[Huaisang's pleased by the gift, but also sad and confused. He looks through everything, touched by the thoughtfulness, but then he sets it all back in the basket and curls up on the couch to text. Since Xue Yang left upset, Huaisang hasn't spoken to Xingchen in person, but he knows that Xingchen knows at least some of what happened, since Xingchen has assured him that Xue Yang is safe (relatively).]
[ Watching Xue Yang fall apart and cling so desperately hurts. He's bent his focus on trying to pull the other man back together, listening and being there for him. It's bad enough, in Xingchen's opinion, that his soulmate isn't Xue Yang. ]
Thank you for accepting it.
[ Being angry doesn't sit well with him either, and it's cooled through focusing his energies to a more practical use. ]
Certainly. I'll come at whatever time is convenient for you.
[He's wary of the formality, but he understands some of the necessity for it. He understands formality, and he's happy to accept the defense that it offers.]
When the noon bell would ring. No need to knock, I will be ready.
[ After his usual meditation and training session, which he's continued to do - dragging Xue Yang with him to encourage him to keep going out and moving, rather than sinking into depression alone. ]
[Huaisang arrives when bid, letting himself in. He's dressed in his formal robes today, though they've barely been seen for a month. He brings a little wrapped bundle of green tea and incense, the kinds he knows that Xingchen likes. A host gift. Formal. Polite.]
[ Xingchen is also wearing his usual white robes - not an unusual thing except he's home. But no blindfold. On the low table is a set of snacks that go well with the tea he's brewing for them, which finish brewing just as Huaisang arrives. One, a blend he knows Huaisang likes, and another that he prefers. He sets the tray down quietly before turning to the smaller man. ]
Thank you for coming.
[ ...He hears himself, and sighs before shaking his head and finding a small smile, apology setting over him. ]
...Huaisang...I am a fool, as you probably know. This...confuses me. I do not really know how to respond. Not well.
[Huaisang remains standing, frowning at Xingchen's words. He's confused about all of this from Xingchen. The gift, the formality, the... confusion? Huaisang understands that Xue Yang is upset, though this is only the second phase of the same fight they had two weeks ago, when Huaisang had asked for Xue Yang to free him from the promise he'd made--an offer of freedom that Xue Yang had made the week before. Huaisang feels exhausted and defensive. He wants to know that Xue Yang is safe, wants to find some way to make this better, and he's confused by Xingchen's approach to the topic.]
Why don't you clarify what part you're talking about, Xingchen?
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Thank you, Xingchen, the gift is very kind.
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Thank you for accepting it.
[ Being angry doesn't sit well with him either, and it's cooled through focusing his energies to a more practical use. ]
Would you join me for tea tomorrow?
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[He's wary of the formality, but he understands some of the necessity for it. He understands formality, and he's happy to accept the defense that it offers.]
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[ After his usual meditation and training session, which he's continued to do - dragging Xue Yang with him to encourage him to keep going out and moving, rather than sinking into depression alone. ]
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Thank you for coming.
[ ...He hears himself, and sighs before shaking his head and finding a small smile, apology setting over him. ]
...Huaisang...I am a fool, as you probably know. This...confuses me. I do not really know how to respond. Not well.
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Why don't you clarify what part you're talking about, Xingchen?