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[rootsforyou]

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[rootsforyou]

Hanguang-Jun. Forgive me if this is too forward. But within the last few days I've seen how much you care for A-Xian. Though you won't say it directly, I've also heard how much you did for him prior to your arrival here. Would I be correct in thinking that, given the opportunity, you would wish for him to return to our world once more?

[strikingchords]

...

It is so.

Why do you ask?

[obviously she's interested in what happens to Wei Wuxian, since she cares about him. but it feels like there's something she's thinking about, that she wanted that response to confirm]

[rootsforyou]

You don't seem like the kind of person who would do so against his wishes. I wondered if you had an idea of how to persuade him. And what you intended to do if he couldn't be persuaded.

[strikingchords]

I do not know.

...

Your presence would assist. He would not return for me.

[as cool and remote and matter of fact as ever. releases the cutting board as an afterthought and mechanically starts cleaning up]

[rootsforyou]

[watches his face while he cleans up]

Did you ask him?

[strikingchords]

[it's... his face. carved-jade and grave, eyes closed for a moment and then open again, mouth neutral]

After Nightless City.

Unlikely to have changed.

[rootsforyou]

[it's an answer to her question, and also another question she didn't ask??? reflexively places a hand flat on the counter to steady herself]

...I fear I've misunderstood you. You asked after the Nightless City? After he used the Stygian Tiger Seal?

[strikingchords]

[puts the cutting board in the sink and starts washing the horrible pepper juice off of it.]

Every day since is after.

[rootsforyou]

. . .

[moves to help rinse and dry]

You said he didn't remember.

[strikingchords]

Mm.

[passes it to her; sure]

[rootsforyou]

[doesn't continue that train of thought; rinses and dries all of the dishes in silence]

[strikingchords]

[the soup is still simmering...

Lan Wangji nods to her, when they're done]

Young Madame Jin. You are greatly missed. You spoke of the cost of wishing.

How have you priced your regrets?

[rootsforyou]

How should I price something like that? I don't regret the actions I took. Only what's left undone.

[strikingchords]

...

...

[breathes out... softer again, repeating it:]

We are in sympathy.

[rootsforyou]

We are.

[reaches for his hand, slow and with care, giving him the room to refuse if he doesn't want the contact]

It's presumptuous to say. But I understand your situation, a bit. I'm sorry.

[she does know exactly what it's like to be in love with someone who has rejected you]

[strikingchords]

[he doesn't refuse it! they are holding hands again.]

No need.

...

Young Madame Jin. I am not unaware of costs.

[rootsforyou]

[gives his hand a squeeze! it is meant to be a comfort]

You are determined in this. Tell me what it is you wish to achieve.

[strikingchords]

"What is left undone." Impossible not to attempt.

[quiet for a moment...]

At that time. Would ask only your willing consideration.

[rootsforyou]

[inclines her head]

Of course. I will give everything its due consideration. I would prefer it if we found a solution that everyone is pleased with.

[strikingchords]

[squeezes her hand back...]

Would not willingly displease you.

[rootsforyou]

...I've been too careful with my words. What you and A-Xian wish to do is well-intentioned. Although I have my own obligations here, and have worries about what the reception might be for our potential return, I am aware that you will think it through carefully. Even if what is decided upon is not exactly what I wish, I could not possibly be displeased with it.

[strikingchords]

...

Young Madame Jin.

Please understand. I had wished to speak with you.

[rootsforyou]

...You said that before as well. Is there something else on your mind?

[strikingchords]

We had not conversed.

However, several years ago. I participated at Phoenix Mountain. You defended Wei Ying then.

...

You have your concerns. Continue to consider them. As well, possible remedies.

To think things through properly, we must value your counsel.

[rootsforyou]

...I promise to consider carefully. You have my word. Once I have thought on it more I may have questions for you regarding how you believe Zewu-Jun will respond to certain proposals. Your insight will be invaluable.

[lets go of his hands to prepare them some tea. this seems like a tea kind of talk]

I admit that I'm a little surprised. You remembered the incident at Phoenix Mountain. While it didn't seem like you were on bad terms then, that was what everyone had been saying since the war. Have you always viewed him fondly, or did something change your opinion of him?