Archive of Our Own

Wei Wuxian was tired. So so tired. He’d been at this café for hours now, black coffee was the only thing keeping him awake as he went through his work for his job. Being the C.E.O. of his own company didn’t have as much time to laze around as he thought it would. 

“Here, on the house.” Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian’s favorite- and well only server, brought him a bowl of noodles and a bottle of chili bean sauce, knowing Wei Wuxian’s preference. 

“Thank you, Lan Wangji.” Wei Wuxian ate some of the noodles after dousing it in the chili bean sauce and moaned at the taste. “You’re an amazing cook.” Wei Wuxian smiled up at him, Lan Wangji merely shook his head and took in a quiet but sharp breath with a wince as Wei Wuxian gave him a small wad of cash. 

“Mister Wei, you don’t have to tip so much.” Lan Wangji shook his head, declining the tip although those were what he lived on. 

“Lan Wangji, you are the only waiter here and you work hard. Plus, these noodles taste delicious and they’re not even on the menu. You cooked them for me, right?” Wei Wuxian smirked as Lan Wangji looked away. With Wei Wuxian being the only one left in the cafe, Lan Wangji had time.. “You’re sweet. Take this or I’ll give you more.” Wei Wuxian held the money out and then a hundred yuan for the bill. 

Lan Wangji took them with a little head shake, fingers brushing over Wei Wuxian’s. 

“Did I tell you that you look beautiful today, Lan Wangji?” Wei Wuxian smiled sweetly. 

Lan Wangji lowered his money filled hands. “When you came in, Mister Wei.” 

“You look beautiful,” Wei Wuxian said anyway. 

Lan Wangji smiled as he grabbed the coffee pot to refill Wei Wuxian’s cup. “Didn’t I tell you that no matter how much you flirt with me, I am not going to date you?” 

“But I like you, Lan Wangji.” Wei Wuxian pouted up at him. 

Lan Wangji sighed a little. “Drink your coffee and eat your noodles before they get cold.” he walked off without another word, disappearing behind the counter. 

Wei Wuxian had been pursuing Lan Wangji ever since he came to this café six months ago. Lan Wangji had greeted him with a tiny smile and a ‘good evening’ before making the hefty order he placed. 

After staying there so late, Lan Wangji even brought him a treat, on the house. He loved Lan Wangji’s cooking and his kind yet distanced persona and one day, he finally asked if he could take him out. 

Lan Wangji looked surprised and then blinked before saying a simple, ‘No.’ Wei Wuxian was crushed but he continued to flirt with the man, knowing the other liked him too. 

Sighing, Wei Wuxian continued his work while sipping his coffee. Lan Wangji came back eventually to get Wei Wuxian’s empty cup and bowl before going to the room behind the counter. Just as he finished his tasks, Lan Wangji was coming out of the back room, reserved for employees, with keys. 

“Do you need a moment?” Lan Wangji asked with a head tilt. 

Wei Wuxian gathered his things. “How considerate. Just to pack up my things.” he put his laptop and other official papers in his bag before walking out the door. Lan Wangji shut off the lights and locked the door.

“Let me drive you home. It’s too cold out to wait for the bus,” Wei Wuxian said as they walked around to the parking lot. Lan Wangji had to go through there to get to the bus stop. One time, Wei Wuxian had been so busy talking to Lan Wangji that he actually got on the bus with him and didn’t even really realize until Lan Wangji got off on his stop. He had to call Jiang Wanyin after that. 

“It’s not that cold,” Lan Wangji said, though Wei Wuxian could see his breath in the air as he spoke. 

“Come on. I won’t kidnap you, I promise.” Wei Wuxian held his hand out. 

“That’s something a kidnapper would say.” Lan Wangji’s lips twitched. 

“Are we making jokes now? Come on, it’s only getting colder.” Wei Wuxian shook his hand. Lan Wangji took it eventually and let Wei Wuxian walk him to his car and open the door for him. 

“Thank you,” Lan Wangji said when they were both inside. 

“No problem.” Wei Wuxian turned his keys in the ignition and drove off. “Where do you live? My memory is bad, I don’t remember where you got off on the bus.” Wei Wuxian stopped at a red light and let Lan Wangji put his address in his car’s GPS. Once he did that, Wei Wuxian began to follow the instructions of the GPS. 

In the middle of the ride, Wei Wuxian got a call. “Hello?” Wei Wuxian answered the call, his bluetooth on. “Dad, we’ve finished reorganizing the files from last year.” a voice, Wei Sizhui said. 

“Okay, good job, A-Yuan. Let’s skip work tomorrow. You can skip school too. There’s no important meetings, right?” Wei Wuxian turned down the street. 

“Will we stay at home? Or go to that café you’re obsessed with?” Sizhui chuckled. 

“Definitely the café. I’m telling you, A-Yuan, I met the most amazing guy there.” Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Wangji who stayed focused on his lap, ears red. 

“That’s good, dad. Ah! ..Uhh, no?” Wei Wuxian raised a brow as he heard some shuffling around from Sizhui’s end. 

“Wei Wuxian! You better not skip work tomorrow or I will murder you.” Jiang Wanyin threatened into Sizhui’s phone. 

“Love you too, A-Cheng. Bye bye now.” Wei Wuxian quickly hung up the phone. “Lan Wangji,” Wei Wuxian whispered. 

Lan Wangji turned to him. “Mn?” 

Wei Wuxian got ready to say something but then shook his head. “Nothing. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He’d pulled up to Lan Wangji’s apartment complex. 

Lan Wangji unbuckled his seatbelt and Wei Wuxian waited for him to get out but sat there with wide eyes when Lan Wangji leaned across the seat and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Mister Wei. See you tomorrow.” he quickly left the car. 

“L-Lan Wangji! You-! Come back.” Wei Wuxian shouted after him. Lan Wangji went into his building and Wei Wuxian sat there with a pout. “I can’t believe him! Wait until I tell A-Yuan.” Wei Wuxian drove off, muttering under his breath. 

…

Wei Wuxian burst into his home with a loud, “I’m home!” 

Four heads popped up from behind a corner leading into his living room. 

“Why are there four brats in my house instead of one?” Wei Wuxian pulled off his shoes and hung his coat, left his bag at the elevator and went into the living room. 

“They’re sleeping over so we can watch a few movies.” Sizhui sat on the floor with Jin Ling, Jingyi, and Zizhen. They all went to high school together and intern at Wei Wuxian’s company. They’ve been glued to each other since they met. 

“Oh, really? What movies?” Wei Wuxian joined their little circle. 

“Scary ones, even though I begged them to pick something romantic,” Zizhen whined. 

“Don’t be scared, we’re here for you,” Sizhui said, smiling. 

“Okay, enough about your movie. Time to gush about my crush.” Wei Wuxian grinned. 

“Good lord.” Jin Ling rolled his eyes at his uncle. 

“What’s his name?” Zizhen asked. 

“Lan Wangji,” Wei Wuxian said excitedly. 

Jingyi snapped his head up. “Lan Wangji? Tall, pale, weirdly bright eyes like you?” 

“..Yeah, sounds accurate,” Wei Wuxian muttered, scratching his head. 

“You like my cousin?” 

“Your what?” Wei Wuxian spun to look at Jingyi who stared with wide eyes. 

“Interesting,” Zizhen commented. 

“Lan Wangji, the second young master of the Lan family. Well, he left the family home but he’s still the second young master.. anyway, you know him? Will you take me to see him? My family says he’s a disgrace but he’s actually really cool.” Jingyi grabbed a fistfull of M&Ms from a large bowl in the middle of their circle, stuffing them into his mouth. 

“Okay, I need a moment.” Wei Wuxian processed all of the new information. “Okay! I’ve decided,” Wei Wuxian said eventually. “Tomorrow, all five of us are skipping work and school to go see my soon-to-be husband!” He pumped a fist in the air. 

“Aw, that’s cute.” Zizhen smiled. 

“He isn’t even your boyfriend. He’s probably creeped out by you.” Jin Ling muttered. 

“He isn’t! He kissed my cheek after I drove him home. Ahhh, I’m in love.” Wei Wuxian fell sideways onto Sizhui’s lap. Sizhui patted his head amicably. 

“I’ll do anything you want me to do if it means I can skip.” Jingyi shrugged. 

“Oh! Tell me everything about him.” Wei Wuxian sat up to look at the Lan. 

“Sure. He never smiles, rarely talks, always looks cold, is very proper and follows all of the rules.. except for that one time.. which led to him leaving.. but yeah! Oh, and I can confirm, he is very gay.” Jingyi gave him a thumbs up. 

“What? That doesn’t completely sound like Lan Wangji.” Wei Wuxian frowned in confusion. 

“Well, he wasn’t happy at the family estate. I won’t tell you what happened but after he left that life behind, he probably changed for the better. Is.. Is he happy there? Wherever he is?” Jingyi asked. 

“He does seem happy. He doesn’t talk much and the proper thing is also still true, I suppose. He calls me Mister Wei.” Wei Wuxian stuffed his own mouth with M&M’s. 

“That could be kinky,” Zizhen said with a nod. 

Wei Wuxian choked on his candy and Jin Ling groaned. “Shut up! I don’t need to be thinking about that shit!” 

“Listen, Jin Ling. Ohhh, Mister WEIIII,” Zizhen moaned pornographically in Jin Ling’s ear, causing the teen to jump on him and start hitting him. 

Wei Wuxian was red in the face and Jingyi was cackling while Sizhui only shook his head, waving his dad’s flushed cheeks. 

…

“Quietly! Quietly!” Wei Wuxian shushed them as they all went into the café early the next morning. 

Lan Wangji was putting pastries on display and when he looked up to greet the newcomers, his face turned stiff. “Jingyi,” he said. 

“Cousin.” Jingyi hopped over to him. 

“Why did you come? Does Uncle or Brother know you are here? I will not go home even if you ask,” Lan Wangji said quietly, looking around cautiously. 

“Don’t worry! They don’t know and I won’t tell them. Wei Laoban brought me here because I asked.” Jingyi shook his head. 

“Laoban? You work for him?” Lan Wangji looked at Wei Wuxian briefly before looking back down at his cousin. 

“Yeah! And I’m his son’s best friend. He says crazy things though like.. you smile . I mean, come on, you don’t smile.” Jingyi laughed incredulously. 

Lan Wangji’s lips twitched and Jingyi gasped. 

“Laoban! You were telling the truth! He smiled.” Jingyi ran back to his boss who jumped around and shouted with him. 

“I know! I know!” “Dad, Jingyi, don’t be so loud. Go sit.” Sizhui ushered them all to a table. Lan Wangji came over shortly after with a notepad and pen. 

“Good morning, what can I get you all?” Wei Wuxian looked around the café, nobody else was there yet. 

“Sit with us, Lan Wangji. I’ll introduce you to my children.” Wei Wuxian grinned. 

“One, we are not children. Two, you only have one son. I am your nephew and I didn’t even get a say in it.” Jin Ling crossed his arms. 

Wei Wuxian pouted. “Of course you have a choice, A-Ling. If you don’t want me to be your uncle then I won’t bother you. It’s okay if I’m only your boss.” 

Jin Ling looked a little guilty. “No, no, I was just kidding.” 

“So was I. As if I’d ever let my precious A-Ling leave me.” Wei Wuxian laughed. 

“You-! Shameless! I can’t believe you like him.” Jin Ling scowled at Lan Wangji as if the man personally offended him. 

“A-Ling, behave.” Sizhui gave him a scolding look. 

“Guys.. he hasn’t taken our order yet.” Zizhen reminded them, stomach growling. 

“Oh! Lan Wangji, can you get me an americano, five donuts, glazed, and eight sticks of youtiao,” Wei Wuxian said, grabbing his wallet. 

“Oh, I don’t want a donut.” Jingyi shook his head. 

“What do you mean? That’s all for me. Order your own food. What am I, your dad?” Wei Wuxian guffawed. 

Lan Wangji shook his head in amusement, writing down Wei Wuxian’s order. 

“You just said we were your children!” Zizhen looked through the menu on the table. “The four of us will have oolong milk tea with tapioca pearls, three donuts, glazed, and eight sticks of youtiao,” Sizhui said, looking over Zizhen’s shoulder. 

“Add two more donuts for me, Mister Lan,” Zizhen chirped. 

“Mn. I will return shortly. Nice to meet you all and nice to see you again, Jingyi.” Lan Wangji inclined his head and walked off. 

“Okay.. I’ll say it. He’s pretty dreamy.” Zizhen smiled. 

“I knowww. We should start a fan club for him.” Wei Wuxian sighed fondly. 

“I shouldn’t have come,” Jin Ling grumbled. 

Jingyi looked at him and rolled his eyes. “Then leave.” 

“Make me,” Jin Ling challenged. Jingyi stood up and Jin Ling followed, cracking his knuckles. Zizhen and Sizhui shared a worried look. 

“Jin Rulan and Lan Jingyi. Sit down.” Wei Wuxian’s serious face made both of the boys shiver as they sat. 

Lan Wangji watched from a distance, eyes lingering on Wei Wuxian for a moment before going back to making their drinks. 

“Now unless the both of you want to be stuck cleaning the bathrooms all month, I suggest you pull yourselves together. Am I clear?” Wei Wuxian raised his brow. 

“Yes, Wei Laoban.” they both mumbled sulkily. 

“Good! I’m going to talk to Lan Wangji.” Wei Wuxian hopped away from the table and leaned over the counter separating him from Lan Wangji. 

“Lan Wangji.. is that a courtesy name?” Wei Wuxian asked as Lan Wangji made the last milk tea. 

“En,” he replied. 

“Can you.. tell me your birth name?” Wei Wuxian tilted his head. 

“..why?” Lan Wangji looked at him. 

“Aiyo! Because I like you and I want to know more about you! You’ve already met my family, Lan Wangji, you might as well just move in with me.” Wei Wuxian shrugged lightly. 

Lan Wangji put his tongue in his cheek to stop himself from laughing. “My birth name is Zhan.” 

“Zhan.. so I can call you Lan Zhan? I like that name. You can call me Wei Ying then!” Wei Wuxian grinned. 

Lan Wangji looked at him and there was something in his eyes that Wei Wuxian couldn’t interpret. “I prefer Mister Wei.” No, Wei Wuxian definitely recognized that look. It made heat pool in his stomach. Zizhen was right then... 

“Go out with me, Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian leaned on the counter, propping his chin on his hand. 

“No.” Lan Wangji put their pastries on plates. 

“Why?” Wei Wuxian asked with a little smile. 

“I have my reasons.” Lan Wangji replied, putting the plates and drinks onto a tray. 

“Is it because of me?” Wei Wuxian walked back to the table with him. 

Lan Wangji shook his head, setting the plates and cups down. “Let me get this straight.” Wei Wuxian walked back to the counter with him. Lan Wangji stood in front of him, waiting. 

“I like you. And you clearly like me...” Wei Wuxian brushed a finger over Lan Wangji’s cheek. “But you won’t go out with me?” 

Lan Wangji grabbed Wei Wuxian’s wrist and gripped it tightly, swallowing when Wei Wuxian yanked him close. 

“Correct,” Lan Wangji said quietly, their faces just inches from each other. 

“Tell me why and I’ll solve the issue.” Wei Wuxian cocked his head to the side. 

Lan Wangji mimicked the move. “I’m more complicated than you think, Mister Wei. And your coffee is getting cold.” 

Wei Wuxian’s smile turned mischievous. “Won’t you give me a goodbye kiss?” 

“No.” Lan Wangji shook his head. 

“But it’s only right after you kissed my cheek last night, Lan Zhan. I’ve dreamt about how your lips taste.” Wei Wuxian bit his bottom lip as Lan Wangji licked his own. 

“Keep dreaming, Mister Wei.” Lan Wangji let his hand go and walked behind the counter, knowing Wei Wuxian was watching him go. He went back to his seat with a soft sigh. 

“What are you thinking about, Dad?” Sizhui said, taking a bite of his donut. 

“That ass.” Wei Wuxian sighed again. 

Zizhen and Jingyi choked on their youtiao and Jin Ling almost spit out his tea. Sizhui only shook his head in his hand, already tired of his dad’s pining. 

“You’re a fucking virgin,” Jin Ling pointed out to which Wei Wuxian scoffed. “Who told you that?” 

“Jiujiu,” Jin Ling said with a smirk. 

Wei Wuxian turned bright red and cleared his throat. “For your information, I almost married a woman before and we had plenty of sex. How do you think Sizhui got here, huh?” he scoffed and crossed his arms. 

“I thought he was adopted..” Jingyi muttered to which Sizhui shook his head. 

Wei Wuxian thumped his forehead and wrapped an arm around his son’s shoulders. “This is my son, my blood. Look at how handsome he is, clearly he gets it from me,” Wei Wuxian said, grinning. 

“Mother was beautiful as well,” Sizhui replied. 

“Ah, she was. You get your eloquence from her. And your eyes,” Wei Wuxian said, smile turning a bit sad. 

Sizhui nodded and Wei Wuxian kissed his forehead and sighed, shaking off the sad feelings. Sizhui did the same, waiting for his dad to start speaking nonsense again. 

“Anyway! Lan Zhan’s playing hard to get! Maybe if I pretend to move on, he’ll make a move on me,” he said thoughtfully.

“That will not work,” Lan Wangji said as he brought their bill over. Wei Wuxian opened his wallet, setting cash down onto it and then pulling out a hefty tip. “What will work then?” 

“Nothing.” Lan Wangji picked up the bill, leaving the tip. Wei Wuxian stood up and slipped the tip into Lan Wangji’s back pocket using his whole hand. 

“Is this an excuse to touch my ass, Mister Wei?” Lan Wangji asked, unimpressed. 

“Of course not.” Wei Wuxian’s smile betrayed his words and Lan Wangji only smirked before walking off. 

“This is painful to watch,” Zizhen muttered. 

“We’ll be together in no time, I’ll make sure of it.” Wei Wuxian crossed his arms and watched Lan Wangji work from behind the counter. 

“Gross. Why can’t you be normal and take him out on a date instead of flirting in front of my donut and touching his ass.” Jin Ling said, stuffing his donut into his mouth. 

Wei Wuxian groaned. “That’s what I’ve been trying to do. But SOMEONE won’t let me.” he cleared his throat and looked at Lan Wangji who smiled as he finished putting things on display. 

“Then maybe you should just stop. If he won’t go out with you then maybe you need to take the hint.” Jingyi shrugged. 

Wei Wuxian sat down and deflated. 

“But Mister Lan flirts with him too! He seems like he likes it when Laoban does these things.” Zizhen crossed his arms. 

“He could just be being nice.” Jingyi scoffed. 

Zizhen and Jingyi continued to argue and Wei Wuxian sighed. 

“Kids, I’m leaving. I think I’m going to go into the office today, you guys can do whatever.” Wei Wuxian stood from the table and walked to the door. 

“Have a good day, Mister Wei.” Lan Wangji called from behind the counter. 

When Wei Wuxian only nodded, Lan Wangji asked him to wait for a minute and grabbed a cupcake before taking it to him. It was a red velvet one with a red heart candy on top. 

“Have a good day.” Lan Wangji repeated. 

Wei Wuxian took the cupcake and smiled. “You too, Lan Zhan.” 

“Are you coming back tonight?” he asked. 

Wei Wuxian looked at him carefully. “Would you like that? I don’t want to keep bothering you if I’m making you uncomfortable.” 

Lan Wangji’s lips curved. “I quite enjoy our banter, Mister Wei. You aren’t a bother.” 

“Then tell me, Lan Zhan, do I have a chance with you?” Wei Wuxian asked. 

Lan Wangji only smiled with a head shake that neither meant yes or no and walked off. Wei Wuxian pouted and left the café. 

“This Wangji-gege. He’s interesting,” Sizhui commented, looking out the window and waving as his dad drove away. 

“Uh.. how are we supposed to get back to your house?” Jingyi asked.

“Shit.” Jin Ling sighed. 

“We can walk. It’s good exercise and if we get sick then Laoban can give us more time off of work.” Zizhen cheesed. The other three nodded in agreement, the idea wasn’t half bad. 

…

In the evening, Wei Wuxian did go back to the café. He was tired and in dire need of coffee. 

“Good evening, Mister Wei,” Lan Wangji said with a pot of coffee already in his hand. 

“Is that for me?” Wei Wuxian smiled tiredly and sat at his usual table. 

“Mhm.” Lan Wangji grabbed a coffee cup and filled it to the brim. 

“Thank you.” Wei Wuxian sighed gratefully, taking a long sip. 

“I’ll go get started on your noodles.” Lan Wangji left for the back room and Wei Wuxian got started on his work. 

Some hours later, when the café was about to close, Wei Wuxian was fast asleep with his head on the table, papers spread out in an organized mess under him. Lan Wangji took his dishes away and paid for the order himself. 

“Mister Wei, it’s time to go, I’m closing,” Lan Wangji whispered. 

Wei Wuxian mumbled something and didn’t move. Lan Wangji put Wei Wuxian’s papers into his bag and took his keys out, throwing the bag over his shoulder and helping Wei Wuxian stand up, taking him to his car. 

Wei Wuxian was sane enough to sit in the passenger seat and Lan Wangji did his seatbelt before getting in the driver's side and turning on the car. 

“Mister Wei? Where do you live?” Lan Wangji asked quietly. 

Wei Wuxian didn’t respond, eyes closed. Lan Wangji looked at the history in the gps and took the route to the address that Wei Wuxian went to after dropping him off last night. 

Luckily, it led to a penthouse, Wei Wuxian had mentioned living in one before. With the help of the door man, he took Wei Wuxian up to his home, the elevator closing automatically behind them. 

“Mister Wei?” Lan Wangji shook Wei Wuxian’s shoulders. “How are you still asleep?” 

“He won’t wake up before nine in the morning unless someone is dying. His room is this way.” Sizhui turned on the lights and rubbed his eyes as he led Lan Wangji to his dad’s bedroom. 

Lan Wangji laid Wei Wuxian down and pulled the covers up over him, caressing his face briefly before pulling back. 

“It’s really late, I don’t think the buses are running. You can just sleep in here or out on the couch, it doesn’t matter. I’m going back to bed, goodnight, Wangji-gege.” Sizhui yawned. 

“Goodnight, Wei Yuan.” Lan Wangji nodded and Sizhui left for his bedroom. Lan Wangji smoothened out his shirt and was about to leave to go sleep on the couch in the living room when he was pulled down suddenly onto Wei Wuxian’s sleeping form. 

“Mister Wei,” Lan Wangji gasped. “Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian mumbled, voice slurred. He turned on his side and tucked Lan Wangji into his chest, stroking his hair. 

“Go to sleep, baby,” Wei Wuxian continued mumbling and Lan Wangji stared into Wei Wuxian’s chest with slightly wide eyes. 

“Mister Wei? I think you’re mistaken.” he whispered. 

Wei Wuxian didn’t respond and Lan Wangji heard a light snoring. He tried to move out of Wei Wuxian’s arms but his grip was too strong. 

With a resigned sigh, he shifted in Wei Wuxian’s arms until he was comfortable and closed his eyes, carefully snuggling closer to Wei Wuxian as he began to fall asleep himself.

…

“Uh.. are they cuddling?” Jingyi whispered. 

“Yeah, it’s gross, let’s wake them up,” Jin Ling suggested. 

“No! They look so cute, let’s take pictures. Laoban will want one as his screensaver,” Zizhen said with hearts in his eyes. 

“How about we get out? It’s the weekend, let them sleep.” Sizhui pulled his friends out and shut the door. 

Lan Wangji immediately opened his eyes and peered up at Wei Wuxian who was still asleep, face relaxed. Lan Wangji studied his features closely. The slight wrinkles in the corners of his eyes, the faint smile lines around his mouth, his healthily tanned skin that glowed. Lan Wangji lowered his face to Wei Wuxian’s, brushing their noses together. 

“Unless you’re going out with me, don’t kiss me,” Wei Wuxian mumbled. 

Lan Wangji’s eyes widened and he tried to pull back but Wei Wuxian still had a firm grip on his body. “Mister Wei. I wasn’t-.” 

“Just tell me why you won’t date me. Do you have a secret wife? Jingyi mentioned your family, does it have to do with them? I can fix any problem you have.” Wei Wuxian slowly opened his eyes to look at Lan Wangji who immediately looked away, ears red. 

“No, that isn’t necessary. I have to go open the café, Mister Wei, I should be going.” Lan Wangji watched Wei Wuxian’s face change and the latter moved his arms away from Lan Wangji. 

“You can go then,” he said, smiling a bit ruefully. 

“Please don’t be upset. It’s better that you stay out of this,” Lan Wangji explained. 

“How many times do I have to tell you I don’t care about how messy it is? If you need help then just ask me. Tell me what’s bothering you, let me take care of it for you.” Wei Wuxian reached out for Lan Wangji and the latter grabbed his hand before crawling over him and bending forward to kiss Wei Wuxian’s forehead. 

“You’re sweet. Thank you, Mister Wei. I’ll see you at the café,” Lan Wangji whispered before getting off of the bed and opening the door to his bedroom, closing it behind him. 

Wei Wuxian sighed and closed his eyes again, whining unhappily. Soon, Sizhui came into his bedroom and closed the door behind him, moving to sit on the edge of his dad’s bed. “Let it out, dad, it’s okay,” he said sympathetically. 

Wei Wuxian pouted and turned on his side facing Sizhui. “What do you do when you really really like a boy and he likes you too but there’s something keeping him from even going on one date with you and he won’t even tell you what that thing is?” he asked, looking down at the floor. 

Sizhui smiled and hummed. “Is this person someone specific?” 

“No, I don’t know them. I’m asking for a friend,” Wei Wuxian said, clearing his throat. 

Sizhui laughed and nodded. “Your friend shouldn’t push. If the person they like won’t date them for some unknown reason but still enjoys being around them, then your friend just needs to be there for them. Your friend needs to give him a little space, don’t force them to tell you why they can’t be with you. If they want you to know then they’ll tell you in their own time,” Sizhui advised. 

Wei Wuxian nodded solemnly but then looked up at his son. “Why did you say you? I was totally asking for a friend!” he exclaimed, turning his face into the pillows. 

Sizhui beamed and patted Wei Wuxian’s head. “I’m going to go make breakfast for everyone, you can sleep some more, dad.” 

When Sizhui was gone, Wei Wuxian turned to his windows and stared outside at the buildings, clicking his tongue. Sizhui was right. He needed to give Lan Wangji space. Not push him to tell him things he’s not ready to tell. He’d just be there for him to lean on if he ever needed it. 

“Like a friend? I can do that, I can be a very good friend,” Wei Wuxian said, getting out of bed. He smiled to himself and got in the shower, coming out and getting dressed. 

Afterwards, he left his bedroom and waved at the four teenagers who were eating at the breakfast counter. 

“I’m off for work, see you.” 

“...” 

All four juniors gave him a strange look, slowing their chewing. 

“Dad.. it’s Saturday, you don’t have work today,” Sizhui said after a while when Wei Wuxian was one foot into the elevator. 

Wei Wuxian blinked and looked at his phone, laughing in disbelief. 

“No work! Fuck yes!” he shouted, running over to the nearest person he saw and swinging them around. It was Jin Ling. 

“Let me go, you old weirdo!” 

“Never! Hahahaha, Jiujiu loves you, A-Ling!” Wei Wuxian sighed loudly and set Jin Ling down before sitting at the breakfast counter. 

“I miss Lan Zhan,” he mumbled. 

Jingyi and Jin Ling rolled their eyes. Zizhen smiled and patted his shoulder while Sizhui simply put food on his plate. “Go to the café then, you don’t have to only go when you have work,” he said simply. 

Wei Wuxian popped out of his seat and snapped his fingers. 

“That’s so true! Oh my goodness, A-Yuan, you’re so smart,” Wei Wuxian sobbed, stuffing down his food quickly. 

“I get it from you, dad,” Sizhui replied, turning off the stove. Wei Wuxian cheesed and continued eating. 

“You sure as hell don’t get this cooking from me,” he said, mouth full. Sizhui laughed and began eating his own meal while Wei Wuxian’s laughter died down, eyes focused on the stove. 

“Laoban?” Zizhen called softly when Wei Wuxian’s gaze hadn’t moved from the stove. 

“Huh? Ah, I’m okay,” Wei Wuxian said, blinking. Sizhui eyed him for a moment before looking back down at his plate. Wei Wuxian finished his food and went to his room to change into more casual clothing before coming back out. 

“I’ll be home later, don’t die!” he said, putting his shoes on. 

“We’ll do our best,” Jingyi said, rolling his eyes. 

“Good, I can’t go to jail again, the first time was bad enough.” Wei Wuxian laughed. 

All four teens whipped their heads to look at Wei Wuxian who laughed loudly. “I’m kidding! ..Kinda! Bye!” 

“Do we work for a murderer?” Jingyi asked when Wei Wuxian left. Sizhui put his chin in his hand and hummed. 

“I think dad went to juvie when he was a kid, not for murder though. I don’t know much about his childhood, he speaks so little about it. He doesn’t speak much about the things that bring him sadness or bad feelings unless it becomes too much for him to keep inside,” Sizhui said thoughtfully. 

“Like your mother?” Zizhen asked gently. 

Sizhui nodded and looked down at his food. “Yeah. Like Mother.” 

…

Wei Wuxian entered the café with a bright smile that quickly faded upon seeing Lan Wangji. He looked drained, cleaning off a table, eyes a bit red. 

“Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan, what’s wrong?” Wei Wuxian asked, walking over to Lan Wangji. The man tried to formulate a response but couldn’t find the energy. He simply shook his head and shrugged. 

Wei Wuxian sat him down at a little booth and sat down beside him. Lan Wangji leaned his head against Wei Wuxian’s shoulder, eyes droopy. 

“Lan Zhan, what happened?” Wei Wuxian asked softly. 

Lan Wangji closed his eyes and let out a heavy breath through his nose. “I’m exhausted. A letter came today. It basically told me that my rent is being raised. I.. I can afford it for the café but with the rent for my apartment also and the costs that come with the café, I may not be able to pay for other necessities like food and such. It’s my uncle’s doing. I know it’s him.” 

“Why would your uncle do that to you?” Wei Wuxian asked. He looked down at Lan Wangji’s fists and put his hand over Lan Wangji’s. Lan Wangji looked at their hands too, slowly unballing his fist so he could hold Wei Wuxian’s hand. 

“Because I’ve disobeyed him and refuse to go home. In any case, he’s making it harder for me to get by without his assistance. It makes me resent him,” Lan Wangji explained, clenching his jaw. 

“Well I can give yo-.” 

“No, Mister Wei. I won’t take your money, I can’t rely on you for everything. But thank you anyway,” Lan Wangji said, looking up at Wei Wuxian and offering him a small smile. 

Wei Wuxian pouted his lips, rubbed his thumb over Lan Wangji’s hand. “I wouldn’t mind if you relied on me for everything,” he mumbled. 

Lan Wangji used his other hand to stroke Wei Wuxian’s cheek. “I know. You’re very sweet for that.” 

Wei Wuxian looked at him and Lan Wangji sat up a little, fingers still on Wei Wuxian’s face. Wei Wuxian really wanted to lower his head and kiss Lan Wangji until they were both breathless but he didn’t. 

He was going to listen to Sizhui and just be there for Lan Wangji until he was ready. Instead.. he smiled and sighed. 

“Go ahead and get ready for your customers. I will sit here and do absolutely nothing,” he said, smiling innocently when Lan Wangji squinted at him. “Mn..” he got up and went behind the counter, waiting. 

Wei Wuxian took out his phone and called a friend. “Hey. Remember that favor you owe me? I need to cash it in.” 

Around thirty minutes later, Lan Wangji’s eyes widened minutely at the sight of people entering his café. Not just a few people, but so many people that it seemed as though people were fighting to get inside. He immediately looked at Wei Wuxian who was tapping away at his phone, smiling at it. 

“Mister Wei, what did you do?” Lan Wangji asked as people lined up at his counter. Wei Wuxian hopped over it and stood beside Lan Wangji, taking the spare apron and tying it on. 

“Nothing! Look at all these people here to buy your delicious baked goods and hot coffee. Split into two lines people,” Wei Wuxian called, grinning. 

Lan Wangji shook his head and stared out his window, seeing people start to line up outside the establishment.

“We are going to have words when I close,” Lan Wangji muttered before taking the first person’s order. 

By the time Lan Wangji did close, the cash register was overflowing and he’d become annoyed at the sound the credit card scanner would make every time someone took out a black card and scanned it. 

After Lan Wangji counted the money, his head tilted in disbelief and he smiled, vision growing a bit blurry. 

Wei Wuxian smiled at the earnings, rubbing Lan Wangji’s back. 

“You have to take some of this, there’s so much-.” 

“Nope. It’s all for you, Lan Zhan. I have no use for it anyhow. The word is spreading that you have the best café in the whole town, everyone is going to be coming here. You’ll have to work harder but you’ll have more money to pay for all of your expenses,” Wei Wuxian said. 

He looked at the menu and did some quick calculations before pressing a few numbers on the credit card scanner. He ran his card through it and put it away, smiling. 

“What are you doing?” Lan Wangji asked, seriously on the verge of tears. 

“I’m buying everything on the menu. Two of each,” Wei Wuxian said. 

Lan Wangji put his hand over his face and let out stifled sobs behind it. Wei Wuxian smiled and pulled Lan Wangji close for a hug. 

“I don’t even have the ingredients, everything has been eaten,” Lan Wangji said, voice watery. 

“Good thing you have the money to buy everything you need, hm?” Wei Wuxian grinned and Lan Wangji nodded where he had his forehead pressed against Wei Wuxian’s. 

“I’ll come pick up my order on Monday at lunch, okay?” Wei Wuxian spoke softly. 

“Okay,” Lan Wangji said. 

“And I have to tip you of course, this is such a hefty order after all,” Wei Wuxian said reasonably. 

Lan Wangji shook his head, pulling back to look at Wei Wuxian. “You cannot give me any more money.” 

“Too late!” Wei Wuxian grabbed his wallet and simply took out all of the cash he had, setting it on the counter. 

“Mister Wei, this is too much.” Lan Wangji shook his head and looked down at their feet. 

“Lan Zhan. Listen to me. I really really like you. You’re independent and hard working and I know you hate taking my money but if this is all I can do for you then so be it,” Wei Wuxian said. 

“You’re going to go broke,” Lan Wangji muttered. 

Wei Wuxian laughed and shook his head. “Unlikely but if this was the reason why I went broke then I wouldn’t be upset at all.” 

Lan Wangji looked at Wei Wuxian, gaze scolding. “Don’t spend so much money on me anymore. This is a one time thing, understand?” 

Wei Wuxian held up three fingers, lips tucked into his mouth. 

“Good,” Lan Wangji cupped Wei Wuxian’s cheeks and lowered the man’s head a little bit to press their lips together. After getting over his initial surprise, Wei Wuxian kissed Lan Wangji back and the kiss turned hot and deep as their mouths opened simultaneously, tongues colliding. 

Wei Wuxian wrapped his arms around Lan Wangji’s hips and kissed back enthusiastically, lips smacking against Lan Wangji’s. He backed them up against the counter and kept kissing him roughly, tongues playfully twisting around one another. 

“This is also a one time thing so you had better enjoy it,” Lan Wangji said in between heated kisses, allowing Wei Wuxian to set him on the counter and stand between his legs. 

They stayed like that for the better part of an hour, tonguing each other and sucking at each other’s lips, kissing each other’s necks over and over. 

“No more. I have to go home,” Lan Wangji said while Wei Wuxian was sucking at his Adam’s apple. 

“Why does this have to be a one time thing, Lan Zhan? Just come home with me,” Wei Wuxian asked, making his way back up to Lan Wangji’s lips. They shared a filthy kiss that made their heads spin and when it was over, Lan Wangji sighed quietly, putting a hand on Wei Wuxian’s chest to keep him at a distance. “Listen to me.” Wei Wuxian stayed back, looking into Lan Wangji’s eyes.

“I can’t have everything that I want. I most definitely cannot have you. It would ruin everything that I’ve worked for and I cannot risk the consequences. You are an amazing person but I-.” 

“I understand,” Wei Wuxian interrupted, tone gentle. His stomach was twisting but his face only showed understanding. 

Lan Wangji looked down in between them, unable to stop his tears of disappointment. “Thank you for today. And I’m sorry that I can’t give you what you want,” he said. 

Wei Wuxian wiped Lan Wangji’s eyes and shook his head. “Your happiness is enough for me. Let me drive you home, okay? Let’s go.” he helped Lan Wangji off the counter and helped him get his things together before they left. 

When they arrived at his apartment, Lan Wangji grabbed his bag and gave Wei Wuxian an appreciative look. 

“See you tomorrow, Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian whispered. 

“See you tomorrow, Mister Wei,” Lan Wangji replied. 

He got out of his car and went into his building. Wei Wuxian drove off, finally allowing his own tears to fall. 

…

“Dad, how was it today? How is Wangji-gege doing?” Sizhui asked when Wei Wuxian came home. 

“It was good. Lan Zhan made a lot of profit today, we had a good day,” Wei Wuxian said simply. 

He took off his coat and his shoes, running a hand through his hair. He sat down on the couch and looked around. “Where are the others?” 

“They went home a little while ago,” Sizhui replied, sitting down beside his dad. 

“I miss her,” Wei Wuxian said after a while, leaning back against the couch. 

“Mother?” Sizhui asked. 

Wei Wuxian nodded, a sad smile rising on his face. 

“Your mom was the most badass person I knew. She was so cool, A-Yuan,” Wei Wuxian said, laughing quietly. 

“..Why did you guys break up?” Sizhui asked, turning to face his dad. 

“Ah.. me and Wen Qing, we were going in different directions. We loved each other so much but we wanted different things and we grew apart. She was my best friend even after we split up,” Wei Wuxian’s voice grew more and more wispy as he swallowed back his tears. 

“When she died, I was a wreck. You had to stay at your uncle’s house for a while because I couldn’t function properly. I was so young when I met her, I never learned how to live without her until it was forced upon me,” Wei Wuxian said, sniffling through his words. 

“Do you need her now?” Sizhui asked, looking down. 

“..Yeah. I need her now. I need her words. Her advice. She always knew what to do. Even after we broke up and I was experimenting, dating other people and getting sad after break ups, I’d go over to her house and rest my head on her chest while she did her nails,” Wei Wuxian laughed at the memories, shaking his head. 

“I’d fall asleep on her boobs and wake up with fully manicured nails,” he continued, laughing harder. Sizhui smiled, tears filling his own eyes. 

“She’d look at me and say, ‘Wei Ying. It’s okay to be alone. You don’t have to date every person you connect with. You first need to connect with yourself.’ And I’d tell her that I was never going to be alone, that I’d always have her. And then.. just like that, she was gone,” Wei Wuxian whispered, snapping his fingers. 

“I did it. I learned how to be alone. I learned how to rely on myself, how to.. be my own emotional support titty,” Wei Wuxian said to which Sizhui laughed. 

“But now, A-Yuan, I don’t want to be alone. I want someone who wants me back but.. he won’t be with me for reasons I’m not sure of. And now I have to let him go just like I had to let Wen Qing go. The love I feel for Lan Zhan is a different kind of love than the one I felt for your mom. Wen Qing was my person. My best friend, my ride or die since we met,” Wei Wuxian said, smiling at the ceiling. 

“But Lan Zhan… he’s like summer all the time. He’s someone that I want to wake up next to, someone I want to kiss and hold. Someone I want to grow old with and do all of that cheesy domestic shit with. I wish Wen Qing could tell me what to do.” Wei Wuxian put his hand over his chest, blinking at the feeling of something round under his palm. 

He reached under his shirt and pulled out a necklace. “Her little music box,” Wei Wuxian murmured. Sizhui took out his own necklace. He had a key and Wei Wuxian had a locket. Wei Wuxian and Sizhui often listened to the words Wen Qing put in the locket when they missed her. 

“Let’s see what she has to say, hm?” Wei Wuxian smiled and Sizhui brought his key to his dad’s locket and put it into the lock. After turning the key, a soft twinkle came from Wei Wuxian’s locket. Sizhui moved closer to his dad, resting his head on his chest as they listened to Wen Qing’s voice. 

Wei Ying, A-Yuan. The loves of my life. I hope this finds you well. I don’t know what’s happening in your lives right now but don’t forget that you have each other. I can’t be there but I hope this little locket will give you a sense of home, I hope it will make you miss me a little less. A-Yuan, I love you. Take care of your dad, hug him, tell him you love him. Follow your heart and try your best in everything that you do. Never lose the kindness in your heart, okay, baby? Good child. 

Wei Ying, how’s your business going? How’s A-Yuan? Did you find your eternal sunshine, as you always used to put it? The one you’ll fight for no matter what obstacles get in your way, even the unseen ones? Whoever that person is, they’re so lucky to have you. You love so deeply, Wei Ying. Even when things go wrong, you find a way to move forward and make things better. You’re a good man. I’m sorry I can’t be there for you now, and thank you for giving me the best time of my life. I love you. 

The little twinkle in the background stopped and Sizhui’s key fell from the locket. Both of them were silent, holding each other while hot tears fell down their cheeks and pooled under their chins, dripping down into the hollows of their throats. 

“You heard her, dad. The one you’ll fight for no matter what obstacles get in the way. Even unseen ones,” Sizhui said, voice wavering. Wei Wuxian nodded, swallowing thickly. 

“I can’t just.. let Lan Zhan go. He loves me and I love him..” he said, wiping his nose. 

Sizhui nodded, sitting up. “I would happily welcome him into our family,” he said. 

Wei Wuxian smiled and gave Sizhui a soft look. “Really, A-Yuan? Would you be ready for that? It’s okay if you aren’t.” 

“I would. Mother will always be my only mom but I wouldn’t mind having two dads. I really like Wangji-gege and he makes you happy,” Sizhui said, smiling. 

Wei Wuxian hugged him tightly, squeezing him before he began to speak. “I have to figure out why he thinks we can’t be together. What should I do?” Wei Wuxian asked. He stood up and bit at his thumb, gaze determined. 

“Go find him. Ask him honestly,” Sizhui said, standing up as well. 

“Go right to his apartment? Just.. go there and say, ‘Hey, Lan Zhan. I’m in love with you and I need to know what’s stopping us from being the sexiest couple ever so I can get rid of it.’?” Wei Wuxian asked, scoffing. 

Sizhui considered the words though and shrugged lightly. “You may be able to phrase it differently but that sounds alright.” “You are such a bad influence. Keep talking like that and I might really go over there,” Wei Wuxian muttered. 

Sizhui then beamed, eyes closing. Wei Wuxian groaned as he looked at his son. He knew that face. It was Sizhui’s persuasive speech giving face. 

Ten minutes later, Wei Wuxian was leaving their home, driving to Lan Wangji’s apartment building. When he got there, he looked at the buttons nervously, not knowing which one to pick. He pressed one randomly and began speaking into the intercom. 

“Hello, do you know which apartment belongs to Lan Wangji?” he asked, waiting patiently. He heard the door to the apartment building unlock and a voice came through on the intercom. 

“It’s me, Mister Wei. Come up.” 

Wei Wuxian looked at the apartment number under his finger and opened the door to the building, jogging up the stairs. He reached Lan Wangji’s apartment number and he was standing at the door waiting for him, arms crossed. 

“Has something happened?” Lan Wangji asked, guiding Wei Wuxian inside of his home. 

“Uh, yes! Something has happened,” Wei Wuxian decided, nodding. Lan Wangji went into his kitchen and poured a glass of water with green tea leaves in them for Wei Wuxian. He accepted the glass with a thank you and cleared his throat. Suddenly, extremely thirsty, he gulped down the drink and took a heavy breath while Lan Wangji stared at him. 

“I’m here because my son is persuasive as fuck. I’m here because my dead ex-fiancé told me to fight my hardest no matter the obstacle and I’m here because I’m deeply in love with you,” Wei Wuxian said, licking his lips. 

Lan Wangji continued staring at him, lips twitching as he tried not to smile. “A-And I am sure, or at least pretty sure that maybe you might be in love with me too! So I have come to a conclusion,” Wei Wuxian continued, holding up a finger. 

“And what conclusion might that be, Mister Wei?” Lan Wangji asked, finding it harder and harder not to smile. 

“I have to figure out what is stopping us from being together and giving this a shot and then squash that factor. So you have to tell me, Lan Zhan. I know you don’t want me to get involved but I really like you. And if you feel pressured or if you just don’t want to be with me then I will leave and never bother you again. But if it is something else that you don’t know how to fix, please tell me and I’ll do my best to reverse the situation. Please, I’m begging you,” Wei Wuxian spoke quickly and by the time he finished, he wasn’t even sure if he spoke coherently but Lan Wangji had given up, lips curving at the end of Wei Wuxian’s short speech. 

“Before you came here, I already planned on.. telling you about my situation,” Lan Wangji said, taking Wei Wuxian’s glass. He refilled it and Wei Wuxian took a large gulp to stop himself from screaming. “You.. were going to tell me?” he asked casually, sipping the water. 

Lan Wangji smiled again, nodding. “Mn. You have been trying quite hard to win me over and despite how badly I wanted to accept your advances towards me, I was constantly reminded of the fact that I might ruin your life by being with you. I thought by not involving you that I was protecting you but I may have been hurting you instead,” he explained, meeting Wei Wuxian’s eyes. 

“So if you really want to know why I have been rejecting you, I will tell you,” Lan Wangji continued. Wei Wuxian nodded immediately and followed Lan Wangji to his couch, sitting down next to him. 

“..My uncle has never accepted me for who I am. He’s known about my sexuality for a long time but ignored it all my life until.. one day, he caught me kissing a boy in my bedroom. I was only fifteen. He grabbed me and forced me down onto the floor as he whipped me until I bled, until there were welts all over my skin. And my brother.. he just stood there and watched,” Lan Wangji whispered the last sentence, face twisted in disbelief. 

“He beat me until I passed out from the pain. The boy I was with.. he was forced to leave and after that day, I never saw him again. Uncle made him disappear. I couldn’t get out of my bed for weeks, let alone walk. From that day on, I knew my place. I stayed quiet and kept to myself. I didn’t dare to make any guy friends and stayed out of my uncle’s way. For years, I was the perfect nephew. I did my job well, I closed business deals, I was obedient and followed the rules.” Lan Wangji looked at his hands, expression solemn. 

“Me and my brother were no longer close. No matter how hard he tried, I refused to speak to him unless it was about work. He let Uncle beat me every single time I even glanced in another man’s direction. He never stopped him. I was in pain and he never protected me. He just watched it happen.” his hands closed into fists and he closed his eyes, painful memories filling his head. 

“One day, Uncle told me that I was to marry the daughter of one of his business partners. There is no other way to put it, I snapped. I refused and when Uncle got out his belt to hit me, I caught it and yanked it from his hand. I looked him dead in the eyes and told him I was done . I threw his belt to the ground and left the house. I only had my wallet on me and nothing else. I had plenty of cash but all of my cards except my personal one declined. I used what I had to open my little café, try to live the life of freedom I always dreamed of. Uncle found me, of course,” Lan Wangji said ruefully. 

“He raised my rent over and over again, trying to make me return home. I almost had to close for good until.. you came in. You ordered so much food and tipped two months worth of rent for the café. I was in disbelief. You saved me then without knowing.. and you continue to do it even now. But my uncle is a scary man. He makes everyone I care about disappear and ruins their lives. I don’t want you involved because he could ruin yours,” Lan Wangji said finally, looking at Wei Wuxian who was looking back at him. 

“If he knew that I was dating someone, you especially, he’d ruin both of our lives. I didn’t want to risk it.” Wei Wuxian turned his whole body to Lan Wangji before he began speaking. 

“I’m sorry that you were treated that way in the past, Lan Zhan. You didn’t deserve that, any of it. He was wrong. And I understand your concerns but I really wish you would’ve told me this sooner. Your uncle.. it must be Lan Qiren right?” Wei Wuxian asked. 

Lan Wangji nodded slowly and Wei Wuxian picked up Lan Wangji’s hand, holding it in his. 

“I’ll take care of it. He’ll never bother you or your café ever again,” Wei Wuxian assured gently. 

Lan Wangji looked at their hands with confusion and sadness, shaking his head. “You’re underestimating him-.” 

“No. I think you’re underestimating me,” Wei Wuxian said simply, shrugging. 

Lan Wangji’s posture sagged a little and he shook his head again. “I didn’t mean to-.” 

“It’s okay. Give me a little time and you won’t have to worry about your uncle again,” Wei Wuxian said. He stood up from the couch, letting go of Lan Wangji’s hand. 

“You’re leaving?” Lan Wangji asked softly, still sitting down. Wei Wuxian smiled though it wasn’t as bright as Lan Wangji remembered. 

“I’ll see you at the café. Goodnight, Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian simply went to the door and left, leaving Lan Wangji feeling a bit unsettled. 

…

The next day, late in the afternoon, Wei Wuxian arrived at a restaurant he would meet Lan Qiren at. He dressed formally, even decided to wear his glasses to give off the professional look he was going for. 

Lan Qiren was already there when he sat down at the table, face set in a frown. “Are you always late for your meetings, Wei Wuxian?” he asked, disdain filling his expression. Wei Wuxian grabbed a piece of bread out of the basket on the table. 

“Only the ones I don’t care for. Let’s get straight to it, shall we?” Wei Wuxian smiled as he bit through the bread. 

Lan Qiren’s frown grew deeper and his back stood even straighter. Wei Wuxian slouched in his own chair, waiting for Lan Qiren to say- 

“You need to stay away from my nephew.” 

Ah, there it is. 

“Oh? Why?” Wei Wuxian asked, pouting. 

“If you do not stop contact with him, I’ll call everyone I know that associates themselves with you and draw them away from you. I’ll release news that will ruin your career, provide photo evidence that proves the disgusting things you’ve done,” Lan Qiren said. His voice was dark and intimidating, eyes serious. 

“What evidence?” Wei Wuxian asked, voice becoming a bit fretful. 

Lan Qiren’s eyes showed a small victory and he took out a stack of photos from his suit pocket, throwing them onto the table. Wei Wuxian looked over the photos and widened his eyes with fear. “How did you get these!?” 

Lan Qiren simply chuckled and crossed his legs, celebrating his triumph already. “Stay away from Wangji and no one has to know about these.” 

Wei Wuxian put his hand over his mouth and picked up a photo of him standing in between Lan Wangji’s legs, tongue-fucking his mouth while Lan Wangji sat on the counter, quite clearly enjoying himself. 

“Oh my goodness. I can’t believe..” Wei Wuxian took out his phone and went to his camera app. “..That you got such HD photos of us making out!” he said, gasping as he turned the camera towards himself and took a picture of himself and the photograph side by side. He began taking multiple selfies with the photos, showing many expressions while Lan Qiren watched, befuddled. 

“Wow. Posting these on my business account’s official Weibo,” Wei Wuxian informed Lan Qiren, smiling as he uploaded some of the photos. “You fool! You think that bluff will phase me? The photos will ruin you, what will people say about a gay businessman like you?” Lan Qiren said, slamming his hand down onto the table. 

“Oh, Lan Qiren, Lan Qiren. To start, I’m bisexual, not gay. But either way, posting these photos won’t do shit,” Wei Wuxian said, laughing loudly. He turned his phone to Lan Qiren as he pressed the post button and Lan Qiren’s face turned white as a sheet. 

“If you really did your research on me, you would know that I’m regarded as the most shameless C.E.O. in Beijing, probably all of China. I participate in scandals for fun. I no longer phase people with the things I do and ironically, it doesn’t make me lose business, it brings more people to me. No matter how controversial I am, no one can deny that I have the best products and sell them at the best prices. Nobody can say that I don’t donate to multiple charities and make various events throughout every year for young homeless youths and such. People think I’m crazy, but they also think I’m a good person. Honesty and a good heart is what gets you places.” Wei Wuxian refreshed his Weibo to see his post already had hundreds of thousands of likes and shares. 

“But you.. you’re not as honest as you appear to be. I know that you’ve embezzled funds, stolen millions of yuan from your company and got away with it. You try to ensure the safety of your job by promoting the appearance of success of your company through fraud, false accounting and bribery, to name a few. I have receipts. I can make these and ruin your life. No one has a reason to not believe me. You’ll go to prison and your company will go to shit,” Wei Wuxian’s smile slowly fell away as he spoke, turning into something more serious, more threatening and ruthless. 

He pushed his glasses up on his nose and sat up in his chair, expression merely disgusted as he stared at Lan Qiren who was sweating, skin looking more and more pale, lips set in a thin line. 

“Here’s what’s going to happen, yeah? You’re going to call the landlord that owns the building Lan Zhan’s café is in. I know you two are cool since you keep raising the rent. You’re going to tell them that Lan Zhan is buying the building and you’re going to give him the money to do it. I don’t give a fuck if you have to bring the money and the papers to me yourself but I want them by morning tomorrow at five. If you fail to get them to me in time, you’re going to be making news headlines. Am I clear, Lan Qiren? Or do you need me to give you an example of how much of a ruthless asshole I can be,” Wei Wuxian’s voice got lower and lower as he leaned in across the table. 

Lan Qiren avoided his gaze and gave a slight nod, beads of sweat rolling down the sides of his face. Wei Wuxian scoffed and stood up, leaving the restaurant swiftly. 

At five in the morning, Wei Wuxian got a package delivered to the front desk. The door man brought it up and Wei Wuxian was pleased to see the appropriate papers he needed.

…

“Mister Wei, you’re here,” Lan Wangji said, eyes filled with surprise. 

“You really didn’t think I could do it?” Wei Wuxian asked, watching Lan Wangji turn the sign on his window so people knew it was closed. 

“I wasn’t sure,” Lan Wangji said honestly. Wei Wuxian looked down at the floor and smiled sadly. He bit down on his tongue before looking back up at Lan Wangji speaking. “Lan Zhan. Your uncle.. he won’t be bothering you anymore. You never have to worry about him again,” he said, taking a deep breath. 

“You really fixed it?” Lan Wangji whispered, stopping his movements. Wei Wuxian nodded and looked around the café. “I told you I would. He won’t contact you, he won’t do anything to hurt you. You have my word.” 

Lan Wangji moved over to Wei Wuxian, standing in front of him. “Then.. if he really isn’t a problem anymore, there isn’t anything stopping us from being together,” he said, looking at Wei Wuxian with a soft and gentle smile. 

Wei Wuxian shook his head though and took another breath. “There is, actually, Lan Zhan.” 

Lan Wangji stared in confusion, waiting for Wei Wuxian to go on. 

“I don’t think you’re ready to be in a relationship with me, Lan Zhan. It really hurts me to say that but I don’t want you to be with me because you feel like you’re obligated to, now that there’s nothing standing in our way. I want you to be with me because you want me. I have been pushing you, I have been insistent and I’ve gone about this wrong,” he said, speaking honestly and from his heart. 

“I got your uncle off your back because I want you to have that freedom you’ve been wishing for. This is my gift to you, Lan Zhan. This café.. the building is yours. Here are the papers of ownership, you just need to sign them and give them to your landlord along with this check.” Wei Wuxian took out the papers from his coat pocket and handed them to Lan Wangji who took them with shaky hands. 

He had tears in his eyes, looking up at Wei Wuxian sadly. “I don’t understand.” 

“Yes, you do. You don’t want to understand but you do, Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian said. He wiped away Lan Wangji’s tears and took a step back, not allowing his touch to linger. 

“You’re free, Lan Zhan. No pressure from anyone to do anything. You can do whatever you want now. I hope that you get everything that you want.” Wei Wuxian stroked Lan Wangji’s hair and offered him a smile. 

“I can make you noodles first, before you leave?” Lan Wangji struggled to speak clearly, swallowing thickly. 

“No.. I gotta get home. But I’ll come back tomorrow. See you, Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian turned to leave but Lan Wangji grabbed his hand, blinking away his tears as best he could. “Thank you.” 

Wei Wuxian smiled, looking down at the floor. “I’ll fight for your happiness. No matter what obstacles get in my way,” he said. He squeezed Lan Wangji’s hand before pulling away and leaving. 

Lan Wangji stood there, closing his eyes as Wei Wuxian’s touch lingered on his hand. He squeezed the papers in his hands, sighing at the relief he felt, the relief he hadn’t had the chance to feel since he was fifteen. Wei Ying, sorry.. and.. thank you. 

…

Wei Wuxian grabbed a bottle of bourbon the minute he got home. He poured himself a glass and sat down at the counter. 

“Wen Qing, I really need an emotional support titty right now. Why does it feel like I just went through the most heartbreaking break up of my life when we were never together? Why the fuck did I say that? We could be together right now but I-.” Wei Wuxian sighed and shook his head, downing his alcohol. 

“I did the right thing, didn’t I? Is that why it hurts so bad?” he asked. He wanted to be drunk. He wanted to be drunk and rest his head on Wen Qing’s chest while telling her all his problems. He wanted to listen to her advice and then be her emotional support titty. Let her tell him her own problems. Get wasted until they couldn’t bring themselves to drink anymore. 

But he was thirty four now. An adult. He had a kid and a life to think about. He couldn’t be reckless anymore. 

“I don’t deserve half-hearted love,” he said to himself, closing his bourbon. He took out his locket and stared at it. 

“Right now, Lan Zhan doesn’t need me. He needs his freedom. His café. He needs to be happy. Not tied down to another man,” he mumbled, more tears falling down his cheeks. 

“Wen Qing.. you would love him. He’s really great, goodness you guys would get along so well. ..I can’t believe you’re gone. I’ve never missed you more than I do right now. I really really miss you,” Wei Wuxian whispered. His vision blurred and he shook his head, lips quivering. 

“I need you here, Wen Qing. I need your hugs and your words. I just need to see you. I just need to know that you can hear me. I need you to come back!” Wei Wuxian angrily took his glass and threw it onto the floor, his head falling into his hands. 

He didn’t care that the glass shattered all over the floor. Didn’t care that he was sobbing into his hands. He missed his best friend. He needed her and he had no way to get to her. “Why did you leave me? Why can’t you come back? Please come back.” 

Sizhui watched his dad from the stairs, heart shattering like the glass on the floor as Wei Wuxian cried out, groaning in frustration. Sizhui stifled his own sob as his dad slid from his chair onto the floor, sobbing into his hands helplessly.

He came to him and sat down beside him, wrapped his arms around him and pulled him as close as he could. Wei Wuxian broke down in his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. 

“It’s okay, dad. It’s going to be okay. Mother is watching over us. She can’t be here physically but I have you and you have me,” Sizhui said, sniffling. He breathed through his mouth, licking his lips before speaking again.

“I think mother would tell you that only you know whether you did the right thing. I think she would say that you made a logical decision but only you know if it was the right one. ..She’d ask if you followed your heart. Did you, dad?” Sizhui asked, listening as Wei Wuxian’s cries grew quieter and quieter while he held him. 

“I want Lan Zhan to be happy. Seeing him happy, seeing the relief in his eyes when I told him that he didn’t have to worry about anything anymore.. it was good to see,” he whispered. “I think he would’ve been less happy, felt less free if the both of us immediately jumped into a relationship together. I didn’t want that,” Wei Wuxian explained. 

Sizhui nodded, listening patiently. “But I’m afraid, A-Yuan. What if he’s never ready? What if he never looks at me the same way I look at him?” his voice grew quiet, soft and apprehensive. 

“You’ll know when it’s time to let go,” Sizhui said after a while. Wei Wuxian nodded and they sat there for a while in silence, breathing quietly. Eventually, they got up off the floor and Wei Wuxian sighed quietly, closing his eyes as he got his feelings in check. 

“I’m sorry you had to see me like that. It gets really hard sometimes.. sometimes it gets too hard. Thank you for talking to me. Thank you for being here, A-Yuan, listening. I love you,” Wei Wuxian said, opening his arms. Sizhui happily accepted the hug, smiling proudly into his dad’s chest. 

Eventually, Sizhui returned to his room and Wei Wuxian cleaned up the kitchen floor before going to bed early. He felt drained but at peace with his thoughts and his feelings. He’d wait for Lan Wangji to be ready. And if it turned out that Lan Wangji would never be ready to be with him, then Wei Wuxian would learn to accept it and move on.

…

Three months later…

…

Wei Wuxian walked into Lan Wangji’s café and took his usual spot that was always reserved for him. 

“Good evening, Mister Wei. Your usual?” Lan Wangji asked, already getting Wei Wuxian’s coffee. 

“Yes, please,” Wei Wuxian said, taking out his laptop. Lan Wangji came over eventually with a steaming bowl of noodles and chili bean sauce with a cup of coffee on the side. 

“On the house,” Lan Wangji said. 

“As usual. You spoil me, Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian grinned, sipping his coffee before pulling out some work documents. 

“You deserve nothing less,” Lan Wangji said simply, walking back behind the counter. Wei Wuxian smiled and hid the tint of his cheeks by lowering his head to blow on his noodles. 

When Lan Wangji began to close, Wei Wuxian had just put his computer away. Before he could stand up though to leave, Lan Wangji sat down across from him at his table. 

“Something wrong?” Wei Wuxian asked, putting on his coat. 

“No. I was wondering if you.. wanted to go out with me?” Lan Wangji asked, tilting his head. 

Wei Wuxian blinked, eyes wide and owlish. “L-Like on a date?” 

“Mn. You were right at the time about me not being ready to be in a relationship. I needed to get a grip on my real life and I had to figure out the things I wanted for myself without worrying about my uncle taking everything I’ve wanted away from me,” Lan Wangji began, looking around his café. 

“I’ve been happy with my café, not having to think about rent. But I miss you. I miss talking to you and I miss you flirting with me like you’d never get a second chance. I should’ve put more faith in you then but I’m really grateful for what you did for me.” Lan Wangji turned his gaze back to Wei Wuxian. 

“I don’t just want you for what you did for me. I want you because I’m deeply in love with you and your smile. Your personality brings color into my life. Your determination warms my heart and you’re a really sweet dad. I don’t want you to feel like a second option. I would like for it to be a chapter in our lives that we can start together,” he concluded, nodding to himself. 

He looked at Wei Wuxian for his response, shifting uncomfortably in his seat as Wei Wuxian said nothing, just stared at him. 

“Aiyooo, Lan Zhan! Are you serious, do you mean it? Are you really sure you want me? I’m kind of crazy, Lan Zhan, you might want to reconsider,” Wei Wuxian said although he was already getting up from his seat and pulling Lan Wangji up from his. 

“I’m well aware,” Lan Wangji said with a chuckle. “I still want you. Before.. I wasn’t focused on you or your feelings. I prioritized my café and didn’t think that I could have it and you. But I thought that because you were trying so hard, that I should give you the chance. That wasn’t right. You don’t deserve that. You deserve to be loved for who you are. And I do, I really do. I’m sorry it took me so long and I know this isn’t phrased very well but do you understand?” Lan Wangji asked. 

Wei Wuxian pulled Lan Wangji closer and wrapped his arms around him, nodding. “I understand. Lan Zhan, I thought that you would decide that you never wanted to go out with me and that I was going to have to move on and it’s totally okay if you don’t. I can accept that. Your happiness is what matters to me most,” he said quietly. 

“Your happiness matters too. Being around you makes me happy, Wei Ying. Being around you has always made me happy. My café, you, everything feels easier. Lighter now. I can have both. The difference is I would choose you over anything. And that isn’t going to change. I’m not going to take you for granted. Do you understand, Mister Wei? You make me happy,” Lan Wangji said, wiping away Wei Wuxian’s tears that he hadn’t even realized were falling. 

“Lan Zhan, if you’re going to be with me then you have to stop calling me Mister Wei. I know it’s some kind of authority kink you have but..” Wei Wuxian playfully rolled his eyes, tone lighthearted. Lan Wangji wrapped his own arms around Wei Wuxian and looked directly at him, tilting his head a little. “Wei Ying, I want to be with you. Let me show you the love you deserve.” 

Wei Wuxian groaned and put his hands over his face. “Lan Zhan, you can’t say my name like that .” 

“Like what?” Lan Wangji asked. His eyebrows were arched, lips curved just slightly, expression just smug enough to let Wei Wuxian know Lan Wangji knew exactly what he was doing. 

“L-Like you- Like you want-.” 

“Like I want you to fuck me?” Lan Wangji asked, placing far too much emphasis on fuck for Wei Wuxian to not grow flustered. “Ah! Look at the time, it’s so late,” he exclaimed. 

Lan Wangji’s smirk grew and he held Wei Wuxian closer. “Wei Ying, you haven’t given me an answer yet, you can’t go,” he mumbled. 

Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Wangji, wrapped his arms back around him and smiled a little, heart thumping with excitement and joy. “I would be more than happy to finally take you out on that date, Lan Zhan.” 

Lan Wangji’s smile reached his eyes at the reply and Wei Wuxian laughed heartily, smooching Lan Wangji’s lips. 

“Let’s go, Lan Zhan.” Lan Wangji nodded, letting Wei Wuxian take his hand in his own, walking him out of the café.

Extra

When Wei Wuxian woke up, Lan Wangji was still sleeping soundly. Wei Wuxian smiled at him, traced over his facial features with his fingers. 

They’d been together for a few years now. They lived in a house they picked out together, them and Sizhui. Things were going really well. 

Sizhui called Lan Wangji dad offhandedly one day and when Lan Wangii realized it, he started crying. Since that day, ‘baba’ was all Sizhui referred to Lan Wangji as. 

Lan Wangji’s café grew and he had to start hiring people to help him manage his shop that wasn’t so little anymore. 

Lan Qiren’s crimes soon came to light and his company fell apart as he got ready to receive his prison sentence. Lan Xichen began rebuilding it from the ground up while trying to repair his relationship with his brother. Lan Wangji was reluctant but over time, he allowed Lan Xichen back into his life, accepted his apologies and forgave him for the things that happened in the past. 

Sizhui graduated high school with his friends and they all got into their dream college. Wei Wuxian watched all of them grow. Watched all of this happen, watched them change and find closure. He wondered if he’d found his own closure, wondered if he’d changed at all. 

He sat up from the bed and turned towards the window, looking out into the night. He pressed his hand to his bare chest and grabbed his necklace, taking it off. He held it in his hands, watched as the silver chain was illuminated by the moonlight. 

“Wen Qing.. I think that I’m ready. I have him. My eternal sunshine. I’ve been holding onto you for so long, wishing and praying that I could see you again but you have given me everything that I need to continue living. My love for you will never change. You’ll always be my best friend. But I know that.. it’s time to let you go. I’m going to be the best dad that I can be to A-Yuan. The best partner that I can be to Lan Zhan. I think.. you would be proud of me. Right?” Wei Wuxian took in a sharp breath as he opened one of his bedside drawers, taking out a long and thin wooden case. 

He opened it and stared at the necklace, smiling down at it as he laid it down in the case. Before he could close it, he felt Lan Wangji’s breath ghosting his neck, felt his arms wrap around him from behind. 

“I’ve never seen you take it off before,” Lan Wangji murmured. 

Wei Wuxian caressed the locket, humming. “I always thought that I needed this necklace to keep moving forward. This way, I always had a piece of Wen Qing with me. But.. I know now that I don’t need this to keep going. She wouldn’t want me to be stuck to the past. I have to grow and I have to grow without her and I know now that that’s okay. This necklace.. it’s a reminder. And it’s a memory,” Wei Wuxian said. 

He swallowed back the lump in his throat and shut the case. The sudden relief he felt washing over him made him want to cry. He took a few slow and deep breaths, closing his eyes. Lan Wangji kissed his nape tenderly, rubbing Wei Wuxian’s arms. He watched him put away the case and close the drawer. 

“Let’s go back to sleep,” Wei Wuxian whispered. 

Lan Wangji moved back and watched Wei Wuxian lie down, opening his arms. He smiled as he laid down too, tucked himself into Wei Wuxian’s chest and closed his eyes. 

“I think Wen Qing would be very proud of how far you’ve come, Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji whispered. Wei Wuxian closed his eyes, trying really hard not to cry. “Thank you, Lan Zhan.” 

“Sleep, my love.” Lan Wangji kissed Wei Wuxian’s chest. 

Wei Wuxian didn’t have to wonder. Over the years.. he had grown too. And he believed Lan Wangji was right. He knew Wen Qing would be very proud of him. And that knowledge gave him the closure he needed to let her go and keep moving forward.