Work Text:
Meng Yao knew that his behavior wouldn’t bring him any good. Working from dust till dawn for the love of a father who would never love him was something really toxic, but no matter how many people pointed that out, he just couldn’t care. His father letting him become a member of the Jin Sect was something he never would have imagined happening, so he decided that he would get his affections – no matter what.
The night found him kneeling in front of the table in his room, doing some paperwork. He heard his door opening then closing, but he didn’t look up. Given the late hour, it could be only one person who could be his visitor.
”You’re pathetic, you know,” Xue Yang said as he walked behind him, then knelt down. ”He would never love you, no matter how hard you try.” Meng Yao groaned, then pushed him a bit away with his elbow.
”I should’ve let you rot in that cell at Unclean Realm,” he growled, and Xue Yang snorted.
”Oh, please! You know you need me for your schemes,” he said, then his tone turned serious, ”so stop being a little bitch and relax. I cannot have my boss overwork himself.”
”What is your idea, then? I cannot just let these papers half-finished!” Meng Yao groaned exasperatedly, slamming his pen to the table.
”Wow, chill, tiger!” Xue Yang said, raising his hands up. ”I thought you should rest a bit and forget all your problems – mostly your shitty father.” Meng Yao could swear he saw him snarling for real. ”You should come to Yi City with me! I know some pretty cool people there!” He suggested, his tone turning enthusiastic. Meng Yao chuckled at that, then answered.
”Though I am thankful for the offer, I have to object. I have a pretty important guest arriving tomorrow, so I cannot leave.”
”Ah! Your beloved Second Brother, right” Xue Yang said teasingly, and Meng Yao rolled his eyes.
”You’re one to talk! From how enthusiastically you spoke about it, I bet you have someone important at Yi City as well,” he retorted with a smirk.
”Shut up!” Xue Yang growled, then jumped up and stormed to the door. ”Go to fucking bed!” He ordered before exiting the room.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t take his friend’s advice. He had more paperwork he thought, and when he put down his pen, he had to realize it was already morning. He groaned, and pushed himself into a standing position – just to sway dangerously. He quickly leaned against the desk and took a few deep breaths. He needed a few minutes to get himself together, but after he did, he left the room, hurrying to the main hall to greet their soon to be arrived guest.
Hardly had he stepped in when his gaze met with his father’s – just like always, kind of disgusted – eyes. After reassuring him that yes, he had finished all the paperwork he was given, silence fell on them, a really uncomfortable kind. Thankfully, it didn’t take long for it to be broken – within ten minutes, they heard nearing footsteps, and soon they could see the delegation of Gusu stepping in the big hall. Meng Yao felt himself smiling, and stepped forward to greet them – then fell. The last thing he heard was Lan Xichen’s panicked yell, then darkness engulfed him.
”-Yao? A-Yao?” The worried voice was the first thing Meng Yao processed from around him. The next was that he was lying on something soft and a gentle hand was petting his hair. He groaned and the person above him gasped. ”A-Yao!”
”Er-gege?” Meng Yao slurred, his head filled with cotton. ”What happened?”
”You passed out all of the sudden,” Lan Xichen said, then touched his forehead. ”You have a high fever too,” he muttered, then his eyes narrowed. ”A-Yao, how much work have you been doing lately?” He asked, and Meng Yao gulped.
”It has to be done. Father’s orders,” he explained, and Lan Xichen’s expression darkened. The older bit into his lips, and Meng Yao felt his heart dropping in his stomach. ”Er-gege-”
”You should take better care of yourself, A-Yao,” Lan Xichen said, running his fingers through Meng Yao’s hair. ”You are really important to me, you know,” he said, and Meng Yao felt his heartbeat accelerating. After that, Lan Xichen pulled out a small bottle from under his belt and helped Meng Yao sit up. ”Drink!” He said after popping it open.
He put it to Meng Yao’s lips, and the other drank obediently. Meng Yao felt his head clearing almost immediately. He gasped in surprise, and Lan Xichen chuckled. He lay his sworn brother back down gently, and pulled the covers up to his chin. Meng Yao felt dizziness overtaking him, and sighed.
”Er-gege is important to me too,” he mumbled half-asleep. ”I love Er-gege so much!”
It happened at the exact same moment when his sleep overtook him, so he couldn’t be sure if it happened or not – but Meng Yao could swear he felt lips brushing against his own.