[ Lan Xichen is someone who can absolutely decide that he likes someone after one meeting. It helps that Midnight is attractive and friendly, and even more so that he was honestly relying on Lan Xichen to carry him when they met, even if he didn't think he needed it. Maybe it was only meant as a casual exchange, but just having Midnight lean on him and talk about his situation was enough to win Xichen over. Midnight must be a good man with a burden on his shoulders, and that's really all Lan Xichen needs to know. It's a great relief to hear Midnight explain things now.

He smiles when Midnight offers a gentle disclaimer. He can't be upset anymore. Isn't this proof of what he thought on his first impression? ]

You can be whoever you are. I will not hold you to anything spoken but not remembered now. I was hasty, wanting to make sure you had recovered, but I should not have expected so much right from the start.

[ That was entirely his fault, always trying to be too stubborn and too formal. The booze might have actually done him a favor by distracting him from his own frustrating thoughts. Lan Xichen has a bold moment where he reaches out and touches Midnight's hair with his hand, brushing his fingers through it. ]

As long as I can be of some aid, then I am happy to follow you. At least to make sure you get back to your rooms safely.