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Meng Yao awoke to the sounds of the wind chimes hanging right outside the relatively sunlit Hanshi. As his eyes fluttered open, the image of his handsome, peacefully sleeping husband came into clear view. Xichen's chest steadily rose and fell, exhales coming out evenly through his nostrils. For a man who was so used to waking up at the crack of dawn, he was still in profound sleep.
It wasn't surprising though, considering that yesterday's night-hunt had been rather intense and exhausting. It had drained a lot of Xichen's energy, and so plenty of rest was crucial to restore it.
A few weeks ago, Meng Yao had actually learned a thing or two of healing from both his husband and his brother-in-law, so having been able to aid in the process of Xichen's spiritual healing had been a proud achievement.
Day by day, his beloved family helped guide him in further developing his golden core. Meng Yao knew he would never attain a level of cultivation as high as theirs, but having at least a portion of that ability was all that mattered. He longed to accompany his husband on night-hunts, to fight and suppress evil spirits by his side, to be his cultivation partner. It was these goals that fueled him, and so Meng Yao ceaselessly strived each and every day to achieve them.
His efforts and hard work had even been enough to garner Master Qiren's attention. At first, the overtly strict man was hesitant about his nephew's relationship with Meng Yao. He didn't deem the young man worthy enough to be with someone of Xichen's status. Regardless of what he thought, Master Qiren did not oppose their marriage as he trusted in his nephew's judgement. He still remained austere toward Meng Yao after the wedding, but the young man took no offense. As long as he didn't break any of the Lan sect rules, he was in Master Qiren's good graces. Especially after yesterday. The rigid man had even gone as far as complimenting Meng Yao for a job well done in healing Xichen.
At the thought of his Xichen, he noticed that the sect leader was still sound asleep. Eventually, he would have to wake his husband because he didn't want him going without breakfast. He'd done so well last night that he didn't want to ruin his progress with Master Qiren either. He could almost hear the man reprimanding him already… 'How have you not gone to fetch him tea or bring him his breakfast yet?' 'Stop wasting time staring at him like some lovesick puppy.'
Shaking his head to get rid of those thoughts, he decided he would go to the kitchen. Perhaps Xichen would even be awake by the time he got back. And so, grabbing hold of his husband's wrist, Meng Yao carefully tried extricating himself from the embrace. Unfortunately for him, it was hard to get that hand to budge at all, and that's when it hit him. The prodigious arm strength of the Gusu Lan sect! Meng Yao heaved a sigh. As much as he didn't want to wake his beloved, slumbering spouse, he wasn't left with much other choice.
"Xichen…" he called to him softly.
No response, no reaction.
"Xichen?" Meng Yao tried again, a tad bit louder this time.
Still no response, but this time a reaction. Those strong arms curled around his waist just a little more.
"Xichen," He whined, getting the exact opposite of what he seeked.
"Mmm…" The Lan sect leader drawled tiredly, refusing to open his eyes just yet. "Where do you think you're going, hmm?"
"I'm going to get you breakfast."
"But we can go together."
"No, Xichen. You're still regaining your strength."
At the rejection, Lan Xichen slowly opened his eyes. There before him was his beautiful husband who insisted on being let go, a slight scowl forming on his face.
Zewu-jun smiled softly in return before reassuring his concerned spouse. "I'm fine, darling. A small walk isn't going to kill me."
Meng Yao nearly rolled his eyes. "Well, your healer denies your request and says you need to get proper rest."
"And proper rest requires you staying here cuddled up in my arms," Lan Xichen tacked on, purposely pulling his beloved A-Yao closer to him.
Meng Yao grimaced, finding himself even more trapped than before. "But--"
"Shh," Xichen hushed him with a chaste little kiss to his lips. "No buts. The healer says I need proper rest. That means silence and sleep."
"Ugh," Meng Yao groaned in annoyance, modifying his orders from earlier. "Well the healer says you also need breakfast. At least some tea if you're not hungry?"
This time, Meng Yao tried for a different approach. Instead of acting annoyed, he gazed upon his Xichen with imploring eyes.
Zewu-jun sighed in ultimate defeat, loosening his arms just the slightest. He had been so successful in his efforts, but whenever his darling husband gave him that look he knew he couldn't deny him anything. "Fine but make it quick."
Meng Yao allowed a small smile on his face at his sudden victory. Leaning in, he placed a gentle peck to his husband's cheek. "I'll be back before you know it."
And with that he pulled away from Xichen, from their bed, scampering off so he wouldn't be away for too long.