Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian said as he ran into the library. He knew Lan Wangji was usually there at this hour slowly going through all the books and scrolls the Cloud Recesses’ library had to offer. He knew it was his duty as one of the young masters of the Gusu Lan sect to be knowledgeable on all things about their sect. But that didn’t mean Lan Wangji couldn’t have fun.

“No screaming in the library.” Wei Wuxian heard quietly as he approached his friend. He looked like a respectful cultivator, sat behind a low table as his eyes were glued on the scroll he was currently reading. He looked like a perfect respectable cultivator, a perfect twin jade, the envy of the other sects. Who would’ve believed he was only eleven?

Wei Wuxian rolled his fondly eyes at his friends’ words but kneeled before him. Lan Wangji continued reading, ignoring Wei Wuxian’s presence. The younger of the two waited as patiently as he could, his mother did say he was too hyper, but eventually became bored. He sneakily reached over the table and grabbed the scroll from Lan Wangji’s hands. The latter looked up at Wei Wuxian, eyes as wide as saucers making Wei Wuxian laugh.

“Lan Zhan you’re so dramatic sometimes.” He said through giggles as he looked down at the scroll in his hands. It spoke about an ancient Gusu Lan sect method, the Chord Assassination technique. Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes and closed the scroll, “Lan Zhan you already know all this! Why are you reading it again???”

Lan Wangji reached over the table and took the scroll from Wei Wuxian’s hands, closing it properly. “I must make sure I know it properly.”

Wei Wuxian laughed, “Lan Zhan! That’s ridiculous! You’re the best cultivator this sect has ever had. There’s no need for you to go over that scroll so much.”

Wei Wuxian could see Lan Wangji’s ears go bright red, something he’d learned over the years meant his friend was embarrassed. “Excessive praise is against the rules.” Lan Wangji quietly said.

Wei Wuxian pointed at Lan Wangji, “But Lan Zhaaaaan lying is against the rules too! If I didn’t praise you like this, then I would feel like I’m lying to myself for not saying what I really wanted to say. What can I do then?” He asked teasingly.

Lan Wangji rolled his eyes, “Ridiculous.” But Wei Wuxian knew his friend well, he could see the how the corner of his lips was raised more than they normally would.

“Anyways Lan Zhan I need your help?” Wei Wuxian said, remembering that he had a purpose for looking for Lan Zhan.

“Can’t it wait?” Lan Wangji said, opening another scroll that was on his table. Wei Wuxian immediately took it from his hands and hid it behind his back, “Absolutely not Lan Zhan! This is a life or death situation!”

Lan Wangji gave him a look of disbelief, “And you say I’m dramatic.”

Wei Wuxian stared at him in awe and began laughing, “Ah Lan Zhan! Why are you never funny around other people too? No one believes me when I say you have the best sense of humor! What a shame….”

“Don’t care for others.” Lan Wangji simply said.

Wei Wuxian stopped laughing and grinned, he leaned over Lan Zhan’s table and stared at his friend. “You only care about me, right?”

Lan Wangji stared at him for a minute before finally nodding making Wei Wuxian break into a fit of giggles, “Cause I’m the best, right?”

Lan Wangji rolled his eyes at that, “Wei Ying.” He said sounding slightly reprimanding.

Wei Wuxian sat back on his feet and breathed out, “Okay okay I admit it. I took it too far.”

Lan Wangji nodded and looked expectantly at Wei Wuxian, the younger boy sighed but reached behind him to hand Lan Wangji the scroll. Lan Wangji grabbed the scroll, but Wei Wuixan didn’t let go, he stared at his friend, eyebrows raised in question.

“I did take it too far. Cause how can I be the best when that title belongs to you!” Wei Wuxian said teasingly. He fell on his back from laughing so much at the mix of emotions shown on Lan Wangji’s face. A mix of shock, embarrassment, annoyance and even amusement. It always bothered Wei Wuxian when the other disciples their age would avoid Lan Wangji because they thought he was so serious all the time. Lan Wangji was one of the most expressive people Wei Wuxian knew, they just didn’t know him well enough to see it. They found him intimidating but Wei Wuxian knew the truth, he knew Lan Wangji wasn’t intimidating at all. Lan Wangji was his best friend and he loved him.

Wei Wuxian finished laughing and sat back up, wiping the tears of laughter from his face. He looked at Lan Wangji and grinned, the other boy returning it with a small smile of his own, one that you wouldn’t even know was a smile unless you knew him as well as Wei Wuxian did.

“What did you need help with?” Lan Wangji quietly asked, bringing Wei Wuxian out of his reverie.

“Oh right-” Wei Wuxian said, “I need help flying.”

At Lan Wangji’s raised eyebrow Wei Wuxian continued, “I was playing with Liu Gang and some other kids and they invited me to go flying tomorrow after class. I said no at first, but they all kept insisting so I ended up saying yes.”

Lan Wangji looked surprised at him, “I don’t see how this is a life or death situation.”

Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes but sighed, “Ok Lan Zhan I’m gonna tell you a secret.”

At his words Lan Wangji’s surprised expression morphed into a serious one, he nodded in understanding. 

Wei Wuxian took in a deep breath, suddenly nervous about what he was going to admit; “Ok. The truth is that…. I panic when I go up too high! It’s scary!”

Wei Wuxian looked down at his hands, ashamed. How could he ever be a good cultivator if he was afraid of one of the most basic things, flying. Having begun cultivating a golden core at an older age than the rest of the kids his age, he always felt like he needed to train the most to catch up. It had been hard at first but slowly he’d started reaching the levels of his classmates. Especially because he’d had the help of his mother, Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen. His progress had been impressive for only four years, he’d received much praise from his teachers, but he still wasn’t happy with himself. He wanted to be as good as Lan Wangji one day.  

Wei Wuxian was interrupted from his thoughts as he felt a hand on his own. He looked up and saw Lan Wangji staring back at him with a kind look on his face. “It’s okay Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji said quietly, “I used to be afraid too.”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened in shock, he never expected to hear that from Lan Wangji, “Really?”

Lan Wangji nodded.

“But Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian said still in shock, “you’re the best of our class.”

Lan Wangji shook his head, “It doesn’t matter. I used to be afraid too.”

Wei Wuxian felt relieved at his friend’s words. If even Lan Wangji, the best cultivator he knew, had been afraid of flying at one point then maybe that meant he wasn’t a bad cultivator after all. “How did you get over it?” Wei Wuxian said through a whisper, something unexpected from him.

“Brother helped me. He practiced with me until I no longer felt scared.” He said simply.

Wei Wuxian nodded, that sounded like something Lan Xichen would do. He was a good brother like that.

Suddenly Lan Wangji stood up, Wei Wuxian’s hand still held in his own. Wei Wuxian looked up at him, unspoken question in his eyes.

“Let’s practice.” Lan Wangji said.

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened in surprise as he stood up, “Really Lan Zhan? You’ll help me? Even though I interrupted you and annoyed you?”  

Lan Wangji nodded once, “This is important.”

Wei Wuxian grinned feeling ecstatic. He quickly hugged Lan Wangji, the other boy immediately returning the hug. Wei Wuxian separated and reached for his own forehead ribbon, knowing that it had become loose at the sudden movement, “why can’t I ever get these knots tight enough?” Wei Wuxian muttered to himself. He heard a puff of amusement beside him and stuck out his tongue at Lan Wangji, knowing his friend was making fun of him.

After fixing it Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Wangji, “Ok let’s go!”

Lan Wangji nodded and led the way, Wei Wuxian following right afetr him. They made their ways towards the training ground and grabbed their swords, Bichen and Suibian. They were still young enough that there was no reason to carry their sword with them at all times. Lan Wangji led the way to a clearing near the back hills of the Cloud Recesses, a clearing he knew very well. On their way there they ran into Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue who were exiting one of the classrooms.

“Oh Wangji, Wuxian.” Lan Xichen said, smiling at the younger boys before him.

Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian quickly saluted the two older boys, “Brother” “Xicheng ge” They both greeted at the same time. They then turned to Nie Mingjue “Young master Nie” they said.

Nie Mingjue returned the greeting.

“Where are you two going?” Lan Xichen asked, noticing the swords in their hands.

Wei Wuxian grinned brightly, “Lan Zhan’s helping me practice flying!”

Lan Xichen’s eyes widened, amused. “Oh, do you want me to help too?” He asked sincerely.

Wei Wuxian thought it over for a minute, hands on his chin in thought. The sight made Lan Xichen laugh, even Nie Mingjue beside him looked amused. Finally, the younger boy answered, “Xichen ge I really appreciate the offer but you need to focus on your studies.”

Lan Xichen’s eyes opened wider, surprised at the boy’s honest words. Nie Mingjue laughed loudly beside him and patted him on the shoulder “Xichen the boys right.”

“He is, isn’t he?” Lan Xichen asked as he smiled at Wei Wuxian. The boy smiling in return.

“Well Wuxian, Wangji” Lan Xichen said turning to both boys. “I wish you luck.”

The young boys bowed to the other two and turned to continue to their destination.

Wei Wuxian followed after Lan Wangji and was led to a clearing were the younger disciples usually practiced flying. There were only three other disciples there, but at the sight of Lan Wangji they left. Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes at them and grabbed Lan Wangji’s arm, pulling him further into the clearing.

“Here is enough.” Lan Wangji said, stopping them. Wei Wuxian stopped beside him and nodded. Lan Wangji quickly unsheathed Bichen and got in it. Wei Wuxian wasted no time in following to do the same on Suibian.

Once Wei Wuxian had mounted his sword he turned to Lan Wangji. The other boy wordlessly stuck out his hands. Wei Wuxian eyed them questioningly but grabbed them in his own.

“Don’t let go.” Lan Wangji said as he began flying up. Wei Wuxian nodded and did the same. The boys flew higher and higher until they could see the top of the trees surrounding them. Wei Wuxian began feeling a bit panicked, he didn’t want to see how high they were. He wanted to close his eyes and pretend everything was fine, but he knew he couldn’t. He felt so panicked he had begun trembling and unconsciously had even started descending from the skies. Until he suddenly felt the hands around his own tighten.

Lan Wangji slowly descended to his height and looked Wei Wuxian in the eyes. The younger of the two saw a familiar look in his friend’s eyes.

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji said, “I’m here.”

Wei Wuxian saw the comforting look on his friend’s face, the same one he always saw whenever they’d encounter a dog and Lan Wangji would have to scare it off. It was a look that always reassured Wei Wuxian that everything would be alright, because he had Lan Wangji there with him.

Wei Wuxian was lucky Lan Wangji was a patient person. They were both just calmly flying in mid-air, without moving any further as Lan Wangji made sure Wei Wuxian was okay. Wei Wuxian smiled at his friend’s thoughtfulness and squeezed the other boys’ hand. “Ok, I’m good now Lan Zhan.”

Lan Wangji nodded and slowly began flying higher. Wei Wuxian could slowly feel himself becoming panicked but then remembered he wasn’t alone. Lan Wangji was there and that was enough. The higher they flew the braver he began to feel, until he didn’t feel like he needed Lan Wangji to hold his hand anymore. He took in a deep breath and slowly let go of the hands holding his own.

He looked around him and felt the fear he had previously felt wash away. He knew everything would be okay, it suddenly wasn’t so scary anymore. He looked back at Lan Wangji and grinned brightly, the other boy returning it with a smile of his own.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian had improved greatly in a year and had quickly become one of the better cultivators of his class. It had come as a surprise to some of their classmates, the ones who only saw Wei Wuxian for his mischievousness and utter joy at breaking the sect’s rules. But there were others who understood how Wei Wuxian had quickly become so good, they had witnessed the dedication and passion that Wei Wuxian had for cultivating a golden core. He’d improved so much that, like Lan Wangji, he’d finished with his lessons and practices early, giving him plenty of free time.

Lan Xichen, who had also finished his lessons early, found them walking near the Main Pavilion and saw the sly look on Wei Wuxians face. He knew the boy well enough to know that face meant nothing good for his uncle and because he was a good nephew, he decided to take them to Caiyi Town. They’d walked around town for a while, going through the different carts and buying different things until Wei Wuxian said he was hungry. Lan Wangji quickly asked his brother to buy them food and Lan Xichen had no choice but to say yes, not that he wouldn’t have either way.

Wei Wuxian quickly led them to his favorite food cart, one that his mother took him to whenever she was free from her responsibilities and could leave the Cloud Recesses. Wei Wuxian was familiar with the lady who owned the cart and she even knew what he wanted before he ordered. To Lan Xichen’s surprise it seemed like the same could be said about Lan Wangji when she took a look at him and begun making his order as well.

“Wangji, do you come here a lot too?” Lan Xichen asked, amused.

Lan Wangji simply nodded and offered no explanation, but one wasn’t really necessary to Lan Xichen.

“Hes come with me and a-niang before. I even bring him sometimes when a-niang can’t come with me and I don’t want to go alone.” Wei Wuxian said as the lady handed him his snack. She turned to Lan Xichen and smiled kindly, “what will you be having young master?” she asked.

Lan Xichen looked at Wei Wuxian’s snack and couldn’t help but think it looked very appetizing. At Lan Xichen’s look, Wei Wuxian shook his head. “Xichen ge, I don’t think you’ll like it.”

Normally Lan Xichen would’ve accepted the advice given by others, but this time he was going to have to disagree. The snack just looked too good to reject.

He looked at the lady and gestured to the snack Wei Wuxian was currently eating, “I’ll have one of those please.”

The lady looked surprised but nodded as she handed Lan Wangji his snack. His little brother wasn’t as in a hurry as Wei Wuxian to eat. He took his snack and walked over to a nearby empty table to calmly eat his snack. Wei Wuxian followed him and sat right next to him. Lan Xichen studied the two as he saw how close they sat to each other, the younger of the two even laying his head on Lan Wangji’s shoulder.

Lan Xichen smiled at the sight. It was rare to see his brother allow himself to be tactile towards other, Wei Wuxian was one of the chosen few that had the opportunity. The moment he had first seen Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji together, he’d known that it would change his brother’s life.  He’d known that many were intimidated by Lan Wangji’s way of being, they’d misinterpreted his quietness for arrogance, even at such a young age. It had hurt Lan Xichen, but he knew he couldn’t change the way others saw his brother and his brother wouldn’t change for them.

But then Wei Wuxian came into their lives and for the first time, someone other than himself treated Lan Wangji like a person instead of some unapproachable perfect jade. Lan Xichen was grateful to Wei Wuxian for being Lan Wangji’s friend and for allowing him to be someone other than the perfect second young master of the Gusu Lan sect that everyone expected him to be.  

But Lan Xichen wasn’t blind, he could see his brother’s feelings went further from just friendship, even if he was young. He’d seen it in the way Lan Wangji helped Wei Wuxian cultivate his golden core, in the way he’d worry and care over the other boy, in the way he’d smile at the pranks the boy pulled and laugh at the jokes he told. Wei Wuxian brought a light into Lan Wangji’s life, and Lan Wangji loved him for it. That much was clear. The Lans’ had always been very passionate.  

“Young master. Your meal.” The vendor said, interrupting Lan Xichen’s train of thought. He turned to the lady and smiled, handing her the money, and taking the snack. He made his way over to Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian and sat in front of them. Wei Wuxian was whispering something into Lan Wangji’s ear that made the other boys lips upturn. Lan Xichen smiled at the sight and took a bite of his snack. His eyes quickly widened in horror.

Wei Wuxian lifted his head from Lan Wangji’s shoulder and laughed, “Xichen ge! I told you!” Lan Xichen’s eyes were slowly watering from the heat he felt burning tongue.

“I didn’t think it’d be spicy.” Lan Xichen said after managing to swallow his bite.

Wei Wuxian shrugged and placed his arms on the table, “It’s not very spicy to me but that’s because a-niang and I love eating spicy food! We eat it all the time!”

Lan Xichen nodded, and slowly took another bite, it was against the rules to waste food.

“Brother,” Lan Wangji said quietly as he passed his snack over to Lan Xichen, it was barely eaten. “Eat mine.” He finished.

“Wangji, its ok. I’ll eat it. Don’t worry about me.” Lan Xichen said calmly.

Lan Wangji stared at his older brother, his eyes revealing a fire that showed Lan Xichen he wouldn’t give up about this. His brother was so stubborn. Lan Xichen shook his head fondly at his brother’s antics and exchanged their snacks. He took a bite and was relieved to see that it wasn’t spicy at all.

Lan Wangji then took the abandoned spicy snack and begun eating it. Lan Xichen was surprised, he didn’t know his brother could tolerate spicy food.

At the look on Lan Xichens face Wei Wuxian giggled, “Lan Zhan has tried some of the spicy food I’ce bought before.” He said as if he were revealing a big secret to Lan Xichen, “I think he likes it.”

Lan Xichen couldn’t help but giggle at that. Looking at his brothers’ face, he had a hard time believing he actually liked spicy food.

All three boys were disrupted by a loud braying noise coming from behind them.

“You fucking donkey!” A much older man screamed as his donkey who was pulling a very heavy looking cart stopped to drink water from the river, “Keep moving!” He screamed as he whipped the donkey.

Wei Wuxian gasped at the sight, his hands coming up to cover his mouth at the horror he was witnessing. The donkey jumped after being whipped and quickly resumed its walking. It looked exhausted, undernourished, and even had whipping marks all over its back. The man sneered at the three of them after seeing their varying looks of horror, anger, and disgust. “Mind your own business you brats!” He screamed.

Wei Wuxian stood up feeling rage at the man for a whole new reason. Lan Wangji grabbed his wrist and stopped him from doing anything, the boy sighing and sitting back down.

The older man scoffed at them and continued walking. He whipped the donkey once more after he realized the animal had fallen behind from exhaustion.

“That’s not right.” Wei Wuxian said, angrily.

Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen nodded, agreeing with the boy. It was horrible to see how abusive that man was towards his donkey.

Wordlessly, Lan Wangji stood up and turned to Wei Wuxian. The younger boy looked confused but stood up as well. Lan Wangji then turned to Lan Xichen and the boy could see the decided stare in his brothers face, this would certainly be interesting.

Lan Xichen stood up and followed after his brother and Wei Wuxian who were walking in the direction the man had just disappeared through.

“Where did they go?” Wei Wuxian asked as they could no longer see the man and his donkey.

“Over there,” Lan Xichen said as he pointed at the Inn where he could see the man entering with a bottle of Emperor’s Smile in his hands. It seemed like he was returning from the back of the Inn, where he knew there were stables for guests to leave their animals.

Lan Wangji quickly led them to the back, Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian following close by. They reached the stables and saw the different horses and mules belonging to the Inns’ customers. Wei Wuxian went through all the stables, searching for the donkey they’d seen. The younger boy looked at them and shook his head, there was no donkey.

Suddenly the heard a loud braying coming from further outside, past the stables. They looked at each other and swiftly headed towards the noise.

Lan Xichen froze at the sight before them. It was the donkey they were looking for. It seemed the man had decided to not take it to the stables where it could be fed and watered. Instead he’d left it in the back, tied up to a tree with no water for it to drink and barely any grass to eat. To make everything worse, the man hadn’t even untied it from the cart it was pulling.

“Oh no!” Wei Wuxian exlclaimed as he gently walked towards the donkey, not wanting to frighten it. He slowly approached it and noticed the dripping blood from the whip marks all over its body. The closer he came to the donkey the more horrified he became. He stood before the donkey and slowly reached for its mane, at the lack of reaction from the donkey he began petting it.

“Lan Zhan, this is so sad.” Wei Wuxian said quietly, knowing his friend had followed after him and was close enough to hear him.

Lan Wangji nodded and began petting the other side of the donkey’s mane.

They continued petting the donkey in silence, both silently examining the animal’s injuries.

“Here.” They heard Lan Xichen say behind him. They turned around and saw that the boy was carrying what looked like a wooden bucket filled with water.

At the questioning look on Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangjis faces Lan Xichen spoke, “I went back to the stables to get it.” He said while placing it in front of the donkey. Quickly the animal reached down and began drinking the water, obviously extremely thirsty.

“Wasn’t it heavy, Xichen ge?” Wei Wuxian questioned as he passed his fingers through the donkeys’ mane.

Lan Xichen shook his head, “Ive done many handstands lately.”

Wei Wuxian giggled and carried on with his task. The donkey soon finished drinking water and reached for the floor to eat the little grass available. Wei Wuxian stared at it sadly until he remembered something.

“I’m an idiot!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed as he started reaching for something in his robes.

“Wei Ying” Lan Wangji quietly admonished.

Wei Wuxian giggled at his friend’s words; he knew Lan Wangji didn’t like it when he spoke badly about himself. “No Lan Zhan I don’t mean it like that.” He said as he grabbed the bag he had been looking for. “I can’t believe I forgot I had this.” Wei Wuxian said while opening the qiankun bag and taking out the apple his mother had given him in the morning.

Wei Wuxian raised the apple, proudly showing off his discovery.

“Oh I think the donkey will really like that.” Lan Xichen said smiling. Lan Wangji nodded in agreement.

Wei Wuxian crouched beside the donkeys’ head and offered it to the animal. The donkey stopped eating what little it could find and turned to the apple beside him. He quickly began sniffing it and then immediately took a big bite from it. Wei Wuxian giggled at the sight of the donkey eating the entire apple. “He likes it!”

Quickly the apple was gone and the donkey nuzzled Wei Wuxian’s hands, as if looking for more. The boy frowned at the sight, “I’m sorry donkey. I don’t have anymore.” He admitted sadly as he stood back up.

At the lack of apples, the donkey returned to its mission of attempting to find grass to eat. Wei Wuxian frowned at the sight and turned to Lan Wangji, “Lan Zhan. We can’t leave this donkey here. That’s abuse. It would honestly be better off if it were freed.”

Lan Wangji wordlessly stared at his friend for a bit and then turned to look at the donkey. It was obvious that his owner didn’t care for it. The man saw the animal as nothing other than a means to pull his cart. He had no respect for life. It was against everything he had ever learnt to allow something like this to continue. Wordlessly, he removed his sword from his belt and unsheathed it, swiftly cutting the donkeys’ harness free of the cart it was pulling.

“Wangji!” Lan Xichen exclaimed surprised.

“Lan Zhan you didn’t have to do it! I would’ve done it so that you didn’t get in trouble.” Wei Wuxian said, just as shocked.

Lan Wangji continued removing the donkeys harness and saddle. Realizing that Lan Wangji wouldn’t be stopping any time soon, Wei Wuxian removed and unsheathed his own sword, cutting the rope that was tying it to the tree.

Lan Xichen stared in shock at the younger boys. He wanted to say he was surprised his brother was breaking rules, but he knew how righteous the boy was. He knew he wouldn’t stand by any type of abuse. He quickly grabbed the donkey by its headpiece and began pulling it, “I know a way where we can exit town without having to take the main road.” He said.

Wei Wuxian smiled brightly at the words, “Smart! That way we won’t get caught!”

The three of them and the donkey kept walking further away from where the donkey had been tied up, quickly entering the forest. They were surrounded by trees all around them as they slowly went farther away from the town. After about an hour of walking, they finally reappeared on the road that would lead them back to the Cloud Recesses.

The three of them stopped and turned to the donkey. Wei Wuxian removed the headpiece it was wearing and threw it on the floor. He smiled at the donkey, “Now you’re free!”

Lan Wangji passed his hands through the donkeys’ mane. Lan Xichen smiled at the sight.

“Ok. We can go now.” Wei Wuxian said. Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen nodded in agreement and began walking towards the Cloud Recesses, the younger boy following behind them. He suddenly turned around at the sound of hooves behind him.

“No donkey. You’re supposed to go away! Not follow me!” Wei Wuxian said as the donkey nuzzled its hand. Wei Wuxian tried to push the donkey to head back to the forest but the animal wouldn’t move. He continued walking in the direction of the Cloud Recesses and the donkey followed. Quickly Wei Wuxian decided to walk back into the forests, but the donkey didn’t move. Thinking the donkey had finally given up on following him, Wei Wuxian headed back to the Cloud Recesses. He paused, once again hearing the sound of the donkey following him.

“He won’t stop following me!” He exclaimed at the two boys that were looking at him strangely from up ahead.

“We can see that.” Lan Wangji said in a surprisingly teasing tone. Lan Xichen giggled; it wasn’t always he got to witness his brother act like this.

Wei Wuxian frowned, “Lan Zhan don’t make fun of me! Help me!” He said, now pouting.

At that Lan Wangji smiled and nodded. He walked over to the donkey and pushed it in the direction of the forest. Slowly the animal began to walk, and soon enough Lan Wangji had managed to get it to leave. He turned around to see a smiling Wei Wuxian. The younger boy walked over to him and grabbed his arm, “Lan Zhan you really are the best!” Wei Wuxian giggled at the sight of Lan Wangji’s reddening ears and began walking towards the awaiting Lan Xichen.

The three of them began walking towards their home but jumped at the sound of running from behind them. The donkey had returned and this time it ran past the three of them, stopping up ahead.

The three of them stared at the donkey in shock, “I don’t think it wants to leave.” Wei Wuxian said as they approached the awaiting donkey. The donkey walked nearer to Wei Wuxian and nuzzled into the younger boys’ arm.

“I guess it will have to come with us.” Lan Xichen said.

Wei Wuxian turned to him, surprised, “Really Xichen ge? It can come to the Cloud Recesses?”

Lan Xichen nodded, “We don’t seem to have another choice. Plus, if Wangji can have his rabbits then you can surely have a donkey, don’t you think?”

Wei Wuxian laughed at that but then stopped as he remembered something. “But won’t your uncle get angry?”

Lan Xichen thought for a moment, “We might need to copy the rules a couple of times. And do some handstands. But I think he’ll understand.”

Wei Wuxian nodded, that was good enough for him. The three began walking once again, the donkey following after them. Wei Wuxian stared at the donkey beside him and began passing his hand through its mane, “I think I’ll name you Lil’ Apple.”

He turned to Lan Wangji, whose arm he was still holding. “What do you think Lan Zhan?”

Lan Wangji’s lips upturned slightly and he nodded, “I think it’s perfect.”

Chapter Text

Lu Yichen sat down at the low table in her room, reading a book she’d bought at Caiyi Town the last time she took Wei Wuxian. She needed a distraction and sadly wasn’t needed at the Healers Pavilion. Wei Wuxian and some of the rest of the juniors his age were going on their first night hunt. Wei Wuxian had left early in the morning, seeing as the case was out of town. Lu Yichen had tried to conceal her nerves, not wanting to worry her son but she knew he’d seen right through her. Before leaving he had jumped into her arms and given her a big hug, not caring that the rest of the boys his age were watching and giggling at the sight. Lan Wangji had stood close by watching and after Wei Wuxian let go of his mother, he’d promised her he would look after her son. It had made her feel better but she still worried.

She closed the book, knowing that it really wasn’t working on keeping her mind occupied. She decided it was best to just go to sleep. She stood up and made her way over to her bed when suddenly there was a knocking on her door. Her eyebrows quirked as she made her way to the door, it was clearly past their curfew and everyone was supposed to be asleep. She opened the door to see one of the younger healers.

“Healer Lu,” the boy said as he bowed politely to her, “I know its late, but we need your help.”

Lu Yichen’s eyes widened, “what happened?”

The boy stared at the floor, clearly not wanting to make eye contact with her. “It’s young master Wei.”

At his word’s Lu Yichen panicked. She quickly turned to the side and grabbed her shoes to put them on. Luckily, she hadn’t changed out of her robes so she could quickly leave her home. She walked past the man, not even bothering to close the door behind her in her hurry and made her way towards the Healers Pavilion. The boy followed after her, but Lu Yichen didn’t bother speaking to him, she was too worried to even properly speak.

As she reached the Healers Pavilion she could very clearly hear screaming, it was her son. She hurried even more, managing to somehow not run, and made it to the source of the noise.

She rounded the corner and froze at what she saw.  Her son was being held by one of the senior healers, thrashing in his arms to be let go.

“Stay still” she could hear the older man tell her son.

“No! You have to let me go in!” Wei Wuxian said as he struggled to get out of the man’s grip.

Lu Yichen felt anger at the sight, “Wei Ying!” She exclaimed.

Wei Wuxian and the healer looked over to where she stood, the older man breathing a sigh of relief.

“A-niang!” Wei Wuxian said as he continued to thrash in the man’s hold.

Lu Yichen quickly made her way over to her son and glared at the man until he let go. She then hugged her son as he clung to her. He buried his face in her chest and began shaking. Her eyes widened in concern at the sight, her son was crying. Her son who was born with a smile on his face and always managed to smile through even the worst of things was actually crying. Her concern and worry grew as she slowly began passing her hands through his hair, trying to comfort the boy as best as she could.

“A-Ying, what happened?” She asked after she’d felt his crying subside.

Wei Wuxian shook his head in her chest and slowly looked up at her, teary eyed. “It’s Lan Zhan.”

Lu Yichen looked down at the boy in her arms, concerned. Once she’d seen how Wei Wuxian was uninjured, she’d figured something must’ve happened to Lan Wangji. It was clear her son would only become so worked up like this over his best friend. Plus, it was rare to see Wei Wuxian without Lan Wangji. When she realized the other boy was missing, she’d known something must’ve happen.

“Did he get hurt in the night hunt?” She asked as she wiped his tears away. 

Wei Wuxian nodded at her words. She felt pained at the confirmation and not just because it was obviously paining her son, but because over the years she had gotten to know Lan Wangji well. The more time he spent with Wei Wuxian, the longer he spent with her. She’d come to think of the boy as another son and she cared for him like one too.

She looked away from her son and made eye contact with the senior healer. “How is second young master Lan?” She asked, Wei Wuxian freezing in her grip.

“He will be ok. His injuries aren’t as bad as we originally thought they were. He will need to rest though.” He said quietly.

Lu Yichen nodded feeling extremely relieved at his words, he would be okay. Wei Wuxian looked to the senior healer and glared at the man, “Then why won’t you let me see him?”

The senior healer ignored the boys’ question and continued speaking, “Healer Lu, I think it is best if you take young master Wei. He can come back tomorrow.”  

“No! I don’t wanna go! Not until I see Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian said as he let go of his mother and turned to fully face the other man.

Lu Yichen grabbed the boys’ hand and forced him to look at her, “a-Ying.” She said kindly.

Wei Wuxian turned to face her and frowned, “a-Niang. I need to see him.” He said, sounding more emotional than he had before.

Lu Yichen smiled kindly at him and caressed his cheek, “I know you do. But you have to understand the healers must do their job in order for him to heal properly. And they can’t do their job with you inside.”

The fire in Wei Wuxian’s eyes slowly died out. He knew what his mother was saying was true. He needed the healers to do their job properly if he wanted Lan Wangji to get better. “Ok.” He said quietly, looking down to the floor. Lu Yichen nodded and started walking back towards their home, Wei Wuxian’s hand in her own.

Once back in their home, she sat Wei Wuxian on her bed and began heating up some tea for them. While waiting for it to be ready, she sat next to him, “What happened, a-Ying?”

Wei Wuxian took in a deep breath, “Everything went wrong a-Niang. It was supposed to be a simple case.” He said, sounding like he was having a hard time speaking. She put her arm over his shoulder and forced him to lay his head on her shoulder. He continued speaking, voice sounding shaky. “We were hunting a spiritual beast that was wreaking havoc in this small town. Everything was fine and we actually caught the beast. The senior disciples with us were too busy making sure that the trap that was holding the beast was perfect and didn’t hear the noise coming from the woods. I heard it and turned around only to see another beast, coming directly towards me. I tried to summon Suibian but it was too late, the beast was too close.”

He paused, taking a deep breath. “I thought I was done for.” Lu Yichen sucked in a breath at the thought and held Wei Wuxian tighter.

“But suddenly someone pushed me out of the way. I fell to the floor and got back up as quickly as I could to see that the beast had pinned down Lan Zhan.” Tears were now falling down Wei Wuxian’s face.

“I summoned Suibian as quickly as possible and attacked the beast. It shrieked in pain and then ran away. I don’t know if I killed it or not but I didn’t care at the moment. I ran over to Lan Zhan and he was all bloody because the beast had scratched him all over. His robes were torn. And he was unconscious. I think he hit his head on a rock or something when the beast pinned him down.”

“I started crying and tried to wake him up but he wouldn’t and I was so scared.” He said sobbing now, Lu Yichen gave him a kiss on the top of his head hoping that it would bring him some comfort. She could feel the tears falling down her own face.

“The rest of the disciples got our senior disciple and then he set off the Gusu Lan sect signal. One of the senior disciples grabbed Lan Zhan and took off to the Cloud Recesses. We were supposed to wait there for help with the other senior disciple, but I couldn’t just wait there without knowing if Lan Zhan was okay. So, I flew off after them and followed them back to the Cloud Recesses.”

Wei Wuxian remained quiet afterwards, tears streaming down his face as Lu Yichen comforted him. “He’ll be okay a-Ying. He’s very strong.”

“I know he will,” Wei Wuxian said as he wiped his tears away. “But I’m still afraid.”

He raised his head from Lu Yichen’s shoulder and stared at her, “But a-niang the worst part is I’m not just scared. I’m angry too.”

Lu Yichen tilted her head, surprised at his words. “Angry? Why?”

“At the beast, for attacking; at myself, for not paying better attention; but also at Lan Zhan, for risking his life for mine and I know that’s horrible because that could be me instead of him right now and I should be grateful for what he did to me. But I am not! Because he could’ve been hurt way worse! He could’ve died a-niang! And then I’d be all alone!” Wei Wuxian said, slowly becoming more agitated as he spoke. Lu Yichen’s eyes widened at the sight. She’d never seen her son become so ahitated like this, but in that moment she understood why. She was reminded of a similar conversation she’d had many years ago.

“A-Niang he could’ve died!  And it was all because of me!” He said screaming one more time, the anger making him tear up again.

“It’d be my fault and then I’d have to live without Lan Zhan for the rest of my life and I don’t think I can do that a-niang! I can’t live without Lan Zhan! I can’t imagine spending my days without him, without studying with him, without playing with him, without feeding the rabbits with him. I wouldn’t have anyone to go with me to Caiyi Town when you’re busy. I wouldn’t have someone to help me ride Lil’ Apple. I wouldn’t have anyone to annoy because annoying the rest of my friends isn’t the same as annoying Lan Zhan. He could’ve died a-Niang!”

Lu Yichen stared at him through her own tears and immediately pulled him into a hug. The boy buried his face in her neck and sobbed harder. She held onto him for as long as necessary, until his tears subsided, and he could breathe again.

“Am I terrible person a-niang?” Wei Wuxian asked through a whisper, breaking her heart.

“You’re not a-Ying.” She said shaking her head.

“Then why do I feel like this?” He asked sadly.

Lu Yichen shook her head, “Because you’re worried about him. And you don’t want anything bad to happen to him. You care for him a-Ying.”

Wei Wuxian nodded against her neck. “I love him a-Niang.”

Lu Yichen nodded and stroked his hair, “I know a-Ying.” 

“Wait a minute-” Wei Wuxian said as he raised his head from Lu Yichen’s neck. He stared at his mother in shock, “I love him.” He said quietly.

Lu Yichen stared at him as if he grew a second head, “Yes?”

“I love him. I love Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian repeated in awe.

“Yes, I know.” Lu Yichen said knowingly.

“No a-niang you don’t understand. I’m in love with Lan Zhan!” He said grabbing onto her arms, an amazed look in his eyes.

She laughed, “A-Ying. I’ve known some time now.”

Wei Wuxian looked at her confused, “What? You have?”

Lu Yichen smiled kindly at him and nodded, “Yes, I have.”

Wei Wuxian looked at her betrayed, “Why didn’t you tell me then?”

At this she began laughing hysterically. Wei Wuxian frowned at her but slowly joined in on her laughter.

“A-Niang don’t laugh! This is serious!” He said after his laughter died down.

Lu Yichen nodded and stopped laughing, “Well I never told you because I thought it’d be better to let you figure it out on your own.”

Wei Wuxian nodded, “That was probably smart.”

“I’m your mother for a reason.” Lu Yichen said as she stood up and poured some tea for them. She sat back down on the bed and passed a cup to her son. He slowly began drinking it. Once finished he spoke again, “A-Niang, what do I do?”

Lu Yichen finished her own tea and spoke, “you should tell him how you feel.” She said.

“I can’t confess!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed, as he put his cup down on the table.

“Why not?” Lu Yichen asked.

“Because I don’t know if he feels the same way!” Wei Wuxian said, staring at his mother as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Lu Yichen rolled her eyes at her son, “Well that’s why you confess. To find out.”

“But a-niang! I can’t do it now!” he said, getting worked up again.

“Why not?” Lu Yichen asked, concerned.

“It’s not the right time. He could’ve died because of me,” Wei Wuxian said sadly.

Lu Yichen stared at her son, seeing how he looked away from her and stared at the hands on his lap. She reached over to him and put her arm over his shoulder, bringing him closer to her to give him a kiss on the head.

“A-Ying, you know it’s not your fault, right?” she asked.

Wei Wuxian remained silent, he just continued staring at his own hands.

“This was a choice he made on his own. You must respect his decision. And knowing him, he definitely doesn’t regret his decision.” She said.

Wei Wuxian looked up at her, “But a-niang, had I been paying more attention this wouldn’t have happened to him-“

“If the situation had been reversed and you were in his place, what would you have done?” Lu Yichen asked, interrupting him.

Wei Wuxian looked into her eyes and then back to his hands, “The same thing.”

“Exactly. And would you have blamed him for it? Would you have regretted your decision?” She asked.

Wei Wuxian sighed, “No. I wouldn’t have.”

“Then why do you think he’d blame you?” She asked seriously.

At his lack of answer, she continued. “It’s not either of your faults. None of you knew there was another beast on the loose. You did the best you could at the time. And the good thing is that you’re both okay. Lan Wangji will be fine. He’s strong.”

Wei Wuxian nodded, “I guess you’re right.” 

“Of course, I’m right! I’m your mother for a reason!” Lu Yichen said teasingly.

Wei Wuxian giggled at that, “Sure, whatever you say....” he teased back.

Lu Yichen gasped jokingly making her son laugh. She smiled knowing that she had at least succeeded at making her son realize he wasn’t guilty for what had happened.

When Wei Wuxian finished laughing, he stared at his mother seriously. “Do you think I can go see Lan Zhan tomorrow?”

She nodded as she caressed his head, “I think he’ll like that.”

Wei Wuxian smiled happily at that. “Okay.”

The next day, Wei Wuxian surprised Lu Yichen by waking up by himself. Usually it was her job to make sure he woke up by five in the morning to make sure he didn’t get in trouble.  But today it seemed like that wouldn’t be a problem. Wei Wuxian ate the breakfast Lu Yichen made for him as quickly as possible. Afterwards they got ready for the day and headed straight for the Healers Pavilion.

Lu Yichen peaked at her son as he walked beside her. She could tell he was nervous, which was an unnerving look on her son. She grabbed his hand in her own, causing him to look up at her surprised.

She smiled as reassuringly as she could and was rewarded with a blinding smile. That’s the Wei Wuxian she knew.

Once in front of the Healers’ Pavilion Lu Yichen knocked gently on the door. To their surprise the one who opened the door wasn’t a healer but Lan Qiren.

“Sect leader.” Lu Yichen and Wei Wuxian both said as they greeted the man.

Lan Qiren returned the salute and looked towards Wei Wuxian.

“This afternoon you will go to the library and copy the rules while doing handstands.” Lan Qiren said seriously.

Wei Wuxian pouted at the man’s words but nodded in acceptance. He knew he had broken many rules when he ignored his senior disciples’ orders and followed them back to the Cloud Recesses. If anything, he was surprised he wasn’t being forced to carry out his punishment right at that moment.

Lan Qiren must’ve understood the look of confusion on the boy’s face as he spoke, “Wangji was asking for you.”

Lu Yichen saw Wei Wuxian’s face lit up.

“He’s awake?” he asked excitedly.

Lan Qiren nodded, “Yes, he woke up late last night. His injuries weren’t as bad as the healers had thought.”

Wei Wuxian nodded, but remained quiet. Lu Yichen could tell he was relieved at Lan Qiren’s words, but was still nervous.

Lan Qiren moved away from the door and nodded towards the inside, “Go on then.” He told Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian nodded at the man and immediately made his way inside. Lan Qiren stared at Lu Yichen and allowed her to also enter. “Thank you, sect leader.” She said, hoping that those words were enough to portray all the things she was grateful for at that moment.  The man nodded at her and walked inside.

She followed after Lan Qiren into the room were Lan Wangji was being kept. She entered and saw many things. She Lan Xichen standing up from the seat beside his brothers’ cot, allowing Wei Wuxian to take over. The older boy walked back to where his uncle was.

“Lan Zhan I’m sorry.” Wei Wuxian said as he sat on the chair. The younger boy was looking at his hands, avoiding Lan Wangji’s penetrating stare.

Lan Wangji seemed better than Lu Yichen had expected. He was sitting on the cot, a bandage around his head where she imagined he must’ve hit himself. He also had a couple of bandages around his arm and chest where she could guess he must’ve been scratched by the beast. She sighed in relief at the sight seeing that the boy was truly okay.  

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji said quietly. “There’s no need to apologize, you saved me.”

Wei Wuxian shook his head, “Only because you were injured because of me in the first place.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Lan Wangji simply replied.

At those words, Wei Wuxian finally looked away from the hands on his lap. He looked at Lan Wangji, shocked. “Yes, it does! You could’ve been injured worse!”

Lan Wangji stubbornly shook his head, “Are you okay?” he asked.

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened in surprise, “Well of course! You saved me!”

“Then it was worth it.” Lan Wangji interrupted.

Wei Wuxian felt a mix of emotions at those words. His love for the selfless boy grew, it was hard to think that it had taken him so long to realize his feelings for the other. But at the same time, his annoyance at him grew, why was he so stubborn?

“Lan Zhan don’t say that!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed as he reached for the other boys’ hand. “I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. I’d be devastated.” He quietly admitted.

At the clear vulnerability in Wei Wuxian’s words, Lan Wangji intertwined their fingers. “Sorry for worrying you.” He said, as honestly as he could.

Wei Wuxian looked at him and shrugged, “It’s okay. I don’t blame you. Because I know I would’ve done the same thing if I were in your place.” He admitted as he looked back at his mother, she smiled at him.

He turned back to Lan Wangji and smiled brightly at the boy, “Just don’t do it again! Okay Lan Zhan?” He asked teasingly.

Lan Wangji smiled fondly at the boy, “Mn.” He answered nodding.

“And thank you for saving me.” Wei Wuxian quietly admitted, a shy smile on his face. Lan Wangji nodded and smiled in return.

Lu Yichen smiled at the sight. Beside her Lan Xichen was also smiling. Even Lan Qiren seemed content at the sight.

Lu Yichen remembered one of her conversations with Wei Wuxian where he said he didn’t know if Lan Wangji felt the same way. Looking now at the boys together, it was clear to her that they both felt the same ways towards one another. But she’d allow her son to figure that out on his own too.

Chapter Text

The Gusu Lan sect disciples had just returned to the Inn after finishing up their night hunt. This time being led by Lan Wangji, their head disciple. It was a simple case, one that they finished quicker than expected with the smart contribution of Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian. The younger of the two dedicated his years to cultivating his golden core until he reached the point where he had become just as good as Lan Wangji, something that many in the sect had thought impossible. And not due to a lack of belief in Wei Wuxian but just a lack of belief that anyone could reach the level of their second young master.

After that day a year ago where Lan Wangji took an injury for Wei Wuxian, the younger of the two vowed to continue improving until he could be just as good as Lan Wangji, to avoid things like that from ever happening again. Not that he needed to cultivate much more since that night he’d actually managed to fatally wound the beast, making him the first of his class to kill such a powerful creature. At the time, not even Wei Wuxian could believe that he’d managed something like that when Lan Wangji hadn’t. He’d only been focused on rescuing Lan Wangji, not killing the beast. It seemed only Lan Wangji could believe that Wei Wuxian was capable of something like that.

“Er shixiong,” Zhong Kunhang said, interrupting Wei Wuxian from his musings. The older boy turned around from his seat to look at the other boy. Zhong Kunhang smiled awkwardly at him and sat next to him on the now empty seat, since Lan Wangji had returned to their shared room after finishing his meal.

“What is it?” Wei Wuxian said as he took a swig of his cup of tea. Around him, all the other Gusu Lan sect disciples were finishing the meal the Inn owners had prepared for them to thank them for taking care of the ghosts that had been haunting their village. The ghosts had been terrorizing all who came to the village, scaring them away the moment they set foot into the village. It meant that all the Inn owners and merchants were suffering by the lack of visitors. They’d sent someone to the Gusu Lan sect, it being the closest cultivation sect, in hopes of receiving help.

Zhong Kunhang looked around them, making sure no one was paying attention and took out two bottles from his robes. Wei Wuxian looked at it questioningly.

At the other boys look, Zhong Kunhang continued speaking, “The owner of the Inn gave me these bottles of alcohol to thank us for helping the village. I tried to tell him that it wasn’t necessary, but he insisted.”

Wei Wuxian took one of the bottles from the other boy and uncapped it, taking a sniff of it. It didn’t smell as good as Emperor’s Smile but it would do. “This is perfect!”

“Drinking isn’t allowed!” Someone said from across the table. Wei Wuxian turned away from Zhong Kunhang and looked towards the direction of the voice.

“Drinking isn’t allowed in the Cloud Recesses and right now we’re nowhere near the Cloud Recesses. If you’re going to quote the rules at least quote them right.” Wei Wuxian answered as he took a swig from the bottle. Zhong Kunhang giggled beside him as Su She’s eyes grew wide. The other boy looked around only to see that the other disciples had also overheard their conversation and were hiding their giggles. His face grew red from embarrassment.

“Second young master Lan won’t be pleased.” Su She said, crossing his arms over his chest and looking away from Wei Wuxian.

At those words Wei Wuxian laughed, “And since when are you close to Lan Zhan that you know that?” He asked teasingly. Su She turned to him and sneered.

“Su She you shouldn’t speak to young master Wei that way. Especially when he saved you tonight.” Zhong Kunhang said while pouring himself some of the alcohol. The disciples around them nodding in agreement.

Su She scoffed at that and said nothing. It was embarrassing for him to remember that someone like Wei Wuxian had had to come to his rescue during the night hunt. He’d underestimated one of the smaller looking ghosts and gone after it by himself, thinking it’d be easy to defeat. He wanted to use that as an opportunity to show everyone that he was better than Wei Wuxian. The older boy was constantly telling the story of how he’d killed his first vicious beast at just 13, amazing all their classmates who hadn’t gone to the night hunt and witnessed the event themselves. They saw Wei Wuxian as an inspiration, someone who’d managed to reach the heights of Lan Wangji in only a couple of years, but not Su She. He saw him as someone who needed to be put in his place. And he’d wanted to do it during that night, but the ghost had been stronger than expected. It immediately threw Su She across the field and rushed after him to deliver the final blow. It would’ve succeeded, had it not been for Wei Wuxian. The older boy came out of nowhere and used a talisman to stop the ghost and then delivered the final blow with his sword. The rest of the Gusu Lan sect disciples, including Lan Wangji who had been fighting one of the other ghosts, found them right when Wei Wuxian finished the job. They had all complimented Wei Wuxian on a job well done, making Su She boil with anger.

“Did you even thank him?” Liu Gang asked beside him.

Su She was about to speak but was interrupted by a giggling Wei Wuxian.

“It’s okay. He doesn’t have to thank me.” Wei Wuxian said kindly.

 Beside him, Zhong Kunhang shook his head, “Yes he does, er shixiong.” The rest of the Gusu Lan sect disciples nodded in agreement.

Su She looked around him and only saw expectant faces. He sighed in annoyance, “Thank you, young master Wei.”

Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but feel awkward at the atmosphere surrounding him, he laughed and nodded his head. He took another swig of the bottle of alcohol in his hands and stood up, “Well I think it’s time to go rest.”

The rest of the disciples, excluding Su She, nodded and wished him a goodnight.

“Don’t stay up too late. Remember, Lan Zhan said we’re heading back to the Cloud Recesses tomorrow morning.” He reminded them.

“Yes, young master Wei.” They said as Wei Wuxian made his way up the stairs towards his room.

As he neared the door to his and Lan Wangji’s shared room he heard a sound. The closer he came to their room, the clearer he could hear the sound, one he’d heard many times before. A couple of years ago, he’d sneaked away from his mother and towards Lan Wangji’s Jingshi past curfew, wanting to see the other boy. When he reached the Jingshi, he’d heard Lan Wangji playing his guqin, a familiar sound to him. What surprised him was that he couldn’t recognize the song the other boy played. He’d asked Lan Wangji about it afterwards, but the boy remained quiet. It surprised Wei Wuxian at the time since Lan Wangji had never kept anything from him before but that just motivated him into finding the song’s origins elsewhere. He looked through all the music books they had at the library but came up empty. He’d even gone as far as to play the tune to Lan Xichen on his flute, but the older boy had never heard the song before either. They quickly realized that it meant Lan Wangji must have written the song himself. To this day, Wei Wuxian still didn’t know the name of the song, but he knew Lan Wangji would one day come around.

Wei Wuxian opened the door and walked inside the room, closing the door behind him. Lan Wangji was sat on the low table in the middle of the room, playing the mysterious song on his guqin. The younger boy walked over to the table and kneeled before it, facing his friend. Wei Wuxian smiled at the look of concentration on Lan Wangji’s face. He placed his half empty bottle of alcohol on the floor beside him and grabbed the flute that he always carried with him from his belt, joining Lan Wangji as he also began playing the song. At that, Lan Wangji finally looked up from his guqin staring at Wei Wuxian with a look that he couldn’t quite decipher. It made something in Wei Wuxian’s heart ache.

After a while, the song came to an end and they both separated from their instruments. Wei Wuxian smiled at Lan Wangji and the other boy slowly returned the smile.

“Have I told you that I really like this song Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian asked as he placed his flute on the table. Lan Wangji stared at him with a blank look in his eyes and nodded. Wei Wuxian decided he really hated that look in Lan Wangji’s eyes. He wanted to do anything to bring the life back to those beautiful eyes. He looked around, trying to see if there was anything he could use to make things better when his eyes landed on the forgotten bottle.

He quickly stood up and walked towards a table on the side of the room that had some water and cups. He grabbed two cups and went back to join Lan Wangji at the table. He kneeled back down and realized that Lan Wangji had moved the guqin and flute out of the way. He placed the cups on the now empty table and poured the remaining alcohol into them.

“Lan Zhan! We had a successful night hunt tonight! You killed three ghosts just by yourself and I killed one by myself. I think we should celebrate!” Wei Wuxian said as he finished pouring it.

“You helped me kill one of those.” Lan Wangji simply corrected.

Wei Wuxian shook his head, “That doesn’t count. You did most of the work.” He said looking up at Lan Wangji.

The older boy gave him a knowing look, “I couldn’t have killed it without you.”

Wei Wuxian sighed at Lan Wangji’s stubbornness, “Fine. I’ll accept it.”

“We both killed two ghosts.” Lan Wangji said.

Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help the fond smile that formed in his face, “Yeah. We both killed two ghosts.”

Lan Wangji nodded, satisfied with Wei Wuxian’s words.

“Which means we should celebrate!” Wei Wuxian continued sliding over one of the cups of alcohol to Lan Wangji.

The other boy eyed the cup strangely before looking back to Wei Wuxian with a questioning look on his face.

“It’s against the rules to drink in the Cloud Recesses so technically you wouldn’t be breaking a rule if you drink with me.” Wei Wuxian said quickly. “Plus, it would be so mean if you let me celebrate by myself…” he said pouting.

Lan Wangji stared at the boy before him and felt the refusal that had been on the tip of his tongue slip away. “Okay.” Lan Wangji quietly said.

The pout on Wei Wuxian’s face quickly disappeared, replaced by a smile so bright it could put the sun to shame. “Really Lan Zhan??”

Lan Wangji smiled at the contagious smile before him and nodded, “Mn.”

Lan Wangji took his cup in his hands, Wei Wuxian quickly doing the same. They raised their cups towards one another, and both took a big swig from their cups.

Wei Wuxian put his empty cup on the table, “Lan Zhan this alcohol isn’t as good as Gusu’s Emperor’s Smile but it’s not bad. It’s just bad luck that this is the first alcohol yo-”

Wei Wuxian stopped mid-sentence as Lan Wangji’s head suddenly landed on the table before him. He stared at the older boy, mouth wide open in shock.

“Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian asked panicked as he realized the boy before him was unconscious. He quickly crawled over to Lan Wangji’s side and felt the side of his face.

He breathed a sigh of relief, “Okay. You’re still breathing, and you don’t have a fever, so you aren’t sick either.” He said. “Then what happened?”

He stared at the boy before him. He noticed Lan Wangji was breathing evenly. Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened in realization, “Lan Zhan! Are you asleep?” He whispered in shock, not wanting to wake the other boy up.

He couldn’t help but giggle at the sight. “I know this is your first time drinking but I really didn’t expect you to be this much of a lightweight.”

His giggles died down and he smiled at the sight of a sleeping Lan Wangji. This position can’t be very comfortable, he thought. He stood up and raised Lan Wangjis’s chest from the table. He managed to somehow pull the unconscious boy up and placed his left arm under his legs, sweeping him up into his arms bridal style.

He quickly walked over to Lan Wangji’s bed and gently placed him on it. He put the other boys’ arms over his chest and sat beside him on the bed. He smiled down at the boy and fixed a piece of hair that had gotten loose from his bun.

“Ah Lan Zhan. You look really cute like this.” He said quietly as he gently caressed the side of the sleeping boys face.

At times like this his love for the boy grew, something that surprised Wei Wuxian who had never thought it was possible to love someone so much. The other boy just always managed to make him happy, no matter what. He was Wei Wuxian’s favorite reason to smile.

He stood up and walked over to Lan Wangji’s legs, removing the other boys’ shoes so he could sleep comfortably. He got the blanket and covered Lan Wangji with it. He was about to walk away to his own bed on the other side of the room when suddenly a hand grabbed his wrist, stopping him.

“Lan Zhan? I thought you were asleep.” Wei Wuxian said confused as he looked down at boy. He had a strange look in his eyes.

“Mn. Not anymore.” He replied.

Wei Wuxian giggled, “I can see that. But we should go to sleep anyways.” He said, trying to free his wrist from the others’ hands.

Lan Wangji shook his head and instantly tugged on Wei Wuxian. The younger boy was unprepared for the sudden show of strength and therefore fell on top of Lan Wangji.

“Ah Lan Zhan! I’m so sorry!” Wei Wuxian said feeling himself blush. He quickly tried to push himself up from Lan Wangji’s chest, but the other boy wrapped his arms around him. Wei Wuxian stopped struggling and looked up at Lan Wangji’s face.

“Stay.” The older boy said, staring straight into Wei Wuxian’s eyes.

Wei Wuxian shivered, and it was not from the cold. He smiled and shook his head, “Lan Zhan! This bed is so small! You’d be so uncomfortable!”  

Lan Wangji shook his head, “Doesn’t matter.”

“But Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian protested.

Lan Wangji tightened his arms around the other boys’ waist. Wei Wuxian sighed, knowing it was a lost cause to fight with Lan Wangji. “Fine,” he said with a fake annoyed tone in his voice. “I’ll stay.”

“Good.” Lan Wangji said as he moved over to one side of the bed to leave an empty space for Wei Wuxian.

The younger boy looked down at Lan Wangji’s chest, blushing. It had been a while since he’d shared a bed like this with Lan Wangji. Especially after realizing his feelings for the other boy. He shuffled his way off Lan Wangji’s chest and laid on the empty space. He turned to the side facing Lan Wangji who was surprisingly already facing him.

“Lan Zhan, it’s been a long time since we’ve shared a bed like this.” Wei Wuxian said quietly.

Lan Wangji nodded, “Mn. Too long.”

Wei Wuxian giggled at the honest tone in Lan Wangji’s voice, “Sleeping without me isn’t the same, right Lan Zhan?”  He teased.

“Mn. Miss Wei Ying.”  Lan Wangji whispered. Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened at those words, not expecting them. He laughed it off, not thinking much about it.

“Ah, cause I’m your favorite blanket, right?” He asked jokingly.

“Mn. Always.” Lan Wangji said.

Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Wangji strangely, there was something off about him. He normally wouldn’t admit things like this without telling him he’d taken it too far. He stared at the other boy and realized his eyes looked glossed over, and the tips of his ears were red.

“Lan Zhan! Are you drunk?!?!” He asked, shocked.

Lan Wangji stared at him blankly for a couple of seconds and then nodded, “I believe so.”

Wei Wuxian erupted into laughter, unable to believe what Lan Wangji had just admitted to him. “Ah Lan Zhan! I didn’t expect you to get drunk so easily!” He said through laughs, “And you’re an honest drunk too huh?”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji said.

Wei Wuxian turned back to him and wiped the tears from his face. “Lan Zhan this is too great! Just really really great!”

Hm this is a good opportunity to ask Lan Zhan stuff I know he’d never admit otherwise, Wei Wuxian thought while giggling.

“Hey Lan Zhan?” He asked feigning innocence.

“Yes, Wei Ying?” Lan Wangji replied, voice sounding deeper than usual.

“You don’t like Su She, right?” He asked. He’d always felt like Lan Wangji didn’t like the other boy, but he’d been too polite to ever admit it.

Lan Wangji frowned at the question, “Don’t like him.” He answered seriously.

Wei Wuxian giggled, “I knew it!” He said. “How come?”

Lan Wangji turned to look at him, “Jealous of Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian stared at him, “He’s jealous of me?”

Lan Wangji simply nodded.

“And you don’t like him because of that?” He asked confused.

“Mn.” Lan Wangji nodded.

“Oh” Wei Wuxian simply replied, feeling his heart skip a beat.

Wei Wuxian turned away from Lan Wangji and stared at the ceiling, trying to think of something else to ask the other boy. His eyes widened in excitement as he thought of something he had wondered for a while.

“Lan Zhan, you don’t like spicy food, do you?”

Lan Wangji remained quiet for a minute, making Wei Wuxian turn to look at him, thinking the other boy had once again fallen asleep.  

“Mn.” Lan Wangji finally replied.

Wei Wuxian stared at the boy confused, “Then why do you always eat it when we go to Caiyi Town?”

“Wei Ying likes it.” Lan Wangji replied.

Wei Wuxian frowned, “Yeah but why do you eat it?”

Lan Wangji turned and stared at him, “You get excited whenever I try the spicy dishes you like. It’s worth it.”

Wei Wuxian’s looked at him mouth wide opened, “I can’t believe you do that for me.”

“Would do anything for Wei Ying to smile.” Lan Wangji whispered in reply. Wei Wuxian inhaled at the the words. Lan Wangji sounded so honest as he spoke, it drove Wei Wuxian a bit insane. His heart was beating wildly the more the other boy spoke. He suddenly remembered a conversation he’d been having with his mother for the past year. Ever since he realized his feelings for Lan Wangji he’d promised her he’d confess only when he knew how Lan Wangji felt about him, not wanting to make a fool of himself. Throughout the year he’d had many opportunities to ask the other boy, but he’d never find the courage to actually go through with it.

Wei Wuxian took in a deep breath, “Lan Zhan?”

Lan Wangji turned his whole body around to face Wei Wuxian, capable of sensing the serious atmosphere even if he was drunk. “Yes?” He asked.

Wei Wuxian turned his whole body around to also face Lan Wangji, “How do you feel about me?” He asked so lowly he wasn’t even sure the other boy heard him.

Lan Wangji quietly stared at Wei Wuxian and reached over for the other boys’ hand, “Love Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened in shock, “L-love how?”

Immediately Lan Wangji sat up from the bed, making Wei Wuxian panic thinking he had taken it too far. “L-Lan Zhan?” He asked as he also sat up.

Lan Wangji raised his arms into his hair and began messing with something. Quickly enough he untied the knot of his forehead ribbon and turned around to face Wei Wuxian. He took the other boys’ right hand into his own and placed his forehead ribbon in it.

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened in absolute disbelief. When he first joined the Gusu Lan sect he had thought the forehead ribbons were just cool accessories everyone wore. It wasn’t until he had officially become a member of the sect and received his own forehead ribbon that he learned the true meaning. His mother sat him down that night and explained to him that the forehead ribbon symbolized self-restraint and could not be touched by just anyone. It was something only reserved to family or your destined other. And only in front of that destined other could one let go of their self-restraint.  

He looked down at the forehead ribbon in his hand and felt his eyes water, his heart beating incredibly fast in his chest. He knew Lan Wangji would not have done something like this had he not meant it, even if he were drunk. He looked up at the other boy and met his eyes.

Lan Wangji took hold of his forehead ribbon once again and deftly tied it around Wei Wuxian’s wrist.

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian said breathlessly, not knowing what else to say.

“It’s yours.” Lan Wangji simply said.

Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but beam at what Lan Wangji was saying. It was something he’d wanted to hear for so long and yet it wasn’t right.

“Wait,” Wei Wuxian said frowning. “This can’t happen while you’re drunk. What if you don’t remember tomorrow?”

“Won’t forget.” Lan Wangji stubbornly replied.

Wei Wuxian giggled at that, feeling his cheeks heat up but shook his head, “Nope doesn’t matter. I’m not risking this. It’s too important.”

Lan Wangji smiled and nodded, “Okay.”

Wei Wuxian nodded, “Okay. Let’s just go to sleep then.”

Lan Wangji laid back in the bed, Wei Wuxian following right after him, and covered them both with the blanket. “Good night Wei Ying.” He said and quickly fell asleep.

Wei Wuxian giggled beside him, “Good night Lan Zhan.” He felt so giddy that he couldn’t sleep. He couldn’t help but replay the last couple of minutes in his head. He smiled and looked at the forehead ribbon tied around his wrist. He couldn’t wait for the next morning.

“Wei Ying.” Wei Wuxian heard as he finally woke up.

He turned away from the voice he heard and snuggled into the pillow, “It’s too early. Let me sleep some more.” He grumbled.

The voice beside him let out an amused puff of air, “It’s already nine.”

Wei Wuxian snuggled even more into the pillow, “Too early!”

“Your breakfast will get cold.” The voice replied.

Wei Wuxian froze at that, realizing he was really hungry. He sat up and began rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. “Good morning Lan Zhan.” He said through a yawn as he stared at the other boy.

Lan Wangji smiled kindly at the boy, “Good morning Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian frowned, realizing that Lan Wangji was missing his forehead ribbon, “Wher-” He began asking before stopping himself. Memories from the night before suddenly came crashing into his mind. His eyes widened in shock as he stared at his wrist, and there he found Lan Wangji’s forehead ribbon. “It wasn’t a dream.” Wei Wuxian whispered to himself. He looked up at Lan Wangji and saw that the other boy was still smiling kindly at him.

“Lan Zhan, do you remember what happened last night?” He asked quickly.

The smile on Lan Wangji’s face slowly disappeared making Wei Wuxian frown. “Only somethings.”

“Oh.” Wei Wuxian said sadly, looking down at his lap. He’d hoped Lan Wangji would remember everything.

Slowly a hand came into his vision as Lan Wangji sat beside him on the bed and grabbed his wrist in his hand. He began tugging on the forehead ribbon that was tied around Wei Wuxian’s wrist. “I may not remember everything that happened, but I don’t regret giving you this.” He said quietly. Wei Wuxian looked up at him and smiled, Lan Wangji returning it with a small one of his own.

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian said quietly, “You said you loved me.”

Lan Wangji’s eyes widened slightly in surprise for just a moment. “I do.” He said breathlessly.

Wei Wuxian nodded happily, feeling ecstatic at hearing those words again. He couldn’t quite believe any of this was happening, he couldn’t believe that Lan Wangji actually loved him too.

“What about you?” Lan Wangji suddenly asked.

Wei Wuxian tilted his head in question, “what?” he asked.

Lan Wangji took in a deep breath, “How do you feel about me?” He asked. In that moment Wei Wuxian could see a vulnerability in Lan Wangji’s eyes that he had never quite seen before. He grabbed the hand that was holding onto his wrist and intertwined their fingers, surprising Lan Wangji.

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian said seriously. “You’re really great. I like you. Or in other words, I fancy you, I want you, I love you, I can’t leave you, I whatever you. I want to night hunt with you for the rest of my life.”

Lan Wangji’s eyes watered.

“Lan Zhan you’re my favorite person in this world! I can’t imagine a life without you! When I think of myself five, ten, even fifteen years from now I always see you right there beside me! You make me the happiest I could ever be! I don’t want anyone but you- it can’t be anyone but you. I love you! I really really do!” Wei Wuxian said hastily.

Lan Wangji took Wei Wuxian’s free hand and intertwined it with his own free one, “Wei Ying,” he said, a wave of emotion clear in his voice. “Fancy you. Love you. Want you.” He said tightening his hold on Wei Wuxian’s hands. The younger boys’ eyes watered at the words as his smile grew bigger. “Cannot leave you. Do not want anyone but you. It cannot be anyone but you.”

Wei Wuxian giggled hearing his own words repeated at him. He let go of Lan Wangji’s hands and threw himself on the other boy, arms wrapping around Lan Wangji’s neck. The older boy quickly reciprocating and tightening his arms around Wei Wuxian’s waist.

“Wei Ying, when we first met you brought the light back into my life. You managed to make me smile and laugh at a time when no one else could. You’re the best gift the universe has given me. I can’t imagine a life without you either. I love you.” Lan Wangji whispered into the other boys’ hair. Wei Wuxian separated from Lan Wangji and wiped the tears that had fallen from his face. He noticed Lan Wangji was also crying and laughed as he wiped the tears from his cheek.

“I’m really happy right now Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian whispered, an impossibly blinding smile on his face.

“Me too.” Lan Wangji replied with a smile of his own.

“Can I kiss you?” Wei Wuxian asked, feeling suddenly shy. Lan Wangji nodded.

Wei Wuxian slowly leant in to meet his lips with Lan Wangji’s. They gave a small kiss at first, both nervous. But slowly they became more comfortable until the kiss became more heated.

They pulled away and smiled at one another. Wei Wuxian leaned his head on Lan Wangji’s shoulder and laughed, “When a-niang finds out about this she’s gonna laugh at me.”

“How come?” Lan Wangji asked as he stroked Wei Wuxian’s back.

Wei Wuxian looked up at Lan Wangji, “Because she told me to confess to you about a year ago and I didn’t do it because I didn’t know if you felt the same way!”

Lan Wangji’s eyes opened in surprise, “Wei Ying,” He said seriously, “I’ve been in love with you for years.”

“You have?” Wei Wuxian asked.

Lan Wangji nodded, as he stared at Wei Wuxian in disbelief finally realizing how oblivious the other boy really was.

“Ah and to think we could’ve been together since a long time ago.” He said pouting.

Lan Wangji leaned in and kissed Wei Wuxian’s pout away, “We can make up for it now.”

Wei Wuxian nodded excitedly and smiled, “You’re right. There’s no point on focusing on what could’ve happened. Let’s just focus on the future.” He said, kissing Lan Wangji on the cheek. The other boy nodded and took Wei Wuxian’s hand into his own, thumb fiddling with the ends of his forehead ribbon.

Chapter Text

“A-Niang we’re gonna be late to my own engagement ceremony!” Wei Wuxian said as his mother once again combed through his unruly hair.

“And who’s fault would that be?” She asked as she fondly rolled her eyes. Not even on one of the most important days of his life so far could she get her son to wake up on time. She’d had to drag him out of bed and force him to take a bath as she prepared everything she would need to get him looking presentable.

Wei Wuxian scratched his nose and looked to the side, “Okay. Point made.”

Lu Yichen laughed, “Yeah. I thought you’d say that. Now stop moving around so that I can finish combing through these knots.”

Wei Wuxian sighed as he went back to reading the book Lan Wangji had gifted him. He’d heard Wei Wuxian say he was bored of the books at the library and so he’d surprised him the next day with an adventure book he’d bought at Caiyi Town. Wei Wuxian smiled at the reminder of how great Lan Wangji was, his future fiancé. He couldn’t wait to be engaged to the other boy.

His mother handed the comb to him, bringing him out of his reverie. He grabbed it and placed it on the low table he was kneeling in front of. He then grabbed the white ribbon on the table and handed it to his mother. She began expertly tying a proper ponytail, one that didn’t look like it had been tied up by a seven-year-old like the ones Wei Wuxian usually wore.

Once she finished, she squeezed his shoulder, signaling for him to stand up. He stood up and turned around to look at his mother. She smiled brightly at him, eyes watery. “You look beautiful a-Ying.” she said, voice sounding emotional.

Wei Wuxian laughed and grabbed her hand, “A-niang don’t cry!”

She wiped the single tear that had managed to escape from her eyes and shook her head, “I can’t help it! My 15-year-old son is getting engaged! You’re all grown up now!”

Wei Wuxian sat down beside her on the bed and rested his head on her shoulder, “No I’m not! I’m just three-year olds.” He said, making his voice sound as cute as possible as he raised three fingers. His mother laughed and grabbed his hand. “Is that so?” She said.

“Mhm.” Wei Wuxian said nodding. “I still need a-niang to help me.”

“Hm, and what does a-Ying need help with?” She asked teasingly. Wei Wuxian immediately stood up and went to his old room, the one he lived in before he moved into the disciples dorm the year before, quickly returning with something in his hand. He kneeled before her and handed her his forehead ribbon, “Will you help me put this on?” He asked quietly.

Lu Yichen smiled and nodded, Wei Wuxian turning around immediately. She knew her son didn’t need help putting on his forehead ribbon, he’d been doing it for long enough that he hadn’t needed help in a long time. But today was different. It was the last time he would ever be wearing this specific forehead ribbon, the one that she had given him when he was accepted into the Gusu Lan sect. Today he’d be receiving the official forehead ribbon of the members of the clan. This would officially signify that one day he would be marrying into the Lan family.

Tying her son’s forehead ribbon, she was suddenly reminded of all the times she had done so before. Wei Wuxian had been so young at the time and now he was getting ready to be engaged to Lan Wangji.

When Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian first came to her to ask for permission to marry, she couldn’t exactly say she’d been shocked. She’d seen how close those boys had been from the first moment they’d met. She’d seen how much they loved and cared for each other throughout the years. She knew them well enough to realize that once they got together they would never separate ever again. It hadn’t been a surprise that they’d wanted to officialize that even when they were only fifteen. But it was something that even though she’d known was coming, she hadn’t been ready for.

No one is ever ready to see their child grow up and, in this moment, she was reminded that Wei Wuxian was no longer the cute seven-year-old boy she’d brought back from Caiyi Town.

She finished tying the ribbon and tapped her son on the shoulder. The boy stood up and turned around.

To her surprise, he was the one tears in his eyes this time. She grabbed him and pulled him onto the bed beside him. “And why are you crying?” She asked as she wiped his tears away.

He shook his head and laughed, “It’s nothing bad.”

“Then what is it?” She asked as she fixed his forehead ribbon.

“I’m just really happy.” He said smiling. “And I’m so grateful to you for adopting me and bringing me to the sect. You saved me and gave me a second shot at having a life and I’m so happy because of it. Who knows what would’ve happened to me if you hadn’t found me that day? I probably would’ve never even met Lan Zhan if it hadn’t been for you.” He said as more tears streamed down his face. “I’m so glad it was you who found me and became my mother because I can’t even imagine a life without you. So thank you for being my mother!” He said.

As Wei Wuxian spoke, Lu Yichen felt tears stream freely down her face. “A-Ying,” She said voice full of emotion. “I’m so glad I adopted you that day. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m very proud of who you’ve become, and I know you will achieve great things. I know your parents are just as proud of you as I am.”

Wei Wuxian sniffled, “You really think they are?” he asked.

She nodded, wiping his tears. “I know so.”

Wei Wuxian smiled and then began laughing, “Ah a-niang! Why are we even crying? I’m not even getting married until I’m 20 and this is just a quick ceremony!”

Lu Yichen giggled at his words and wiped her tears, “It’s an emotional time.”

“Yeah it is.” Wei Wuxian quietly said as he smiled at her words.

Lu Yichen cleared her throat and stood up, “Well a-Ying. I think it’s time to go.”

Wei Wuxian nodded and immediately stood up. They both quickly made their way out of the room and towards the building where the engagement ceremony would take place. The only people that would attend the ceremony were their family members and the sect elders.

As they reached the building, they saw Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen talking outside. Wei Wuxian gasped at how ethereal Lan Wangji looked in his own ceremonial white Gusu Lan sect robes instead of his normal ones. As they came closer Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen finished speaking and turned to them. Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but laugh as he saw Lan Wangji’s eyes widen as he saw his own ceremonial white robes.

They all greeted each other, and Lu Yichen turned to Wei Wuxian. She placed her hand on the side of his face and gave him a kiss on the other cheek, “I’ll see you inside.”

Wei Wuxian beamed at her and smiled. She removed her hand from his face and turned to enter the building where the ceremony would soon begin.

“I’ll go in with you healer Lu.” Lan Xichen kindly said as he smiled one last time at the soon to be engaged couple and turned to follow after Lu Yichen.

Soon enough only Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji remained, both smiling at the sight of the other.

Wei Wuxian walked over to Lan Wangji and grabbed his hand, reaching over to give the other boy a quick kiss on the lips before anyone else could see. Lan Wangji happily returned the kiss, also not caring that such an act wasn’t allowed before the ceremony.

“Hi.” Wei Wuxian whispered as he hugged Lan Wangji. Lan Wangji immediately returning the hug, “Hello Wei Ying.”

“I can’t wait to be engaged to you.” Wei Wuxian said through giggles.

Lan Wangji grabbed the other boys’ hand and brought it to his lips, giving it a quick kiss. “Me neither.”

They swiftly separated and stood beside each other as they heard someone approaching.

“You may enter now.” The servant said as he bowed towards Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.

Both boys nodded and turned to each other, smiling.

They held hands and entered the room, where their family awaited. They walked to the middle of the room where only Lu Yichen and Lan Qiren stood. The Gusu Lan sect elders sat on a table behind them all, Lan Xichen joining them.

They bowed to Lu Yichen and Lan Qiren and then to the sect elders, greeting them all. Lan Qiren, as acting sect leader was the one who would officialize the ceremony. He signaled for one of the servants to bring in a wooden box. The servant came and handed the box to Lan Qiren and then exited the room. He then opened the box and presented it to Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. Inside there was Wei Wuxian’s new forehead ribbon. The one that signified his future union to Lan Wangji and addition into the Lan bloodline.

Wei Wuxian smiled at the sight and looked back up at Lan Qiren. The older man looked as serious as ever, but even he could see the warm look in the man’s eyes. Lan Qiren turned to Lu Yichen and nodded to her. She nodded in return knowing her part to play in the ceremony. She walked over to Wei Wuxian and smiled at her son as he turned around. She then untied his forehead ribbon and placed it in the wooden box. Wei Wuxian turned around and she couldn’t help but place a kiss in the middle of his now empty forehead.

Wei Wuxian giggled at his mother as she pulled away from him and went to take a seat beside Lan Xichen. Wei Wuxian could see the obvious glee in the older boys’ eyes. He then turned back to face Lan Qiren and smiled as the man then presented the box to him.

Wei Wuxian reached into the box and gently took out the cloud motif forehead ribbon. He looked at the ribbon as he studied the unfamiliar cloud design. He looked up and saw that Lan Wangji was smiling brightly at him. Wei Wuxian wordlessly handed the ribbon to Lan Wangji and turned around.  

Lan Wangji couldn’t help but smile as he helped tie Wei Wuxian’s forehead ribbon. He felt a mix of emotions at the sight. Knowing that this meant that Wei Wuxian was officially a member of his family, and although they still weren’t allowed to marry, they would in the future. This forehead ribbon was the promise that one day he would be able to call Wei Wuxian his husband. Lan Wangji hadn’t known it was possible to feel any happier than he already was whenever he was with Wei Wuxian, but being by the other boys’ side was always full of surprises.

Once Lan Wangji finished, Wei Wuxian turned around and smiled blindingly at him. Lan Wangji took his hand in his own and together they turned to face Lan Qiren.

To both of their surprises, the older man was smiling. Something neither of them had ever witnessed before.

“Wei Wuxian. Welcome to the clan.” He said.

As soon as he said those words the ceremony had ended. Wei Wuxian turned to Lan Wangji and hugged his fiancé tightly, the other boy immediately returning the hug. They didn’t separate until they heard the sound of a clearing throat beside them.

Lan Xichen smiled brightly at them, “Congratulations on the engagement! And Wuxian welcome to the family!”

Wei Wuxian beamed at his words, “Thank you Xichen ge!” he said just as Lan Wangji said, “Thank you brother.”

“A-Ying” Wei Wuxian heard from behind him. He turned around and launched himself onto his mother’s awaiting arms. She held him closer as she kissed the top of his head and whispered, “Congratulations my love.”

He parted from her and grinned. She then turned to Lan Wangji and smiled kindly at the boy that she had always considered a second son. “Congratulations a-Zhan.”

Lan Wangji smiled brightly at her and nodded.

Once the ceremony ended, they all went to the banquet that had been thrown in celebration. They all ate a quiet meal, joined by the rest of members of the Gusu Lan sect.

Once the meal ended, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were bombarded by congratulatory messages from their fellow disciples and seniors. It was so much that they couldn’t wait until they could escape from the chaos and finally be alone.

After what felt like an eternity, they managed to get away from everyone and make their way towards Lan Wangji’s Jingshi. Once inside Wei Wuxian went to lay on Lan Wangji’s bed, “Ah Lan Zhan, we’re engaged! We’re actually engaged!” He said, the smile on his face obvious from his just hearing his voice.

Lan Wangji couldn’t help but smile, feeling just as happy in that moment, “We are.” He said as he laid on the bed beside his fiancé.

Wei Wuxian giggled as he leaned over Lan Wangji and pressed his lips on the other boys’ lips. Lan Wangji circled his arms around Wei Wuxian’s neck, bringing the other boy impossibly closer. Wei Wuxian smiled into the kiss.

After a while, the two separated, needing to take a breath of air. Wei Wuxian pecked the corner of Lan Wangji’s mouth and got comfortable over the other boys’ chest. The older boy hugged Wei Wuxian’s waist and took in a deep breath. “I love you, Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian smiled as he placed a kiss on Lan Wangji’s chest, “I love you too Lan Zhan! We’re finally engaged! I can hardly believe it actually happened.”

Lan Wangji nodded happily; it was something he also had a hard time believing had actually come true. It sometimes seemed too good to be true.

“I have something for you.” Lan Wangji suddenly said after a period of he and Wei Wuxian just enjoying the silence of each other’s company.

Wei Wuxian looked up from Lan Wangji’s chest and stared at him, “You do?”

Lan Wangji nodded, “Would you like to see it now?”

Wei Wuxian immediately nodded, feeling excited at the prospect of whatever Lan Wangji had to give him. He rolled off his fiancé’s chest and kneeled on the bed. Lan Wangji quickly standing up and kneeling before the low table in the middle of his room. He quickly put his hands on his guqin and begun playing a song.

Wei Wuxian smiled as he recognized the song, it was the one Lan Wangji had written years ago. He stood up from the bed and walked over to the low table, kneeling in front of it. Wei Wuxian had always thought there was something about the song that was so raw and emotional, he’d always felt drawn to it. He’d loved it from the moment he’d heard it.

As Lan Wangji finished playing, he put his hands over the strings, stopping their movement. He looked up at Wei Wuxian expectantly, only to see the other boy smiling.

“Wangxian.” He said quietly.

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened in confusion, “What?”

“The song is named Wangxian.” Lan Wangji replied.

Wei Wuxian’s mouth fell open from shock but soon enough he was bursting into laughter. “No wonder you never told me! The reason behind it is so obvious!”

Lan Wangji couldn’t help but laugh a bit himself as he nodded.

“I really like it Lan Zhan! Wangxian! It’s the perfect name! And it’s the perfect gift!” Wei Wuxian admitted, smiling at the other boy.

“I like it too.” He said.

“So, all along, you wrote this song about me?” Wei Wuxian asked fondly.

Lan Wangji nodded. Wei Wuxian leaned over the low table and grabbed Lan Wangji’s face in his hands. His lips met Lan Wangji’s own and kissed them, hoping to portray the love he felt in that moment. The older boy reached to his face and grabbed Wei Wuxian’s hands in his own. They kissed until the need for air forced them to pull away. Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian smiled brightly at each other. If Wei Wuxian had loved the song before, knowing that it was written about him made him love it so much more.

Wei Wuxian let go of Lan Wangji’s face and sat back on his heels. He cleared his throat and looked down at his hands over his lap. “Actually Lan Zhan, I have something for you too.”

He looked up and saw Lan Wangji giving him a kind look, one that urged him to go on.

“I was going to give it to you tomorrow, but I guess I might as well give it to you now.”  He said raising his left arm. He pulled down the sleeve from his ceremonial robe to reveal a red ribbon tied around his wrist.

Lan Wangji looked at it in question.

“I tied it here because I knew your uncle would’ve screamed at me if I wore it to the ceremony.” Wei Wuxian answered, laughing as he began to untie the ribbon. Once loose, he took the ribbon in his hands and passed his fingers over the designs stitched onto it. He looked up at Lan Wangji.

“I’ve told you the story of my parents before. I’ve told you how they decided to travel the country and night hunt after they got married and how along the way they had me. I don’t remember much about them, just that the three of us were really happy together. Most of what I know about them is things a-niang has told me.” He said, giving Lan Wangji a bittersweet smile.

“But I don’t think I’ve told you the story of this ribbon.” He continued.

“I don’t think you have.” Lan Wangji said in agreement.

Wei Wuxian took in a deep breath, “Well it’s a story a-niang actually told me when she found me at Caiyi Town. This ribbon belonged to my mother and was given to her by my father as a gift in Yunmeng. That’s why it has these beautiful lotus flowers stitchings, see?”

Lan Wangji nodded, “It’s beautiful.”

“It is.” Wei Wuxian said happily, “My mother loved this ribbon a lot. She’d wear it all the time. It’s one of the few things I remember about her.” Wei Wuxian said, smiling sadly.

Lan Wangji leaned over and grabbed Wei Wuxian’s hand, giving it a tight squeeze. The younger boy gave him a grateful look in return.

“She gave it to me one day and asked me to keep it safe. When my parents died in that night hunt, this ribbon was all I had left of them. And so everyday I made sure I made my mother proud by keeping her ribbon safe.” He continued. “When I came to the Cloud Recesses a-niang told me that I would get in trouble if I continued wearing the ribbon so I decided to put it away to make sure it would remain safe.”

“But sometimes, whenever something reminds me of my parents, I’d get the ribbon and wear it like this on my wrist.” Wei Wuxian finished. He turned his hand around and intertwined his fingers with Lan Wangji’s.

“I want you to have this ribbon Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian said.

Lan Wangji’s eyes widened in surprise, “Wei Ying,” he said sounding more emotional than even he’d expected. “I don’t think I can accept this.”

Wei Wuxian giggled, “I knew you’d say that Lan Zhan,” he said as he brought Lan Wangji’s hand to his lips and placed a kiss over it. “I know you might be thinking that this is too important to me to give it away like this.” He said, Lan Wangji nodding in agreement. “But the thing is Lan Zhan, that I don’t see it as me giving it away. Because it’s you and I love you. My father gave this to my mother as a token of his love and now I want to give it to you as a token of mine.”

“I think if my parent’s were still alive they’d want me to give this to you.” Wei Wuxian quietly admitted.

Lan Wangji’s eyes had begun to water at the sentiment in his fiancé’s words. He knew what this ribbon meant for Wei Wuxian, and the fact that he trusted him with something like this was a show of his love towards him.

“I know it’s not much” Wei Wuxian began saying, at Lan Wangji’s lack of a reply.

“I love it!” Lan Wangji quickly exclaimed. Managing to surprise Wei Wuxian and even himself at the sudden outburst.

Wei Wuxian giggled, “you do?”

Lan Wangji nodded, “This ribbon means the world to you, it would be my honor to keep it safe from now on.”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes watered as he smiled. “Lan Zhan you’re really amazing! You know that, right?”

Lan Wangji shook his head, “Impossible. Wei Ying is.”

Wei Wuxian laughed at the teasing look on Lan Wangji’s face. He let go of Lan Wangji’s hand and reached for the ribbon he’d placed on his lap. He turned back to the other boy, whose arm was already outstretched and waiting. Wei Wuxian gently tied the ribbon around Lan Wangji’s wrist.

Once Wei Wuxian finished, Lan Wangji brought his wrist in to carefully examine the ribbon. It was even more beautiful up close. The hand stitched lotus flowers were simple yet very elegant. The fabric of the ribbon itself was of high quality. Just from looking at it, he could tell Wei Wuxian’s father had truly loved his mother. He wouldn’t have given her this gift otherwise.

“Thank you, Wei Ying. I’ll wear it every day.” Lan Wangji said honestly.

“You don’t have to.” Wei Wuxian said as he awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.

“I know. But I want to.” Lan Wangji replied. He stood up and walked over to Wei Wuxian. He gave the other boy his hand, helping him stand, and led him to bed. After the two of them removed their shoes and outer robes, they laid in the bed. Wei Wuxian once again laid his head over Lan Wangji’s chest, listening to the beating of the other man’s heart as Lan Wangji stroked his back.

Lan Wangji looked down at him and placed a kiss right over Wei Wuxian’s new forehead ribbon. Wei Wuxian looked up at him and rewarded him with a blinding smile of his own. Lan Wangji leaned down and kissed the smile away, something he would never tire of.