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[no, he sure didn't, oh gosh! sizhui's eyes become almost comically wide at the sight of everything wei wuxian is carrying, his mouth momentarily hanging open in his stunned state. really, his father didn't need to do all this, and yet... it makes sizhui's throat tight with emotion again, though for a whole other reason this time.

he swallows hard, sniffs, briefly inclines his head so he can dab at his eyes with his sleeves (just in case!), then he opens his bedroom door further and steps into the hallway, outstretching a hand to accept some bags if wei wuxian's willing to hand them over.]

You sure do . . . goodness, you didn't have to bring an entire restaurant! [he's still extraordinarily grateful, nevertheless, so.] Thank you and I hope you're prepared to help me eat some of it. [since, even as hungry as he is, he's not sure he could eat half of what his father's brought.] Everything you've already said sounds marvelous, though. [but especially the cupcakes, maybe after a sandwich and some soup or a salad, and then fruit following that— ah, hold on, he's getting ahead of himself here.

he makes a gesture toward the large nightstand beside his bed,] Here, let's set it all down, assess what we've got and go from there.

Am I not allowed to spoil you at least a little?[He teases gently but that is what he is going to do. Step up and spoil the boy if he is allowed to do so. And bringing him a feast when he is feeling down is just the start.]

And it wasn't the whole restaurant...just most of it.

[He hands a couple of the bags off but keeps most in his grip. He won't let his son feel helpless but he knows that if he behaves even half as badly as Wei Wuxian did when he lost his own Lan Zhan...well he wouldn't be in good shape. But at least seeing his son is upright gives him a little hope that he can help him through his feelings of loss.

He then takes the rest of the bags and sets them upon the nightstand. It will have to do as a dinner table so that he can start showing off the various dishes he has brought.]

Anything we don't eat we can always save for later. [The modern conveniences that this world gives them makes keeping food much more convenient and he can't help but enjoy that part of it. He knows the food won't go to waste that way. But he will make sure that Sizhui at least makes a dent in it.]

I wasn't sure exactly what you would feel like eating so I brought a little of everything. [The lan diet is usually so restrictive...and he wasn't sure how strictly Sizhui was still following it. So he made sure there was plenty of vegetarian options but also bringing things with meat just in case. The boy needs to make sure he has as much that will give him energy as he can get.]

No, no, you are! I just wasn't...expecting... [all of this, is what sizhui wants to say, but he lets it stay petered-out, opting to answer wei wuxian's other remark instead (since he's ever-so-grateful his father wants to spoil him so readily).]

Well, it will definitely be more than enough. I can't wait to see what all you've brought!

[which is exactly why he takes the offered bags without hesitation, hooking one in each hand and guiding them toward the table he'd motioned to moments ago. helping people has been something he's always done, no matter the circumstances, and he cannot let depression overwhelm him too much, lest he falls out of other habits he's become so accustomed to. the loss of his baba and dabo will be rough, but sizhui'll do what he's always done on noctium: take everything in stride, focus on who has remained and strengthen the bonds with them while there's still time.

right now, that's spending time sharing a meal with this father and he's pretty excited about it, about what's filling all these bags they've got. he doesn't hesitate to begin opening them, removing containers of food, setting them up neatly, sliding aside bags once they've become empty.]

This is true! So, it's not like anything will go to waste. [just as wei wuxian's thinking, alongside his also correctly assumed thought of sizhui clearing a decent amount of it out.

because as he's examining everything that's laid out, he notes there really are many, many options here, even vegetarian ones and, while he still follows the lan sect rule of ‘do not be picky with food,’ the extra step his father's taken in being sensitive to his usual diet warms his heart.] Frankly, I feel like eating everything. [and nothing, but he's well-aware that's the depressive feelings trying to take hold again.] But do you see anything particular you'd like? This way, I can work around that and choose my feast then.

[He takes a step back once the food is displayed, watching his son with a smile. The boy seems genuinely touched or at least more animated then he seemed before his arrival. That is all he can ask for. If he can help him just a little then he has done his job as a father.

He hums at the question, looking over the food.]

I brought this for you so you should be the one to select first. [But he will reach out and touch a bowl of chicken that is just a bit brighter red then probably should be normally seen.]

But I will say that this is pretty spicy so you might not like it. [But is right up Wei Wuxian's alley.]

[sizhui stays where he's at hovering over the food, tilting his head this way and that while checking everything out. as it stands now, he's decided on some cucumber sandwiches, a bowl of fresh mixed tropical fruit and an oversized chocolate cupcake, but he's also already considering a spring salad and steamed dumplings too— gosh, there are just so many options and not enough space for it all.

nevertheless, he does spare wei wuxian a sideways glance.] Yes, I know, but it still feels better to at least let you have the first pick, in my opinion. [like any good, filial child should!

the chicken his father reaches for draws sizhui's attention, has his eyebrows lifting with contemplation at the color, though the moment he mentions it being spicy, his expression wrinkles in a brief show of disdain, he shakes his head then redirects with an amused half-smile,] You would be correct, so that's all yours, of course.

Which means I'll start with these, then. [he turns back again, collects the sandwiches and fruit he'd been eyeing, then he moves toward the bed to hop back up and sit.] Hanguang-jun would probably scold us for eating in bed, but... given the circumstances, I think it'll be alright.

[He grins as he takes the chicken in hand and some utensils with which to eat it with. A drink is already in hand as well. His mouth and stomach may be able to handle the heat, but that doesn't mean a good drink to temper the heat isn't also necessary. He plops himself down beside his son and hums his agreement.]

That is true but also when have I ever really truly followed the rules?

[And Lan Wangji wouldn't ever truly stay mad at him if he ever saw him having a snack in bed. The man lets him get away with just about anything. And he was sure that if the man saw the two of them eating in bed, Wei Wuxian could easily charm him into forgiving their disobedience.]

He'll never know so I think we are going to be able to avoid punishment.

[All said lightly as if it is a grand secret for just the two of them. Should Lan Wangji ever return to this place, he certainly doesn't have to know that they did such a shameful activity!]

[whoops, he didn't choose a drink! that's alright though, he can always collect one later if he wants, because right now: he's far hungrier than he is thirsty, honestly. a lot of what wei wuxian brought for those choices look interesting too, so he'll have to give them a better look after awhile.]

Never, [he half-whispers with emphasis, giggling softly afterward.] Though, that's not a complaint, to be fair.

[not this time, no. not when he's so happy wei wuxian's still here beside him, collecting food to share, joking around like it's no big deal they could make a mess and sizhui would have to clean the bedsheets. if that isn't possible, surely the two of them could figure out a way to avoid lan wangji's sternness together. (hanguang-jun had excused his ridiculous crying after zhuque left, he'd understand his son and alternate universe soulmate mourning his loss for certain!)

he nods,] Mmn. The only way he would know is... if we told him when he came back. [since he knows that's a possibility but he won't hold his breath; lan wangji could come back and he could not, they must accept the former just as much as the latter.

initially, he decides on the sandwich, momentarily holding it in one hand while he reaches out with the other and gingerly touches his father's forearm, expression serious again.] I have to tell you, [just in case, before the man somehow disappears without sizhui being able to tell him,] I'm glad you're still here.

[He was the fun father after all! And the fun one can't be held back by rules and doing what is right all the time. He sticks a piece of the chicken in his mouth and instantly tastes all the heat of the spices. It's glorious. His mouth will be wonderfully aflame by the time this is all gone from his plate.]

I won't tell if you won't.

[It is their secret to keep and he wouldn't dream of spoiling it. He gets to enjoy this quality time with Sizhui so it doesn't matter if a few rules are broken while he does it. As someone who has experience Lan Zhan's disappearance...reappearance...disappearance...repeat...on several occasions he can certainly hold out hope for another return. It is a little of what keeps him going each day is knowing that they will be back together either here or back home...someday.

he looks over at his won as he touches him arm. Concern crosses his face as his expression turns serious but once those words are said his smile returns, albeit a bit softer.]

I'm clearly meant to be here for an extended stay. So you don't have to worry. [Anything that he can say or do to ease the others concern, he will do it. ANd he does believe he is going to be here for quite a bit longer...maybe he can just feel it inside of him at this point that he isn't destined to leave quite yet.]

I am glad you are still here too.

[At least he can hold onto at least a little bit of family still.]

[does ‘fun’ also include enjoying burning his mouth off? because his son's watching him thoughtfully, still smiling, even though he shakes his head after the man takes a bite of his food; the only thing sizhui can imagine is tasting that spicy congee and remembering how it'd burned his tongue, made his eyes water and had almost his whole face turning red with the heat it brought forth.]

Of course I won't.

[he's kept his secrets with everyone else, after all, and jingyi's broken many lan sect rules! so, if he stays quiet for jingyi, why would his father ever be an exception? besides, this is a minute rule compared to some of the ones they could've broken during this whole ordeal on-world at noctium. (oh, hey, they're totally breaking the ‘no talking during meals’ rule as well, he's realized, but sizhui's also not too worried about that, either.) whether it's lan wangji returning to them again or them, eventually, somehow finding a way home... they can at least know they'll see each other once more.

his arm withdraws almost as quickly as he'd outstretched it, that hand taking hold of his sandwich too, picking off a part of the corner which he eats, mulling over wei wuxian's words while he's chewing. does he truly believe that? and what qualifies as an extended stay when you've already been around for more than a year?

regardless, it's not what matters. what does is that they're both here, together, delighted to be in each other's company and enjoying time with one another while they still can.

once he's finally finished, he remarks,] Then I hope I'm allowed to stay with you for as long as possible.

[He is glad for this time together even if it happened because of a sad event. He should have been around more but perhaps this is meant as a way for him to become a better father to this other world son. He will not neglect his duties any longer! But that also means he has a lot of catching up to do.]

As long as you want! And of course even after this, any time that you need me you know where to find me. You are welcome any time and can always call on me for anything.

[They all had homes in the compound and he wasn't that far away. the boy was always welcome at his home. And he was sure Lil' Apple would enjoy a different face then his once in awhile. not that the donkey seemed to give him much attention...]

But tell me what you have been up to! Since we have the time and a big meal to finish, you can tell me everything.

[Because who cares about the no talking rule...or any rule for that matter. he wants his son to tell him everything he has done, learned and experienced while in this place.]

[they've all been busy with their own lives, figuring stuff out, settling into whatever normalcy they can get while they're here— everything's fair game with so many new things to discover, learn about, teach other people whenever they arrive from their worlds, dazed and confused. given the more open parts of his schedule now, there are surely times they can figure out and plan family get-togethers around.]

Mm, [he answers in confirmation, finishing the second sandwich piece he's taken before continuing,] I'll keep it in mind and perhaps we could figure out something to do together that might actually get us out of the compound.

[aw gosh, he'd love to come and visit lil' apple though, maybe bring the donkey some of its favorite snacks, alongside some vegetables or other fruits it may like. however, if lil' apple starts offering him affection, sizhui's going to feel sorta bad— but then it's also not his fault if an animal likes him more, he supposes!

everything? they'll be here for hours upon hours if he shares it all, of course, yet there are likely some things he could omit and he might possibly be able to summarize.]

Lately? Haah... there was the ball a while back, then I went to a ‘young adult's’ party and ended up having the strange lung-flower disease.

There are plenty of reasons to go out of the compound! Just the food alone is reason.

[He grins before sticking another piece of chicken in his mouth. Obviously the options in town far outweigh what they can do just in their own kitchens. Of course...Wei Wuxian doesn't cook so he doesn't have much choice but to go out and get food. His attempts at cooking don't often go well and it isn't much fun cooking for himself. So he goes out and enjoys trying all the different restaurants. Might as well do so while he can.]

Young adult party?

[That gets a curious tilt of his head. He hasn't even heard of anything of the sort and he wonders what possibly could go on at something like that. He doesn't go to a lot of parties and wonders what those are like on these more modern of worlds. He is sure it is quite different from the cultivator banquets. His few visits to things while on this world were never called young adult so he is interested.

But the later part of that comment hits him as far more important.]

Are you feeling better now? No lingering effects right?

[Concerned father mode has been activated.]

It's true, there are so many places to go for food... it would take weeks to try them all!

[sizhui follows suit, taking bite upon bite of the sandwich, almost to the point he might look a little ravenous, though he does finish after a couple moments. going out and ordering food, whether they stay at the restaurant or get their orders to go, is a much easier way to feed themselves if they're not using their kitchen. however, sizhui's gotten rather good at cooking, sort of likes pouring his energy into planning meals, prepping the ingredients then tossing it all together into something delicious that he can enjoy, with someone or by himself. if wei wuxian would like, they could go to the market and find something that sizhui could cook for them both.

while it's tempting to immediately start explaining what the party was, perhaps it's best that he focuses on talking about the flower problems instead, this way he can consider what details he might have to omit in case they're a little too, ah, risqué to put forth. (because yes, he'd dipped into the emote-spiked punch and done some questionable things, but his father doesn't need to know that!)

he shakes his head,] No, I don't think so? I'm not coughing up flowers anymore and there are no chest pains or other side-effects I've experienced.

[such a good dad! but he needn't worry, not when his son figured out the trick to getting rid of the strange disease.]

[Wei Wuxian would be over the moon if his son cooked for him. He is pretty sure he would swell with pride and happiness that he would likely burst. He would love to try his cooking at some point. He has so many ideas for things that they could do together...of course a lot of them are revolving around food at the moment. Probably because they are both hungry and filling their stomachs.

His father certainly wouldn't know whether to swell with pride that his son has grown up enough to enjoy the more risque parts of a party...it is probably also better he doesn't know all the details.]

Good, good...If you ever have problems like that make sure you contact me. I want to make sure I can do anything I can to make it go away. Ah...I know I can't help with everything...but..[He waves his hand with the utensil and a piece of chicken attached to it in the air dismissively. He will not help his son when things are more...sexual...in nature since he knows that this world has some weird effects. But he is willing to help with anything else.]

I will help any way that I can! I don't want you to suffer.

[well, that's settled then! at some point, they'll come back around to food, and sizhui won't waste any time suggesting the idea. whatever they both decide on, he'll cook, even if that means working with something a little bit out of his league. (and yes, spices will be included with that offer!) offhandedly though, he can recall a few other things they might try out; the waterfront park, the arcade, some walking in the night gardens, a night at the eqinox for karaoke! or perhaps they could travel a bit and maybe see the dangu street cafés with their delicious teas and coffees and adorable animals? check out hana-sa gardens?

—the point is, there are plenty of places for them to go, it's just deciding which ones they want to start with.

what sizhui also thinks is a good decision is leaving out some details here and there, both about the party and the flower problems; mostly the latter because, while there aren't any lingering side-effects, it'd been a bit painful when it was happening, so he's unsure he wants to worry wei wuxian with that problem now that it's already over.]

I'll remember for the next time I start coughing up flowers. [a wide grin brightens his features, followed shortly thereafter by a laugh because, though he knows it's a possibility, he hopes it won't be happening again anytime soon. lucky for them both, there's absolutely no way he'd approach his father with anything of a sexual nature, far too embarrassed by even considering the idea he would've had to ask about the whole ‘birds and the bees’ talk, but thankfully, he already knows enough about it with the help of the network, the many stores around noctium and zhuque (although he isn't an option anymore, sadly).]

Thank you, A-Die, I hope you know the same offer extends to you from me. We have to take care of each other, after all.

[They will have many adventures together since even if they are places they have been before, it will feel like they are new when they attend them with one another. He will be happy to see all of these places with his son at his side. there is also still much to this world they haven't seen. he is sure that they have only been able to scratch the surface of what is available. Much like the hotel it seems like they get glimpses of new areas every so often.]

Of course! I've been lucky enough to avoid a lot of the unpleasant stuff but none of us are completely safe from it. Next time I'll be sure to call on you.

[And some of the things he has ended up with he certainly wouldn't discuss with his son either. They both are going to have their secrets and that is inevitable. There are just certain things that shouldn't be shared...

But for now he can enjoy the pleasant meal and conversation since they both seem to be free from any of those pesky problems at the moment.]

How is your meal?

[aw gosh, that's so true though? sizhui will have to suggest places he's gone and whatever ones his father hasn't visited, they'll have to go re-experience them together and vice-versa for whichever ones wei wuxian has been to and his son hasn't. there are loads of new places sizhui's not visited and what better way to expose themselves to new things than with one another? it'll be great, he knows it, anything that involves spending time with wei wuxian usually is and nobody can change his mind on that.]

Good, and I'm glad you've been able to avoid most of it, honestly. [some of these events haven't been great, to say the least, and he'd much rather those he cares about avoid it instead of suffering any consequences.

he's certain they've both got their fair share of secrets and is also one-hundred-percent fine with this; there really are things that don't necessarily have to be shared with everyone.

but they needn't worry about such things, not when they're making up for lost time.] It's great. [so much so, sizhui's only just now realizing he'd devoured that second sandwich in-between their conversation, prompting him to reach for the fruit next.] Thank you again, I really do appreciate you bringing food to share with me.

I'm even starting to feel a bit more like myself.

Good! {Wei Wuxian has definitely noticed that the sandwiches seem to have disappeared fairly quickly which he is pleased for. He wanted his son to feel better and he wanted to be sure that he was eating. At least his plan seems to be working so he can call this operation a success.]

Food is an important part in keeping up our strength.

[He reaches out and gives his son a little pat on the back of the shoulder. Just a gentle reminder that even the casual touches and the feeling of affection they have for each other is also necessary to continue on. He is happy to give his son those pieces of help as well.]

And contact is as well. So make sure you don't forget the important pieces. I don't want you turning to stone.

[Like he almost did a year ago...That had been a rough time but he was glad he had so many family members to drag him back to his senses. A lot of that family might be gone now but that just means they have to make sure they take even better care of each other as best that they can.]

[frankly, he feels a bit embarrassed at how quickly he'd eaten them, but it makes sense he would be rather hungry after not having anything for... longer than he wants to admit. instead of thinking about it too much, sizhui opens the fruit container and chooses a piece of mango, which he promptly pops into his mouth, further emphasizing his father's point of them needing to eat.

he nods, offers a muffled mm! in response, then casts his attention to where wei wuxian pats his shoulder, his eyebrows faintly arched with surprise. being touched isn't all that astonishing, especially not by his parent, yet he can't help it, as it feels like it's been some time since his last physical contact with anybody.

after swallowing, sizhui's non-sticky hand lifts and rests on his father's arm again, gently squeezing for reassurance.]

Right, yes, we don't want that to happen either. Thank goodness, Synchrony can be obtained through platonic affection too.

[it hadn't occurred to him until this very moment that'd be a problem; with zhuque gone, he wouldn't be able to produce manna like normal, and given the loss of their other cultivator family, it also reduced their synch partners down to just each other— but they needn't be deterred by this because they do still have one another! even now, his emerald is glowing slightly, warming between his shoulderblades with their mutual contact, the enjoyment of sharing a meal together.]

[When he has almost turned to stone last year it was the fact that he had taken up living with Yanli that kept him from being completely turned. The love she felt filled the house and just that feeling was enough to keep him living. He would gladly do the same for this son. He is grateful that the rules of this world do not restrict them to more intimate connections for survival. Even he can feel the warmth of their connection in that red gem in his forehead.]

If you ever feel a little off or it has been too long, make sure you call on me immediately. We will do whatever you want even if it is just sitting together.

[He says this firmly but with a smile on his face. this benefits them both after all. He is still fondly watching his son eat, only occasionally nibbling on his own meal as he just enjoys the contact between them.]

You should remember which of these things you like the most so that we can get them again sometime.

[that's so wonderful though; yanli could always fill any home with such a warm, loving sensation, it's a shame she also left all those months ago. sizhui misses her a whole lot, even more-so now when he realizes how little family he has left, and that only solidifies his decision to try and spend as much time with the father he has left. in-person check-in once a week, maybe? he'll text message him every day, however, just to ask how his day is going at the very least.

he upturns from his food, letting his gaze drift all the way up to wei wuxian's ruby gemstone, lingering for a long moment then finally lowering to his eyes again.] Sitting together is completely fine, but it's you and I. I'm sure we can find something far more interesting to do around here.

[why shouldn't they have fun, huh? there's so much they can do on noctium, after all, and it'd prove great distractions from their sadness. it's instinctive to move closer, but sizhui figures he shouldn't crowd too much of his father's space – just in case! – and stays where he's at (for now). later, perhaps he'll scooch closer, he is fine where he's at currently, though.]

Well... I definitely liked those sandwiches. This fruit is good too and, to be fair, you can never go wrong with cake.

[He laughs and reaches over to collect a piece of cake. He definitely can agree to that. He has found he has quite the sweet tooth since traveling between all these worlds. There are just far too many good desserts out there.]

I don't know how many of the cakes you have tried, but there isn't a bad one out there.

[Even if Shizui doesn't move closer, his father will eventually do so. The more contact, the better! This is his son after all. He would be happy if the boy checked in on him every day. There would be nothing that would brighten his day more.]

I have a personal goal to try every piece of cake that exists. But since there are different shops and every makes cake differently it is a very long process.

[to no one's surprise, sizhui has learned the same thing while on noctium. he hasn't quite finished his fruit, but after seeing wei wuxian reach for cake, he can't help closing that container and reaching for the double-chocolate cupcake he'd set aside earlier; it seems like it'll be a lot, though at this point, he's not too worried about a sugar overdose that could lead into a crash later.]

The ones I can remember off the top of my head are vanilla, lavender-lemon and chili-chocolate. [all of which were ones he'd tried with lan wangji and the other wei wuxian, so of course they bring fond memories alongside sad, reminiscent ones, but they were all good cakes.

however, briefly coming back to that aforementioned crashing, he might just very well do so against wei wuxian's shoulder if it hits him hard enough! so hopefully, he won't mind if his son decides to sleep on him, either.]

Oh goodness, I can only imagine how much cake you've already eaten, just from Noctium alone! As long as you don't make yourself sick while doing so... I'm sure there isn't anything wrong with trying them all.

The key is not to do too many in one day. Just a treat after a good meal. But obviously not every day.

[If he did have one every day he might have actually been able to try everything but it was impossible to expect to enjoy a dessert after every dinner. But he has already lost count of how many different flavors of cakes he has tried. And of course...sometimes he doesn't try something new and just goes to a favorite because cravings happen.]

Have you tried to make any of the cakes yourself?

[Even his cakes tend to be spicy...but he has tried to be a little more restrained with what kind of things he puts into his food.]

Every other day might suffice though, yes? As long as one doesn't consume too much sugar before then too.

[overdoing it with sweets can upset one's stomach, sizhui knows from experience, so he's been careful to not eat nearly as much throughout the week and, if he has a really bad craving, he does his best to choose something that won't overwhelm. after having learned what a sweet tooth he has, it's been hard to resist, but he sees no harm in enjoying sweets, aside from the havoc it can wreak on his insides if consumed in excess.]

I did try recreating the vanilla bean cake once, but... it didn't taste quite the same. However, it was still very good, I just wanted to see if it was possible to make instead of going and buying it all the time. [if it were easy to recreate though, the tea shop wouldn't make as much money as it does now, would it?]

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