I'm Not Actually An Elaborate Dominoes Enthusiast [closed post]

[summerdude]

Ever since Magnus learned that Hanguang-jun keeps a regular schedule, he's been doing his best to memorize it. Without asking Galahad to tell it to him, because that just seems like it's cheating.

It helps that Magnus already knows about Galahad's training time, which he does sometimes now crash... just to watch, not to participate; it's an inoculation against the jealousy that still clings at the edges of his vision whenever he watches them interact. But now he knows the times Hanguang-jun flies around to survey the grounds, and the times that he's in his room doing stuff Magnus doesn't need to know about, and the times he's in the kitchens cooking, and --

Well. Anyway. It's helpful, because now that the secret garden he and Claudius are growing for Hanguang-jun is getting big, he can, like, try to cover it so Hanguang-jun can't see it from the air.

It's also helpful on a day like today, when he's been worrying over his conversation with Luo Binghe and (admittedly) getting a little worked up over the thought of what needs to happen to bring Aornis down. He's sitting on a log just outside of tree cover, watching the skies for Hanguang-jun and Bichen, ruminating. When they fly into his field of vision, he leaps up, waving Hanguang-jun down.

Comments

[summerdude]

"And," another deep breath. "You'll call me in if you need me?"

[lightbearinglord]

"Only if there is no other choice." It would be idiocy to throw away his life if Magnus could save it -- but he will do whatever he can to avoid that scenario.

[summerdude]

Magnus nods, grateful on several levels. He opens his mouth to say 'thank you.' What comes out is, "I'm scared."

[lightbearinglord]

Lan Wangji's brows draw together, almost a reflexive expression. He is already holding Magnus, which makes it a simple matter to pull him in for a purposeful embrace. He can't tell Magnus not to be afraid; it would be disingenuous. A total absence of fear would be foolish in this instance.

[summerdude]

Magnus sinks gratefully into the hug. "She's a bad news bear, Hanguang-jun."

[lightbearinglord]

"Mn. I want her gone." That is a grievous understatement.

[summerdude]

"I just, like. Hate that this is the only way."

[lightbearinglord]

"I know." He is far from thrilled at the extent of the cold-blooded premeditation this plan requires. But they have had it confirmed again and again that there is no negotiating with Aornis, that she wants nothing but misery. "Sometimes it is necessary."

[summerdude]

"I know." His jaw is set, resolute, but he's clearly unhappy about it.

[lightbearinglord]

Lan Wangji draws back and considers him again. "If I leave to confer with Luo Binghe, will you be well?"

[summerdude]

"You can," Magnus says. "I, um. I told him you'd meet him by the lake house first thing in the morning, or I'd go if you and Claudius both said, no, but if you need to talk to him now... that's fine."

[lightbearinglord]

"I would like to have done with this." And, although he knows that Claudius could endure a meeting with Luo Binghe if necessary, he would like to spare him the conversation if it is at all possible. Endurance is not always imperative. Additionally, Magnus did not answer his question; he asks it again. "Will you be well?"

[summerdude]

"Yeah. I mean, this is important, right? I wanted -- there's something else I want to talk about, but it's not, like, urgent. It can easily wait till after. I'll be fine." Is Magnus putting off his big training confession scene? He sure is!

[lightbearinglord]

Lan Wangji gives him another long, level look. He is not eager to leave Magnus if he needs something, but the sooner Aornis is gone, the better. "Will you?"

[summerdude]

"Hanguang-jun, I don't break my promises," Magnus says. "I'd tell you if I wouldn't."

[lightbearinglord]

"All right." Lan Wangji holds onto him, one more moment of gazing down at his dear and beloved face, and then he nods. They will speak soon. He presses a firm kiss to Magnus' forehead before he calls Bichen back to his side, makes the small jump back onto its blade, and goes in search of Luo Binghe.