Work Text:
V
Valentine Day is coming, and it is the day that Lan Wangji will have ChenQingLing inaugurated by his father. ChenQingLing, the after school program’s mission is to reach out to children of all ages and equip them with different skills to complete their academic competency and find their calling in life. Untamed , because these kids will have mad skills according to their talents. That name suits his program well.
“This ChenQingLing is truly a masterpiece, Wangji. I am proud of you,” his father compliments him over their monthly breakfast.
“Thank you, Father. It would not have happened if not for Wei Ying.”
“So you are back together with him?” his father asks, glancing at Su Minshan behind him.
“We never broke up. We are just taking our time to understand ourselves,” Lan Wangji answers with honesty. He has lost the need to fight his father; instead, he wants him to see his way. The fact that his uncle informs him about his father's mental illness helps him be more patient with him.
“Are you still crazy about him?” he asks.
“Father,” he calls patiently, “If Su Minshan, who had never spent enough time with Mother to know her enough, told you that Mother is an alien, and that she bewitched you so she could marry you, would you have loved her no more?”
Su Minshan glares at him. Lan Wangji ignores him. There is no way Su Minshan will act up unless he doesn't value his life.
His father seems to think through his question. Lan Wangji is aware of the love he still carries for his Mother, which is why bringing her up would hopefully open his eyes to how much Lan Wangji truly loves Wei Wuxian.
He takes a long time to answer, but he answers honestly. “I don’t know, Wangji. That never happened to us, but I hope I would not be swayed by what other people said. I know her best, I know her heart; she loves me, that's enough for me.”
Lan Wangji quietly nods; he has him in his corner now. “Do you know Wei Ying and I first met at Mother’s grave? We were 11 years old then. I was missing her so much and was very sad. Wei Ying kneeled with me and promised her that he would make me happy."
His father seems surprised by this revelation.
Lan Wangji continues, “It took 16 years for us to be together, but I guess it was her blessings that linked us. She believed that he would be good for me.”
His father still hasn’t said a word.
“Father, I know Wei Ying the best, I know his heart. He loves me. That's enough for me.”
His uncle takes over the conversation. “Didn’t he leave you? Why do you still want him?”
“What Wei Ying wanted from me is to create a dream for myself. He left because he wanted me to have something that I would be proud of."
“He asked this of you?” Prince Lan Qiren looks surprised.
“Yes, Uncle. I fulfilled his wish. I have made a name for myself as the Head of ChenQingLing, an after school program that serves the best interests of the children. I am no longer just a regular prince, I am not a mere boyfriend whose relationship the tabloid loves to gossip so much about. I am proud of myself, and he is proud of me, too."
His uncle then looks at his father, “Ge, I approve of Wei Wuxian. He wants the best for Wangji; he listened to my concern.” His uncle adds, “I once told him that I want Wangji to stand tall even when he loses love.”
Lan Wangji doesn’t know that his uncle had this conversation with Wei Wuxian but now that he has his support, he is grateful nonetheless. Wei Ying always has a way to creep into someone's good graces.
“He also protected Wangji from Duke Jin's charge while also helping his victims get justice,” Lan Xichen says. “He will be the best partner for Wangji, Father.”
His father sighs. “Then he only needs to prove his love for you to me. I will forget all that Su Minshan’s ever wrote if I am satisfied,” the King promises.
“He will do that,” Lan Wangji is sure.
***
Nothing is stopping them now. He gets his father's and uncle’s blessings, and Wei Wuxian’s requests are fulfilled. They can finally be together in the truest sense.
On the inauguration day, ChenQingLing is inviting the parents of their first generation students for dinner served by their own children to teach them that there is no work beneath them. The culinary students will provide the food, the art students will create an exhibition, and the performance students will do a stage production. It will be huge, there are almost 300 invitees, 100 children, and 50 staff. The parents will be treated to a romantic candlelight dinner. They have prepared many tables for two. Single parents and other singles will be combined at several big tables at the back of the room.
The highest monarchs will be there, too, including his father, his uncle, his brother, and a bunch of royals and special invitees like Wei Wuxian’s family and friends. He feels the need to boast in front of them as well. These people will be seated on the front rows, facing directly toward the stage.
But the most special guest is Wei Wuxian. This is the moment where Lan Wangji finishes his last task and gains back his boyfriend, and hopefully his fiancé. He gets giddy with the prospect of getting engaged on Valentine's Day.
Lan Wangji is very busy today, with all the last minute things that he has to approve of, running here and there, taking care of children who suddenly become too nervous to perform, and fixing broken frames in the exhibitions.
He hasn’t had a chance to see Wei Wuxian, when he stands on the stage to open the event. However, he spots him then, standing at the back, leaning against the wall in his relaxed stature with his arms folded in front of his chest.
If he can fall in love all over again, he will. His boyfriend looks very stylish in his black, tight suit. He dreams of running his palms all over that body.
Lan Wangji is unable to hide his smile all night. He is the stage manager and cannot leave the stage, but he keeps on glancing at that beautiful silhouette.
The night’s event goes on smoothly, it is time for the last performance. He will be singing and playing piano, a song he dedicates for Wei Wuxian, ‘After Tonight’.
When the night ends, he’ll be back in his embrace.
That song he performs is really close to his heart. Even he can tell that the feelings he is emanating are genuine, and he can see people shed tears.
His Wei Ying cries, too. He lets his tears roll down his cheeks and keeps wiping them on his chin because he is too mesmerized.
When the song ends, Wei Wuxian walks to the stage, half running. Until a man in black blocks him and takes him away. Wei Wuxian tries to break free, but the man forces him. Lan Wangji is about to help him when the light is off.
“Everybody stay where you are if you want to live!” he hears a commanding voice. “This is a hostage situation.”
He hears people gasp.
There are children here! And parents, and some important monarchs. If this is a terrorist act, that group really chooses a bunch of good hostages.
He is really scared—for everybody, but especially for Wei Wuxian. These criminals must plan to use him as their main hostage. Famous enough but not too high in the hierarchy—a perfect first kill.
“What do you want?!” Lan Wangji shouts in the dark. Rage fills him at the blatant threat. He regrets leaving his phone before his performance. He could've called the police force.
Suddenly light shines on the first row that contains the VIP guests. His family and other VIPs have black masked men with weapons pointed at them. That small light makes the room a bit brighter, so he can see lots of black men holding guns at the guests and the kids at the back.
This is serious.
“Easy, little Prince,” the same voice is heard. It belongs to the one that has his gun on his father, he wears a black mask and all black clothes like the one that captures Wei Wuxian. “We only have one demand. Marry our leader!”
What?
“We need him free from his crime, and he should have a position in the country. This is the best deal. Plus, you are not bad-looking, and I think you will enjoy him.”
“I have a boyfriend,” he says, deadpan. He cannot think straight right now.
“Ah, the CEO? The one who left you?” He laughs bitterly, sounding degrading.
“I love him. And he loves me,” defends Lan Wangji.
“More reason to kill him, then. Puppy! You got him, right?”
He hears a grumble of approval.
“I was gonna wait for a while and do a dramatic killing, but quick killing works, too!”
He hears the sound of a gunshot. Loud and clear as a day. He hears a faint scream as well. It sounds like Wei Ying!
“No! Don’t kill him! I’ll do anything!” he shouts, fearing for his love's life.
“Marry our boss or we will kill your CEO," comes the threat.
“You won’t get away with this!” he hears his uncle howl furiously.
“Oh, we can, Sir Prince. We put poison on tonight's dishes. It is deadly and permanent. Of course there are antidotes, and we are willing to give them to you and the rest of the guests here, including the children... and the staff, too. You can take it monthly, and within 3 years, it will dissolve completely. And don't think that doctors can help you. We are not that stupid!”
Somehow this has become more absurd. Should he believe them and take the risk? Or should he abide by their will?
Marrying another is never on his mind. From the age of 11, he had always believed that he was going to spend his life with Wei Wuxian or no one if he didn't have him. But now, his stomach churns.
Wei Ying, what should I do? He wants to cry, falls, and leaves this place. But the fate of the children is in his hands. The fate of his love depends on his willingness to marry another.
“Well?” the man asks impatiently.
“My heart belongs to someone else. It will never be yours.” One last try.
“No need. We only need your connection and your position to secure our organization. But your body works, too,” he says, wetting his lips, laughing at his own joke. “Boss! He is willing!”
A sudden bright light envelopes Lan Wangji, blinding him. When his eyes adjust to his surrounding, there is a white wall in front of him, separating the stage from the rest of the room. He can no longer see his audience.
From the stage entrance, he sees a black figure bringing Wei Wuxian onto the stage in a very brutal way. He shoves Wei Wuxian with a strong push, and he falls down a few meters before Lan Wangji.
Wei Wuxian winces, bracing the pain.
Lan Wangji runs to help him, but Wei Wuxian yelps, “Stop, Lan Zhan!”
He freezes, suddenly so afraid and furious at the same time. He clenches his jaw. This uncertainty breaks him.
What’s going on? Does he have a bomb in his backpack or something?
The backpack on Wei Wuxian's shoulders looks like his laptop bag, but he can be wrong.
"Wei Ying, are you okay? Are you hurt?" he asks, scanning him from the distance to see if he is hurt anywhere.
Wei Wuxian moves to kneel down and bows to him. “This is not how it was supposed to go."
“Wei Ying, it’s okay… it’s not your fault...” He tries to calm him down, but his expression betrays him. His nostrils flare, and his eyes narrow to a slit.
"I am very sorry that I helped put that expression on your face,” he apologizes. “I really have nothing to do with this stupid thing! You keep on believing that, okay, Lan Zhan.”
Lan Wangji becomes confused with what Wei Wuxian says and what he is supposed to do right now.
“Might as well run with it, though,” he hears Wei Wuxian mumble.
Wei Wuxian stands up and walks toward Lan Wangji. Once he reaches him, Wei Wuxian drops to one knee.
“Lan Zhan, my love, Sweetheart, will you marry me?” He takes out a ring from his pocket and opens it to show Lan Wangji.
A beautiful big rock indeed, in the shape of a bunny tummy, surrounded by little diamonds for its face, ears, and paws, and an onyx for its eye.
His brain short-circuits. He stiffens. His shoulders are taut, and his whole body goes rigid.
“Are you… the boss?” he finally asks when he is able to put the clues together.
“Technically,” Wei Wuxian grins.
Lan Wangji still cannot fathom the whole situation.
Wei Wuxian explains, “My guess: A Yu, Wen Ning and Nie Xiong are the masterminds. The rest are Jiang Cheng, Lotus Security people, and some of your secret services, but mostly holograms that I programmed for the last 3 weeks that I prepared to use to propose to you tonight.”
“You did want to propose tonight?” his hope soars in rhyme with the happy pounding in his chest.
“I have the ring ready, haven’t I?” The brat he loves so much smirks.
Lan Wangji taps his head lovingly. “Idiot.” He sounds fond, though.
“Will you marry this idiot then?” He smiles from ear to ear.
“No.”
“No?” Wei Wuxian looks aghast. Good, he should learn his lesson.
“I will marry the criminal’s boss instead.” He pulls him up and kisses him.
Wei Wuxian kisses him back with ardor. It feels so good to have his lips and mouth thoroughly ravished like this by his fiancee.
When they stop for air, Lan Wangji is reminded that below the stage, people might still be scared. “We should end this drama now, Wei Ying.” He is worried about his father.
“They all know what’s going on. I sent all invitees an email explaining that I would make a surprise proposal and that they should be cooperative. What I didn’t know is that Wen Ning changed the hologram code from singing angels with trumpets to criminals with guns. I know it is Nie Xiong’s idea. And the one who holds your father hostage is A-Yu. He has a flair for drama.”
Wei Wuxian’s phone rings then, surprising them both. “It’s Nie Xiong,” he says as he answers the phone and puts it on speaker.
“Like what we did to your boring plot?”
“When I said I finished coding and was in need of lots of help, I did not mean for you to change that code!”
“A Ning only did a slight modification. He agrees the angels are too scary looking."
"My angels are cute!"
Nie Huaisang scoffs. "Anyway, open your bag and find a folder.”
Wei Wuxian does as he is told while grumbling the whole way. He opens the folder, and in it is an unofficial marriage paper. They both hold their breaths.
“Do you know how easy it is to get your signature on a piece of unknown paper? Too trusting…,” Lan Wangji barely hears Nie Huaisang tsk-ing. “The King can officiate it now," he adds.
Wei Wuxian stares at Lan Wangji tentatively and intently, with hope in his eyes, laying it bare before the one he loves.
“Yes,” Lan Wangji says without a doubt. "Let's do it, Wei Ying," he says, taking the paper from his fiance's hand.
The white wall in front of them vanishes.
Lan Wangji holds his hand out, and Wei Wuxian takes it. Together, they go down the stairs holding hands. Lan Wangji is slightly in the front. He can feel Wei Wuxian's trembling hand in his own. He is nervous . He even stumbles on the stairs.
But he is very confident when he talks to the King, “Your Majesty, I am asking for permission to marry your beloved son.” Wei Wuxian sincerely bows, still with Lan Wangji's hand attached to his.
The King gives him a do-over from top to toe.
It is suspenseful. Lan Wangji is dizzy with anticipation.
The next minute, his father laughs so hard that Wei Wuxian rises from his low bow.
"You did all this for my son. I can see how much you love him. I give you my blessing.”
Lan Wangji doesn’t take a second to hand the marriage certificate to his father.
“Do you have a ring?” the King asks Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian nods, showing the ring’s box that he has put back in his pocket, forgotten for a while.
“Put it on him, then.”
Wei Wuxian takes his left hand, puts the ring on it, and looks deeply into his eyes with so much emotion in his eyes. He says gently and collectedly,
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.
I, Wei Wuxian, take you, Lan Wangji, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life. Forever.”
Lan Wangji is abundantly touched by the simple poem. Wei Wuxian is quoting Maya Angelou, his favorite poet. He really was prepared, unlike him.
“I don’t have a ring for you, Wei Ying," he is suddenly sad, overwhelmed by the need to be wed to this person who just confessed his love for the world to see.
Wei Wuxian takes out another box from his pocket and grins, “Giving you means giving myself.”
The new ring is the same shape, except for the black onyx rocks and ruby for its eye. He takes the ring out, tosses the box, and puts it on Wei Wuxian’s finger. He hasn't prepared any poems, but none of the ones he memorized is good enough to represent how important Wei Wuxian is to him. Therefore, he decides to wing it, speaking wholeheartedly.
"Wei Ying, you have had my heart since Day 1—more than 16 years ago. You were a chaos that crashed into my life, but you are also my pillar of strength. You are the tsunami that floods my heart, but in your love, I find an anchor.
I, Lan Wangji, take you, Wei Wuxian, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life. Forever.”
Wei Wuxian lets a tear fall down his cheek. "So beautiful, Lan Zhan," he whispers, squeezing his fingers.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husbands. Wei Wuxian, make him happy like you promised my wife."
Wei Wuxian nods vigorously, "You don't have to ask, Your Majesty,"
"You may kiss each other,” the King says then, taking the pen that Mo Xuanyu shoves him and signing the marriage certificate.
The crowds cheer, but they are in their own world. Lan Wangji gazes at his husband with stars in his eyes. He cannot believe that he is married to this man.
Wei Wuxian doesn’t seem to be in thinking mode when he grabs his chin and kisses him gently while moaning, “The King said you may kiss your husband.”
Husband.
Mine.
Suddenly, the light goes off again. The hologram criminals change forms into cartoonish angels with trumpets. There are around a hundred of them, bright and translucent, drawn in the style of his birthday posters. None of the angels are the same. They either have different poses or expressions. A huge contrast to the stoic one-faced, expressionless criminals. It is obvious that someone put their time and heart into this performance.
These angels play the opening melody of 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You'. From the back of the room, Wen Yuan enters, singing the song. On the stage, there is a kids choir singing with him.
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you
You'd be like Heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much
At long last, love has arrived
And I thank God I'm alive
I love you, baby
And if it's quite alright
I need you, baby
To warm the lonely night
I love you, baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby
Don't bring me down, I pray
Oh, pretty baby
Now that I've found you, stay
And let me love you, baby
Let me love you
"My original proposal," Wei Wuxian beams at him. They didn't completely destroy my hard work."
"You gave me a hundred angels," he sighs exasperatedly, holding his breath.
"I was proposing to the best man alive. No compromise."
Lan Wangji just leans into his husband's long body because he is weak at the knees at the display of his love. Wei Wuxian supports his waist with strong and sturdy arms. He needs him to stand tall. It is always true.
The song changes, and from the left comes Lan Jingyi singing 'Sugar' by Maroon 5.
I'm hurting, baby, I'm broken down
I need your loving, loving
I need it now
When I'm without you
I'm something weak
You got me begging, begging
I'm on my knees
I don't wanna be needing your love
I just wanna be deep in your love
And it's killing me when you're away, ooh, baby,
'Cause I really don't care where you are
I just wanna be there where you are
And I gotta get one little taste
Your sugar
Yes, please
Won't you come and put it down on me?
I'm right here, 'cause I need
Little love, a little sympathy
"These are the songs that keep me going when I am without you, Lan Zhan. I am truly sorry to leave you. I understand that I am wrong. I will never ever leave you again," he whispers.
"Mn, I also need my sugar and sweet, much love and much sympathy," Lan Wangji mutters, licking his ears.
Wei Wuxian shivers, which makes him want to continue stealing affection there in the dim light.
But then another song comes from the right, with Zizhen singing 'I Don't Want To Miss A Thing' by Aerosmith.
I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away and dreaming
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure
Don't want to close my eyes
I don't want to fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you baby
And I don't want to miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you baby
And I don't want to miss a thing
"This song comes at me when I spent my night not actually sleeping next to you on your birthday. That's when I started having ideas to do this crazy performance for my proposal. It took me a long time to finish, especially when I heard you were going to inaugurate ChenQingLing on Valentine's Day. I had to sacrifice sleeping. You really didn't give me much time!"
"You were away for too long, Wei Ying. I wanted you back soon. Don't worry, I'll let you sleep for a while."
"No sleeping on our honeymoon, Sweetheart," his eyes twinkle. "Our reality is more beautiful than our dreams."
Lan Wangji really loves him.
Then, from behind almost 100 big children on the stage, a small kid shows up. It is Jin Ling singing 'Marry You', walking toward Lan Wangji.
It's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do
Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you
Is it the look in your eyes or is it this dancing juice?
Who cares, baby, I think I wanna marry you
Well, I know this little chapel on the boulevard we can go
No one will know, oh, come on girl
Who cares if we're trashed, got a pocket full of cash we can blow
Shots of patron and it's on, boy
Don't say no, no, no, no, no
Just say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
And we'll go, go, go, go, go
If you're ready, like I'm ready
Then everything stops. The hall becomes very quiet.
"This is the part where I ask you to marry me. But since it's done, let me rephrase."
He pauses, taking a step back, and seizes Lan Wangji's hand.
"Lan Zhan, will you be my Valentine?" He gives him his best smile, the smile that captured his heart years ago, the kindest one, the most beautiful smile he has ever seen.
Lan Wangji pulls him by his hand, and Wei Wuxian swirls into his embrace just like a pair of dancers.
“Forever,” he chants their unbroken vow.
“Forever,” his husband echoes.
He claims that kiss in the most romantic style, with Wei Wuxian leaning backwards on Lan Wangji's arms and him bending forward to fully submit himself to that kiss.
Again, there was a blitz everywhere, and celebratory applause fills the hall.
But to him, the man he loves most in the world is now in his arms.
He is not letting go.
***
Bonus:
The 'Untold Truths' Exclusive Special Coverage: There is a hostage situation! It seems like Wei Wuxian is going to be killed first as an example for people inside to fulfill their demands.
Updated (27 minutes ago)
A gunshot is heard from the venue. Wei Wuxian might have been dead!
Our poor beloved Prince!
Losing his boyfriend on Valentine's Day.
Be strong, Prince Lan Wangji. You'll find love again.
"Lan Zhan! Husband! Look what Su She wrote!" Wei Wuxian shows Lan Wangji. He really likes the sound of that. Husband.
They are surrounded by people who are giving them congratulatory hugs and shakes, and one of them is showing Wei Wuxian the online tabloid.
Lan Wangji furrows. He doesn't like what's written there. But his husband has another thought, it seems.
"You will bridal-carry me outside, won't you, Husband?"
"Mn." He lifts him up, and Wei Wuxian rounds his arms around his neck as they walk outside. Ah, I love my strong husband." Ok, he's got to stop saying that, or he will keep agreeing to everything he asks.
"Eh, do you want us to collect my family and friends and scold them now for pulling that stunt?" While talking nonstop, Lan Wangji notes that his husband is playing with his wedding ring. That warms his heart.
"It can wait."
"Agreed. We will wait after our honeymoon." Wei Wuxian must be very happy that he hasn't stopped his chatter.
"Where are we going?"
"Xichen Ge said your father allows us to use the private jet as a wedding gift. So anywhere. A Yu also mentioned that your passport is in my backpack along with mine and your phone."
Lan Wangji is wearing that backpack. It holds their marriage certificate, so he feels safe when he is the one keeping it.
"Where do you want to go?"
"Beach!" He answers enthusiastically.
"Mn." He already imagines him in his swimming trunks all day. It's going to be a great honeymoon.
They reach the exit, and Wei Wuxian lets go of his neck. His boneless body is heavy against his arms.
"OMG! Your Highness… I am sorry for your loss," Su Minshan is the first one to greet them outside.
He doesn't look too sincere. In fact, he has a hard time covering his grin.
Wei Wuxian jumps from his arms, and he can see Su Minshan's soul leaving his body.
"What did I tell you about opening your mouth, Su She?" he hustles.
"How come you are alive!"
"I am the head of the criminals. I threatened the King to marry me to his son!"
Su Minshan grabs the nearest policeman. Lan Wangji then notices that the venue is surrounded by police. He guesses it must have been because of the tabloid information regarding a hostage situation.
"Arrest him! He is the head criminal. He just said so!"
Lan Wangji blocks the officer and glares at Su Minshan. "Nobody touches my husband!"
"Husband?" Su Minshan stutters. It looks like he has lost all the color from his face.
A higher-ranking officer approaches them, shaking Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian's hands. "Congratulations on your wedding, Your Highness, Mr. Wei. We hope you will have a great marriage."
"Thank you, Officer."
He then instructs his subordinate, "No need to arrest Mr. Wei. It's all an act for a huge proposal! Instead, we should arrest Mr. Su for inflicting false information," the policeman says, sounding angry.
Su Minshan is even paler when he is being whisked to the nearest police car as the criminal.
"We will make sure he doesn't have any publishing rights anymore. Offline or online."
Lan Wangji nods his thanks.
"See, Lan Zhan. No need to break anybody's teeth."
"Also, as a gift from us, we will escort you to the hangar."
"Ah, please! Can we ride in the back of the police car instead? And turn on the siren all the way to the hangar?" his gremlin husband probes.
The policeman smiles in approval.
On the way to the hangar, Wei Wuxian complains that he should have asked them to be handcuffed as well. "It's a wonderful story to tell our future children and grandchildren. How I forced you to marry me in a hostage situation, and after we were married, I was arrested, and since you loved me so much, you were willing to accompany me in jail."
Wei Wuxian keeps on babbling. But Lan Wangji is lost at 'future children and grandchildren'.
"I can remedy that," Lan Wangji takes out the red scarf from his breast pocket.
Wei Wuxian gulps. His pupils are a shade darker.
"Anything you say, Husband," he answers, surrendering himself to whatever his husband has in store for him.
"Mn," he says as he blindfolds him and grips both of Wei Wuxian's hands with his one hand, creating his own set of handcuffs.
He takes a bite at the inviting neck.
It's a short distance to the hangar, but he wouldn't be denied his appetizer.
Not when this cake is too delicious.
It is their wedding day anyway.
And he plans to keep it memorable.
Unforgettable.
After all, he is holding happiness in his arms.
The one promised to him more than 16 years ago.
The one that is his for the rest of his life.
Forever.