Lan Jingyi, this is Lan Xichen. With two of the class not currently able to attend, we are suspending classes until the situation is resolved. Please continue with cultivation exercises that can be performed indoors, and stay away from the disarray.
If possible, join us in Wangji's residence in Jeopardy, where we can ensure your safety.
[ On saturday, the twin jades of Lan made a short journey to Lan Jingyi's residence. Wangji sent a message before their arrival, alerting the junior and requesting him to be home.
When they appeared, Wangji was back in his formal robes, once more - weeks worth of hand sewing finally complete - and he stood in front of Jingyi's door with a folder tucked into his sleeve and his brother at his side.
When greeted, Wangji would give his pupil a polite, formal bow, and then step inside, asking Jingyi to take a seat, before putting the folder down in front of him.
... He's gonna let his brother do the talking, though. ]
[ Xichen's voice is soft and gentle, and he gives a greeting that is respectfully but does not cross the line of becoming mocking, from a Sect Leader to a junior. ]
It has come to our attention that in this world, the laws require specifically recognised relationships among kin. 'Clansman' might not suffice, in an emergency.
So, we have prepared what is called adoption papers, whereby one of us will be considered your father, while we are here.
We will both have you, and it is your choice whose name will stand next to yours.
Please, feel free to consider the situation, and read as much of the documents as you wish, before giving an answer.
[Jingyi feels no small alarm at the impending visit, and his time before the arrival is filled with whirlwind tidying and shoving himself back into his robes that have been losing out to jeans for the last week or so.
When they're finally at his door, however, he's properly attired and pink-cheeked from shoving his roommates things into unobtrusive corners.]
Zewu-Jun, Hanguang-Jun.
[He goes for a formal greeting with a bow. He's not nervous, obviously. (He is, in fact, nervous.) He knows how to host, but it has been an academic proposition prior to now. That they're here on what looks like...business(?) only makes his alarm grow as he leads them to the small dining table and seats himself. The only reason he doesn't speak is that he's too busy seeing things he should have already tucked away and does not want to call attention to them.
Once seated, though, and Zewu-Jun speaks, he is baffled.]
Father?
[Stunned, he looks down at the papers and shuffles them, not really seeing them. He is of the clan, but he is not himself particularly notable. This is something that would happen to Sizhui, not to him.]
Are you asking the same thing of the others? Have they already chosen?
[He looks between the two of them as he asks, still caught in how surreal it is to be asked to sign such documents.]
[ Wangji nodded, calm and sure. He didn’t seem bothered or put out by Jingyi’s nervousness. If anything, he half way expected it. ]
Lan Sizhui, Hinasaki Miu. My son, my daughter, as this world is concerned.
[ And, honestly, as far as Wangji was already concerned. It shouldn’t be a surprise. Sizhui was basically his son back home, too, and he had been looking after Miu from nearly the moment he met her. ]
Jin Ling tied to Yunmeng Jiag and Lanling Jin. We did not offer. [ It would have been pretty rude. ]
[ Then, gently: ] We seek not to dishonour your parents, Lan Jingyi. Only to declare kinship, responsibility.
You are welcome with either of us. You would have siblings in one case, and cousins in the other. No reason for the companionship to be any less close.
[To hear Hanguang-Jun say son and daughter out loud, with his actual voice, stuns Jingyi more than the offer itself. He knows how Hanguang-Jun treats Sizhui, yes, but even so it catches him right in squishy center the heart.]
Oh, but Sizhui was already your son.
[And Jingyi has always been Sizhui's cousin, if a little further of a cousin than what he is being offered. He doesn't know if he wants to change that, even if it is just on paper in a strange and distant world.
It is the acknowledgement of his parents that he becomes misty-eyed over, though he tries to keep the stoic attitude that would do both of his terrifying, illustrious seniors proud.]
And I know it is no dishonor on them. My parents are not here and that means you have to take me on. I will try very hard to make you both proud of me. And it is a honor to me that you would offer this, since I am just Sizhui's friend. It would be a wonderful thing to be his brother.
[Without pausing for thought and only barely pausing for breath, he continues.]
[ Lan Wangji had a solemn promise to himself to never lie. It was better to say nothing than to speak something that was not true. That Sizhui had been his son in spirit - that was true. But the formal recognized bond was not one that had been granted to him, and thus not one he could outwardly claim. Now, however, he had it signed, sealed, confirmed. By law and by personal acknowledgement. No longer a quiet sentiment shared only with Sizhui - this was a public, open commitment.
So there was no reason to mince words around it any longer.
He watched Jingyi with a careful eye - he understood the emotion it could cause. And he was proud for the relatively restrained way Jingyi was approaching it.
At least until the last comment.
He didn't smile. Not because he didn't find it amusing, but because he certainly did not want Jingyi to find it amusing. He'd seen the two of them together. He suspected it was something very different. But he was not about to call him on it, right now.
Instead he just nodded. ]
Your brotherhood undeniable, regardless of formal connection.
[ He knew how close the two boys were. Official brothers or not, they could rarely be separated. ]
If you do not wish such close association with Hanasaki Miu, placing Zewu-jun's name next to yours is clearest option.
[ Xichen's eyebrows rise sharply, thinking of Jin Ling's... attitude towards Hanasik Miu, but then again, he knows Lan Jingyi very well. He knows where the junior's heart is, and hurting others - for all he can be loud and sharp - is not what he wishes.
After a moment, his expression eases, growing more... thoughtful, instead. Speculative, even, if Wangji happens to be paying attention. ]
Not sister, but close? [ Not quite teasing, but it is... curious, and he would like to see if his guess is correct.
But the traces of mirth fade into soft certainty. ]
Of course it is. [Referring to his brotherhood with Sizhui.] I do not need anything to tell me that I am supposed to be there when he needs me. It is just that Miu—
[He stops halfway through his response to Zewu-Jun, mind blanking. He had not had a reason to blurt such a thing out to begin with. It is just when he thinks of the idea, he does not like it, and that is that. So, earnest and almost without pause, he explains (oblivious of any other way it could be taken).]
I really do not think of her as a sister.
[But they are both looking at him and he does not want them to think he does not like her, or does not approve of the fact that she is now family, so he has to make sure they know. He looks between Zewu-Jun and Hanguang-Jun so he can watch both of their faces for approval.]
But I am glad you are adopting her! Just like I am glad that you are training her. She needs to be trained. [And adopted.] And I do not think that she could have better teachers.
[Which brings him to Zewu-Jun, who he gives a wide grin.]
I would very much like to be adopted by you, Zewu-Jun. Not just because you are an excellent teacher. You are also slightly less scary to demand hugs from, which I assure you that I am going to do if you claim me as a son.
After the move into the household of his family and he settled in, Sizhui made small changes here and there as life and time flows slowly. He changed his job from teaching archery to be a trainer of horses on a ranch in Jeopardy, where he works in tranquility with the animals.
It is much calmer to be around animals, he discovered. Besides the rabbits that were kept in the hutch in the back of the house, there are the horses he attended to and care for on the ranch that is a few miles drive outside of the city.
Spring becomes Summer as the heat of the day is approaching. Horses roam inside the fences of their pens as Sizhui works diligently around the ranch, where he brushed them, fed them, and rode on them.
Jingyi. If you're not busy, you can come here meet up with me after work. I think you'll like the animals here, especially the horses.
And sent him the coordinates of the ranch where he works.
I will be there! is what Jingyi sends during his chicken-suit break. The end of the day comes soon enough, as it usually does when he is on his feet and amusing the passerby.
He flies out to the ranch on his sword, dressed in his modern clothes, a takeout bag of chicken wings under his arm. Upon arrival, he lands in the drive and shouts for Sizhui. The ranch is lovely; he had yet to visit, and his eyes are bright with interest as he looks around that the ranch-house, barn, and paddocks.
Sizhui was expecting him, so he was standing by the tall fence, watching the horses grazing on the grass within the enclosure. There was a serenity being surrounded by so many animals and the rural countryside of Jeopardy.
Hearing his trademark shout, he turns to him and joins up with him. "Jingyi, you are here. I'm glad you came."
"Of course I came! You asked!" Jingyi says easily and with a smile. He walks toward the horses (and Sizhui) and holds up the takeout contain of chicken that he brought from work. "I also have dinner, if you want some. I brought enough for both of us."
He comes up to bump his shoulder against Sizhui. "I am glad to finally see this place, since you spend so much time here and it seems to make you very happy."
With a laugh, Sizhui managed a smile back. Looking at the takeout offered. "You brought dinner too? All right. Let's go to the staff's cafeteria in one of the buildings on the farm."
With a nod, he bumps back, and leads the way. "It does. Seeing the horses and caring for them, it reminds me of the equestrian lessons I taken back home. Anyway, follow me. Where we're going there's a vendor machine where we can buy drinks."
Leading the way, he leads him to cafeteria area within one of the buildings where there are vending machines, tables, and a t.v that is running the evening news, and taken a seat.
"It is!" Jingyi declares as he follows Sizhui into the cafeteria and takes the seat across from him. Fried chicken for the both of them.
He starts taking out their food, laying everything out so they can eat. "I want a soda," he tells Sizhui as he presents him with a napkin and gestures at the food. He then asks, "Do they let you ride the horses?"
"They do. I enjoy that. When I ride one, I feel free and I'm like myself. It helps being out in nature too."
It helps Sizhui cope with the losses too. Jin Ling went home. Now his father. Only whoever remains in this world, they are left. Part of his intuition was right, that everyone will return home eventually. For now, he's focus his time with his best friend.
He takes out a bill and insert into the vending machine. He bought ice cold soda for the both of them. Then taking a seat, using a fork and knife ready and digs in to eat.
"All right, I'll eat it. I can't believe you can eat most of that. You know, back home, we're mostly vegetarians. Now all of that chicken can't be healthy."
"Ah, it is good that you are riding, then. You are working hard, it sounds like. It takes a lot of work to keep horses and I think I do not miss any of that part, even if I would not mind riding again," Jingyi says as he accepts the soda, ready and willing to chat about the inconsequential. They've had a rough month--to put it mildly--and it is soothing to do something so...
Well, the situation is not normal, but sitting like this and catching up is normal enough that he finds a great deal of comfort in it.
"I will eat all of it!" Jingyi declares, regarding the chicken. "And maybe it is not healthy and maybe we are vegetarians at home, but all that means is that I need to enjoy this as much as I can now before I have to go back. Sizhui--Sizhui--I this is a treat! Enjoy it! It is the only reason I have not left the job where I wear a giant chicken!"
Using the utensils to cut up the chicken and graciously eating his meal, he feels a sense of gratitude still. Jingyi made him smile and laugh like no other friend could. Still, he can't shake the feeling and thoughts that has been on his mind. Which is why he called Jingyi here to talk.
"I hope everyone made it back home. Safe, I know they will. I came from the future. This I know. But we are still here. When they returned home, they won't remember anything that happens here." He said.
"I don't have anyone here left. Except for you and Uncle. Jiang Cheng is a sect leader back home and Ms. Jiang Yanli..." He trails off. "She died back home. Many years ago during the sect wars. This I know. When we return back, there's a home waiting for us, so we don't have to worry."
Which leads back Jingyi, and remembering Miu who becomes adopted and initiated in their clan. "Other than myself, have you made any friends here, Jingyi?"
[Well, after he shed many tears, feeling the pain and sorrow of losing his parents and they returned home, it took him a long while to regain his calm.]
Jingyi? If you could take some time off from work. We need to figure out with Uncle in what to do with the rabbits.
[Honestly, Jingyi does not know what to think. He is...not frantic as he was with Sizhui disappearing. He is upset, yes, but more because Sizhui is upset than because he is himself.]
Of course! And will we not just keep taking care of them? You love those rabbits.
[Sizhui is not thinking at all. It's hard to think. On one hand, he knows they went home to resume their journey. He came from the future, so he knows what will happen. Eventually, they all will return home. Jingyi and his Uncle are the only friends and family left in this world.
He felt strangely calm. He's not as much as upset. Just lonely, but he must be there for everyone.]
I do. I have spoken to my uncle for a solution. We have figured out a way to find someone else to take care of them, but that will take some time.
For now, when you're able, when you come home, come join me in the backyard. As for dinner, I already brought something from the store. Then we can talk.
[Because you just can't eat fried chicken all the time.]
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timeasmymeasure
after Sizhui has gone missing
Date: 2020-02-18 01:03 pm (UTC)If possible, join us in Wangji's residence in Jeopardy, where we can ensure your safety.
[ ... probably. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-02-19 06:18 am (UTC)I shall come. Have you found any signs yet?
[A bit formal even in his worry, but this is Zewu-Jun. This not being face-to-face is very strange.
Then the contents of the message really sink in.]
Who is the second person? Who else is missing?
[ooc: rollin' with the 'oh, Sizhui didn't show up to the swear-in, heck!' timeline...]
no subject
Date: 2020-02-19 06:24 am (UTC)Young master Jin is currently... not himself.
[ And Wei Wuxian. But they will discuss that... later. ]
ooc: He hasn't showed up for class in the mornings for two days either... and neither has Jin Ling.
no subject
Date: 2020-02-19 07:30 pm (UTC)Not himself? Do you mean he is not also missing? What is wrong with him?
[But more importantly...]
If I come to Jeopardy, will I still be able to search for Sizhui?
[ooc: ah heck uh...then...Jingyi was just found and hasn't been yet? XD]
no subject
Date: 2020-02-21 05:42 am (UTC)As to looking for Sizhui, Wangji offered as an option to go looking with him. Should I let him know that you will be joining him?
no subject
Date: 2020-02-22 03:12 am (UTC)backdated to white day
Date: 2020-03-16 12:23 pm (UTC)When they appeared, Wangji was back in his formal robes, once more - weeks worth of hand sewing finally complete - and he stood in front of Jingyi's door with a folder tucked into his sleeve and his brother at his side.
When greeted, Wangji would give his pupil a polite, formal bow, and then step inside, asking Jingyi to take a seat, before putting the folder down in front of him.
... He's gonna let his brother do the talking, though. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-03-16 12:30 pm (UTC)[ Xichen's voice is soft and gentle, and he gives a greeting that is respectfully but does not cross the line of becoming mocking, from a Sect Leader to a junior. ]
It has come to our attention that in this world, the laws require specifically recognised relationships among kin. 'Clansman' might not suffice, in an emergency.
So, we have prepared what is called adoption papers, whereby one of us will be considered your father, while we are here.
We will both have you, and it is your choice whose name will stand next to yours.
Please, feel free to consider the situation, and read as much of the documents as you wish, before giving an answer.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-17 06:47 pm (UTC)When they're finally at his door, however, he's properly attired and pink-cheeked from shoving his roommates things into unobtrusive corners.]
Zewu-Jun, Hanguang-Jun.
[He goes for a formal greeting with a bow. He's not nervous, obviously. (He is, in fact, nervous.) He knows how to host, but it has been an academic proposition prior to now. That they're here on what looks like...business(?) only makes his alarm grow as he leads them to the small dining table and seats himself. The only reason he doesn't speak is that he's too busy seeing things he should have already tucked away and does not want to call attention to them.
Once seated, though, and Zewu-Jun speaks, he is baffled.]
Father?
[Stunned, he looks down at the papers and shuffles them, not really seeing them. He is of the clan, but he is not himself particularly notable. This is something that would happen to Sizhui, not to him.]
Are you asking the same thing of the others? Have they already chosen?
[He looks between the two of them as he asks, still caught in how surreal it is to be asked to sign such documents.]
no subject
Date: 2020-03-17 07:58 pm (UTC)Lan Sizhui, Hinasaki Miu. My son, my daughter, as this world is concerned.
[ And, honestly, as far as Wangji was already concerned. It shouldn’t be a surprise. Sizhui was basically his son back home, too, and he had been looking after Miu from nearly the moment he met her. ]
Jin Ling tied to Yunmeng Jiag and Lanling Jin. We did not offer. [ It would have been pretty rude. ]
[ Then, gently: ] We seek not to dishonour your parents, Lan Jingyi. Only to declare kinship, responsibility.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-17 08:06 pm (UTC)You are welcome with either of us. You would have siblings in one case, and cousins in the other. No reason for the companionship to be any less close.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-17 08:49 pm (UTC)Oh, but Sizhui was already your son.
[And Jingyi has always been Sizhui's cousin, if a little further of a cousin than what he is being offered. He doesn't know if he wants to change that, even if it is just on paper in a strange and distant world.
It is the acknowledgement of his parents that he becomes misty-eyed over, though he tries to keep the stoic attitude that would do both of his terrifying, illustrious seniors proud.]
And I know it is no dishonor on them. My parents are not here and that means you have to take me on. I will try very hard to make you both proud of me. And it is a honor to me that you would offer this, since I am just Sizhui's friend. It would be a wonderful thing to be his brother.
[Without pausing for thought and only barely pausing for breath, he continues.]
But Miu would make a terrible sister.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-17 11:24 pm (UTC)So there was no reason to mince words around it any longer.
He watched Jingyi with a careful eye - he understood the emotion it could cause. And he was proud for the relatively restrained way Jingyi was approaching it.
At least until the last comment.
He didn't smile. Not because he didn't find it amusing, but because he certainly did not want Jingyi to find it amusing. He'd seen the two of them together. He suspected it was something very different. But he was not about to call him on it, right now.
Instead he just nodded. ]
Your brotherhood undeniable, regardless of formal connection.
[ He knew how close the two boys were. Official brothers or not, they could rarely be separated. ]
If you do not wish such close association with Hanasaki Miu, placing Zewu-jun's name next to yours is clearest option.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-21 05:35 pm (UTC)After a moment, his expression eases, growing more... thoughtful, instead. Speculative, even, if Wangji happens to be paying attention. ]
Not sister, but close? [ Not quite teasing, but it is... curious, and he would like to see if his guess is correct.
But the traces of mirth fade into soft certainty. ]
I would be happy with such a choice. Jingyi.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-21 08:45 pm (UTC)[He stops halfway through his response to Zewu-Jun, mind blanking. He had not had a reason to blurt such a thing out to begin with. It is just when he thinks of the idea, he does not like it, and that is that. So, earnest and almost without pause, he explains (oblivious of any other way it could be taken).]
I really do not think of her as a sister.
[But they are both looking at him and he does not want them to think he does not like her, or does not approve of the fact that she is now family, so he has to make sure they know. He looks between Zewu-Jun and Hanguang-Jun so he can watch both of their faces for approval.]
But I am glad you are adopting her! Just like I am glad that you are training her. She needs to be trained. [And adopted.] And I do not think that she could have better teachers.
[Which brings him to Zewu-Jun, who he gives a wide grin.]
I would very much like to be adopted by you, Zewu-Jun. Not just because you are an excellent teacher. You are also slightly less scary to demand hugs from, which I assure you that I am going to do if you claim me as a son.
no subject
Date: 2020-03-26 07:04 pm (UTC)Xichen having to receive and give hugs. He was right - this would be a good arrangement for his Brother. ]
Mm. Then it is agreed.
[ And he gently pushes the papers toward the two of them. ]
it's now June so timelines are fake
Date: 2020-05-10 04:26 am (UTC)It is much calmer to be around animals, he discovered. Besides the rabbits that were kept in the hutch in the back of the house, there are the horses he attended to and care for on the ranch that is a few miles drive outside of the city.
Spring becomes Summer as the heat of the day is approaching. Horses roam inside the fences of their pens as Sizhui works diligently around the ranch, where he brushed them, fed them, and rode on them.
Jingyi. If you're not busy, you can come here meet up with me after work. I think you'll like the animals here, especially the horses.
And sent him the coordinates of the ranch where he works.
Happy June! \o/
Date: 2020-05-13 12:09 am (UTC)He flies out to the ranch on his sword, dressed in his modern clothes, a takeout bag of chicken wings under his arm. Upon arrival, he lands in the drive and shouts for Sizhui. The ranch is lovely; he had yet to visit, and his eyes are bright with interest as he looks around that the ranch-house, barn, and paddocks.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-16 02:08 pm (UTC)Hearing his trademark shout, he turns to him and joins up with him. "Jingyi, you are here. I'm glad you came."
no subject
Date: 2020-05-18 10:54 pm (UTC)He comes up to bump his shoulder against Sizhui. "I am glad to finally see this place, since you spend so much time here and it seems to make you very happy."
no subject
Date: 2020-05-20 08:55 pm (UTC)With a nod, he bumps back, and leads the way. "It does. Seeing the horses and caring for them, it reminds me of the equestrian lessons I taken back home. Anyway, follow me. Where we're going there's a vendor machine where we can buy drinks."
Leading the way, he leads him to cafeteria area within one of the buildings where there are vending machines, tables, and a t.v that is running the evening news, and taken a seat.
"What did you bring work? It is fried chicken?"
no subject
Date: 2020-05-22 01:28 am (UTC)He starts taking out their food, laying everything out so they can eat. "I want a soda," he tells Sizhui as he presents him with a napkin and gestures at the food. He then asks, "Do they let you ride the horses?"
no subject
Date: 2020-05-22 03:46 pm (UTC)It helps Sizhui cope with the losses too. Jin Ling went home. Now his father. Only whoever remains in this world, they are left. Part of his intuition was right, that everyone will return home eventually. For now, he's focus his time with his best friend.
He takes out a bill and insert into the vending machine. He bought ice cold soda for the both of them. Then taking a seat, using a fork and knife ready and digs in to eat.
"All right, I'll eat it. I can't believe you can eat most of that. You know, back home, we're mostly vegetarians. Now all of that chicken can't be healthy."
no subject
Date: 2020-05-24 05:35 pm (UTC)Well, the situation is not normal, but sitting like this and catching up is normal enough that he finds a great deal of comfort in it.
"I will eat all of it!" Jingyi declares, regarding the chicken. "And maybe it is not healthy and maybe we are vegetarians at home, but all that means is that I need to enjoy this as much as I can now before I have to go back. Sizhui--Sizhui--I this is a treat! Enjoy it! It is the only reason I have not left the job where I wear a giant chicken!"
no subject
Date: 2020-05-25 01:00 am (UTC)"I hope everyone made it back home. Safe, I know they will. I came from the future. This I know. But we are still here. When they returned home, they won't remember anything that happens here." He said.
"I don't have anyone here left. Except for you and Uncle. Jiang Cheng is a sect leader back home and Ms. Jiang Yanli..." He trails off. "She died back home. Many years ago during the sect wars. This I know. When we return back, there's a home waiting for us, so we don't have to worry."
Which leads back Jingyi, and remembering Miu who becomes adopted and initiated in their clan. "Other than myself, have you made any friends here, Jingyi?"
After his parents gone home
Date: 2020-05-22 07:26 pm (UTC)Jingyi? If you could take some time off from work. We need to figure out with Uncle in what to do with the rabbits.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-24 05:38 pm (UTC)Of course! And will we not just keep taking care of them? You love those rabbits.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-25 12:48 am (UTC)He felt strangely calm. He's not as much as upset. Just lonely, but he must be there for everyone.]
I do. I have spoken to my uncle for a solution. We have figured out a way to find someone else to take care of them, but that will take some time.
For now, when you're able, when you come home, come join me in the backyard. As for dinner, I already brought something from the store. Then we can talk.
[Because you just can't eat fried chicken all the time.]