return from lanling

[shangba]

A full moon, unblinking.

You did not sleep, to see?

Comments

[emperorssmile]

I won't, I'm not. I'm just answering a question she asked me. It's not any of my business what she uses it for.

[shangba]

Wei Ying.

Do not send the nursemaid to the stream when Lan Danseng bathes.

[emperorssmile]

When does he bathe?

I can’t believe I did that. What was going on through your head when you noticed me?

[shangba]

All Lan men keep the same hours.

Wei Ying. I did not... understand you had not heard my confession before you...

Upon return, every gesture of forced intimacy mocked me. I thought you derided the foolishness of unwanted attention.

[emperorssmile]

Lan Zhan! I was just kidding about his bathing schedule.

I’m sorry.

I hurt you over and over again and you never once wanted to leave my side. You never loved me any less.

If I remembered, I could have never mocked you like that.

[shangba]

Shhhhhh. I know.

Now, Wei Ying's gaze pleases.

[emperorssmile]

Lan Zhan, I miss you even more now!

I want to kiss away all that pain.

[shangba]

No. No pain.

I have you now. You are sufficient. You fill me with wonder, with gratitude.

[emperorssmile]

You have me now and forever!

And I still want to kiss you all over.

I wanted to comfort you and now you’re comforting me instead. You make me so happy, Lan Zhan.

[shangba]

Can only bear the portrait because the true Wei Ying awaits.

[emperorssmile]

With open arms.

All I have is my memory when Lan Zhan has my likeness. I’ll have to be quick about having you sit for a portrait so I have one when you’re busy with meetings and such.

[shangba]

A mannered portrait.

[emperorssmile]

I’ll just have to be satisfied with my imagination since you won’t let me draw your portrait nude.

[shangba]

What sacrifice from Wei Ying.

[emperorssmile]

Wouldn’t Lan Zhan like a portrait of me nude?

[shangba]

Would loathe it.

[emperorssmile]

Ouch. It’s a good thing I know you find me irresistible in person.

[shangba]

A nude portrait of Wei Ying would require an artist viewing the subject.

[emperorssmile]

You don’t want anyone to see what’s yours.

Still the same feeling if the artist doesn’t like guys like that?

[shangba]

Wei Ying.

If you wish it done, it will be done. Do you?

[emperorssmile]

No, it’s not necessary unless it’s something you’d like.

I don’t need a nude portrait of you, either. I just wanted an excuse to look at you naked for a while.

[shangba]

One portrait of you.

May I be present?

[emperorssmile]

You really want one? Of course, you can be there.

Does that mean I can have one of you, too?

[shangba]

It pains me to refuse.

But if a portrait of a nude son of the main house ever falls in public hands, the shame would not be mine alone.

[emperorssmile]

Lan Zhan, you really don’t have to do it.

I can worship your body with actions instead of possessions.