one of those little things that one does for a 'dear friend.' his eyes soften some as he considers Lan Xichen--and then he can't hold it in anymore.] You have paint on your face. [affectionate.]

['Dear friends' is a perfectly good euphemism. As charming as the origins of the term 'cut-sleeve' are, he hears it used far too often in a derogatory tone of voice and he is just not about that.

Blue flushes his cheeks and ears when Jin Guangyao points out the paint, and his hand comes up, patting around his cheek to try and find it.

Unfortunately, these are oil paints, and he only manages to smear it more. At least Xichen looks good in blue.]

[oh, no, he's just making it so much worse, isn't he--]

Stop, stop, [he's laughing a little when he steps forward and utterly unthinkingly takes hold of Lan Xichen's hands to pull them gently away from the streaks of blue paint he's now smeared across his cheekbones.] Er-ge has made such a mess..!

[it's a moment later that he realizes what he's done, and two high spots of colour rise to his cheeks, but he doesn't let go, not right away.] Come to the bathroom, [he says before the moment can become too awkward,] we can wash that off with some soap.

[We. As though Xichen is not a grown-ass man who is perfectly capable of marching himself into the washroom and scrubbing his own face.

Does he voice literally any of this?

Of course not.

The blue smear only nominally hiding the blue flush to his cheeks, he lets himself be led to the washroom because this is, of course, a very sworn brotherly thing to do.]

...Is it really that bad?

[There's a chuckle in his voice. And yes, it's pretty bad. He's lucky he didn't smear it right into his eye.]

[they're being completely ridiculous about this, but that is in no way a deterrent. Jin Guangyao at least has the presence of mind not to lead Lan Xichen by the hand through the siheyuan to the washroom. once they arrive, he reaches for the mirror affixed to the wall and angles it so that Lan Xichen can see his reflection.]

Er-ge may see for himself, [he answers with unerring (and therefore mercilessly teasing) courtesy, having pursed his lips into a line to prevent himself from grinning. his eyes sparkle with delight.] But don't worry. I found something while taking Huaisang shopping that I think will help.

Ah.

[That's one big greasy blue smear all over his face. And his fingers. Probably for the best Jin Guangyao didn't take him by the hand or they'd both look like they were about to transform into smurfs.]

Lianfang-zun has made his point loud and clear. This one will gladly take his suggestion.

[His own eyes are bright with amusement and warmth for the other man, simply enjoying this odd but comfortable space their relationship now occupies.]

[his cheeks dimple as he smiles.]

Permit this one to show you.

[he steps over to the cabinet above the sink and sorts through it for a brief moment, before returning to Lan Xichen with a small glass jar which, when unstoppered, smells pleasantly clean and fresh, like linens left to dry out under the sun on a warm summer day. he dabs a portion of it onto a cloth and starts to reach up to do the work himself, then pauses, meeting Lan Xichen's eyes--

--and it's not that he's hesitating because he doesn't want to be the one to do this, he does ~~rather desperately~~, but perhaps this intimacy is a step too far.]

Does Er-ge mind if I...? [his words trail off quietly. ~~hopeful~~]

Not at all.

[Their eyes lock for a brief moment, though Xichen winds up shutting his as he lowers his head. They are already skirting so many boundaries and if he looks, he'll want to kiss those lashes and dimples, and every inch of Jin Guangyao's face and that is rather off the table whatever else they want. Which is fine. They have always occupied this nebulous space of plausible deniability and Xichen can exist there quite content. There is little he cherishes more than these small moments they allow themselves; little treasures he locks away in the safety of his heart.]

This Zewu-jun is at Lianfang-zun's disposal.

[it's a good thing Lan Xichen's eyes are closed when he lowers his head and says those words, because Jin Guangyao's dark eyes widen, his lips part, and Lan Xichen isn't the only one who wants, so very much. but Jin Guangyao would not have gotten anywhere without willpower like tempered steel.

...still. they went through the ringer to reclaim this bit of playful, daring intimacy. he will enjoy it.]

Lianfang-zun welcomes any opportunity to attend you.

[spoken very softly and quietly before he touches the cloth to Lan Xichen's cheek and, gently, begins to coax the blue paint away from his skin. he works carefully and tenderly, his touch never rough. at some point he moves his other hand to rest two fingers against Lan Xichen's jaw just to hold him steady when a bit more pressure is needed to bring away the pigment. every so often, he allows his eyes to meet Lan Xichen's just for a fraction of a second longer than necessary, than what is, strictly speaking, appropriate (because everything about this remains the height of propriety, of course), before looking back to his methodical work.]

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