middaeg | [semi-open] Lay me down let the only sound be the overflow

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[semi-open] Lay me down let the only sound be the overflow

Who: Lan Xichen, cultivators, and friends!
When: Around mid-month
Where: Lakeside out beyond the Wall (near the forge)
What: swimming, sitting, sighing, and shedding
Warnings: F is for friends who do stuff together.

Everyone probably has their own reasons for being at the lake. For Lan Xichen, working in the forge tends to lead to overheating (especially when he's been fighting off certain stress levels) and the nearby water provides a good way to politely cool off. Maybe you met him on his way and decided to join in or maybe you were already there. After several days this becomes a regular pattern of work followed by an afternoon soak, so it's possibly just a nice diversion when things are a bit too much to handle.

Whether it is swimming, meditating, having a snack, or just enjoying the fresh air along the bank, there are plenty of ways to share time with friends. The only possible warning will come from Lan Xichen himself if it looks like an argument is brewing--he will intervene. He came explicitly for some quiet time, so if anyone starts a fight, they'll probably have a half-naked Lan there to break them up. Maybe that's your thing.

[ooc: This log is a free for all for swimming and lake side games. All our friends are invited to tag in and tag each other. Basically, make up whatever you would like as a starter and cut in wherever if people agree! Non-cultivator friends and 4th wallers also welcome. If you need a specific prompt added, poke me at

teaandreveries.]

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I think we agree on many things. There are only a few things we really disagree on, don't you think?

[ Just the one thing, actually. But Lan Xichen is content not to argue over him anymore. They at least seem to be in a better place now without the pressure of sect politics to push them into actions they'll regret. Maybe this time they can make better decisions. He feels that there is actually hope for them now.

Nie Mingjue's souring expression and sulky response get a soft sigh out of Lan Xichen. ]

Mingjue.

[ The name is light and held like a complaint, too warm to be a whine, but carrying that weary fondness he has for someone who both exasperates him and makes him smile. And it hurts a bit, words come to mind that have a bit of the same defeated desperation.

If that is what you believe, then it's no different than it was before.

Were they always this way? Angry and injured and alone? Weren't they happy at one point? ]

I do not know how different you are. Or how different I am. It's not so simple, and I believe all of us have lost a great deal. It isn't only you that needs to catch up and learn who he is. I do not wish to be a shadow. If I agreed to what you ask now, I am afraid that is what I would be offering you. An illusion.

[ It would be far too easy to agree and go back to the way things were. To recreate that promise in a new form, but it would not give any of them any happiness. Lan Xichen squeezes his hand. ]

Spar with me.

[He just shoots him a narrow-eyed look in response, almost a warning, that if he is about to be scolded again he will simply leave. Not everyone can be as placid as the still surface of the lake. He's always been as prone to change in moods as a summer storm.

And right now, frustration and embarrassment are roaring to the surface. He bites his tongue to hold back the retort, Is that what you offered Jin Guangyao? An illusion?] I understand. [He says with an exhale of breath, mentally filing away the resolution to never bring this up again. They owe each other nothing, especially if Xichen wants to start over. He doesn't understand it, why it was different with Jin Guangyao, but he feels pathetic for even thinking that. He is not some lowly snake crawling for scraps of affection from an old friend.

He needs to keep his dignity and regain his composure or Huaisang will know something is wrong when he gets home.

Mingjue goes still again when Xichen asks to spar. While he would normally agree, and quickly, right now, he isn't so sure. He has only picked up Baxia to threaten (mostly this man's chosen Bonded partner, including very recently) and to fight inhuman, dead creatures since he arrived, and the hazy half-memories of his violent deviation still linger.] It is getting late. [He says a little stiffly.]

[Lan Xichen receives that sharp look with patience, letting it roll like thunder overhead without touching him. He expects Nie Mingjue to be disappointed--he has to be, with that unsatisfying answer--but he knows that entering a bond with both of his sworn brothers too quickly, without thought or discussion, will only lead to disaster. It has to be done more carefully this time. Whether he had started with Nie Mingjue or Jin Guangyao, it was always going to be difficult. He would always have left one of them disappointed and angry, if this is how they both feel. But Jin Guangyao was admittedly easier to begin with. He would talk where their older sworn brother tended to brood and threaten. Like now, actually, which Lan Xichen thinks fondly.

He stands up, letting go of Nie Mingjue's hand so that he can, and steps away so he can face him properly.]

Spar with me.

[Yes, he is insisting.]

It has been a long time and we are both in need of it.

[He's all talked out by now. It's already been more honest words about his innermost thoughts than he's said to anyone, save Huaisang, in a very long time. Truthfully, he thinks he regrets it. Showing his heart to anyone but his brother never seems to turn out well.

Mingjue stands when Xichen does, glancing down to tie his black inner robes, to hide more than just his patchy, three-toned body. His hair is still damp, but he takes the minute to pull it back, braids and all, and tie it out of the way. Unconsciously, his gaze flicks to Baxia, resting so innocently, so silently, on the grass a short distance from the lake atop the rest of his robes.

He closes his eyes and tries to find the strength.]

Fine. One round.

No weapons.

[He says that calmly, adding another condition after he earns agreement. One step at a time, little by little, they can learn to do this again. If he has to drag his friend back with him for part of the journey, well, he can do that. Jin Guangyao had many years to be comfortable with him, but Nie Mingjue is still unsure. They can relearn the footwork. They had to, once upon a time.]

And I don't want you to hold back too much either. I know you are unhappy with me. Don't withdraw from this. It is only between us.

[The tense line of his shoulders relaxes a fraction when he says no weapons, and he dusts off the sleeves of his inner robe to try and cover it.

Only to scoff when he says not to hold back.] It isn't just between us though, is it? You and your bonded share pain, don't you? If I leave bruises tonight, no doubt he will tell everyone in the morning about what an enraged beast I am. [He doesn't know if the feeling of needing to look over his shoulder is entirely him or if it is Huaisang as well. Maybe both, after the full moon.]

Light contact.

[The look Lan Xichen gives Nie Mingjue is still graceful and calm, but there's a turn of amusement and, if someone were to really search, perhaps even pride.]

Chifeng-zun is quite sure of himself, thinking he has bested this sect leader already. It is my understanding that you are quite out of practice. But if you are concerned, I'm sure no one will have anything to say about two friends having a practice bout. Some marks are only to be expected.

["Light contact"? Is that for Lan Xichen's sake or his own? The question sticks with him.]

I will be as gentle as I am able to, yes.

I'm out of practice? [He narrows his eyes, brows pulling down into a scowl as Xichen turns all his words right back on him. Who is out of practice? Who? Do you train much in seclusion, Lan Xichen? It is easy for him to brush off when his position in the city isn't so tenuous. No one will potentially go full mutually-assured-destruction on him.

It's practically written on his face, the litany of frustrated grumbling that goes through his head, even if most of it doesn't reach his lips.] I don't need you to-!

[His scowl deepens.] I know what you are doing. Fine, then. I won't hold back.

[The scowl is met with a genuine, full smile. One that isn't restrained or delicate, but laughing and alive--a real smile that he has had trouble mastering for some time. It's like learning to breathe again, and it feels good.]

Good, then I will refrain from holding back as well.

[The twinkle of amusement doesn't fade. He gives Nie Mingjue a short bow of acknowledgment.]

If you dirty my robes, I will also make sure to tell Wangji it was truly an impressive beast, so that I do not ruin your reputation.

You had better- [He says, still glaring, because it's easier than trying to think about that smile and how much more real it looks from the usual. That smile is not placid as the surface of the still lake, it is alive. It is as alive as Nie Mingjue wants to feel again.]

If I dirty your robes? I advise against posing challenges. [Because Mingjue has never backed down from a challenge, and he won't now. Xichen gets a brief indicator of intention before Mingjue makes the first move, aggressive as ever in his style, coming at him with speed and strength that are even above what he had access to before.]

[The teasing was probably a bit much, Lan Xichen thinks when the tiger-like form of Nie Mingjue launches toward him. Antagonizing him was a bit too effective. He was used to sparring with the man as he used to be, but he is out of practice and without his usual cultivation, so he can only dodge back, avoiding rather than meeting him like he might have when they were younger.

But the smile remains. Well, he can learn new tricks too. It's good practice. Lan Xichen moves in, relying on speed and precision rather than power as he attempts to move too close and strike a blow to the side of his friend's torso, light, of course, but also in an awkward place that will put him off balance trying to catch him.]

You like challenges.

[Lan Xichen is fast. He has always been. Nie Mingjue's advantages have always lay in brute strength and unstoppable force - direct and straight-forward in words and battle. It has been some time since he has trained hand-to-hand, for lack of a partner, but he can adjust. He is still feeling out what the beginnings of this new form can do.

He sees it coming at his side, and twists to avoid; his balance is better these days, and he recovers surprisingly quickly, shifting his stance low to sweep a leg out and try to catch him behind the knees.] And you don't? You're egging me on.

[The reaction is sharp and Lan Xichen is caught by the leg sweeping under him, hitting his legs with solid impact. A breath is shaken out of him as he topples face forward, reaching out in front of himself so he can land on his hands. He recovers as he lands, holding himself on palms and the pads of his feet as he swings back around to face Nie Mingjue again, reassessing his opponent.

Definitely tougher than the old days, and he was already strong then.]

I didn't want you to feel bored.

[He dashes in again, determined, striking light taps at what would be pressure points if he aimed to hit harder, trying to focus on quick, short contact so he can land as many touches as he can before Nie Mingjue can stop him and maybe he can attempt to retreat before he's grabbed and knocked down.]

[Mingjue falls into the fight like it's all muscle memory, letting himself move on instinct and not conscious thought. He can't block even half of Lan Xichen's hits - the other is still faster than him - but he manages to deflect a few, and delivers his own jabs and strikes.] I thought you said you wouldn't hold back- [He cuts off with a grunt, knowing those hits are light. Some may not even bruise.

The moment he senses retreat, though, he squares his stance and rushes him, trying to get arms around his waist to haul him up. That's the goal now, apparently: get an arm around Xichen's middle to hoist him in a lift.

And, if he manages, to straight up hurl him into the lake. The water's deep enough. He'll be fine.]

[Xichen is going to respond, dodging back as Nie Mingjue blocks his last blows and maintains his stance, but then he suddenly finds the larger man's arm grabbing him and pulling him in. He fights the grapple, losing whatever retort was on his lips as he twists and struggles--and flies back, landing hard in the water.

When he comes back up, he's wet and flailing like an angry cat clawing his way back to shore. Heavy and looking completely unfit for Lan sect's carefully preserved appearance, he shoots Nie Mingjue an offended look.]

Ah, you got them wet.

[Dragging heavy silk out of the lake, Lan Xichen tries to salvage his outer robe, removing it to wring out some of the water.]

I will have to get them cleaned now. You're so excitable.

[Nie Mingjue only looks smugly pleased as he crouches near the banks and watches Lan Xichen pull himself out of the water.] I did advise you against posing a challenge. I don't feel bored, though, you were right. [He offers a hand to help him out, trying to hold in a laugh to see his poised and immaculate friend so disheveled, rounded ears perked. This sort of behavior would not fly if they were still Sect Leaders, but... there is not here.]

I will pay for cleaning. [At least he is willing to atone for a wrong, even if he doesn't really regret it. The little twinkle in his dark eyes makes that lack of remorse obvious enough.] Borrow mine in the meanwhile. You can return it to me another day.

[Even though he's complaining, there's a warmth in Lan Xichen's eyes as he looks at his friend. Once he removes as much water from his robes as he can, he pulls them back on, shaking his head with amusement.]

It is fine. I deserve to walk home with the memory of my defeat. I believe you have gotten faster recently.

[Or his reflexes have gotten slower. It's definitely possible. He'll have to practice more often to make up that difference.]

Do you want to try again in the future?

Are you sure you would rather not trade for a day or so? I could take yours to be cleaned. I have to see a tailor in the morning anyway to ask about wedding robes, and they provide laundering. [He goes to gather up his perfectly dry, still-folded outer robes and Baxia, quirking a brow with mild amusement.] You are as quick as ever. I think it is my reflexes that have improved. [Maybe not too drastically, but they're improved enough as a Monster that it's noticeable.]

Maybe somewhere that is not beside the lake next time. Remove the temptation. [The corners of his lips are turned up. A soaking wet Lan Xichen is still funny.]

[Lan Xichen stops as he's pulling on his wet robes and attempting to get some of the water out of his hair, looking over at Nie Mingjue with a certain level of curiosity.]

But if we trade clothes, then what will you wear? I don't want you to go without any robes for that long, Mingjue-xiong.

[He would clearly be the only one benefiting from a trade like that.]

Mm. Well, if you feel the need again, you should just warn me first so that I can spare my robes at least. I don't mind if you get me wet otherwise. It seems I also have more training to do. I believe I used to stand more of a chance against you.

I have other clothing at home. [He may not wear them much, but sometimes, his employer wants him to be a little less conspicuous. He is practical and he can see the use of trousers and shirts with close-fitting sleeves at times when ceremony and reputation are not necessary.] At times I need to dress more like the natives.

[He dumped him in the lake, it only seems fair that he head back in his inner robes and have Xichen's robes cleaned.]

You are still quite skilled, and quick. I believe I have some new advantages, however, that I am not used to.

[It's kind moments like that which really touch him. He knows they haven't gotten along that well since Nie Mingjue arrived and that it is his fault, which probably won't change too easily, but his older sworn brother is still this thoughtful. It stings his heart just a bit.]

If you really insist. I was the one that caused it.

[He dug his own grave. Or... flew his own ass into the lake. Whichever analogy works in this case.]

Thank you, Mingjue-xiong.

[He says that sincerely, before laughing quietly at the observation.]

You have quite the balance! I thought I could catch you, but I will have to come up with a better technique. Do you think it is from whiskers?

Don't take blame for things you did not cause. I threw you. [And he has no regrets. Still pretty proud of yeeting him into the lake. He gathers up his outer and middle layers, still folded, from the grass and hands them to Xichen, taking his soaking outer robe over his arm in return. At least his inner robes are black and not sheer.] Thanks are not necessary. I will drop these off when they've been cleaned.

[And he shoots him a flat look.] I do not have whiskers. [Not yet anyway. Don't jinx him. But he might reach up to touch the ends of his mustache just to check.] Maybe it is innate. There are things about this form I am only just discovering.

But in this case I was indeed the cause. I should have been more considerate of your feelings.

[He accepts the dry robes, bowing properly as he does, and then gives the wet outer robe over with an apologetic smile.]

I will repay you.

[There is no reason Nie Mingjue should have to pay for his mistakes. But Lan Xichen is happy anyway.]

Ah, don't tigers have whiskers? Your ears look a little like theirs, so I was thinking it might be possible for you to have whiskers as well.

[That wrenches an annoyed little huff out of him.] I am beyond tired of hearing about my feelings and anyone's consideration of them, Xichen. [He's trying very hard to put the more uncomfortable parts of today's conversation behind him, trying to feel normal with the other man again, but he isn't sure if that's possible.]

I don't yet. [And hopefully he won't. That seems a little too much.] The ears are bad enough.

[Ah, there he is again. A moment of calm for another of anger, and Xichen holds back a sigh. If only Nie Mingjue could accept kindness as easily as his brother without fighting every step. But then, that is Mingjue.]

Well, I think the ears are nice.

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[semi-open] Lay me down let the only sound be the overflow

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