[Huaisang is quiet for a few moments, lost in thought.]
Why him and not me?
[He doesn't understand. Wei Wuxian is one of his best friends, while Xiao Xingchen is a stranger he met... once? It's true that Huaisang had only met Xue Yang once, and their relationship in this place changed and deepened very quickly and very unexpectedly, but he has missed any context about that happening between Wuxian and Xingchen.]
[ Wuxian hadn't expected a flipped conversation from one of their first talks after Xue Yang. The smile reaches his eyes before reaching his lips, but the look is warm and sincere. ]
Because if it wasn't me, he would have to rely on a stranger.
[ Xingchen is very capable, though Wuxian has limited exposure to him after losing his eyes... Admittedly, he has limited exposure overall, but their introduction had been in the form of a fight where Xingchen did well. Still, Duplicity isn't just a new town, it's a new world, one unlike any of them know. ]
He reached out and asked me, and I know I can still help you as a friend while helping him as a Submissive.
[ Meaning, it was a combination of Xingchen asking first and needing someone willing to take his condition into account. ]
He's going to help me get my own apartment so now when we meet, you don't have to go down.
[Now Huaisang is the one who will have to rely on a stranger, but he thinks he understands. Xingchen needs more emotional protection. Huaisang will manage just fine with social negotiations, whereas Xingchen will let people take advantage of him. Huaisang's grateful to have him protected.
He nods, not especially happy about it but willing to accept Wuxian's reasons.]
That will be good. I'm glad to have you and Wangji both in a safer area.
[He knows that Wuxian does just fine with roughing it, but Huaisang would prefer that his friend doesn't have to.]
[ Huaisang shouldn't have to rely on a stranger at all. Wuxian knows how Xingchen and Xue Yang met again after their last meeting. It would be hard for Huaisang to be tricked in the same way and should Huaisang need any more protection, Wuxian is willing to step in still. At least, that's always been his plan. ]
What? The Down wasn't so bad. It's more that I had choice-y friends who complained when he came to visit.
I think you are picking on me, Wei-xiong... [There's a whiny pout in his voice, though he doesn't really mind being picked on, as long as Wuxian is having fun and still likes him.]
But there's no way to get to the bars in the Down!
That's very thoughtful of you, Wei-xiong. I hope they are cute but not as cute as me.
No because then we'd have to take the elevator. And also go to the down. And I'm only willing to endure those things if a really good friend needs me to.
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[Since he already knows about Lan Wangji's contract.]
I'm glad you'll be safe. I was worried for you.
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[ From what Wuxian understands, this is more than that. ]
It's important to not doubt your very smart friend. As if I'd leave it to chance.
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Why him and not me?
[He doesn't understand. Wei Wuxian is one of his best friends, while Xiao Xingchen is a stranger he met... once? It's true that Huaisang had only met Xue Yang once, and their relationship in this place changed and deepened very quickly and very unexpectedly, but he has missed any context about that happening between Wuxian and Xingchen.]
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Because if it wasn't me, he would have to rely on a stranger.
[ Xingchen is very capable, though Wuxian has limited exposure to him after losing his eyes... Admittedly, he has limited exposure overall, but their introduction had been in the form of a fight where Xingchen did well. Still, Duplicity isn't just a new town, it's a new world, one unlike any of them know. ]
He reached out and asked me, and I know I can still help you as a friend while helping him as a Submissive.
[ Meaning, it was a combination of Xingchen asking first and needing someone willing to take his condition into account. ]
He's going to help me get my own apartment so now when we meet, you don't have to go down.
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He nods, not especially happy about it but willing to accept Wuxian's reasons.]
That will be good. I'm glad to have you and Wangji both in a safer area.
[He knows that Wuxian does just fine with roughing it, but Huaisang would prefer that his friend doesn't have to.]
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What? The Down wasn't so bad. It's more that I had choice-y friends who complained when he came to visit.
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I'm just glad I won't have to take that elevator anymore.
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We can still visit some of the bars in the Down. They're more fun.
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But there's no way to get to the bars in the Down!
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[ He is teasing, but it's in good humor. ]
No way? We can still go down.
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No because then we'd have to take the elevator. And also go to the down. And I'm only willing to endure those things if a really good friend needs me to.
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Is it really so scary? I think they're fun.