Psl: New school, new teacher, and a hot social worker

[outspokenlan]

Jingyi's grip tightens around Mr. Wei's hand as he's led into a conference room at the new school he and his brother were going to be attending. He wouldn't normally be holding his social worker's hand like this but despite being a brave eight year old, this was really scary.

He glances to Mr. Wei's other side where Sizhui was doing the exact same thing. He always looks to Sizhui. They weren't technically brothers, but they'd bonded so strongly at the orphanage they might as well be. In fact, that was precisely why they hadn't been already adopted. Mr. Wei had helped protect them and keep them together hoping that some day they might find someone willing to give both boys a home.

Jingyi's heart stops and he barely refrains from hiding behind Mr. Wei like a toddler when three other adults were already in the room.

"Thank you for coming, Mr. Wei. These must be the two boys you've told us so much about! Hello! I'm Principal Wen. Please join us." Wen Qing gestures to the three free seats grouped together so the boys wouldn't have to be separated. She smiles at the two kids and a little less warmly at Wei Wuxian. They've worked with each other for years for various issues involving the school and the state, but she was a no-nonsense principal most of the time. Today she is clearly making an effort for the sake of the kids.

"Mr. Wei, you obviously know Mr. Nie our school counselor. Allow me to introduce you and you boys to Mr. Lan, your new teacher."

Mr. Lan sat wearing a long button-down shirt with a sweater over it and a pair of khakis. His dark hair was tied back in a sleek, small ponytail with two long bangs framing his neutral face. Light colored eyes assess Mr. Wei before his gaze slides to the boys. His expression turns mildly warmer at them but not by much.

Jingyi wants to cry.

Comments

[patrianarchy]

Sometimes, Wuxian wonders if he's doing the right thing, if maybe Sizhui and Jingyi would have actually been better off being adopted and having families to care for them, even if those families kept them apart - but he loves these kids, loves all the kids at Yiling House, and they've both already lost so much in their short lives, the last thing he wants to do is to let them lose each other as well.

Unfortunately, that means that they've been in his care for a few years now, and the older they get the less likely it is that they'll ever be adopted - which breaks his heart. He'd adopt them both himself if he could, but a single guy on a social worker's salary living in a rented apartment is never going to get approved for that.

At least he can be there for them when they really need him, on days like today. The fact that they feel comfortable enough, even at this age, to reach for his hand when they're scared - that they see him as someone safe - it makes him feel a little better about his choices. Maybe there are other jobs out there that would pay more, let him get a better place, be in a better position to adopt them, but he'd never forgive himself for being away from them while he went looking for it.

"You're gonna be fine," he tells them both cheerfully before they enter the room "this place is great, I promise."

He nudges them gently forward to take a seat once they're inside, letting them choose whether they wanted to sit side by side or keep him in the middle. Sizhui lets go of his hand as soon as he realises there are other adults in the room, straightening up a little and trying to look more grown up. He wants to make a good impression, and to reassure Jingyi at the same time. Mr Wei said it was going to fine, so it's going to be fine, right?

"Hey," Wuxian greets principal Wen casually (his total lack of professionalism is, he's pretty sure, one of the reasons she gets annoyed with him, but he knows she loves him really), and then gives Huaisang a grin and a nod - Huaisang's returning smile is a little more restrained, but still warm, he's never had any problem with how casual Wuxian is.

"Yep, these are the ones, my very best troublemakers," he teases lightly "Sizhui and Jingyi." he taps each boy lightly on the head as he introduces them, before taking his own seat. He's doing it all deliberately, trying to break the tension for the two of them, since he knows how nervous they are - that's the main reason he's always so relaxed. Not just in his attitude, either - in contrast to how all three of the other adults are dressed, Wuxian is wearing ripped jeans and black converse, his black sweater has the sleeves rolled up, and his ponytail is held in place by a bright red ribbon to match the red of the Yiling House lanyard around his neck.

"It's very nice to meet you." Sizhui says politely to them, as Wuxian finally turns his attention to the one person in the room he doesn't know.

"I guess A-Yuan's manners are better than mine," he chuckles, eyes scanning over the teacher as he reaches out to offer his hand "nice to meet you, Mr Lan."

He looks... well. Incredibly attractive, Wuxian can't deny that, he's hot enough to almost take his breath away - but he also looks incredibly straitlaced, and Wuxian is really not sure how well that's going to go down with a class of 8 year olds. Wen Qing is a damn good principal, so he must be good at his job, but it's not going to stop Wuxian worrying.

[outspokenlan]

The reassurance helps some, but not enough that Jingyi remembers to be polite on his own. He gives each adult a wary scowl. Some people see his personality as refreshingly honest with his feelings but others- and sadly most couples who have interviewed him for adoption- view it as bratty. Case in point, he says quietly to Mr. Wei as the older man is trying to introduce himself to Mr. Lan. "I don't like it here."

Wangji had stood to accept the attractive but unkempt looking man's hand but just as their hands touch, his attention is drawn to the unhappy boy. He feels his heart break a little, knowing to a small extent how the boy must feel from his own experience. "It's an honor to have you here." Whether that is for Jingyi or for Wuxian, he doesn't clarify. However, the rest is obviously for the kid. "Anything new is difficult."

[patrianarchy]

As formal as he is, he definitely wins himself a few points with Wuxian when he immediately looks to reassure Jingyi, and the social worker gives him a grateful smile before turning his attention to the younger boy.

"Hey buddy, what have I said about giving things a chance?" he encourages quietly "You know, I bet if you asked Mr Lan questions about the things you didn't like, you might find out it's not so bad after all..."

It's half getting Jingyi to give voice to his worries and get the reassurance he needs, and half a test - if Mr Lan can deal with Jingyi questions, he'll get Wuxian's approval.

"If you want, you can tell me what you don't like and I can ask." Sizhui leans over to whisper to him.

[outspokenlan]

Jingyi's frown grows as he listens. He wants to do what he's being asked. He knows he's supposed to be making a good impression and he doesn't want to upset Mr. Wei but..

He leans over to Sizhui, who he sat between him and Mr. Wei. "I don't like Mr. Lan. He looks mean," he whispers.

Wangji watches attentively but there's a slight downward tick to his lips. His gaze drops as he tries to think of what to say to that, even though he knows he wasn't supposed to overhear it.

[patrianarchy]

Wuxian almost, almost manages to keep a straight face until he looks over at Huaisang and realises that he, too, is trying to stifle a laugh, and then he cracks. It's not a huge obvious guffaw or anything, but there's a definite snort of laughter before he covers his mouth.

It's not that he's laughing at anybody, it's just the way that Jingyi blurts out whatever's on his mind and it always makes things hilariously awkward.

Sizhui gives Mr Wei a stern look - which makes him do his very best to look contrite while also trying hard not to laugh even more - before frowning in thoughtful concentration, trying to think of the most diplomatic way to put Jingyi's concerns. After a moment, he looks up at the teacher.

"Mr Lan, if somebody made a mistake in your class, what would you do?" He asks politely.

[outspokenlan]

Jingyi is visibly flustered when it seems everyone heard him even though he'd tried to be quiet. He isn't very good at that, unfortunately.

Wangji's expression turns stern too when he spots the adults laughing. The child had obviously tried to be subtle! Even if he hadn't succeeded, it would've been far more polite to let Sizhui handle what was supposed to be a secret. Now the boy had adults laughing at him! (Of course, he doesn't know how light-hearted Wuxian's laughter is and what exactly it meant.)

He inwardly sighs at the question. "They're encouraged to fix their mistake or apologize if it was honest. If they were being disrespectful they write on the board for a while." It's a rather old-school punishment, but he's found writing 'I will not ___ in class' a couple dozen times can really be effective. "Is your method laughing at him?"

Jingyi glares at Mr. Lan. "Don't talk to Mr. Wei like that!"

[patrianarchy]

Sizhui considers the answer thoughtfully before nodding - it seems reasonable to him, and not very scary at all. He's about to say as much to Jingyi when Mr Lan continues and he winces slightly, knowing how protective Jingyi could be.

"Hey, it's okay," Wuxian says quickly, giving Jingyi a fond smile "he's just making sure I'm not being mean to you, that's all."

He looks up at Mr Lan, giving him the benefit of the doubt since he was clearly being protective - which is kind of another point in his favour, actually.

"Jingyi knows I'm not laughing at him, just the situation. Besides, I don't think it's a mistake to speak your mind, we're just... still working on tact." He grins a little.

[outspokenlan]

"You wouldn't be mean to me or Sizhui!" Jingyi protests, but not quite as vehemently. It's almost a pout, but with a little bit more teeth to it.

Wangji nods approvingly, glad to hear the boy at least believes he's been treated well. He doesn't see how Mr. Wei can really be responsible when he looks like he just fell out of bed, but whatever.

"Well, now that we've gotten to know each other a bit," Wen Qing cuts in before there can be further conflict. "As you requested, both boys will be in the same class and we have two backpacks ready with the supplies they need for the year. They'll each be part of the free school breakfast and lunch program. If they need it, we can arrange to a tutor for afterschool to help them with their homework. Unfortunately if we do that part, we will need someone to take them home as the buses leave right after school."

As she talks, Jingyi is distracted by spotted the two new backpacks on a table nearby that he hadn't noticed. He knows this is because they're poor and don't have their own resources, but he's excited to see the new stuff either way.

"May we go look at them?" He asks Mr. Wei.

[patrianarchy]

Wuxian might be casual about a lot of things, but he does listen carefully to everything Wen Qing has to say about what they've arranged - he's glad the school can do so much for them, because Yiling House just doesn't get the funding it needs for all the kids. This way they still get to have everything they need for school.

"I can help them with homework, that shouldn't be an issue, but if they need any further tutoring we can discuss that when it comes up," he says.

He glances at the boys when Jingyi asks if they can see the new things and considers the question for a moment.

"Sure, go ahead." He says encouragingly, deciding that it'll give the adults a chance to talk while the boys are busy.

Sizhui is clearly also just as interested (although too polite to ask) so he's quick to jump up and go investigate the backpacks with Jingyi.

[outspokenlan]

Truthfully, the school hadn't done so much for the boys. No one but Principal Wen knew it, but the supplies had been purchased by their new teacher. He'd learned where they were both coming from and insisted on it. Of course, it might as well be a secret taken to the grave for how likely Wangji is to ever admit it to anyone.

Jingyi dashes over to the bags but pauses when he gets there. He stops and looks at Sizhui. "Which one do you want? I want you to pick."

When they look, they'll find a t-shirt rolled up, some snacks, a toy, along with their basic school supplies. Jingyi is almost bouncing he's so thrilled about what they find. Unfortunately, he doesn't leave Mr. Wei alone all that long before he's rushing back to show him.

In that short reprieve though, Wen Qing tells Wei Wuxian, "Mr. Lan is a really good teacher, especially for children with.. more challenging beginnings. I know he'll to take his role with these boys very seriously. There's no one I'd trust them with more. However, should they need it at any time, they have permission to seek out Mr. Nie and they'll be allowed to call you. Is there anything else you'd like to ask him?"

Not that Mr. Wei gets the chance before Jingyi is back and exuberantly showing off his new treats.

[patrianarchy]

Wuxian has had other kids come through this school before and he has noticed that the supplies are a new thing - but he's just assumed that it's something the school has put in place since the last time, rather than realising there might be another explanation.

Of course, when Jingyi comes rushing back and he sees what's in there, he's pretty impressed - whatever programme the school has put in place for this stuff, it's clearly a good one! They're not even generic bulk-bought supplies, by the looks of it, but the kind of stuff kids might pick out for themselves - or, more accurately, the kind of thing an adult might pick out for an 8 year old boy they didn't know.

Sizhui considers the backpacks for a moment before quietly telling Jingyi that he'd like the light blue one, though he waits to make sure Jingyi is okay with that before he actually starts looking through the things inside. He's a contrast to Jingyi's bouncing enthusiasm, but it's still very clear that he's pleased with everything he finds.

"That's reassuring, I know-" Wuxian starts. He's about to say that he knows Wen Qing has good judgement and if she trusts Mr Lan then so does he, but before he can even get the words out Jingyi is there. Seamlessly, he turns his attention to the kid with a bright grin.

"That's really cool!" He says enthusiastically "I'm glad you like it. We've gotta talk some more boring stuff for a bit, so how about you and Sizhui take those toys and one of the snacks and play in the corner for me? Then when we're done we'll get to go take a look around the school and see your new classroom, okay?"

"Can I see yours, A-Yi?" Sizhui asks politely, deliberately attempting to lure the other boy back over so the adults could talk - and maybe a little bit because he wants to show off the rabbit-patterned pencil case from his own bag.

[outspokenlan]

Jingyi had smiled and handed Sizhui the backpack he wanted. It worked out perfectly since he liked the black one with brightly colored orange, red, and lime green splotches like it'd been hit with a paintball gun.

"Aww, but-" Jingyi starts to complain, t-rex toy in hand. He wishes he could still crawl in Mr. Wei's lap like he used to but that was so juvenile for a eight year old. (More accurately, he'd do it if there wasn't an audience.) They're all spared another defiant Jingyi moment when the soft words of his brother capture his attention. He grins and follows Sizhui.

Silently Wangji watches and his stoic expression softens just shy of a smile. There's warmth in his eyes and he continues to follow the boys with his eyes. He's grown attached to his students before, many times in fact, but there's something about these two. It's sweet how Sizhui can contain so effortlessly the wildness that the other boy exudes. From how Jingyi reacted to his comment about Mr. Wei, he suspects he'd be at least that fierce for his friend. It reminds him a bit of his brother. Xichen may have been more quiet and mild than that, but he was just as loyal and had stood up for him a number of times. He recognizes the brotherly love when he sees it, even if the boys aren't actually related.

In the corner, Jingyi gets excited about the cute bunnies on the pencil case and shows off the triceratops one he got. "How did they know I like dinosaurs?" He exclaims loud enough they can all hear.

[patrianarchy]

Wuxian glances away from the kids just in time to catch that expression on Mr Lan's face and oh. The points are really racking up here - anybody who can look at his boys with that softness in their expression gets his mark of approval, but truthfully it isn't quite that which catches his attention. It's that tiny, barely there hint of a smile that shifts his already beautiful face into something truly breathtaking, and it's not until Jingyi's exclamation breaks through his reverie that he realises he was just staring.

Huaisang stifles another laugh at the way Wuxian suddenly jerks back to reality and chuckles slightly at the shout, trying to pretend he hadn't just entirely zoned out for a second.

"I gotta say, actually, whoever put those bags together did a great job, rabbits are Sizhui's favourite and, well, as you all heard Jingyi loves dinosaurs."

[outspokenlan]

Jingyi's comment is about the same moment Wangji notices the eyes on him. His gaze shifts to Mr. Wei as the other man looks away. It's so very brief, but there was something in the social worker's gaze that leaves him unsettled and his heart warm in his chest. What just happened?

His gaze drops at the compliment over the bags he purchased shyly. He really hopes the conversation moves back to business soon or he's allowed to leave and get back to his classroom to hide prep.

Principal Qing doesn't mean to, but her eyes flick to the teacher for a second before returning to Wuxian. She had doubted the inclusion of rabbits, thinking a little boy might find that too cutesy or girly, but she's pleased she'd kept her opinion to herself. "I'm glad they're enjoying them. I'll be sure to thank the responsible party."

She takes a packet of papers and hands them over to Wuxian. Quickly she goes over them, explaining what needs to be filled out and what is just information about upcoming events or policies. One is the monthly menu for the school meals and one is a newsletter. Whenever Wuxian reads it, there is a small ad for baby bunnies being offered to good homes by the boys' teacher.

[patrianarchy]

A lot of the other boys Wuxian had taken care of over his time at Yiling House probably would have thought the rabbits too cute, but Sizhui had always been a little softer than the other boys, and he's loved rabbits and butterflies since he was a toddler. Wuxian should never admit to it, but one of the proudest moments he's ever had was when he got called into the boys' kindergarten class because Jingyi had punched a boy who called Sizhui's butterfly drawing stupid.

"Please do," he says sincerely, before turning his attention to the important things. He grabs a pen to fill out the details and gathers up all the papers - he doesn't have a bag or anything of his own so he just keeps hold of them for now, intending on putting them in one of the kids' backpacks until they get back to the orphanage. At least, he is until he spots the bunny ad when he skims over the newsletter - probably best to keep hold of them himself and minimise the risk of the kids seeing that, they'd be begging him for a bunny for weeks.

Though, he wonders if he could convince his boss to let him get a rabbit for the home...

Once the paperwork is all done and all the boring questions asked and answered, he looks up with a smile.

"So, would it be okay for the kids to get a bit of a tour? I know they'll feel better about starting here if they get an idea of the place, you know so it's not the big scary unknown and all that."

[outspokenlan]

"Certainly," Principal Wen replies, pleased to hand the rest of this introduction over to one of the other men. "Huaisang, why don't we let them get to know their teacher first? We will arrange it so the boys can have lunch with you so you can check in on them. Does that work with your schedule?"

Lan Wangji nods his head, accepting the direction from his boss. He waits for the counselor to accept it to, although he knows he will, and then rises. He gestures toward the door but doesn't move toward it. He knows it's going to take Wuxian a minute or two because Jingyi at least has spread all the contents of his backpack on the floor around him and is currently munching on some peanut butter filled pretzel bites. The boy has shared some of those with Sizhui and taken a piece of his brother's snack in return (because of course they did).

Jingyi frowns when he realizes they're supposed to be getting ready to leave. He doesn't really want to go anywhere, but he doesn't want to be in this room either. He just wanted to go back to their house and not deal with any of this.

[patrianarchy]

"I think that's an excellent idea," Huaisang agrees with a nod "and yes, it works fine with me."

Wuxian thanks them and moves over to crouch down beside the boys - Sizhui's backpack is still mostly packed, but he's taken out a notebook and the pencil case and is drawing happily. He looks up when Mr Wei approaches and smiles expectantly.

"Let's get this stuff packed up kiddo," Wuxian says cheerfully, already starting to gather together the scattered items so he can help Jingyi put it away. Sizhui scrambles to pack up his own things so he can help. "you can keep your t-rex out if you like? Bring him on the tour with you?" Wuxian adds, hoping to sweeten the deal a little bit.

[outspokenlan]

Jingyi almost whines but the compromise with his dinosaur holds him back. He also is trying to behave, so he helps put his stuff away. Sliding his arms through the backpack handles, he draws closer to Sizhui as they follow Mr. Lan out of the room.

The air Wangji had originally, the calm, cold-ish exterior had settled back in his demeanor. While he preferred listening to talking by a large margin, he was comfortable providing information and instructions. It's a trait any teacher has to learn.

"We can start down this way and work our way back," Wangji says. "This other corridor is where our room is, so we can leave it to last. Keep in mind, the building is shaped like a pair of reading glasses. There's one square down this way and another down that way with this hall with the office and front door in the middle. The space in between the two squares is the playground."

As he starts down the hall, he asks Wuxian, "Have the boys had breakfast today?"

[patrianarchy]

Sizhui helps to make sure all their things are packed away and puts on his own backpack, staying close to his brother as they head out. Wuxian gives them both an encouraging smile and follows close behind - definitely so he can keep an eye on the two of them and not at all so he can let his gaze stray to Mr Lan as they walk.

Sizhui listens carefully to the explanation and nods, trying to commit it to memory so he can help Jingyi find his way around - not that he thinks his brother will get lost, but he wants to make sure. People think that Jingyi is the protective one with how quickly he'll leap to Sizhui's defence, but they don't realise just how determinedly Sizhui looks after Jingyi as well.

"Wei-gege made us pancakes." He volunteers before Wuxian has a chance to answer the question. "He can make pancakes shaped like anything."

[outspokenlan]

"He made a pig for me with blueberry eyes and a banana slice for a nose!" Jingyi chimes in. He looks back at Wuxian with a proud, little grin. Their gege was the best!

Wangji nods and almost returns to the tour without comment, but unintentionally his gaze does slip back to the other man. He can't help but wonder just how close these three were. When he looks past the atrocious (and shockingly hot) outfit the other was wearing, he is starting to see someone intriguing. It's a bit scary as he's not used to his emotions being brought to the surface at all and they had almost broken through his calm a couple times today.

"That makes for a fun breakfast," he finally concedes, for the benefit of the kids and clearly for no other reason. He turns then and encourages them to continue down the hall until they come to a room with glass double doors and a bookworm motif around it. "This is our library. Would you like to take a look inside?"

[patrianarchy]

Wuxian looks a little sheepish at the praise, wondering if this neat, composed man might somehow disapprove of his overly playful breakfasts, so when he gets a compliment for the idea he can't help but grin. Sure, he's probably just saying it for the benefit of the children, but he still feels the little rush of pleasure the words bring him.

"Well they seem to enjoy it," he agrees - he doesn't add that it's a great way to get them to eat extra fruit, because it'll stop working if they know.

When they reach the library, Sizhui perks up with interest, and he nods quickly at the offer.

"Yes please, Mr Lan." He says, eagerness creeping into his tone.

[outspokenlan]

Wangji's expression once again softens at the sweet request. He feels his heart melt and he suddenly has the urge to give Sizhui a hug or pat him on the head. What a polite little boy! He nods instead and opens the door for them. He keeps it open for Mr. Wei before following them inside.

"We have a section over here for computers and an area over there for reading," he explains. The reading area had a bunch of animal shaped bean bag chairs. There was a display area with a couple books being designated 'books of the month'. "Over in this section are books on animals." Wangji says remembering Sizhui's interest in rabbits. He picks up a book on bunnies and hands it to the boy. "Why don't you two look around?"

Jingyi wasn't as into books as Sizhui was. He liked them, but Sizhui loved them. Still, he's excited about the library on his brother's behalf and starts pointing out things he sees. "Look! There's a poster with a butterfly on it!"

[patrianarchy]

Sizhui's eyes widen as he's handed the book and he smiles up at the teacher.

"Thank you!" He says brightly, curling his arms around the book and moving over to the beanbag chairs - though he pauses to look at the butterfly Jingyi points out and smile happily "Oh! I think there's one with dinosaurs on over there!" He points, grateful to his brother for making an effort and wanting to return the favour, knowing that he might get bored long before Sizhui even finishes the first page of the rabbit book.

Wuxian watches the two of them fondly before turning his attention to Mr Lan while they look around.

"A-Yuan's already read all the books we have back at Yiling, and their last school didn't have a library nearly as nice as this, I think he's going to love it here." He's a little more worried about Jingyi, but so far it's been going far better than he expected so he's even cautiously optimistic about that.

[outspokenlan]

"You're welcome." Wangji follows Sizhui with his eyes until Mr. Wei speaks. He is glad to hear they've found something the quiet boy will enjoy. He'll have to find some extra times he can arrange for Sizhui to come here. "It's one of my favorite places too." If he wasn't a teacher, he would've been a librarian. His eyes stray to a comfortable chair tucked away just a bit from the rest of the room.

His gaze comes back to the other man. "Until he gets his library card, I'll put any books he wants on mine. Like the one I gave him." He wasn't going to make the boy put that back and they didn't have time for him to read the whole thing now.

"What does Jingyi like?"

Let me know if I got anything wrong and I'll edit <3

[patrianarchy]

Mr Lan, Wuxian thinks, is going to be very popular with Sizhui - it's the other child in his care he's pretty sure the quiet man is going to have trouble with, but Wuxian hopes that he can maintain that calm, that it might be a good source of grounding for the rambunctious Jingyi, the way Sizhui is for him already.

"That's very kind of you," He says genuinely - Sizhui is going to flip when he realises he gets to take the book home and finish reading it. He's also pleased when Jingyi is asked about - he can see, and has seen, how some people prefer one child over the other when they're so different, why it's been so difficult to maintain that they're a package deal in the face of parents who want one thing or the other, so seeing somebody make an effort to be inclusive of them both is exactly what he hopes for in a teacher.

"He's pretty active, so he likes anything that gets him moving. He likes things that are bright and exciting, and things that he deems 'cool'. Those things, unfortunately, can change regularly," he chuckles "he likes food, too. Chicken nuggets are his favourite."