Also the squirrel chitters from wherever it is hiding, like it knows it's being discussed. It's probably back in his sleeve now?? Hard to say.]
I do not wish to keep it. Pets are forbidden. [wow what shocking information.] If it may not be kept indoors for observation, I will ask for an acceptable alternative.
[He tilts his head slightly, looking like he's considering that very seriously. There is a flash of fluffy tail from his sleeve. His rabbits always liked the outdoors best, but he doesn't know that much about caring for squirrels, so...]
I do not believe it will be necessary. But I would request permission to prepare and maintain an indoor space nearby.
[LISTEN he isn't the Head of Discipline for nothing. Actually though it's all wwx's fault
But her reaction is totally valid tbh, lwj is absurdly serious and should be laughed at. He is gay and stupid and thus unmoved by her cute laugh. Tragic.]
[He’s quiet for a minute, like he’s debating this (or, more likely, trying to decide if she’s serious or pulling a prank), but after a moment, he nods.]
A longer silence, this time, but this one is much heavier. Unseen from the way they’re tucked into his sleeves, his fingers curl—but only loosely, so as not to agitate his injuries.
There’s not really a non-serious answer he could possibly give right now, but she said “don’t get sappy”, so...
[. . . oh no. did she accidentally stumble onto something serious?? that answer-- the pause beforehand, the way LWJ tenses-- gets her to tense up a little bit uncertainly. she isn't very good at being emotionally supportive]
[If nothing else, he doesn’t seem to expect any support or condolences. Whether that’s because it’s her, specifically, or because Lan Wangji is just a stoic loner type in general, is a mystery. (It’s not, it’s the second one.)
His voice is even, and his face is as calm as ever, but there’s a definite air of melancholy about him anyway.]
...By order of the Qishan Wen sect. [It would have been better, he thinks, if the Wens had simply burned it down themselves--forcing his people to destroy their own home had been...
It's not something he would bring up himself, or elaborate on--but since the topic has already been touched on, he can't quite stop himself from clarifying a little more.] Refusal was not tolerated.
[He doesn't want her to misunderstand, and think it was a willing act, when it wasn't.]
[she hadn't realized what he had meant about his sect being burned down until this moment, when he says some other sect had given the order for it. it's then that she bristles, her teeth clenching as she lets out a snarl, almost offended on his behalf]
Wait, so some jerks made you guys burn it down? And you couldn't just tell them to shove it and refuse?
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Juuust asking.
[even though she told him she wanted to GET ALONG, that doesn't mean she won't be a jerk at him. sometimes. it's just ingrained into her personality]
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Rules provide guidance. Discipline encourages focus and settles the mind.
[He knows he's not going to convert her to his way of life or anything, but still. HIS RULES.]
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Yeah, uh huh, sure.
So what are you going to do with your little friend if Sally says you can't bring animals into the dorm?
[OOOOH MORAL QUANDRY]
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Also the squirrel chitters from wherever it is hiding, like it knows it's being discussed. It's probably back in his sleeve now?? Hard to say.]
I do not wish to keep it. Pets are forbidden. [wow what shocking information.] If it may not be kept indoors for observation, I will ask for an acceptable alternative.
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You're pretty quick to abandon a new friend for the sake of some arbitrary guideline.
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Do squirrels not prefer the outdoors?
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[just saying]
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I do not believe it will be necessary. But I would request permission to prepare and maintain an indoor space nearby.
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So I guess you do have a bit of flexibility in you.
It's a start.
1/3
2/3
3/3
--Animals that cannot comprehend the rules cannot be expected to follow them.
[NO WIGGLE ROOM FOR LOOPHOLES]
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[but she is cracking up, her laugh high-pitched and a little squeaky. it's cute. . .]
Whatever. While I have you and your little buddy, mind doing a favor for me?
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But her reaction is totally valid tbh, lwj is absurdly serious and should be laughed at. He is gay and stupid and thus unmoved by her cute laugh. Tragic.]
What is it?
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Do a task with me. Tell me about your hopes for the future, or whatever.
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Which would you rather discuss?
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Your future. What you want from it. You don't have to get sappy on me. Just say something-- literally anything.
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A longer silence, this time, but this one is much heavier. Unseen from the way they’re tucked into his sleeves, his fingers curl—but only loosely, so as not to agitate his injuries.
There’s not really a non-serious answer he could possibly give right now, but she said “don’t get sappy”, so...
Eventually, quietly—]
...I would like to rebuild my sect.
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Oh.
. . . uh. . .
[a beat]
What happened to it?
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His voice is even, and his face is as calm as ever, but there’s a definite air of melancholy about him anyway.]
It was burned down.
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By who?
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...By order of the Qishan Wen sect. [It would have been better, he thinks, if the Wens had simply burned it down themselves--forcing his people to destroy their own home had been...
It's not something he would bring up himself, or elaborate on--but since the topic has already been touched on, he can't quite stop himself from clarifying a little more.] Refusal was not tolerated.
[He doesn't want her to misunderstand, and think it was a willing act, when it wasn't.]
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Wait, so some jerks made you guys burn it down? And you couldn't just tell them to shove it and refuse?
[SHE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND!!]
Why not?!
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He doesn't say anything out loud, but--does he have to, with such a clear implication?]
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[her eyes narrow]
The strong will always try to crush the weak. No matter what the weak do to fight back.
[. . .]
. . . it sounds rough. What you went through.
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