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[It's the robes he sees first.

Between the recent loss of Gwen and everything that's been going on with Finn and Felix, Wei Wuxian hasn't been paying much attention to anything lately, ghosting through the halls from one room to another, and spending all of his time in the infirmary at Finn's side or in Itachi's room with only the occasional visit to his own room. It's one of those days when he's merely ghosting through the station, hardly aware of where he is or who he's passing as he makes his way from Itachi's room to the sunlight room when he catches sight of them.

Even in his distracted state his eyes stall on the familiar flutter of white robes, and he comes to a full stop at the sight of the young man moving towards him just a little down the hall. Lan his mind supplies even before he's fully registered what he's seeing.

When his mind finally catches up with the image in front of him, he stops short, mouth opening slightly in surprise. It isn't Lan Wangji or Lan Xichen. The man, a junior from the looks of it, isn't immediately familiar to him, but there's something about his face that catches in his memory. Something he recognizes.

He continues to stare as the Lan junior comes closer, and then Wei Wuxian remembers the painting in his room, lovingly crafted by Lan Xichen. The young man with his soft smile. An orphan raised by Lan Wangji.

Lan Sizhui he remembers, because how could he not. (Sizhui doesn't hurt like it did the first time Lan Xichen lobbied it at him like the weapon it was, but his heart twinges for a moment before the shock of the boy returns and wipes everything else away.

And so it's an open mouthed and silent Wei Wuxian that Sizhui comes upon, his eyes wide and staring as Wei Wuxian wraps his mind around his little a-Yuan, living and breathing, and grown and standing right in front of him.]

[given his rather recent arrival, lan sizhui has been roaming the halls in almost the same manner; without much concern to where he's going or what he's doing, even though everything around him is new and really quite foreign. he's learned a few things pretty quickly, necessary daily things like using the stove and working the shower (without turning it on while his head was underneath the showerhead), but he's understandably shell-shocked by the abrupt change in living situation.

it's on his way from the sunlight room to the common living area that he encounters wei wuxian, noting him at first from his peripheral view yet immediately perking once he recognizes just who he's passing by.

embarrassingly, sizhui's paused too, eyebrows arched in astonishment and his mouth falling open, but he's quick to segue into an excited-sounding gasp, demeanor suddenly far more enthusiastic than it'd been moments ago. so many remarks run through his mind, saying what a surprise! or commenting right away about what new things he's experienced today, how funny that he'd see wei wuxian of all people while heading back toward his room—

but, taking into account sizhui manages working through his flusteredness first, he doesn't follow through with any of that, deciding he'll go in a whole different direction by being just a little more easy-going.]

Ah, Wei-qianbei, [he observes, tone already bordering on playful despite the attempt to stifle his amusement.] You look as if you've seen a ghost.

[Wei-qianbei.

His eyes tear up and he shakes his head, unsure how to respond to that impossible name.]

How...[He swallows over a lump in his throat and then closes the distance between them, pulling Sizhui into a crushing hug.

There will be time for details later. It doesn't matter now. A-Yuan is here. Alive and grown and in his arms.

Wei Wuxian cries.]

Edited 2023-04-09 04:45 (UTC)

Well, I— [imagine the same way as you? is what he was going to say, but he cuts off mid-response, the air leaving his lungs in an audible whoosh, although he's not worried about that at all. no, what he's concerned by is wei wuxian's crying, something he both expected and didn't, considering . . . everything.

sizhui's arms lift, encircle the man's midsection and squeeze, almost to the point of possible discomfort.] Don't cry, Wei-qianbei, it's okay. [what is ‘it’? he's unsure, it'll just have to be another of those things that can be explained later.

for now, he leans into wei wuxian's shoulder, burying his face in an attempt to muffle his own soft sniffling. (he's not crying outright yet, but give it long enough and he'll be right there.)]

[There it is again, Wei-qianbei. He lets out a soft whimper and squeezes his eyes shut the same as he squeezes a-Yuan close. Lan Sizhui, he thinks. For a long time he does nothing else but quietly cry and hold onto the boy he'd had no reason to believe he'd ever see again. The boy whose grown and who has a smile so gentle it could break his heart all on its own. Eventually, he pulls back and swipes at his eyes, shaking his head and trying to get himself together.]

Who's crying? I'm not crying! [He says, ignoring the tear streaks on his face and reaching up to rest a thumb against Sizhui's cheek. The bravado doesn't last for long and he swallows back another bout of tears.]

Zewu-jun told me. What Lan Zhan did for you. But he said you didn't remember. So how—[His voice breaks on that "how" and he has to close his eyes just for a moment to try and find his composure.]

How is this possible? How do you know me?

[oh, his heart... that noise hits him right where it hurts and, despite his better attempts, sizhui's eyes begin to burn, tears prickling the corners of them, threatening to spill over at any second. thank goodness, he's already hiding or else he'd feel even more embarrassed with his reaction. (so much for trying to be strong where his senior couldn't, it seems.) of course, it needn't be this way, because they're both allowed to be as emotional as they please, regardless of any onlookers or other intrusions.

while wei wuxian withdraws, sizhui hangs on a second longer then he reluctantly leans away too, letting those teardrops stream freely down his cheeks.] Certainly not, [he half-laughs, half-hiccups, head-shaking in the same manner afterward, though he's careful not to jostle wei wuxian's hand.]

It took some time, but... I eventually remembered.

[he cannot mention specifics, not after he'd swore he wouldn't reveal any information up to a certain point, but this seems a safe enough place to start explaining.]

You remembered...[He repeats and then lifts a hand to wipe away Sizhui's tears.]

Ah, Little Radish, what are all these tears now? Didn't you say no crying? [He thumbs them away, ignoring the ones on his own face that he doesn't seem to be able to stop.]

Look at you. It should be Big Radish now, shouldn't it? You're so big and strong. And a proper Lan cultivator. [He lets out a wet laugh and smooths out an invisible wrinkle on his white robes.]

Do you like it in Gusu? Do you eat their silly rabbit food and abstain from alcohol like a good little Lan?

Mm. [sizhui makes the noise for affirmation, hoping it's enough, but he's fortunately offered something else to segue into afterward: a familiar nickname and his own words used against him.]

To you, mine clearly don't count. [which is more hypocritical, of course, and yet he seems unfazed by this argument, moving a sleeve-covered hand to gently pat wei wuxian's cheeks in return.] And I suppose it should be. [although he doesn't feel all that big, standing before his senior who's a good four inches taller.

what comes after all the praise, besides his whole face turning beet-red, is sizhui's eyebrows lifting with curiosity, wide eyes watching almost a little too intently there— but he finally disengages, downturning as he decides to trust that wei wuxian won't blackmail him . . . ] I do, yes, both like it and eat the rabbit food. [followed by a snicker then he continues,] I have had alcohol before, though.

[how else would he have learned he's got the best tolerance of them all?]

[That blush almost sends him into a meltdown but the words that accompany it have him laughing instead.]

Look at you, a rebel Lan! Oh no, you must take after your Wei-gege too much! Have I sullied you? Is it very hard for you to be surrounded by such strictness? [He catches Sizhui's face gently between his palms, and even as he teases his eyes grow misty again though he manages to hold the tears back.]

My a-Yuan. Lan Sizhui. Oh Sizhui, I wish you didn't have reason to be here, but I'm a weak man, Sizhui. Weak and selfish and I'm so...[He starts to choke up again and he shakes his head with a soft laugh instead, pulling him into another hug.]

Will you forgive me this silly display? I promise to be normal after today. I can't help it, I never thought I'd get to see you like this. I want to know everything about you. Will you tell me? You don't have to, I know I have no right, but if you want to, I'll hear everything.

[at least sizhui doesn't seem too genuinely flustered, regardless of how red-faced he's become. he shakes his head, loosens his hand from his sleeve and presses it more firmly against wei wuxian's cheek, both for the man's affirmation and his own, because he's still not quite sure if he's dreaming or not.

how lucky did they have to be to meet each other again on the same space station?]

It's not, I handle myself rather well. [surprising no one, of course. lan sizhui's poised and graceful and kind and gracious; all things that are expected of the clan and then some. while it's tempting to wipe wei wuxian's eyes again, sizhui resists, letting himself be tugged back in and hooking his already raised arm around him instead.]

We all have our reasons, [he acknowledges, gently squeezing his shoulders.] You needn't apologize for anything. [not to him, not when wei wuxian had done so much for him and the remaining members of his clan back then. (there's no way he can properly repay him for such kindness, but he's certainly going to do his absolute best to try and do so.) starting with whatever it is he'd like to hear first about him.]

You also don't have to be sorry for... this. You're normal, Xian-gege, tears and all, and you're here with me. I'm so glad— [he hesitates, sniffles, drops against wei wuxian's shoulder again then sighs, half-relieved, half-contented.] Anything you want to know, I'll tell you. I would sincerely like to.

[He almost tears up again at Xian-gege and he holds Sizhui tighter, letting out a soft laugh as he shakes his head. It doesn't feel real. None of this feels real, but he could never have imagined something so sweet.

Everything. He doesn't say because even if it's true, it's not a very good answer is it?

After another minute, he releases Sizhui for the second time.]

There'll be time for that later, but for now you're just settling in, aren't you? I'm the one who should be asking you if you have any questions. [It's obvious from his calm demeanor that Sizhui already understands his purpose here and how the Ximilia works, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have questions.]

Have you met anyone else yet? Nie-xiong is here—ah, I suppose he'll be Nie-zongzhu to you, won't he? [He'd only only used the title on his friend once, after Huaisang had told him of his brother's death, but it had been clear that between the two of them, they both preferred the address from their school days.]

I remember in my first weeks taking everything in. It's a lot, isn't it? Anything you need, you tell your Xian-gege, alright?

[hey, for what it's worth, it's an answer that would make sizhui laugh and further lighten up the slight dip in mood that's happened! he wishes he could tell him everything, but having already met nie huaisang and being informed of particular.....things..... it's an unfortunate situation where he'll have to omit details for the protection of his senior. (which is completely fine with sizhui, as he'd do anything to keep wei wuxian safe.)

with blatant reluctance, he leans back a ways, lifts his gaze and smiles softly, his own head bobbing again in agreement.] I am, yes, and I have more than enough questions... but they are also inquiries that can wait for now in place of telling you other things.

And I've met Nie-zongzhu! He welcomed me nearer the beginning of my arrival. [see also: caught him before there was a chance to get too excited and spill the beans about certain events— but sizhui had appreciated it, considering his current company. nie-xiong, though? that has him wondering if they could become friendly enough for him to use the same title at some point.

despite his getting ahead of himself there, he does reel it back in, his already raised hand lowering to his own forehead, fingertips gingerly fidgeting with the ever-present ribbon.] It is, [he confirms, voice lilting downward momentarily when realization settles again, but he's quick to pull that in as well.] I suppose the most confusing things and what I'd have questions about are all of the technologically advanced items put here for our use. [how they work, what their uses are and why they're just there.]

[He listens with rapt attention, already making a mental list of all the things he should be telling him about the Ximilia and their missions. At the mention of his struggles with technology, he lets out an amused and sympathetic huff, nodding in understanding.]

It's incredible isn't it? But very confusing. [He laughs.] You'll get used to most of it over time. There's a big machine that uses a—[he probably shouldn't call it a computer yet]—another input machine to create all kinds of weapons, and a room that's entirely made up of illusions to look like the outdoors.

[And then there's the simulation room which he'll tell him about in great detail later, but first—]

There are some people here you should know about too. Good and bad. How about I take you around while we talk?

（ it's not long before they leave on the mission proper that itachi reaches out. he means to do no more than introduce himself, and offer himself up as a resource. the rest can wait. ）

Lan Sizhui.

My name is Uchiha Itachi. （ wei wuxian had mentioned that he had passed his name along, so he does not expect his name will hold no meaning. ） We will be in separate groups for the mission, but if you encounter a scenario with which I may assist upon my arrival, please contact me.

Edited (html, my nemesis) 2023-04-18 15:08 (UTC)

[while it takes him a minute to finagle this networking thing, sizhui wastes no time responding once he figures it out, excitement overtaking him more zealously than expected, but it's easier to reel in when someone can't actually see his expression.]

Hello, Uchiha Itachi. [using just ‘itachi’ during an initial meeting feels too casual, so let's hope it suffices— until he's told otherwise and can choose freely.]

Thank you, I appreciate the offer! I'm certain there will come a moment when I'm in need and knowing you're willing to help is quite reassuring.

[also all things they can discuss later, considering, as they've got so many other subjects to catch up on first, but sizhui just couldn't help himself with the whole technology thing, it seems. can he be blamed? where they come from, they don't possess such amenities . . . it almost makes one want to abandon that ‘do not covet material items’ business.]

It is, [he agrees simply, sounding a bit more wonderstruck when he continues,] All kinds? Wow, that's... that's a lot! [sizhui laughs then. honestly, how else should he have worded it? it's truthful enough and, if it really can create all kinds, the amount is likely uncountable.] Is that the Sunlight Room? I think that's where I met Nie-zongzhu. [sounds like the place, but hey, there could be multiple rooms that create outdoorsy illusions!]

Good idea. Lead the way; wherever you would like to go first, I shall follow. [he wastes no time shifting, hooking wei wuxian's elbow with his own and beaming outright.] And tell me everything I need to know.

（ and if it were anyone else, he would leave it at that and simply end the conversation. his point has been made, affirmation has been received, and he truly has nothing else to say.

as it stands, though — ）

It seems as if the worlds we will be travelling to have a high level of technological fluency. It may be of benefit to you to take some time to learn enough about the basics that you can blend more seamlessly there.

I will give you access to one of the training missions I've built into the simulation room room for such a thing. I would recommend visiting it prior to our departure.

（ no transfer or exchange of documentation is needed, sizhui can simply select the sim from the available list once he goes there himself. ）

It is! [He answers, excited that Sizhui has already found it himself. Since he's already been there, he takes him past the kitchen and dining rooms first, explaining the food delivery supplies and how they can request things that they want in supply drops. Once he's explained most of the dining situation, they begin making their way towards the training room.]

I'm sure you'll have more questions as you settle in, so don't be afraid to ask, alright? [Without waiting for an answer he continues.] But I mentioned people too. Hmm. [He pauses and then gestures Sizhui to follow him, leading him to an empty hallway where they won't be overheard. The smile on his face fades away, replaced by a grim serious expression.]

Most of the people aboard the Ximilia are good people. Even when we disagree on the way to go about things, the people here are kind and compassionate people. [There's an edge to his voice that perhaps makes what comes next unsurprising.] But that does not apply to everyone.

Use discernment. Don't give your trust blindly. I care for most of the people here Sizhui, but there are some who'll do whatever it takes to reach their own goals, and worse, some who actively harm others for no other reason than to make themselves feel stronger. I'm sure you know the type. [The cultivation world wasn't exactly free of them.]

There's a man here named Felix. [As he utters the name, his expression darkens further, and there's a flickering of the Yiling Patriarch in his eyes that Sizhui might recognize.] Stay away from him. [It's the most decisive thing he's said so far.]

From what I can tell, he doesn't possess any extraordinary ability outside of the protective armor he wears, but he is a cruel man who makes a habit of bullying and harming those who are more vulnerable. [He inhales and exhales deeply, reaching out to clasp Sizhui's shoulder.]

If Lan Zhan raised you, I know you're strong and brilliant and kind. I know you can handle yourself. But please don't associate with this man, Sizhui.

[perfect, that's a win for being able to remember at least one place he's been. the other is basically common areas, since it's where he's usually stayed otherwise, but where wei wuxian currently leads them had been his next plan, if only to check out what their food situation was like before deciding what he might use for himself. knowing they can request particular items helps further his decision and, despite his wariness, he figures he can learn this kitchen setup with some careful cause and effect type situations.

his turn to nod, but no questions follow, just his measured footsteps alongside wei wuxian's while they move along. sizhui's a little taken aback by the corridor he's chosen, yet it makes sense when he goes on to further explain those people he'd mentioned before.

which, hey, it's good to hear they're mostly decent? but seeing his senior's face shift so much that it actually makes him apprehensive is another story entirely. he swallows around the sudden lump, throat audibly clicking with the effort, then he clears it and raises his arm on the side wei wuxian's holding, his fingers cinching around his hand for reassurance.] I understand, Wei-qianbei, I'll do my best to not associate with this man you are speaking of. From the sound of it, he seems like someone who warrants avoiding... how despicable of him to prey on those less resilient than himself.

[speaking ill of others isn't polite, he knows this, he just also knows there are people out there who earn what is said about them and he believes this to be one of those moments; wei wuxian hasn't ever steered him wrong before, after all.

and maybe it's wrong of him to pridefully preen at the praise, he does so anyway, but deflates almost as quickly as he'd puffed up, expression twisted into a scowl.]

What should I do if he attempts to converse with me? Play nice or simply disengage completely? I'd prefer to not cause any unnecessary tension, but if it's the latter and he's offended, I suppose he'll have to live with that.

[to be fair, sizhui's not entirely sure what to expect, but it wouldn't be surprising for uchiha itachi to be one of those people who likes to keep it short, simple and very to the point. however, the fact he's taking extra time to help sizhui learn a bit more about their mission is extremely appreciated.

unfortunately, the man has brought up his one major weakness in ximilia so far: technology. he likes to think himself a rather quick learner, yet if there's one thing he's still clearly struggling with, it's that.

and part of him is curious as to how itachi seemed to just know this, even if what he asks has nothing to do with it.] The simulation room will help me learn more about technology? [it sort of makes sense, after all. (also: sorry, itachi, you're not getting out of this so easily—)] Would you mind coming along and helping me?

[The residual anger bleeds out of him almost instantly and he shakes his head, warmth immediately settling back into his chest at Sizhui's obvious compassion.]

I trust you to make that choice for yourself if the situation arises. He doesn't strike me as particularly smart or brave, but I didn't want you dealing with him without knowing. [He raises a hand to settle on Sizhui's shoulder again, patting it twice before letting it rest.

There's a slight pause as he considers warning Sizhui of one other on board, but his stomach twists uncomfortably as he considers it. His feelings about Aleksander are...complicated, to say the least. He knows about Aleksander's past, having heard both from those who hate him, and from Aleksander himself. He also knows that Aleksander's regret will change that past and that he acted in defense of his people who were being summarily slaughtered. (And then there is Alina.)

With an internal sigh, he leaves it for now. A conversation about the Darkling involves more consideration and nuance than is appropriate for a public conversation.

Which leads him to brighter topics.

He motions for Sizhui to follow him down the hall once again.]

There are also people here who you'll love. Good people, all bright and brilliant in their own ways. Miss Yennefer has been a friend of mine for some time now. She's strong and wise and a very good drinking partner of mine. [He grins.] And Doctor McCoy is one of the best men I've ever known. You can rely on him, and if you're ever in need of medical aid, he's a brilliant doctor. Sabriel is a healer too and she's a very sweet girl, about your age. If you or anyone else needs healing, don't be afraid to reach out. There are several other healers and doctors on board.

（ wei wuxian would be better positioned, he nearly says.

but wei wuxian would prefer that they get along, and though he doubts the man would be disappointed — he would appreciate if itachi were to make the effort.

so, there's a bit of an awkward pause, and then: ）

I will meet you there. Twenty minutes.

（ does... does he get a choice?

no. it seems he does not.

sorry, he's just. you know. like this. ）

[which is one-hundred-percent a completely fair argument, but yes, wei wuxian would. the man talked itachi up quite a bit, preparing him to meet this person his senior's oh-so-willing to wax lyrical about.

truthfully, he hadn't expected it to be this easy, so there's the slightest pause on his end as well while he rereads the message to make certain he's not misinterpreting anything—

without leaving too much time for reconsideration though:] Alright, I'll see you then. [because itachi does get a choice, but given that he's already agreed, of course sizhui's immediately claiming no takebacks.

and he also wastes no time getting ready, making a beeline for the simulation room a little earlier than necessary.]

[there comes a long-drawn-out hum of consideration, he tips his head one way then the other, raises his right hand to tap his cheek and straightens instantly when wei wuxian's hand finds his shoulder. from what he's hearing, the guy sounds like he should just be avoided outright, but there's always a chance where they might run into each other and, if feasible, he'd prefer disengaging neatly and politely. some people don't deserve such courtesy, of course, but so long as felix doesn't attempt bullying him, he won't have to witness sizhui's not-so-friendly side.

nevertheless, sizhui will do everything within his power to keep away from him, since it seems the easiest plan (for now).

the momentary hesitation has his eyebrows lifting with inquisitiveness, silently questioning what it is that has wei wuxian pausing, though he doesn't pry whenever his senior offers nothing in return. his lips do pinch and his nose wrinkles, but he lets it go, figuring if it's truly important, wei wuxian will tell him. to be fair, given an explanation of his reasoning, he'd understand why this aleksander fellow did what he did, particularly because of the bizarre parallels he'd notice between him and wei wuxian. so, perhaps it is best if left alone at present, that way he's not having a moral conundrum right off the bat and can maybe get to know aleksander himself before deciding what sort of person he is.

it'll be quite an interesting meeting either way, once it happens.

he moves to follow again, repeating names:] Yennefer, Doctor McCoy, Sabriel. [and committing them to memory. while he doesn't know when he'll meet these people, it will prove simpler to recognize them after they introduce themselves and he's already aware of their titles.] How fortunate, we needn't worry much about injuries not being taken care of. [offhandedly, he wonders if these are skills that can be taught, and if so, how difficult they might be to learn throughout the duration of his stay.]

I'll remember, if there's ever a moment when it's necessary. [he has knowledge of basic healing, after all, which ought to cover any simple wounds or contusions, but it's reassuring that there are others who could help with more serious injuries if needed]

（ it is a rare thing that anyone beats him to a location with a pre-arranged time, given his own propensity to arrive early. old habits — intended to ensure he was difficult to ambush. when he arrives, and the boy is already present it does not get any sign of visible surprise, simply a faint inclination of his head. he offers nothing else save: ）

Inside.

（ just so gosh-darn wordy. he steps to the simulation room, passing his hand over the control panel just right of the door, which hisses open at the contact. inside, sizhui will find himself surrounded by a neatly-arranged array of various technologies, with instructions on their operation written in chinese characters. the instructions may be simple, but they are not dumbed down — they simply take care to explain things in a way that follows the logical understanding of one unaccustomed to such things. ）

Any of these items can be used. The important thing is that, when we are intended to be on a world where such things are commonplace, you do not show uncertainty or unfamiliarity with anything we may encounter of a technological nature. Your earpiece （ itachi reaches up and touches his own faintly in indication of what he means ） can transmit pictures as well as text, spoken words, and 'video', which is the recording of what you see and hear around you. If you are ever uncertain about what you are seeing, send me a picture and explain your situation. I will assist you.

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text ↪ un: うちは (pre 'a matter of import' im just slow)

text; (no worries, as i am slow too with work 😩)

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high5 for slow!!

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return highfive awyiss

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