Work Text:
My beloved A-Yao,
You departed Cloud Recesses just yesterday, but I already find myself missing you. I miss having you in my arms. I miss having you to hold. I miss waking up with you by my side. My bed feels so cold and empty without you here.
I eagerly await the day in which I'll get to see you again. Your beautiful wide smile, the one that brings out the lovely little dimples on your cheeks. Your deep brown eyes, the ones that captivate me and make me want to drown in their depths.
I'm hoping your next visit won't be as short, but I suppose beggars can't be choosers. I do hope this letter finds you well, and that you had safe travels back to Jinlin Tai.
Eagerly awaiting your response,
Your Xichen
----
Jin Guangyao found the letter absolutely endearing. He couldn't keep himself from smiling here and there. And that signature…
Your Xichen
Those two words alone made him feel so giddy, warming his heart and putting another wide smile on his face.
He supposed the man really was his. It hadn't quite occurred to him that after everything they'd been through, the illustrious Zewu-jun was… his.
His Xichen
Wasting no time, Jin Guangyao reached for a blank piece of scroll paper as well as a brush and ink to compose his correspondence.
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My darling Xichen,
I too was missing you like crazy as I made my return to Jinlin Tai. I wanted nothing more than to turn back, or at least have you by my side, accompanying me in my travels. The empty seat beside me screamed your name, your presence. I longed to rest my head on your shoulder and feel your arm wrap around my waist.
It brought me back to the times we shared at Cloud Recesses, entangled in the sheets, snuggling against each other. I do miss the warmth of your bed, of being with you, but know that my own bed is always open to you, awaiting your presence.
I hope you'll be able to visit me soon, but if not, then I look forward to our next night hunt together. For any time spent with you, wherever it may be, is more than enough for me.
And how dare you compare yourself to a beggar! You are nothing of the sort. If anything, you're like a prince. My prince charming.
Eagerly awaiting your correspondence,
Your A-Yao
----
Correspondence. It definitely gave A-Yao's letter a fanciful flair. Perhaps it even sounded a little too formal.
Small smile playing at his lips, Lan Xichen shook his head. His A-Yao always had such a way with words, ever so eloquent in his form of writing. In fact, it was one of the many traits he loved about his A-Yao.
Soaking in the contents of the letter a little while longer, Xichen eventually wrote his response.
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My wonderful little poet,
I see you're trying to one up me with your marvelous talent. Is there anything you can't do, my love? You sing, you dance, you've even mastered the guqin. And of course your eloquent prose transcends from paper to speech. How could I ever hope to compete?
Perhaps you can teach me some of your poetic prowess the next time we meet. In exchange, I can show you some painting techniques. I'm certain you'll pick them up quickly as you've done with the guqin.
You even laud me as a prince, but I think we both know you'd be more fitting for that role. I would be happy enough being your devoted servant, my little lord, tending to your every need.
With that said, I promise to pay you a visit at Jinlin Tai much sooner than you'd expect. You have my absolute word, my prince.
Until then,
Your most loyal servant,
Lan Huan
----
This time it was Jin Guangyao who shook his head.
Xichen's letter was over the top with all the praises toward him. But it was very much a part of Xichen's nature.
Such playful exchanges and banters were always his favorite part of their letters. Whenever he read those bits, it almost felt as if the Lan sect leader were actually here expressing himself from across the desk. It certainly made their distance from each other seem more bearable.
And with news of Xichen planning a visit soon, he'd grown even more elated, more inspired to pen his next letter.
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My esteemed flatterer,
Such a way you have with words and praises. I don't believe you need much lessons from me, but I'll gladly take you up on your offer. It would be a great honor to learn from one of the best.
You'll be happy to know that I've been continuously practicing my guqin, though I'm nowhere near as good as you. Perhaps I can try playing a song for you during your stay at Jinlin Tai. I would love to get some feedback on how to improve my playing technique.
Also, no, I don't think we both agree on that. The way in which you carry yourself, your noble gait, your sense of justice, your dashing looks, they're all representative of princely qualities. To me, you're my dapper prince charming through and through.
I will be holding you to that promise, awaiting you with open arms. I very much look forward to when I'll be able to see you again, hold you again.
Until then my beloved,
The prince to your prince charming,
Your A-Yao
----
There was so much Xichen wanted to reply back, but time did not permit it. Besides, it would be better to address everything once he was face-to-face with his beloved.
Not wanting to leave the letter unanswered, however, he drafted up a brief response…
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My dearest Prince A-Yao,
I depart this afternoon for Jinlin Tai. I very much look forward to our lessons and the time we'll spend together during my visit. I cannot wait to gather you up in my arms and hold you tight.
See you soon my beloved,
Your Prince Charming A-Huan