Chapter Text
An unexpected downpour on an otherwise bright and sunny day would at most be a mild inconvenience. But for Lan Wangji the sudden rainfall rooted him in place, just on the outskirts of Yiling.
He had only just left the Mass Graves after spending the day with Wei Ying and Wen Yuan. He was meant to be heading back home to Gusu.
Xiongzhang needed him. His sect needed him. It was where he belonged. Wei Ying had said as much, as he all but pushed Wangji away. Again. Not once had Wei Ying asked him to stay.
And yet, Wangji found himself frozen in place. Unable to move forwards. Unable to return to Gusu without Wei Ying at his side even though the man had made it perfectly clear it was the last place he wanted to be.
If he was being honest, he did not even blame Wei Ying for pushing him away. Why would Wei Ying want his help when all he had done so far was to criticize him and scold him for his wicked ways? He wouldn’t want his own help either.
Just once more. Just let him try once more to convince Wei Ying to let him help. To bring him home.
Wangji had pleaded with Shufu and Xiongzhang before coming here today, sure that this time would be different. That this time Wei Ying would come home with him.
It was a foolish hope, he knew, but it was all he had.
But now, soaking in the rain, Wangji was transported back to that night on Qiongqi Path. The night that Wei Ying had finally forsaken the rest of the cultivation world and taken off into the night with the Wen remnants. It was the night that Wangji had been left behind. Alone.
Though he had gone there to stop Wei Ying, seeing him, seeing them in that state, Wangji had wanted nothing more than to help. He has wished so desperately for Wei Ying to ask him to come along, to take him with them.
But of course he hadn’t. Wei Ying could risk his own life but he wouldn’t think of tarnishing Wangji’s reputation.
What was he doing? Why did he have to wait for Wei Ying to ask him for help? It was plain to see how badly they were struggling, how badly they could use his help. Hadn’t he made the vow alongside Wei Ying, to protect those who needed protecting and to always stand on the side of justice? After coming all this way, how could he just leave knowing what he did now, simply because Wei Ying had not asked him?
Wangji squared his shoulders and turned on his heel. This time he would not wait for permission, would not wait to be asked. He knew he was needed here, whether or not Wei Ying would admit it. And if Wei Ying would not come with him, what was stopping him from staying with Wei Ying here?
Nothing but his own ego and pride. But he was a Lan and Lans were not supposed to let pride stand in the way of helping someone in need.
Firming his resolve, Wangji headed back for the Mass Graves. Back to Wei Ying and to the place he’d truly felt he’d belonged.