It is the least I can do. [xichen pulls out another talisman from his sleeve and then activates it, sticking it on the inside of the very sleeve so there's plenty of warmth between them.

he thanks wangji for his insistence that talisman magic had such merits and, by proxy, wei wuxian for showing the utility of talismans to his brother.

they'll be alright for the night, these talismans are meant to last, and hopefully xichen can sleep long enough to replenish what it took to activate them. it isn't much, so surely he will.

he is about to step away when the doctor gestures him close. there is a part of xichen that thinks it is a bad idea, but the part of him that is a social creature and does poorly with isolation wins. he sits down close by. there is no need to huddle for warmth now, but the proximity is pleasant and welcome.

he shakes his head. he could side step the truth, yes, but lying is forbidden and xichen is tired.] This place has stirred up too many unpleasant memories. [he says honestly, tilting his head.] More so after my poorly timed attempt to inform everyone of what had happened. [normally, he'd offer a smile here even if a bit of a self deprecating one.]