[ Xichen does not hesitate to wrap his arms around the boy, carding his fingers through his hair soothingly. ]
They did. They will find each other again. And they will find you again.
[ It doesn't take away the pain of missing them here and now, of the gaping hole of their absence. Xichen knows that, hard as it may be for him, Sizhui is the one who feels it most keenly. One or the other of those two men have been part of his life, sheltering and protecting him, throughout his memory. With both of them absent, and as sweet as Sizhui is... ]
It will be all right, A-Yuan. And it's all right to cry.
[From Sizhui's point of view, they're going on another journey that is meant for them. Still in tears, he collects himself, trying to be calm and composed. With this knowledge, he knows they returned home where they are meant to be.]
I'm glad they went home. I am very happy for them. Hanguang-Jun...Senior Wei...
[Sizhui already knew that they found each other. In a way, he knew they are fated for each other. Loosen himself from the hug]
Still the rabbits. In the hutch in the backyard. We have to do something about them. If one of us leaves and return home too, they need someone to care for them. So they be needing new homes, just in case.
And it is also all right to both be glad and grieve, A-Yuan. You need not prove your strength to me. I know it.
[ He doesn't let go of Sizhui just yet, nor does he stop the soothing. ]
And I am thinking... we do not yet need to let them go. I can make arrangements for someone to take them home should they be left all alone, but while at least some of us are here...
[He grieves too easily, just as easily as Wangji. It doesn't hurt as much as the first time. Because he knew everyone will go home eventually. While he figured some of his friends came from different times, they will eventually all meet at the same destination. As he has seen the future. He has lived it, seen it, witness it.
So, while it's difficult, it's not hard to find calm.
With a sense of relief, he is relieved to hear his Uncle's wisdom and he is glad to contact him on the matter. Sizhui has always loved the rabbits and dearly loved them, caring for them as his own back home in Cloud Recesses.]
That's a relief. I would hate to think they're in their cages or they roam free in the backyard by the summer heat. Rabbits need someone to care for them.
[Though he did wonder if he can sneak some of them back home, as he can't carry them all and transport through the portal can be risky.]
[It's a rough week, but Sizhui gathered the courage to talk to the remaining juniors. There are many thoughts in his mind. By default, Lan Xichen is still the sect leader and is head of the family, so all the decision is up to him.
So when they have time, he approaches his uncle to talk and discuss an important matter]
Uncle, I have spoken to Jingyi and Miu. It's hard on everyone. [Miu cried...cried a lot.] Remember the classes? Father usually teaches. [But he returns home, so the classes and schedule ended abruptly.]
Do we continue classes or suspend? I think it would be kind to suspend classes for a short period, at least for now. The juniors need more time...to rest and have fun.
[ Oh, Sizhui, are you planning to carry rabbits with you every time that you Port, now? That may get... complicated, after all.
But Xichen is certain in the junior's strength. He has seen it, over the years, growing around Wangji's silences, around the rules of the Lan sect and his own discovery of the world.
Still... at this time, he is more than willing to lend what strength he has to Sizhui instead. ]
They do. I ... am not yet willing to part with them, as they were loved so by... Wangji and young master Wei. So it seemed right to find a different way.
[ Xichen considers the question, but before answering, questions back, first. ]
Sizhui, I understand that you wish for freedom, but before I grant this, I wish you to consider the following, too.
The classes are but in the morning, and you have the entirety of the rest of your free time to rest, and seek out fun, as you say. Is it such a drain on your time, to spend this time together, focused on improving yourselves?
Second. Do you know what stalling in your development now, by missing those teachings, would do to you? To Jingyi? To Miu? Are you clear on the stages of cultivation for each of you, and that interrupting would be safe?
Third.
What do you think Wangji's answer to this request would be, if you are thinking of more than two or three days?
[ Yes, he remembers the classes. He has been teaching them next to Wangji since the first day, after all, difficult as facing the day has been, most of this time. And no, he is aware there are times to be lax and gentle.
But there are times when structure and a reason to keep going is needed more. ]
We will get you home safe and sound. I believe that will go a long way to easing any offense.
[ No, while Xichen used Maiden--
Madam Jiang's choice as an excuse, he had his reasons not to cave in on Jiang Wanyin's insistence. He will be, Xichen suspects, mollified by her presence. ]
[ Xichen sighs softly, but Jingyi has managed to ease the sting of earlier a great deal. He ducks his head, just a little. ]
I could have seen it, I think, if I had not chosen to trust him over those who warned me against him. And now... now is the harder choice. Is he trying to fool me again, or is he truly trying to be different. If I choose wrong...
[ Xichen shakes his head, then turns to pay attention to the gift.
Blinks. ]
... they put ... words... on cups?
[ Let's start there.
And yes, he is flustered. Listen, Wangji's signs of affection have always been Different, so this means a lot to him. ]
[Sizhui considers his answer. Each question carefully chosen to evaluate his progress on his cultivation. Searching for the right words. He doesn't mean to offend, but rather to ask and search for the answers.]
[Stating simply.] Jin Ling returns home and Father as well. [Even though he's tend to be a silent teacher who speaks only in few words, but they're profound.] Senior Wei also. I feel like lessons is missing their warmth. So, my own darkness drains me. I know it's absurd to grieve for their absence, but I am grieving. That's what holding me back in my training.
[He realized the lessons are not fun at times. The lessons are meant to perfect one's cultivation, to overcome difficulties, to train's one spirit to overcome emotions and mind over matter, both mentally and physically.] Last I asked of Father, he has given three days, which is generous, and then I was able to continue the lessons because of his encouragement and with diligence and vigor. I don't feel like my cultivation levels has gone lower or lesser, and I resume where I left off.
[Searching his thoughts to articulate his thoughts. Of course, there's a reason why they have to keep going with the lessons. It's the only time the family spend time together.] Jingyi and I probably have no problem picking up where we left off since we were taught since we're able to walk, talk, and write. But I think it would be much harder on Miu because she just started a few months ago, and she misses Father terribly.
If Jingyi and I return home [as returning back to this one maybe slim, but Sizhui is a case where he does return and remembers], we will meet again, back to our village. But should Miu will return back to hers, not remembering any of this. Though I'm sure in her heart and soul, she'll remember us for all time no matter what worlds we're in.
[So Sizhui rethinks his request and puts up three fingers] Three [personal] days of grievance for us. That's my request.
[ Xichen's face eases, because yes, Sizhui understands, and he nods. ]
That is reasonable, and granted. I will attempt to draw in another teacher to supplement what I can offer, if he is willing, by the time we resume.
[ He reaches to squeeze Sizhui's shoulder. ]
Remember that the classes are not to make the darkness stronger, but to give you the protection of progress, of companionship, and of the support of teachers against it, instead. Coming together makes the dispelling of darkness, within and without, easier than going alone.
Miu's grief is deeper than that for the rest of us - I will speak to her, as well.
But you should remember this as well. Even if the separation now, the absence of both men who raised you, puts pain in your heart, do not let it forget that Wangji and young master Wei are there, as well. Always with you, as you are always with them.
[And he is very proud of this. The store over the internet had been most accommodating.]
And I drew our symbol myself, so the people could put it on the side.
[He does not answer the his new father's confession, though, as that is something that sounds...like he should think about before he speaks. Sometimes he can do that, and this seems like one of those times he should.
Instead, he leans over to point to the wording.]
See? 'World's Greatest Dad.' I thought it was funny, because we are in a new world.
With three rooms staying empty, you think so? While I do believe that Jiang Wanyin's and Sizhui's rooms should stay as they are, I do not know if Miu might return with memory of her time here yet. Her room can be repurposed.
Young master Wei stayed in your room before.
[ It's a huge house, Wangji. It will be a while before they run out of room. Young Jin Ling has is room, Xichen doubts that Jin Zixuan, once he comes in, would like a room separate from lady Jiang's... and so on. ]
[Well, inwardly he felt bad that he does not remember Miu. That wouldn't be fair if Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan become married and they both wanted to move in. And those two rooms are saved for the disciples. And Jing Yi needs a room of his own, as he's growing big. Jin Ling needs room of his own because of dog.]
I showed him his room. Wei Ying doesn't feel like it's his own room. He just steps in for five minutes and he rather sleeps on the couch or on a rock or on the floor.
He wouldn't stay in mine. So I propose expanding the house. At least, turn the attic or basement whichever comes first. It can be done. If one of ours from our world show up, at least we have a room ready for them.
[He has all the time and energy to make the house bigger to prepare for a growing family. Because all of this just to make Wei Ying stay and don't go sleep on strange surfaces that isn't a bed.]
[For the occasion, there is cake to eat and bubble milk teas to drink. When it comes to gifts, Lan Wangji always goes out of his way to pick special gifts.
For his honored brother, there's a wrapped gift of a brand new calligraphy set with bottled inks, but also a set of cute painted ceramic rabbit figurines. It's something to decorate the desk or put on the shelf.]
[ Xichen is definitely not used to this kind of sweetness, especially not to celebrate the day of birth, but it is what his precious little brother has brought him, so of course he will partake - and share the rest.
The gifts bring a small hint of an almost smile, and, holding one of the ceramic figures in long fingers, he cups his hands and salutes his brother. ]
[Thankfully, it was one cake and there's enough for all. Jingyi can be so thoughtful to buy so many cakes for his own birthday. Lan Wangji smiles back, a rare occurrence. He is happy when his brother is happy. For once, they can enjoy the peace without a single incident.
With a hum of approval.]
Mn. I thought you might like them. You're welcome.
[ Jingyi is still at an age where new things are easily adopted and sugar highs are welcome... but that's all right. Xichen is almost more indulgent with his adoptive son than with his brother.
Almost.
He tilts his head slightly. ]
Have you... calmed down yet, after what transpired over the last weeks?
[Considering what happened with Wei Ying is gone in that world and everybody came back? That's like experiencing 16 years, but condensed. Well, not everyone. Shijie is gone while they're away. At least, with cake and Wei Ying returned, some sweetness in their life has returned. Slowly, but surely.]
Mn? It was tiring. I remembered everything. Wei Ying did not. It's for the best not to mention anything.
But Wei Ying is aware his shijie is gone and he wants to be alone for the most part.
[ Xichen almost opens his mouth to point out that, regardless of words, unlike Wangji, young master Wei is likely to be more hurt than aided by solitude...
Then he remembers, between the two of them, who has the better judgment about people. He lowers his eyes. ]
You are most likely to know best what he need. Only... if it becomes too difficult for him, try to remind him that she may yet return again. The way you did, and he did, and young sect leader Jin. In this place, little seems impossible.
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