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The next morning Wei Wuxian descended the steps of the inn with an unmistakable perk in his step. Behind him, Lan Zhan was trying to seem his usual, dignified self – and look like he thought Wei Wuxian was being ridiculous – but there was no mistaking the contentment on his face.
They were both so happy.
The only matter than marred that happiness, really, was that no one else seemed to think the events of the previous day were as miraculous as they unmistakably were. The man who served their breakfast, the patrons sitting around the other tables – not a single one paid any attention to them, no matter how much Wei Wuxian gestured emphatically with his left hand, the ends of the headband flailing around his wrist.
“Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan commented. “Are you unwell?”
Narrowing his eyes, Wei Wuxian studied his fiancé (fiancé!) closely. Eyes turned down, tips of his ears flushed red, fighting the quirk of his own lips. “Number one, stop teasing me. Number two,” he continued, turning serious as he reached a hand across the table, “if you're this happy, Lan Zhan, know that you never need to hide it.” Wei Wuxian would not change Lan Zhan for anything, but if it took this much effort to hide his happiness, what was the point at all? “Let them be envious,” he joked, grabbing the fingers of the hand that Lan Zhan offered in return.
Seemingly thinking over his words, Lan Zhan slowly lifted his head. His ears were still red but sheer joy radiated from his eyes, from the gentle smile on his face.
On second thought, if Lan Zhan kept looking at him like that all day, he'd never be able to concentrate on anything.
“Where was I?” he muttered and – oh, yes. “Thirdly,” he continued, because he had a point and he was going to make it. “You said everyone would know!”
“Know?”
Wei Wuxian flailed his arm around again, making the ends of headband tap lightly against his wrist. “What this meant!”
“Only if they know how sacred the headband is in the first place,” Lan Zhan explained. “Unlikely, outside of Gusu. And even in Gusu that knowledge is not vast. It is mostly those who reside inside Cloud Recesses who understand its significance.”
Annoyingly, Lan Zhan had a point. Wei Wuxian had learned much about many of the clans as a child, but it was only when a drunk Lan Zhan had told him exactly who was allowed to touch the headband that he fully understood its significance.
Sinking lower on his seat, he stuck his bottom lip out. “So I can't even show it off?”
“Ridiculous,” Lan Zhan muttered, though there was no heat in it whatsoever. “I thought you cared little for others' opinions of you.”
And yes, that was true – for the most part. He'd always cared about the opinions of the ones he'd loved – his family, Lan Zhan himself. That's what had made the end of his previous life so very painful.
But everyone else? They mattered not. Let them call him names, blame him for all the things he did not do. He knew the man he was and what he believed in – that was all that mattered. He could bear everything they'd thrown at him – and he had, never wavering in his convictions.
“I think it's that I'm so happy, Lan Zhan,” he confessed, “after so much darkness. I feel like I'm finally stepping into the light again.” He smiled quietly across the table with watery eyes. “And I want everyone to see just how lucky I am. Can you blame me?” he asked, flexing the fingers still tangled together on the table.
Lan Zhan's own happiness had not faded. “Being prideful breaks number seventy-three of the Lan Clan disciplines.”
“I know, Lan Zhan,” he chuckled, even as he rolled his eyes. “How many times did you make me write them?”
He nodded minutely, holding Wei Wuxian's gaze. “Under the circumstances, I can see nothing wrong with breaking this rule, either.”
He was being ridiculous and they both knew it – Lan Zhan had broken so many Lan Clan disciplines last night that pridefulness was in itself inconsequential. Wei Wuxian grinned at his folly, pleased that Lan Zhan was so comfortable now with making fun of him.
This urge to share with everyone would pass, he knew, and it wasn't what really mattered anyway.
This love was theirs. He didn't need anyone's blessing or praise.
*
The next few days travel were among the happiest Wei Wuxian could ever remember experiencing. Even when they didn't converse (which with Lan Zhan, was frequently. It was usually him listening to Wei Wuxian prattle on about something) there was a new intimacy that had been missing before. They walked a little closer, touched more frequently – both of them, to his delight.
There was no doubt or hesitation in it, either. For all that Wei Wuxian had tugged Lan Zhan around with him when they were young, now it seemed the opposite was true. Whenever Lan Zhan felt like it he simply reached for Wei Wuxian's hand or touched his shoulder, his back, his wrist – anywhere he wanted.
Wei Wuxian loved it but, more importantly, hoped that it went some way to take the edge off the memory of those miserable sixteen years for his fiancé (fiancé!).
When they finally arrived at the steps that lead to Cloud Recesses, their hands were joined once more and Wei Wuxian couldn't help but wonder if they would remain that way. However, as they climbed and passed through the entrance and even reached the main buildings of Cloud Recesses, it became clear that Lan Zhan had no intention of releasing his hand anytime soon.
Not even when a group of disciples Wei Wuxian recognised very decidedly did not scurry over to them (no running allowed in Cloud Recesses, after all).
“Hanguang Jun!” Lan Jingyi greeted excitedly, eyes widening in shock at Lan Zhan's bare forehead. Taking in Lan Zhan's impassive stare, understanding he would be given no explanation, he physically shook himself and began moving down into the formal greeting bow.
“Master Wei-” As Lan Jingyi bowed, however, his eyes must have finally taken in the sight of their joined hands, of the headband tied securely around Wei Wuxian's wrist. “I knew it!” he exclaimed, abandoning the bow as he shot back up. “Uh,” he continued, throwing Lan Zhan's stony face a worried look. “I mean, congratulations Hanguang Jun, Master Wei.” He nodded at them each in turn. “Sizhui will be sad when he discovers he was not the first to know.”
“He will learn in time,” Lan Zhan said, face still like carved rock.
He was definitely doing that on purpose. “Oh for goodness sake, Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes, finally releasing their hands to bat playfully at Lan Zhan's arm. The young group of disciples gaped at him in shock.
At least, he assumed it was a new expression of shock? They'd already had their mouths hanging open from seeing exactly what'd happened with Lan Zhan's headband.
“Stop teasing the poor boy,” Wei Wuxian insisted, then moved to bow to Lan Jingyi. “Lan Jingyi, thank you for your kind words.”
Lan Jingyi still look confused, shooting looks between the two of them as if to check the very possibility that Hanguang Jun could have been teasing him. “Uh, you're welcome, Master Wei,” he said, eventually, finally bowing correctly.
Wei Wuxian smiled at him. “Have the Grand Master and Zewu Jun returned safely?”
“Yes,” he confirmed. “They flew back by sword and have been here for some days. Zewu Jun has been...absent...since then,” he added, glancing down.
“Absent?” Lan Zhan asked.
“He has not left his lodgings.” Lan Jingyi kept his face turned away, likely worried about being caught gossiping, but more worried about Zewu Jun himself.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan shared a look. They had been right to come back.
“You should go and see him,” Wei Wuxian encouraged.
“We should,” Lan Zhan replied, grazing the headband on Wei Wuxian's wrist with a hand.
Wei Wuxian had his doubts. “Maybe I shouldn't,” he said carefully, making Lan Zhan blink and turn further towards him. “After all that happened with Jin Guangyao it would not seem fair to throw our own happiness in his face.”
Lan Zhan's face softened. “I would not lie to my brother,” he said honestly. “And he would not appreciate it once he knew the truth.”
He supposed that was true enough – he just hated the idea of bringing Lan Xichen any more pain. “You're right,” he sighed. Avoiding the truth rarely helped anyone, as he knew personally.
“I do, however,” Lan Zhan continued gently, “appreciate how you care for him.”
Wei Wuxian closed his eyes for a moment as he smiled. “I have to make sure that at least one of your relations can stand me.” A muffled laugh drew Wei Wuxian's attention back to the fact that they still had an audience.
A look from Lan Zhan soon had the disciples scattering. Snorting, Wei Wuxian passed Lil' Apple off to a disciple who came to claim him, and took Lan Zhan's arm instead. “You enjoy having that power over them far too much.”
Lan Zhan began leading the path towards Lan Xichen's lodgings. “Slanderous,” he remarked, but only pulled Wei Wuxian closer.
Smiling quietly to himself, he considered the group of boys who had been stood before them just now. “You know something, Lan Zhan?”
“What is that, my love?”
“Lan Jingyi reminds me much of myself.”
“Mn,” he considered, “that does not surprise me.”
*
The doors to Lan Xichen's lodgings were open, at least, which Wei Wuxian chose to take as a good sign. Had he truly locked himself away he would've been even more concerned.
Lan Zhan didn't enter directly, however, instead pausing just outside and knocking on the door frame. “Brother?”
A few moments later Lan Xichen appeared. He looked – sad. But healthy. And had obviously been taking care of himself. That was something.
As he approached his eyes widened, though not for long, and soon his face transformed into possibly the biggest smile Wei Wuxian had ever seen grace his features. It still wasn't particularly big, compared to others, but there was no mistaking his genuine happiness.
“Wangji,” he welcomed happily, bowing and as they bowed in return. “Young Master Wei. Congratulations. I am truly happy for both of you,” he finished, smiling at them each in turn.
“Thank you, Zewu Jun,” Wei Wuxian replied sincerely.
“Brother,” Lan Zhan nodded.
“This is long past time in coming,” he announced, before gesturing for them to come inside. “Please.” Once they were settled, he turned to face them, arms behind his back. “I had not been sure when to expect you – certainly not so soon.”
Lan Zhan looked at him plainly. “My brother is here, and he is in distress. So I came.”
Surprised at the words, Lan Xichen slowly closed his eyes, keeping them that way for a long few moments. When he opened them again, it was to squarely set his shoulders. “Thank you, Brother. There is much I would discuss with you. But perhaps not today?” he suggested. “You have no doubt had a long journey and, I would imagine,” he smiled teasingly, purposefully glancing between the two of them, “have new sleeping arrangements to make.”
Lan Zhan's ears were instantly red. “Brother.”
Wei Wuxian laughed in surprise, even as his own face blushed. “Now, now, Lan Zhan,” he chuckled, “it's a brother's right. He's probably been waiting his entire life for this moment. Jiang Cheng definitely would have-” His humour and good mood fumbled as the reality of it sunk in.
Once upon a time Jiang Cheng would have delighted in embarrassing Wei Wuxian in the same way. Now? It would never happen at all.
In any case, the good mood had suddenly left all of them. It certainly didn't help when Lan Xichen announced, “Also, you should pay your respects to Uncle.”
Well, this was going to bundles of fun.
*
Wei Wuxian wasn't nervous, exactly. He already knew Lan Qiren hated every fibre of his being. He just didn't want to make things harder for Lan Zhan, for them to at least be able to bear each other's presence even just for Lan Zhan's sake.
Once they were shown in to see the Grand Master, things didn't start well when he glared at them and said, “Wangji. I see you wasted no time.”
“I did not,” he confirmed. “I am certain my brother has told you all that we learned at the Guanyin Temple. You can have no objection.”
Lan Qiren harrumphed. “That is hardly the case. Yes, it is true that he does not appear to be as...indecent as I once believed, but that does not mean that I approve.”
“He is standing right here,” Wei Wuxian pointed out, because there was nothing more annoying than being discussed as if you weren't there.
“And I do not require your approval,” Lan Zhan added, voice cold, eyes straight forward.
“That much is evident,” Lan Qiren muttered, studying them intently. After a few moments, and some beard stroking, he sighed. “I would speak with Wei Wuxian privately.”
Lan Zhan took an step forward instinctively but Wei Wuxian reached out a hand to stop him. “Lan Zhan,” he said quietly, meeting his gaze. “I'll be fine, and we both know this needs to be done at some point. Better to do it now and get it over with, hmm?” Seemingly struggling against his desire to protect, Lan Zhan eventually relaxed, conceding. “Besides,” Wei Wuxian smiled gently, “I'm sure Hanguang Jun has important things that need attending to. Like...new arrangements,” he teased, referring to Lan Xichen's suggestion but aware that openly suggesting they needed a new bed would be like adding more wood to a fire in Lan Qiren's presence.
Reluctantly, Lan Zhan left.
Once they were alone Lan Qiren stood, one hand behind his back and slowly started circling around him. “You love my nephew?”
Wei Wuxian stood tall, facing forward. “Yes.”
“And yet you broke him.”
Surprised, Wei Wuxian turned his head to stare at where Lan Qiren had paused next to him.
“He was perfectly satisfied,” Lan Qiren said angrily, “until the day you arrived in Cloud Recesses. So like your mother,” he muttered, shaking his head, making Wei Wuxian clench his hands into fists. “You were barely here any time at all when you were getting him drunk.”
“He wasn't satisfied,” Wei Wuxian forced out, “he was miserable.” Being older and – somewhat – wiser, he recognised that now. How desperately lonely Lan Zhan had been for so long and how bad he had been at hiding it.
“But he had certainty,” Lan Qiren insisted. “The comfort of knowing how things should be. He had no need for doubt, for uncertainties. Life for him was simple.”
“But that's not living!” Wei Wuxian argued, unable to control himself. “That's not the way life is!”
“So what is living?” Lan Qiren demanded, voice more passionate than Wei Wuxian had ever heard it. “How you lived? Recklessly? So recklessly that you died so young?”
That drew Wei Wuxian up short and he watched in surprise as Lan Qiren tried to recover his equilibrium.
“You weren't here,” the Grand Master told him, “because you were already dead. You didn't see his grief. See the way it followed him around, haunted his every step these past sixteen years. Didn't hear him playing Inquiry every time you walked past the jingshi.” Wei Wuxian's breath caught in his throat. “You broke him. How can I ever forgive you?”
The tears that had already been building flooded down his face as Wei Wuxian slowly closed his eyes. He was right. He was absolutely right and Wei Wuxian knew it, would have to live with it for the rest of his life. “Yes,” he agreed through his tears, opening his eyes once more. “I broke him. But,” he took a steadying breath, “even knowing that, what was your response? Did you offer comfort or reassurance? Support and love? No,” he continued, voice and anger rising, “he was falling to pieces and instead of any of that you had him lashed three hundred times. All he ever did was love me and you tore his back to pieces.”
Wei Wuxian had to close his eyes again, and all he knew was that it was a good thing he didn't have the Stygian Tiger Amulet any longer as there was no telling what he would've done to Lan Qiren in that moment.
“You speak of not finding forgiveness. Well,” he chuckled darkly, opening his wet eyes to glare at the Grand Master one final time, “I can only turn that question around. How can you ever expect me to forgive you?”
There was nothing else to be said – the conversation had deteriorated enough – so Wei Wuxian turned and stumbled out of the room.
His tears would not stop, his mind full of all the ways he'd hurt Lan Zhan, all the ways his uncle had made it even worse. There was only one place he could think of to go and, keeping his head down, let his feet guide his way.
Lan Xichen found him there, hidden among the bunnies, sometime later. He looked down at where Wei Wuxian was sprawled in the grass fondly. “Is it helping?”
“A surprising amount,” he admitted. His tears had stopped some time ago. “You should try it.”
“I'll consider it,” he said politely, though Wei Wuxian didn't believe it for a second. “You have made my uncle very angry.”
He could feel his entire face darken. “The feeling is mutual.”
Carefully perching himself on a rock, Lan Xichen looked off into the distance. “Since the events at Guanyin Temple,” he began slowly, so much of a surprise that Wei Wuxian sat up suddenly, dislodging a few bunnies in the process. “I have become very familiar with the look of a man who is angry at himself. I see it whenever I catch my own reflection.” After a few moments, he turned his head to nod at Wei Wuxian. “I see it, now, when I look at you. Is it really my uncle you're angry at?”
“I am definitely angry at your uncle,” he spat out, because that feeling absolutely still stood. He genuinely didn't know if he could ever forgive Lan Qiren for his cruelty.
“But he is not the only person you're angry at.”
No, no he was not. Right now, the person Wei Wuxian was mostly angry with was himself. Tears pricked the corners of his eyes and he reached for a bunny instinctively, absently petting it in his lap. “I hurt him so badly, Zewu Jun,” he murmured. “All he ever did was love me. I was so wrapped up in myself and convinced he was passing judgement and so determined on doing the right thing, I never...” Sniffing, he turned his face away. “And then I left him alone.”
Lan Xichen made a sympathetic noise but didn't hold back from the truth. “You would not have changed your decisions anyway.”
He knew him well, apparently. “No, but...things for Lan Zhan might've been better, at least, if I hadn't been so oblivious. It might've eased some of his pain.” Shaking his head, frustrated at his previous self's lack of understanding, he could only guess at what Lan Zhan had gone through. “I still can't believe that he feels the way that he does,” Wei Wuxian admitted. “I know that he does and am so grateful that he does, but...”
Huffing quietly, almost as if in amusement, Lan Xichen spoke. “I thought I had made myself clear when we spoke before, but,” he tipped his head slightly to one side, “perhaps I was wrong. I will make myself plain, Young Master Wei.” He looked at him directly. “My brother's love is deep and unyielding. It will not waver. You do not have to be perfect or deserve it – it simply is.”
Wei Wuxian could only stare at him, dumbfounded.
“You have made mistakes,” he acknowledged, “and so has Wangji. It warms my heart that both of you have learned from them and are taking full advantage of this second chance – so few will ever get such an opportunity.” Lan Xichen looked away, finally, as he spoke the last few words and Wei Wuxian knew he was thinking of Jin Guangyao.
His heart swelled with sympathy and disbelief. “Don't know how you don't hate me, either,” he admitted quietly.
“Because Wangji loves you so much,” he said easily. “Also, over time it has become easy for me to make my own judgement.”
Wei Wuxian furiously started petting the bunny again. “Your own judgement?”
“That you are an honourable man, who did his best in incredible circumstances. Who will always stand up against the unjust and fight for those who can't fight for themselves. How could I not be happy that you are the man my brother has fallen in love with?”
The furious petting slowed as Wei Wuxian felt a smile grow across his face, so grateful that Lan Zhan had had someone like this in his life while he was gone. “Thank you, Zewu Jun. I am honoured.”
“Please, there's no need to use that title anymore,” he insisted. “After all,” he sent Wei Wuxian a look with a teasing glint in his eye, “we are soon to be family, are we not?”
His smile stayed in place as he nodded slowly, taking the words to heart. “Thank you, Lan Xichen. I can only believe that no one could be luckier than I am to have you for a brother-in-law.”
Feeling a little better, a little lighter in his heart, Wei Wuxian placed the bunny aside and got to his feet, being careful not to tread on any of his friends.
“I need to speak to Lan Zhan,” he announced as he looked around at the bunnies, hands on his hips.
“Probably a good idea,” Lan Xichen agreed.
Hopping carefully between the bunnies, Wei Wuxian paused, eyeing Lan Xichen carefully. Lan Xichen clearly noticed, but by the time he'd even opened his mouth to ask what was wrong, Wei Wuxian had already scooped up one of the bunnies and thrust it into his hands.
Surprised, Lan Xichen clutched at the bunny quickly, making sure it didn't fall.
“Trust me,” Wei Wuxian said, clapping him on the shoulder, “it works wonders.”
*
Annoyingly, Lan Zhan wasn't in the jingshi. What he did find, however, was a double bed, which – where did he find one so quickly? Not that he was complaining, as he threw himself down upon it and spread out. There was so much room, even sharing it with Lan Zhan he was going to be so comfortable.
Fifteen minutes later Lan Zhan still wasn't there. Knowing he'd turn up eventually, Wei Wuxian had long become bored of waiting and had started exploring the jingshi properly. He'd been in here many times but took the time now to study all the little details and decorations. He'd long since discovered the loose floorboard under which Lan Zhan stored his supply of Emporer's Smile – for him, he knew, heart swelling with fondness.
He also studied the area critically. If he was to move in here permanently at some time in the future, they would definitely need more storage space. Not that he had much in the way of personal possessions – or anything, really – but he would certainly need more changes of clothes and, when he did live here permanently, would probably want to display some keepsakes from time to time. Especially if they were gifted from-
All thought fled as his eyes took in just what he was looking at. He'd been going through a few drawers, ceaselessly curious and froze absolutely still. There, under a simple protective wrapping, was the image he'd drawn of Lan Zhan when they were teenagers.
He still remembered that day vividly – how badly he'd wanted Lan Zhan's attention, how much he'd wanted to get a reaction – any reaction – out of him.
The drawing was...perfect. He wasn't thinking of his own technique, though that was fair enough he supposed. But the paper held no dents in it, no creases. No sign of the passage of time at all despite the fact that more than sixteen years had passed. He'd kept it all this time?
He probably shouldn't be surprised, not after everything, but the idea of this meaning so much to Lan Zhan even back then, when even Wei Wuxian knew he'd been incredibly annoying...Lan Zhan truly had hidden how he'd felt for far longer than he'd ever imagined.
Wei Wuxian wanted to pull the picture out, to study it properly but left it where it was for fear of damaging it, instead only carefully touching the edges with his fingertips. Lan Zhan, he thought warmly, you sentimental fool.
“Your technique could do with some improvement, but I suppose it's fairly impressive.”
Surprised at the voice suddenly speaking behind him, Wei Wuxian spun quickly around to see Lan Qiren standing a few feet away. “Grand Master.” He could feel his ire starting to build again already. “I am not in the mood to deal with you again-”
“Rest assured,” Lan Qiren interrupted, “our thoughts are the same on this matter. But I am not willing to force Wangji out of my life and thus, I cannot force you out of my life.”
Wei Wuxian folded his arms across his chest. “Don't sound so happy about it,” he muttered.
Lan Qiren ignored him. “I am not pleased with your past actions. You are not pleased with mine. We both care for Wangji.”
This was beginning to seem...cautiously optimistic? “Compromise?” Wei Wuxian asked. Earlier today he would've thought that such a thing never would have been possible.
“For Wangji's sake,” he agreed. “We will never be on good terms, but...”
“We can act as if we are?”
“Indeed.” Seeming relieved that he didn't have to talk about pretending to like Wei Wuxian anymore, Lan Qiren continued seriously. “I only ever wanted the best for him. For Wangji not to repeat his father's mistake.”
An excuse given for so many terrible actions. “His mistakes are his own to make. Lan Zhan is not his father,” Wei Wuxian told him firmly, “and I am not his mother.”
Surprise etched across Lan Qiren's face – he clearly hadn't expected Wei Wuxian to know the story. “No, I suppose not,” he agreed, after a few moments pause. “I suppose the difference, this time, is that you love him back.”
They studied each other for a few moments in silence, before Lan Qiren suddenly turned and strode away. “I'll see myself out,” he said, even as he was already leaving.
Lan Zhan finally appeared, just as his uncle was leaving. “Uncle,” he acknowledged as they passed each other.
“Nephew.”
Lan Zhan's attention, however, seemed to all be on Wei Wuxian. Drawing the doors closed behind him, he was soon next to his fiancé. Pausing near him, he studied Wei Wuxian's features closely, as if looking for something, and took in the open drawer – and it's contents – behind him. He seemed unperturbed at the picture being discovered.
“I heard tale,” Lan Zhan began, “that my fiancé was seen crying as he ran through Cloud Recesses and was last seen rolling around with the bunnies.”
Well of course it sounded ridiculous when Lan Zhan said it. “Yes,” Wei Wuxian sighed dramatically, gently grasping Lan Zhan's hand and leading him over to the bed until they could both sit on the edge. “All of that is true.”
Once his hand was free, Lan Zhan reached it up to push a few strands of hair behind Wei Wuxian's ear. “Are you better now?”
“Much.”
Pleased, he kept playing with Wei Wuxian's hair. “And my uncle?”
“Dealt with.”
Pausing, the corners of his eyes tightened with warmth. “He is a strong-willed man – but so are you. I am not surprised you resolved the issue.”
“Well I'm not expecting birthday gifts anytime soon,” he admitted, making Lan Zhan huff in amusement. “But we will not be at each other's throats. And I expect that's the most I can ask for.”
Nodding at the truth of that, Lan Zhan's focus was still on his hair as he kept moving more of it out of the way, this time moving it behind Wei Wuxian's shoulder. “Lan Zhan?”
“I do not know why,” he explained, continuing his work diligently, “but I am finding your neck extremely distracting.”
Flushing, Wei Wuxian happily tipped his head to one side, exposing more of it. “Well, why didn't you say so, Lan Zhan? You know I'm always happy to help-oh,” he gasped as Lan Zhan licked a strip across it with his tongue.
Heat was already pooling in his belly, but before they got carried away... “Lan Zhan,” he said quickly, grabbing both his wrists. “I love you.”
Pausing his ministrations – unfortunately – Lan Zhan looked up at his face, frowning slightly. “And I you.”
“And I'm sorry,” Wei Wuxian went on, “for causing you so much pain even before I died. For dismissing your genuine fear and concern for me as judgement at my choice of cultivation. For not being able to tell you the reason I had to give up swords in the first place.”
Face settling into an expression of understanding, Lan Zhan tugged his wrists free until they could hold hands. “I am sorry also,” he replied quietly. “That I was unable to express myself clearly. For making it seem like I only cared about your choice of cultivation when all I ever cared about was you.”
They stared at each other, an understanding passing between them – that was in the past and here, now, they had forgiven each other and nothing more needed to be said about it.
“Future husband,” Wei Wuxian began lightly, making them both smile as he leaned back on the bed, tugging Lan Zhan down with him.
Lan Zhan eagerly followed, bracing himself over his body. “Yes, future husband?”
“I like our new bed.” He slid one hand down Lan Zhan's robes, plainly reaching for the fastening that would open them.
“I am pleased,” Lan Zhan observed, doing absolutely nothing to stop him. “Lan Jingyi helped, he was extremely enthusiastic about it for some-”
“Please,” Wei Wuxian interrupted, bringing that same hand up suddenly, placing one finger over Lan Zhan's mouth, “do not speak of Lan Jingyi right now.”
Lan Zhan did exactly as he asked and, as Wei Wuxian's hand returned to it's previous duty, they both laughed quietly into the kiss.