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Lan WangJi was reading through the assignments that the disciples had given to him yesterday. As always, Lan SiZhui's one was spectacular and it was better than the previous assignment. He felt a bit of pride and a lot of happiness deep in his heart. Then he continued to mark the rest. Lan WangJi would give a gift to Lan SiZhui for the latter's excellence later. While marking Lan JingYi's assignment, he felt relief. Lan JingYi had improved a lot during the past few assignments. Lan WangJi knew he had the capability to improve further. Maybe this child needs some praise too. After all, Lan WangJi would always give credit where it was due.
For a moment, Lan WangJi's mind involuntarily thought about Wei WuXian, the love of his life. His grip on the brush tightened slightly, as he tried to focus back on the task. He knew he would get nothing done if he continued this train of thought. Lan WangJi knew he was definitely capable of thinking about how beautiful his husband's smile is, how cheesy he is, how much of a tease he is and the unbelievable fact that Wei WuXian loved him back the same way he loved him. It was still hard for Lan WangJi to believe this because in his entire life he never would have imagined that Wei WuXian would love him back. He was fine with standing by Wei WuXian's side in his entire life as long as the man was happy, even though it would hurt. This is why the thought that all of this was just a dream which was too good to be true was constantly in the back of his mind. Sometimes Lan WangJi would have nightmares where he is losing his husband again. Those nights he would hold Wei WuXian tighter and closer to him, afraid that the nightmare would become a reality and he would be in pain once again.
"Lan Zhan!"
A cheerful and bubbly voice interrupted Lan WangJi's thoughts. Before Lan WangJi could react, he felt two arms wrap around him from behind. It was those familiar arms that always brought him comfort. He felt like there were butterflies dancing in his stomach out of pure joy and he knew his heart beat quicken immediately. Every single horrible thoughts and fears Lan WangJi had cleared from his mind just from hearing his husband say his name ever so lovingly. None of those thoughts mattered anyways. What mattered was the fact that Wei WuXian was with him right now and was hugging him. Lan WangJi knew a smile was threatening to form on his lips because of the sudden abundance of happiness he felt but this time he decided not to fight it.
"Wei Ying…"
Hearing the soft voice say his name and seeing the sweet smile on Lan WangJi's face, Wei WuXian giggled in happiness. Lan WangJi carefully moved Wei WuXian to his lap. Satisfied, Lan WangJi decided to continue his work. Wei WuXian didn't complain and proceeded to wrap his hand around Lan WangJi's neck and give him a peck on edge of his smiling lips. Wei WuXian then settled down on Lan WangJi's lap and let his head rest on the other's chest.
The past was painful, and they didn't know what would happen in the future. However that didn't matter because they knew they had each other. They trust each other and they knew in their hearts that they would move mountains for each other if needed. They loved each other. In that moment they were together, married and raising a wonderful son. They were finally happy. Nothing could separate them.
"Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan!"
Lan WangJi looked up from the book he was reading. Wei WuXian had barged into the library pavilion once again, with a smile so wide it reached his eyes. Lan WangJi's heart skipped a beat whenever he saw that smile. The smile he once thought he would never see again.
"Yes Wei Ying?" asked Lan WangJi, his voice full of love and affection.
Wei WuXian sat down and scooted himself closer to Lan WangJi before he continued. "Back in Dafan mountain, you immediately knew it was me because of our song wangxian, right?"
"Mn…"
"What exactly went through your mind?"
Lan WangJi carefully placed the flower in between the pages and closed the book. He looked at Wei WuXian with endearment in his eyes and took in a small breath. It was never easy for Lan WangJi to find the right words but he tried for his husband. After all, Wei WuXian did deserve to hear such words too. "I couldn't believe my own ears."
Wei WuXian's stomach flipped at the loving look Lan WangJi had given him. He stared right back at Lan WangJi with an equal amount of love. "Why?" he whispered, with a soft smile.
Lan WangJi gulped. There was not much change in his expression but Wei WuXian could tell he was struggling. Since Wei WuXian always paid attention to even the littlest of changes in Lan WangJi's expressions, it wasn't hard to know what his husband was going through. He waited patiently till Lan WangJi collected his thoughts. He knew Lan WangJi was trying.
"Because, finally. Finally after thirteen years of searching I heard," Lan WangJi paused, his voice cracking a bit but he composed himself quickly. "I heard someone else other than me play the song that I made for you. I finally heard something that was related to you. Finally. Wei Ying."
Wei WuXian eyes started to sting. Soon enough he felt wetness on his eyes. He was tearing up. "Lan Zhan. I truly don't deserve you. You really didn't stop searching for me even when thirteen years had passed."
Lan WangJi shook his head disagreeing. He grabbed Wei WuXian's hand and intertwined their fingers together. "You do. Don't undermine yourself. You're not worthless at all."
"But Lan Zhan-"
"No, Wei Ying," interrupted Lan WangJi. He squeezed Wei WuXian's hand and glanced up to Wei WuXian's eyes. Wei WuXian's breath hitched on the amount of affection that he sensed from Lan WangJi's stare.
Seeing how much Wei WuXian was affected, Lan WangJi tried once again to organise the screaming thoughts of love in his mind. "We both deserve each other. You make me happy Wei Ying. I will gladly remind you this every single day. You deserve to be loved."
Wei WuXian felt his throat tighten. He always believed that he was never worthy of love from someone great as Lan WangJi. However, now Lan WangJi himself was saying that he deserves all the love he was receiving. Wei WuXian knew how hard it was for Lan WangJi to put thoughts into words, as he was a man who showed his affection with actions instead. Knowing this only made Wei WuXian's heart ache more. Lan WangJi was trying for him. Wei WuXian squeezed Lan WangJi's hand and took in a deep breath to stop the tears that were threatening to fall. "If- If it was more than thirteen years? Would you…"
Lan WangJi leaned closer to Wei WuXian. "I will wait for you till the world ends," he whispered, as the distance between their lips reduced. At this point Lan WangJi decided to let out whatever that came to his mind. He knew he didn't have to craft the perfect sentence for Wei WuXian, unlike he did with others. His husband would understand. "Thirteen, thousands, or even millions. It doesn't matter. I would always wait for you."
Wei WuXian failed to keep the tears in any longer. "Lan Zhan," he murmured, before the gap between them completely closed and their lips touched. Wei WuXian felt his heart hammering in his ribcage and his stomach flip. Love soared within him. Lan WangJi's lips were soft as pillows and sweet as loquats as always. Wei WuXian brought both of his arms up and wrapped it around Lan WangJi's neck as the kiss deepened. Wei WuXian could never get tired of kissing his husband. It always made him feel like he's floating in space, without needing to worry about anything in life. Kissing Lan WangJi was something he would never exchange for anything. Kissing Lan WangJi made his heart bloom with happiness. Kissing Lan WangJi gave him life.
When their lips parted, Wei WuXian found himself on Lan WangJi's lap. He smiled, and brought their his face close again till their foreheads touched. "Lan Zhan," he mumbled as his lips broke out into a soft smile once again. It couldn't be helped. Lan WangJi always made Wei WuXian happy.
"Mn?" replied Lan WangJi. He stared deeply into Wei WuXian's beautiful eyes that seemed to hold the entire galaxy.
"I love you. So much."
Lan WangJi let his lips curl into a small smile when he heard those words. "I love you too, Wei Ying."
Wei WuXian stared at Lan WangJi in shock. Lan WangJi had taken Wei WuXian's cup filled with Emperor's Smile and gulped it in one go. Earlier Wei WuXian was teasing and complaining over the fact that Lan WangJi can't hold liquor well at all. He did not expect Lan WangJi to do this.
Immediately, Lan WangJi fell asleep. After getting over the initial shock, Wei WuXian burst into laughter. "Lan Zhan, what did you expect?" He got up from his seat and carried Lan WangJi up. Carefully, Wei WuXian lied Lan WangJi on their bed. After he made sure that Lan WangJi was comfortable, he sat beside him with the jar of Emperor's Smile and started chugging it like it wasn't a challenge. Wei WuXian finished it, and turned to look at Lan WangJi's pretty face.
Wei WuXian couldn't believe this beautiful man was his husband. He slowly reached out and touched Lan WangJi's cheek. Lan WangJi looked normal but from the touch, Wei WuXian could tell his husband's cheeks were slightly heated up because of the alcohol. Wei WuXian slowly let his hand wander up to Lan WangJi's forehead ribbon. He traced it with his finger and he remembered what Lan SiZhui had told what the forehead ribbon meant. At once Wei WuXian felt his face heat up and his heartbeat quickened. He knew if he could see himself that he would be rivaling a tomato. He brought his hands up and covered his face in embarrassment, as he let himself slightly curl up into a ball. "Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! Who knew you were such a romantic!"
As Wei WuXian became more and more of a blushing mess, he felt the bed shift behind him. Before Wei WuXian could react, two arms wrapped around his stomach. Lan WangJi was back hugging him. He could feel Lan WangJi's breath hit his neck. Wei WuXian's mind went blank for a moment because of the sensation.
"Wei Ying."
Wei WuXian shuddered at the mention of his name. "Lan Zhan. You should go back to sleep."
"Wei Ying," Lan WangJi repeated once again. He then brought his lips to Wei WuXian's neck and gave it a kiss. Heat soared through Wei WuXian and his breath hitched. Lan WangJi never failed to melt Wei WuXian into a puddle. Lan WangJi brought his hand to Wei WuXian's robe. He loosened it a bit and pulled it aside so that Wei WuXian's shoulder was visible. Then Lan WangJi dragged his lips from Wei WuXian's neck to his shoulder and bit into his shoulder.
Wei WuXian yelped in pain. "Lan Zhan! What are you doing?"
Lan WangJi did not budge his head. Wei WuXian was confused. Lan WangJi wasn't even sucking onto the spot. He was just biting. "Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan. Let go of me, please. I want to see your face."
After a few seconds, Lan WangJi finally obliged. Like Wei WuXian said, he immediately turned to Lan WangJi and sat on his husband's lap sideways. Lan WangJi brought his head closer to Wei WuXian's chest and let it rest there. Wei WuXian let out a giggle on how cute Lan WangJi was acting. He brought his hand up to Lan WangJi's soft hair and ran his fingers through it. Lan WangJi hummed, satisfied. Wei WuXian smiled when he noticed that Lan WangJi's ears were slightly red. His husband was the most adorable ever. Wei WuXian gave Lan WangJi a forehead kiss as he continued to pat his husband's hair. "Lan Zhan. You really should sleep."
Lan WangJi shook his head with the biggest pout he could make. "No."
Wei WuXian brought his hand up Lan WangJi's face and lifted Lan WangJi's chin so he could stare into the other's beautiful golden eyes. "Aren't you a good boy for me Lan Zhan?"
"Lan Zhan is a good boy. For you," mumbled Lan WangJi. Wei WuXian's heart skipped multiple beats hearing that.
"Then why don't you go to sleep? It's past nine."
Lan WangJi looked away and shook his head again. Then he muttered something but Wei WuXian couldn't hear it.
"Lan Zhan. What is it?" asked Wei WuXian.
"...kisses."
"Kisses?"
"I want kisses," Lan WangJi replied as he looked back up to Wei WuXian with puppy eyes.
Wei WuXian couldn't handle how cute his husband was being. Without wasting any time he leaned in and kissed Lan WangJi's nose.
"More," said Lan WangJi with a pout. "I want more."
Wei WuXian could never refuse his husband. He kissed Lan WangJi's cheeks, then his eyes. He brought up Lan WangJi's hands and gave each a peck. Then he proceeded to give kisses all over Lan WangJi's face. Wei WuXian's heart filled with happiness as the seconds went by. He loved showering his husband with love. The entire time Lan WangJi had a soft smile plastered onto his face.
"More please. Lan Zhan wants Wei Ying's kisses."
Finally, Wei WuXian kissed Lan WangJi's lips. It was sweet as ever, and Wei WuXian could taste a bit of the remains of the Emperor's Smile. Wei WuXian broke the kiss for a moment to take in a breath and dived right back in. This time the kiss was deeper.
"Wei Ying don't stop kissing Lan Zhan," muttered Lan WangJi in between breaths.
Wei WuXian couldn't help but laugh into the kiss. He felt so happy. Never in his life did Wei WuXian think that he would find happiness like this in his life ever again. He was insanely grateful that he had Lan WangJi now. Wei WuXian didn't know what he would do without his loving husband. He parted their lips once again and stared into Lan WangJi's eyes filled with love.
"Wei Ying loves Lan Zhan."
"Lan Zhan loves Wei Ying too."
Wei WuXian grabbed the hair brush from the drawer. Lan WangJi had finally allowed Wei WuXian to comb his hair so Wei WuXian was excited. He pattered towards Lan WangJi with a big smile on his face.
Lan WangJi was sitting comfortably in the proper pose he was always taught to sit from the time he was a child. Soon, Wei WuXian was standing behind him. He proceeded to remove Lan WangJi's hairpieces gently, making sure he didn't accidentally tug a strand of hair too harshly. Lan WangJi closed his eyes in anticipation because Wei WuXian's next step would be to remove his forehead ribbon. A moment passed but Wei WuXian had not made a move.
"Wei Ying?" called out Lan WangJi, wondering if there was something wrong.
What Lan WangJi couldn't see was the fact that there was a beautiful red blush decorating Wei WuXian's face. He was about to grab the forehead ribbon just as Lan WangJi expected but suddenly the realization of how domestic this was dawned upon him. Wei WuXian was about to remove his husband's forehead ribbon, which stands for self restraint, and comb his husband's hair. Lan WangJi was willingly letting Wei WuXian to remove his forehead ribbon. Wei WuXian didn't understand why it was suddenly a really big deal, since he had already pulled Lan WangJi's forehead ribbon multiple times even without permission for fun or to do more indecent things. Maybe that was why Wei WuXian's heart was drilling like a jackhammer in his chest. This time it wasn't like that. This time he was just going to brush his husband's hair. The more Wei WuXian thought about it, the more he got flustered. Finally, he let out a small giggle. Wei WuXian cannot believe his life had finally settled down.
"Wei Ying?" Lan WangJi called out once again. "Is there something wrong?" The concern was obvious in his voice.
Wei WuXian's heart calmed down at the sound of his husband's voice. "Sorry Lan Zhan, I was just thinking."
"About?"
"About how lucky I am to have you as my husband," said Wei WuXian, followed by a giggle. "It still feels like a dream Lan Zhan. I really did steal the cabbage."
No matter how many times Lan WangJi heard Wei WuXian praise him, he could never get used to it. Every single time he hears the praises the man he loves had to offer, happiness would bloom within him. The corners of his lips unwillingly curled up into a soft smile. "Wei Ying."
"Ah, yes I was going to comb your hair."
Wei WuXian cautiously brought his hand up to the forehead ribbon. He gently tugged on to it and it immediately came loose. Lan WangJi let out breath he didn't know he was holding as soon as the ribbon fell. Wei WuXian could see that Lan WangJi's shoulders loosened up too. His husband was looking more relaxed than he did a moment ago. Wei WuXian smiled to himself. Lan WangJi was willing to let go in front of him and him only. Even though Wei WuXian doesn't say it all the time, he was extremely grateful.
Finally, Wei WuXian took the hair brush and started to comb Lan WangJi's hair lightly. Lan WangJi's hair was beautiful and smooth as silk. It was extremely soft too. Wei WuXian loved it. Doing this also put his mind into peace. He decided that he wanted to comb Lan WangJi's hair every single day.
"Lan Zhan, your hair is so beautiful."
"...Mn"
Wei WuXian let out a laugh. "Can I do this everyday Lan Zhan? I want to comb your hair everyday."
"Yes, Wei Ying."
Wei WuXian happily continued to brush his husband's hair. There wasn't much conversation between them. He decided it would be better to let the comfortable silence to settle around them and savour this moment instead. When he was done, he leaned forward and gave a kiss on the top of Lan WangJi's head. "All done Lan Zhan," he whispered. Wei WuXian then brought his arms and wrapped it around Lan WangJi, giving him a back hug. "My pretty husband is prettier now."
Lan WangJi didn't say anything back. He didn't have to. Instead he leaned back into Wei WuXian's chest and relaxed. A satisfied smile decorated Lan WangJi's lips. The moment felt perfect to both of them. Having each other was enough and nothing else mattered.
Half asleep, Wei WuXian reached out to cuddle with Lan WangJi except he was met met with empty space. He scrunched up his nose and reached further ahead but he still couldn't find Lan WangJi. Instantly he woke up. Lan WangJi wasn't there. Wei WuXian was immediately hit with a wave of worries. Where was Lan WangJi? Did Lan WangJi leave him? Did he ever meet Lan WangJi? Were all those moments just a long dream? So many questions floated through his mind and it got worse as the minutes ticked by. This was the first time after his marriage that Lan WangJi wasn't there when he woke up.
Suddenly, Wei WuXian was able to hear the sound of the guqin being played. The questions roaring in his mind settled and now the melody was all he could hear. It was beautiful. The piece being played was also familiar to Wei WuXian. He decided to focus on it more since he felt like he too had played this piece countless times on his flute. Soon enough, the realization hit him. The piece that was being played was wangxian.
Wei WuXian took in a couple of breaths before he stood up. Since his mind was still slightly muddled because he just woke up, he had no idea who could be playing this piece. Wei WuXian shuffled towards the sound. He opened the door leading outside and there was a man sitting by the steps. Wei WuXian blinked for a moment and realized that it was his Lan WangJi. He carefully made his way towards Lan WangJi, doing his best to not make a noise. Nevertheless, the sound of the guqin stopped and Lan WangJi turned to look behind him. Wei WuXian gave his husband a smile.
"Lan Zhan, why did you stop? It was beautiful."
"You're awake," said Lan WangJi, completely disregarding Wei WuXian's question. "Did anything happen?"
Wei WuXian sat right next to Lan WangJi. "Just wondered where you were."
Lan WangJi looked at Wei WuXian with worried eyes. He didn't expect Wei WuXian to wake up. He couldn't sleep so he decided to play wangxian, except he didn't want to wake Wei WuXian up so he decided to play it outside. "Wei Ying…"
"What's with that look Lan Zhan? I'm fine. You're here so I'm fine."
Lan WangJi reached out to grab Wei WuXian's hand. He immediately knew that Wei WuXian was trying not to make him worried. Lan WangJi felt the need to reassure his husband. He knew him long enough that Wei WuXian was afraid of losing everything. A pang of guilt settled into Lan WangJi's heart. "Yes I'm here. I would never leave you."
"Lan Zhan," Wei WuXian could feel many emotions stirring within, but most importantly Lan WangJi was with him so he was happy. He trusted Lan WangJi. His husband had already proven that he meant every single word he said so far. However, it was still hard to accept that he deserved Lan WangJi's heart. "How could you say such sweet words? Do you want me to cry?"
"It's the truth."
Wei WuXian couldn't help but let out a laugh because of the happiness that was building within him. "Could you continue playing Lan Zhan? I really liked it."
"Mn"
Once again the melodious sound of the song wangxian floated through the air, breaking the silence of the night. Wei WuXian hummed along to it. His mind was at peace. There were no worries for the moment. Lan WangJi had always made him feel safe.
When the song was done, Lan WangJi looked at Wei WuXian. He still wasn't satisfied with what he said earlier. He wanted to express it better so he tried once again. "Wei Ying?"
"Yes Lan Zhan?"
"I would stay by your side forever. Nothing will break us apart."
Wei WuXian once again smiled. "Yes Lan Zhan. I know. I've realized."
"Good."
Wei WuXian thought for a moment. "Lan Zhan I have a question."
"Mn?"
"Did you play wangxian every night when I was… When I was not there?"
Lan WangJi looked at Wei WuXian like he was looking at his entire world. Indeed, Wei WuXian really was his world. "Yes. I missed you."
Wei WuXian heart crushed at those words. He cannot imagine how lonely and heartbreaking it would have been for Lan WangJi. This time, Wei WuXian held Lan WangJi's hand. He wanted Lan WangJi to know that the feeling was mutual. Lan WangJi was now his home, and he wouldn't have it any other way. "Lan Zhan, listen to me. I would never leave you too. I'm here now too. I'm here with you and I will stand by your side forever too."
"Wei Ying," wisphered out Lan WangJi. It was just Wei WuXian's name but it held so many unsaid words and emotions. Wei WuXian understood what Lan WangJi meant. It wasn't hard to understand because he too felt the same way for Lan WangJi.
"Lan Zhan," he replied with an equal amount of love and affection. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Silence settled between them, but it was not awkward. It was comfortable. Both knew that no words were needed to be said. Conversation didn't have to flow when you were with the love of your life. When Lan WangJi looked at Wei WuXian again, he noticed that his loving husband fell asleep while holding his hand. He set the guqin aside. Then, Lan WangJi scooped Wei WuXian up and easily carried him in bridal style. Unknowingly, Wei WuXian snuggled closer into Lan WangJi's chest.
"Lan Zhan," muttered Wei WuXian in his sleep.
"Mn. I'm here."
A soft smile settled on Wei WuXian's lips.
Heart beating fast, Lan WangJi carefully carried Wei WuXian to their bed. He made sure Wei WuXian was comfortable before he laid down next to him. Lan WangJi wrapped his arms around Wei WuXian and brought him closer to his chest. Legs tangled, soon Lan WangJi too was peacefully asleep.
Lan WangJi was walking towards the giant grass patch in Cloud Recesses with a basket of carrots, celery leaves and other greens. It was the time he would usually feed the abundance of rabbits he owns. When Lan WangJi arrived at his destination, he was met with a pleasant surprise.
Wei WuXian was sitting on the grass while petting and nuzzling one rabbit in his hand. He had a bright smile on his face. The rabbits had finally gotten used to Wei WuXian's chaotic self and now they adored him. The rest of the rabbits had gathered around him in a circle. Some of them were cuddling up to his legs. There were even some that were attempting to jump onto Wei WuXian's lap. Sunlight was hitting Wei WuXian's face making his face glow. Lan WangJi held his breath at the sight. The grip on his basket tightened. Wei WuXian looked like a beautiful jewel that shined brighter than anything else in this world. Lan WangJi felt lucky that the most beautiful human on earth was his husband. No one could compare to Wei WuXian's beauty. Lan WangJi found him the prettiest. To make it worse for Lan WangJi's heart, it was two of the things he loved the most in one place.
Wei WuXian's voice snapped Lan WangJi out of his thoughts. "Little rabbits, did you make Lan WangJi happy during the time I wasn't there? I hope you did. He deserves happiness"
Lan WangJi could feel his throat tighten. He wouldn't be surprised if his heart had shot up to his throat after hearing those words. He fought back the smile that was threatening to form. Wei WuXian always managed to fill his heart with happiness. Lan WangJi may adore the rabbits but nothing could be compared to how much happiness and comfort Wei WuXian had given him. Lan WangJi took in a breath to calm his rapidly beating heart, and walked towards Wei WuXian and the rabbits.
"Wei Ying."
Wei WuXian looked up to the sound of his name. The already bright smile became brighter when he saw Lan WangJi was approaching him. "Lan Zhan! Did you come here to feed the rabbits?"
"Mn," replied Lan WangJi. When the rabbits noticed Lan WangJi they immediately started hopping around his feet. He sat right next to Wei WuXian and set the basket of vegetables on his lap. Before all the rabbits jumped on him, he took some of the greens out and laid them around the grass. The rabbits quickly rushed to the food and started munching on it. Lan WangJi reached out and patted one of the rabbits with a look of endearment.
Wei WuXian stared at his husband. Whenever he looked at Lan WangJi his heart never fails to flutter and do flips in his chest. Lan WangJi looked so gentle among the rabbits. He couldn't help but think how ethereal his husband looked. Lan WangJi really did look like the rarest and the most prettiest jade to exist.
Suddenly, two new rabbits joined them. Wei WuXian looked at those rabbits, a little surprised not knowing where they came from. He assumed that they were hiding behind the large tree when he was playing with the other rabbits. One of the rabbits was white and the other was black. The white rabbit carefully inched towards one of the small piles of food, grabbed one of the bigger pieces of carrot and dashed back to the black rabbit. It then presented the carrot piece to the black rabbit. The black rabbit happily munched on it but soon it slightly pushed the piece towards the white rabbit with its little paw. Both the rabbits shared that carrot piece. Wei WuXian stared at them in awe. These two rabbits also looked awfully familiar to him. The black rabbit stopped munching and nuzzled towards the white rabbit.
Wei WuXian giggled. "Lan Zhan. Aren't those two cute? They remind me of us."
"Mn," replied Lan WangJi. Wei WuXian noticed that Lan WangJi's ears were slightly red. He almost cooed at how cute his husband was. Wei WuXian decided to imitate the black rabbit so he moved closer to Lan WangJi and nuzzled his face on the crook of Lan WangJi's neck.
Lan WangJi brought his hand and rested it on Wei WuXian's hips.
Wei WuXian looked at the rabbits again and finally the realization hit him. He smiled and gave a peck to the corner of Lan WangJi's lips. "You kept them," he whispered.
"Mn."
Wei WuXian laughed. His laugh was the most beautiful sound Lan WangJi had heard in his entire life. "I'm glad Lan Zhan. I'm glad. I hope they brought you comfort."
"They did."
Wei WuXian snuggled closer to Lan WangJi as they watched the rabbits eat.
Wei WuXian stared at Lan WangJi's sleeping face. He was curled up into a ball and was lying right next to Lan WangJi. His eyes went over his husband's soft features, from the eyes to the kissable lips that was on his skin an hour ago. They had finished their daily ritual and now Lan WangJi was asleep peacefully. Wei WuXian would usually be asleep too but it was one of those days where thoughts would linger for too long in his mind. Wei WuXian watched as his husband turned sideways in his sleep. They weren't wearing anything so Wei WuXian could see all of Lan WangJi's back.
Scars. So many scars. Lan WangJi's hair was covering a lot of them but Wei WuXian knew there were thirty three on his husband's back. Wei WuXian felt his eyes sting. His heart felt heavy with regret as he remembered what Lan XiChen had told him on that night in the Guanyin Temple. It was his fault that his loving husband's back was marked with these scars.
"Get lost!"
The two words echoed in Wei WuXian's mind. Lan WangJi was trying to save him that day but apparently this was what he told Lan WangJi repeatedly. His breathing staggered. Guilt was surrounding him. It was slowly suffocating him to the point he could only think about how horrible he must have treated Lan WangJi during that time. His throat felt dry when he remembered how flirtatious he was towards Lan WangJi when he came back from death. Even though he had done all those things, Lan WangJi was still by his side. Both of them had already talked about this but Wei WuXian believed he didn't deserve Lan WangJi. He believed that Lan WangJi deserves someone better than him. Someone who was not the son of a servant. Someone who was righteous and just as Lan WangJi himself. Not Wei WuXian, the Yiling Patriarch who everyone hated. If Lan WangJi hadn't associated with him, people wouldn't have whispered cruel things behind Lan WangJi's back. Wei WuXian's felt worse when he remembered some of those words that were said. It was all his fault.
Wei WuXian shakily reached out and touched Lan WangJi's back. He let his fingers flutter above one of the many scars. Wei WuXian knew that Lan WangJi wouldn't feel any pain since the scars had healed a long time ago but he was still scared to touch them properly. Tears rolled down Wei WuXian's cheeks. He couldn't imagine how much pain Lan WangJi would have felt, and that was without counting in the emotional pain the other went through. Wei WuXian bit his lips to stop himself making any sounds as he sobbed.
"Wei Ying."
Before Wei WuXian knew it, Lan WangJi had turned around and wrapped his arms around Wei WuXian. Wei WuXian looked at his husband in shock. Of course Lan WangJi would wake up if he sensed something was wrong.
"Wei Ying. What's wrong?" asked Lan WangJi, his voice full of worry. His eyebrows were furrowed and there was a great amount of concern in his eyes. Wei WuXian looked away from Lan WangJi. He couldn't bear looking at those golden eyes. Wei WuXian believed he didn't deserve the worry that Lan WangJi felt.
The silence only made it worse for Lan WangJi. "Wei Ying. Please-"
"It's nothing Lan Zhan."
Lan WangJi brought his palm up to Wei WuXian's cheek and wiped away the tears that were still falling. "If it's nothing, why are you crying?"
Wei WuXian sighed. He held Lan WangJi's palm that was on his cheek. "Lan Zhan, I really don't deserve you. You deserve someone so much better than me."
Lan WangJi felt his chest ache at those words. He wondered how long it would take for Wei WuXian to truly believe that he was the best person Lan WangJi could ever be with. "Wei Ying," he whispered with all the love he could pour out into words. It was still a challenge but he got better at this, especially during times he knew Wei WuXian needed to hear such words. "You do deserve me. You're the best for me too. No one in this world can be compared to you."
Wei WuXian squeezed Lan WangJi's palm. What had he ever done in his two lives to be with a man great as Lan WangJi. "I'm really sor-"
"Sorry and thank you are not needed between us."
Wei WuXian laughed at those words. He slowly sat up and looked at his husband lovingly. Lan WangJi did the same.
"Lan Zhan, can I see you back? Please?"
Lan WangJi hummed and let his back face Wei WuXian. Wei WuXian gently moved away Lan WangJi's hair and put it over Lan WangJi's shoulder. Lan WangJi understood why Wei WuXian was acting this way. He always looked sad whenever he saw Lan WangJi's scars. Lan WangJi let out a tiny gasp when he felt Wei WuXian fingers lightly trace his back. One by one, Wei WuXian's fingers fluttered over all thirty three of his scars.
"You didn't deserve this pain Lan Zhan. You didn't have to do this for me."
Lan WangJi shook his head disagreeing. "I wanted to Wei Ying. My only regret was not standing by your side sooner."
Another wave of tears hit Wei WuXian when he heard those words. "Oh Lan Zhan."
That was all Wei WuXian said before his lips touched a scar. Lan WangJi let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and his eyes widened. Wei WuXian was kissing his scars. After each kiss, Wei WuXian muttered something but Lan WangJi couldn't pick up what his husband is saying. He could also feel the wetness of Wei WuXian's tears on his back. Lan WangJi's heart was hammering in his ribcage, overwhelmed with the amount of love he felt from each kiss. Wei WuXian's muttering got louder when he was nearly done kissing all of the scars.
"I love you."
As if a dam was broken down, tears immediately rolled down Lan WangJi's cheeks when he realized that was what Wei WuXian was saying after every kiss.
"Wei Ying," he whispered out, his voice cracking.
Wei WuXian's lips lingered longer on the last scar. When he was done, he wrapped his arms around Lan WangJi and rested his forehead on his husband's back. "I love you Lan Zhan. I love you so much. I can't believe I have you. I am so lucky Lan Zhan. I am so glad you believed me all this time. I love you, I love you, I love you," said Wei WuXian. "No matter how many times I say this, I don't think it'll ever explain how much love I have for you."
Lan WangJi put his palm on top of Wei WuXian's and held it tight. He took in a breath to stop his tears from falling and steady his voice. "I love you too Wei Ying. You're my life."
"I don't deserve you."
"You do Wei Ying. You do deserve me."
Wei WuXian shook his head. "But I've caused you so much pain Lan Zhan."
Lan WangJi paused at those words. He took a moment and played with Wei WuXian's fingers as he formed his sentence. "Maybe you did. However, the happiness you bring me every single moment outweighs all those years."
Wei WuXian's arms tightened further at those words. Lan WangJi could feel his husband shaking slightly behind him. Soft sobs broke the tranquility of the night. All Lan WangJi could do was let Wei WuXian cry it out as he tightly held Wei WuXian's hands. It pained him that he couldn't do more than this. Wei WuXian deserved to be always smiling but Lan WangJi knew that his husband was human. No human could always be happy. They would feel pain, grief, regret and other negative emotions too. In such times Lan WangJi knew all he could do was stay by Wei WuXian's side.
Wei WuXian's breathing finally settled down. It seemed that he had fallen asleep as he was crying. Lan WangJi didn't know how long they had been sitting like this. He carefully removed Wei WuXian's hands around him. Gently, he layed Wei WuXian down in a comfortable position. He too then lied near his husband and wrapped his arms around to bring the other closer.
"I will never leave your side Wei Ying," wisphered Lan WangJi before giving a forehead kiss to Wei WuXian. Lan WangJi brought Wei WuXian closer to his chest so that the remaining space between them was now nonexistent. Finally, he closed his eyes to sleep.