Work Text:
Sometimes, Song Lan was sure that fate was just bored. He really had no other explanation for how he ended up in his current situation. It was supposed to be easy, simple, quick and straightforward, catch Xue Yang and bring him to justice. But now he found himself having to share a room with not only Xiao Xingchen but Wei Ying and Lan Zhan as well. The small inn had been too crowded with all the cultivators from various clans gathering and they didn’t have enough rooms to give them separate ones.
There were only two beds in the room which meant they’d have to share, Song Lan with Xingchen and Wei Ying with Lan Zhan. Which would have been fine. Except…
Xiao Xingchen and Wei Ying seemed to get on like fish and water. Or rather, like a disobedient student trying to get the start pupil into trouble.
“Here, try this one!” The young Wei Gongzi encouraged, pouring Xingchen another cup of wine, “I brought this all the way from Gusu. Emperor’s Smile. It’s the best.”
Lan Zhan twitched and Song Lan glanced at him, watching his expression change just subtly enough to show irritation.
“Oh, I’ve heard of this one before,” Xingchen exclaimed as he picked up the cup, inspecting the clear drink inside, “They say the fragrance of this wine can help lift spirits and ease troubled minds.”
“You bet!” Wei Ying agreed, “It’s too bad they banned it from the Cloud Recesses, they’ve got a lot of ‘troubled minds’ in that place with those 3,000 rules.”
Xiao Xingchen started to laugh then hurriedly covered his mouth, looking over to Lan Zhan guiltily. To his credit, Lan Er Gongzi kept his expression neutral although Song Lan would swear he saw the man’s gaze change from irritation to exasperation.
“Xingchen, take care,” Song Lan warned, wanting the other man to be aware of how much he had been drinking. Wei Ying clearly had no problems holding his alcohol, but Song Lan remembered well what happened last time at the wedding when his travel companion had decided to indulge.
Xiao Xingchen pouted at him from across the table, looking longingly at the cup of wine.
“But...Zichen, Wei Gongzi’s been so nice to offer...it would be rude not to.”
Wei Ying grinned, “Song Daozhang, don’t worry. It’s just some wine, after all tonight is a celebration! We’ve caught Xue Yang, and we’ve made some new friends! An auspicious occasion for all of us.”
Xiao Xingchen nodded enthusiastically in support then picked up his cup as Wei Ying did the same. The two men downed the drink under the somewhat worried gaze of Song Lan and Lan Zhan.
“Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan finally spoke up, “Don’t force others to drink.”
This time Wei Ying pouted, although he couldn’t quite suppress the mischievous glint in his eyes.
“Lan Er Gongzi, this isn’t Cloud Recesses anymore. You can’t order me around.”
Xiao Xingchen turned to Lan Zhan as well, leaning in curiously.
“I heard that there are over three thousands rules in the Lan Clan, is that true?” He asked politely.
Before Lan Zhan could respond, Wei Ying jumped in.
“You have no idea, Xiao Xingchen Daozhang! No alcohol in Cloud Recesses, no talking out of turn, no studying forbidden crafts, no skipping classes, no speaking loudly, no talking during meals, no asking unnecessary questions, no interrupting in class, no disturbances, when I went to study there I almost died from being SO BORED.”
Xiao Xingchen’s eyes widened as he listened, sneaking glances to Lan Zhan.
“W-wow...Lan Er Gongzi, did you have to follow all of that when you grew up? That must have taken a lot of discipline.”
Lan Zhan ignored Wei Ying and turned to meet Xiao Xingchen’s eyes.
“I’ve heard that Baoshan Sanren’s training is also strict. I hope to learn from you, her esteemed disciple.”
Xiao Xinchen blushed and quickly bowed his head, “Oh, no, no. You flatter me, but I am still learning myself. Zichen has been most helpful during my time in the mortal world, there is much I don’t understand.”
Wei Ying leaned back in his chair, observing Xiao Xingchen.
“So...you didn’t know anything about the mortal world before you left the celestial mountain? Like...nothing?”
Xiao Xingchen shook his head, “I’m afraid not. If we decided to leave, we couldn’t return, so most disciples stayed there. There is a lot of suffering in the mortal world that most of my fellow disciples had no interest in dealing with.”
Wei Ying turned to Song Lan, eyes wide and excited.
“Song Daozhang! You must teach Xiao Xingchen Daozhang everything about our world! Bring him to Lotus Pier, he’ll love it, I’m sure!”
Song Lan smiled and nodded.
“I’m sure he would. I’ve heard Lotus Pier is beautiful with countless lotus blossoms, and the Yunmeng Jiang Clan are especially kind and generous.”
“Really Zichen?” Xiao Xingchen asked, “Oh, we should go there next then. I would love to see the lotus flowers in bloom.”
Wei Ying nodded as he grabbed Xiao Xingchen’s hand.
“Yes, come and I’ll show you around. It’s so much better than that stuffy Cloud Recesses.”
“Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan scolded.
The young Jiang Clan charge waved him off with an eye roll, then started to tug on Xiao Xingchen’s arm.
“Come with me a minute, I want to show you something. I’ll bet you’ll love it.”
“O-ok,” the polite young cultivator replied, stumbling up from his seat and hurrying after Wei Ying out of the room.
Song Lan watched them go, letting out a soft sigh.
“Wei Ying’s very loud, but he means no harm,” Lan Zhan spoke up in the silence, “Xiao Xingchen Daozhang will be fine.”
“Oh, I’m not concerned,” Song Lan reassured, “His personality seems to be a good match for Xiao Xingchen.”
Lan Zhan blinked and Song Lan almost saw a smile.
“His personality is a match for a typhoon. I have never seen anyone try my Uncle’s patience as much as Wei Ying did during his studies at Cloud Recesses.”
Song Lan laughed softly, “Ah, yes. I did hear about that. But despite the chaos his heart is pure, his spiritual energy is strong.”
Fondness softened Lan Zhan’s gaze and Song Lan realized that despite his cold demeanor the young Lan Er Gongzi was more than just tolerating Wei Wuxian. He chose to accompany the other man, just like Song Lan chose to follow Xiao Xingchen. Two people both longing after someone whose brightness made the days easier to pass.
“What are you and Xiao Xingchen Daozhang planning to do after this? With Xue Yang caught, will you continue your travels?” Lan Zhan asked.
Song Lan thought for a minute, “I suppose. I was thinking I might make a trip back to Baixue Temple soon, bring Xingchen with me.”
Lan Zhan nodded.
“If you happen to meet other cultivators in your travels who might be interested in joining the fight against the Wen Clan…”
“I will definitely send them your way,” Song Lan reassured, “What the Wen Clan has done is indeed a great evil. So many lives lost, merciless and barbaric. To go to such an extent for power is unforgivable.”
“Inevitably, power corrupts,” Lan Zhan said quietly as he reached out to where Wei Ying had left his bottle of Emperor’s Smile and poured himself a cup.
Song Lan raised an eyebrow but before he could comment, Lan Zhan had finished the cup.
“I thought Wei Gongzi said you didn’t drink alcohol?” Song Lan asked.
Even as the words left his mouth he saw Lan Zhan’s eyes half close. His body swayed in his seat and without warning the normally composed young man slumped forward. Song Lan quickly reached out with a startled cry, grabbing onto Lan Zhan’s shoulder before his head hit the table.
“...L-Lan Er Gongzi? Uh…” Song Lan gently shook the other man, trying to get him to waken, even Xiao Xingchen didn’t succumb to alcohol at such a fast pace, “Lan Er Gongzi, wake up.”
Silence.
With a sigh, Song Lan looked around. He really did not sign up for this when he woke up this morning.
Luckily, just as the older man was troubling over what he should do, the door to the room slammed open and Wei Ying raced back in, Xiao Xingchen in tow. The two men were laughing, whispering things back and forth like they had some big secret to share, then stopped cold when they saw Song Lan with an unconscious Lan Zhan.
“I...I..this...h-he uh…,” Song Lan stammered, not sure how to start explaining the situation.
Wei Ying burst out laughing, walking over to his friend and crouching down to poke at him.
“Lan Zhan, did you drink again? Seriously, you’re such a lightweight!”
Xiao Xingchen sat down beside Song Lan and watched curiously, “...Does he always fall asleep when he drinks?”
Wei Ying snickered, “Oh, he does more than just fall asleep. Give him a few minutes, he’ll come around again. And then we can play my favourite game with him.”
Turning to Song Lan, the young Wei Gongzi’s expression turned questioning, “What were you two talking about anyway? Must have been something heavy to get him to drink.”
Song Lan bit his lip then decided it would be better not to reveal too much, “We weren’t discussing anything too serious. Just...making conversation.”
Wei Ying laughed, “Lan Zhan’s good at everything except conversation. Which is strange because his brother is very diplomatic and speaks well.”
Xiao Xingchen tugged on Song Lan’s sleeve then held out his hand, fingers closed around something.
“Here, this is for you, sugared lotus seeds from Lotus Pier.”
Song Lan accepted the gift then looked between the two younger men who had become fast friends.
“Did Wei Gongzi give this to you?” He asked.
Xiao Xingchen nodded and smiled brightly, “He did. It’s healthy and sweet. Wei Gongzi said he’ll get me some more when we visit Lotus Pier.”
Song Lan carefully set the handful of lotus seeds on a small cloth then wrapped it up, sliding the snack into his sleeve.
“Thank you, and you too, Wei Gongzi.”
Wei Ying grinned then sighed, “Ah, if only Lan Zhan appreciated me as much as you do. Xiao Xingchen, you’re so lucky that Song Daozhang actually says ‘thank you’ to you. Lan Zhan never says thanks to me, he only scolds me.”
Xiao Xingchen hid his laughter behind his sleeve, “Lan Er Gongzi cares for you deeply, I’m sure,” he comforted, “He just prefers to show it rather than say it.”
Suddenly, Lan Zhan sat back up, straightening in his seat. His expression was dazed and his gaze seemed empty.
“Ah, Lan Zhan, you’re awake now? Can we play the game?” Wei Ying asked excitedly.
“Hm,” came the reply.
Wei Ying winked at Xiao Xingchen then turned back to Lan Zhan.
“What do you really think of Emperor’s Smile?”
Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen watched curiously, not sure what was happening.
“Good,” Lan Er Gongzi mumbled.
Xiao Xingchen made a startled noise and leaned closer to Song Lan.
“Do you actually follow every single rule from Cloud Recesses? All 3,000 of them?” Wei Ying asked.
“Hm..no.”
Song Lan’s eyes widened as Xiao Xingchen muffled soft laughter by biting his lip.
Wei Ying’s grin grew, “What do you really think of your Uncle?”
“...Too strict. Stuffy.”
Song Lan had to cover his mouth with his hand to stop from making any noise while Xiao Xingchen looked like he might suffocate from wanting to laugh out loud.
Wei Ying started to ask another question when Song Lan hurriedly held out his hand.
“I-I think maybe...we should stop. Perhaps it would be best to let Lan Er Gongzi get some rest.”
Wei Ying blinked in surprise, then glanced to Lan Zhan.
“Are you sure? You can ask him anything right now, he’ll answer honestly. This is pretty much the only time you’ll get him to talk.”
Xiao Xingchen took a deep breath to regain his composure before nodding.
“Perhaps...leaving Lan Er Gongzi with some of his dignity would be best. He would be most upset tomorrow if he found out we took advantage of his weakness to alcohol.”
Wei Ying chuckled, “I suppose you’re right. We don’t want Lan Er Gongzi to lose too much face. It’s just so tempting, he’s usually so composed.”
Xiao Xingchen smiled and sneaked a glance to Song Lan. He could relate. His travel companion was also a man of few words, although with Xiao Xingchen he was open and honest. A part of Xingchen wondered if perhaps Lan Zhan tended to close himself off even more for protection precisely because Wei Ying was so boisterous and outgoing. Like shutting your doors and windows against a sudden heavy wind, although Xingchen was sure that Wei Ying wasn’t someone who would give up easily. He’ll keep knocking until Lan Zhan opens his door and lets him inside, it was only a matter of time.
Suddenly, Lan Zhan stood up and started walking to the door. The other three men jumped up trying to pull him back.
“Lan Zhan! Where’re you going? It’s the middle of the night!” Wei Ying said in exapseration, gripping the back of the white robe.
“Hm.”
Xiao Xingchen blocked Lan Zhan’s path, putting himself between the man and the door.
“Lan Er Gongzi, perhaps you’ll feel better if you get some sleep?” He suggested.
“Hm.”
Wei Ying hurriedly put an arm around Lan Zhan’s waist and started physically moving him towards one of the beds.
“This way, over here. Stop fighting me. For goodness sake, Lan Zhan, you get so unpredictable when you’re drunk.”
Xiao Xingchen helped Wei Ying get Lan Zhan onto the bed, sighing in relief when he actually stayed in place.
“This is so embarrassing,” Wei Ying laughed, “The first time this happened I was so scared. I thought maybe I’d broken the famous Lan Er Gongzi.”
“He’ll be alright in the morning, though, yes?” Xiao Xingchen asked with concern.
“Oh, yeah, he’ll be fine. Might fall out of bed and end up with a headache but no big problems. He’s just like this,” Wei Ying reassured.
Song Lan rubbed his eyes, feeling exhausted after the day he’s had.
“Xingchen, we should get to bed too. We’ll be leaving the town tomorrow.”
The young man nodded, then motioned to Lan Zhan.
“If you need help with him in the night, please don’t hesitate to wake us,” he told Wei Ying.
The Jiang Clan charge grinned and gave him a nod before starting to get ready for sleep himself.
The three men changed into their sleep wear and climbed into their respective beds. A silk curtain separated the two sides of the room allowing for some privacy.
Xiao Xingchen settled on his side of the bed, letting out a soft sigh as his body relaxed. It wasn’t the first time Song Lan and himself had shared a bed, but it was a bit cramped since the space wasn’t very large.
“Xingchen…,” Song Lan’s voice whispered beside him.
“Yes, Zichen?”
“Are you sure you don’t wish to follow Lan Er Gongzi and Wei Gongzi to fight the Wen Clan?”
Xiao Xingchen was quiet for a bit before he responded.
“I...I don’t like what the Wen Clan is doing, it’s horrible. But I don’t want to leave you, Zichen.”
Song Lan startled and turned to peer at Xiao Xingchen.
“What do you mean?”
The younger man sighed.
“You don’t want to get involved with the fighting between sects. I could tell from your expression earlier.”
Song Lan silently recalled the discussion right after Xue Yang’s capture. It was true, he wasn’t fond of the various cultivation sects and wanted little to do with them, but that didn’t mean Xiao Xingchen had to share his sentiments. If the younger man wanted to get involved in this fight he should have the choice to do so, and Song Lan wouldn’t be the one to stand in his way.
“I don’t disagree with what the clans are doing, fighting the Wens. They can’t be permitted to continue washing the streets in blood. I just…,” the older man trailed off. He just couldn’t get over his dislike of the sects’ insistence on bloodlines. All the politics that went into play, the maneuvering, the backstabbing, the rivalry, Song Lan hated all of that.
Xiao Xingchen also turned, facing Song Lan.
“Zichen, I’m not leaving you. We made a promise, we’re going to start our own Cultivation Sect someday. If they need help at some point, we can lend a hand, but I don’t want to get involved with them anymore than you do.”
Song Lan regarded the other man, observing how the moonlight seemed to envelope Xingchen in a silvery glow. Even in the dark, he could see the beautiful grace in the younger man’s eyes, the way they tilted upwards just a bit, the way his mouth looked soft and relaxed, the way his gaze settled on Song Lan with such fondness it almost hurt.
Slowly, Xiao Xingchen reached out and rested his hand on the older man’s shoulder. He paused, waiting to see if Song Lan might move away. When that didn’t happen, Xiao Xingchen carefully slid his hand towards the other man’s neck, curling slender fingers around the back to pull him closer.
“Zichen…,” he whispered as the distance between them shrank, “At the wedding...you...you said we could..k-kiss more after…”
Song Lan swallowed as he recalled his words. He did indeed say that, but afterwards Xingchen hadn’t brought it up and the older man had simply decided to leave the situation as is. No need to stir up waves when not necessary.
Unable to resist, Song Lan also reached out, brushing Xingchen’s hair from his shoulder. The slender frame felt so fragile despite the strength that Song Lan knew it hid. He leaned closer and watched as Xiao Xingchen’s eyes dropped.
“Close your eyes, Xingchen.”
The younger man did as told without any hesitation.
He thought maybe the second time he would be more prepared but Song Lan still felt his heart race as he finally pressed his lips against Xiao Xingchen’s. The younger man leaned in even closer, pushing their bodies together as he adjusted himself to fit against the older man. Xiao Xingchen kissed back eagerly, his arms wrapping around Song Lan’s neck as gentle fingers slipped through his hair. Skin against skin, breath against breath, the older man thought he would be uncomfortable being touched like this, but instead he found himself yearning for more. He pulled back a bit earning a soft whine but quickly placated his partner by gracing butterfly kisses down the graceful throat. Xingchen gasped and clung to him as Song Lan worried at the place where neck met shoulder, leaving his mark on the pristine skin. It would be covered up tomorrow by clothing but Song Lan would know it was there.
Xiao Xingchen was a trembling mess as he felt the other man’s mouth on him. Such desires that overcame him which he had never before experienced. He had to clasp a hand over his own mouth to stop the noises that wanted to escape, deathly afraid that he might disturb the other two occupants in the room. Heat pooled where no one had ever touched him before and he felt he might die from embarrassment. Was this normal? Was this what was supposed to happen? Why did feeling Zichen’s kisses cause this reaction?
Confusion, anxiety, and embarrassment caused Xiao Xingchen to push against the other man’s shoulder, silently begging him to stop. Song Lan withdrew, giving the younger man a bit of breathing space. Xiao Xingchen felt light-headed and he hid his face behind his hands, not wanting Song Lan to see his expression. Gently, the older man wrapped his hands around the slender wrists and tugged them down, his eyes meeting Xingchen’s.
“Are you alright?” Song Lan asked quietly, once they both had a chance to take a few breaths.
Xiao Xingchen really didn’t know if he was or wasn’t, but he nodded anyway.
“That..that wasn’t just a kiss, Zichen,” he pointed out.
The other man smiled, “No. But did you like it?”
Xiao Xingchen huffed and averted his eyes, refusing to answer.
Song Lan allowed him a moment of escape before gently using a finger under his chin to pull his gaze back.
“Xingchen, tell me. Don’t be afraid.”
The younger man fiddled with the fabric of his sleepwear unsure how to answer.
“I...I think...i-it was...um…,” his throat felt dry and the words just wouldn’t come, “It was..different,” he finally managed.
Song Lan leaned down, almost covering Xiao Xingchen’s body with his own although he was careful not to settle his weight on the other man.
“Different?”
“Different.”
“How?”
“Like...like...like I couldn’t think. And my body…”
“Hm?”
“It...something happened...to it.”
“Oh?”
“It got all hot…”
“Yes?”
“And...and strange…”
“Strange?”
“And I couldn’t breathe…”
“Ah.”
“...Zichen?”
“Yes?”
“A-are you teasing me?”
A soft, muffled laugh answered Xingchen’s grumbly question.
Song Lan really couldn’t get over the innocence in Xingchen’s expression and he pressed his face against the other man’s shoulder to stop himself from laughing too loudly.
“Zichen...stop laughing!” The younger man whispered loudly.
Song Lan took a few seconds to compose himself before pushing himself back to his side of the bed and laying down.
“I’m sorry, Xingchen. I shouldn’t have laughed.”
“No. You shouldn’t have,” Xiao Xingchen agreed, and if he were the type he would have stuck his tongue out at Song Lan, but since he wasn’t, he just gave the man a sulky glare.
“We should get some sleep. Dawn will be upon us soon,” Song Lan observed.
“Yes..b-but Zichen?” The other man, voice quivering.
“Yes, Xingchen?”
“D-did you...also feel…?”
Song Lan reached down and pulled the covers up, covering both himself and Xiao Xingchen. He clasped the younger man’s hand under the covers, giving it a comforting squeeze.
“Yes, Xingchen. I did.”
“So...that’s normal then? Nothing’s wrong with me?”
Song Lan couldn’t help another chuckle.
“No. Nothing’s wrong with you.”
Xiao Xingchen hummed happily at that, then scooted a bit closer so he could rest his head on Song Lan’s shoulder.
“Ok. That’s good. Because I think I did like what you were doing.”
The older man took a sharp inhale of breath, feeling his face heat up.
“O-oh?”
Xiao Xingchen nodded, “Yeah. It felt...nice. Can we do it again sometime?’
Song Lan slowly let out a breath.
“Sure. Whenever you want to.”
The younger man made a happy noise then settled down to sleep.
Song Lan, on the other hand, laid as still as he could, eyes tracing invisible patterns in the ceiling of the darkened room, trying to think of exactly where this was heading. Just how far would they take this? What would the future hold? Where would their paths take them?
He glanced down and couldn’t help but press a kiss against Xingchen’s hair, smoothing a few strands from his face.
Wherever their future ended up, he was sure he would be at Xiao Xingchen’s side.
----END---