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It was slightly cold out, the dark of the sky enhancing the chill and making the silence of the night seem all the louder. Most people were asleep at this time of night, having long since turned in for the day as was typical of the Lan Sect. Two people, however, remained awake.
Despite the hour, Wei Wuxian was happily outside, conversing with Wen Ning who was there for a visit and, unable to sleep himself, was always grateful for the company.
They had been talking for quite a while, the night bleeding away as the two friends discussed this and that, trading stories of their travels and adventures, especially those that Lan Sizhui was also involved in. It had been a while since they had last gotten to talk like this alone, but it was as if no time had passed at all, and they naturally fell into the same rhythm only those that trusted and valued each other completely could do so easily.
“What have you been up to lately, Wen Ning?” Wei Wuxian eventually asked, grinning encouragingly, “You’ve mentioned a lot of things that have happened around you in your travels, but not much that you yourself have been doing.”
“I’ve been studying lately,” Wen Ning started, the ghost of a stutter all that was left of his past shyness, “About medicine.”
“Yeah? You’d be good at it.” Wei Wuxian said it so matter of fact, and his absolute confidence in Wen Ning’s abilities always astounded the other.
Wen Ning nodded, “I’ve been picking it up here and there. I’m not that good at it at the moment, but I wanted to be able to help the people around me outside of fighting. And…I thought…”
“That it’d be nice to carry on their legacy. Her legacy.” Wei Wuxian finished for him, a wistful air enveloping them both.
“Our side of the family has always been focused on medicine, and A-Jie was the finest at it.” Suddenly, Wen Ning goes quiet, and whispers, “The texts I’ve been reading...they were written in a style I could never forget.”
Wen Ning could see that Wei Wuxian knew what he was about to say.
“I found her texts. Or, some of them.” Wen Ning looked down at his veined hands, his face as blank as ever. “A-Jie really was a genius...”
“Wuxian,” and Wei Wuxian could imagine Wen Ning’s words breaking here, full of sobs he was unable to let out, “I miss her. I miss my sister.”
Wei Wuxian silently drew him into his arms.
They remained like that, quiet and steady for a long time. Not even a tremor escaped Wen Ning’s form, yet his pain was still apparent. Not for the first time, he wished he could cry.
Wei Wuxian sat there, arms wrapped tightly around his friend who couldn’t even feel them there, as Wen Ning allowed himself to grieve. The nighttime sounds around them seemed to soften as the two bent their heads in remembrance.
Eventually, Wen Ning drew back, and the air around them seemed to be that much lighter.
Side by side now, they sat and took in the sunrise, the rays folding over the trees and dabbing their painted light through the leaves and onto the forest floor. Morning was finally making its entrance, and Wei Wuxian stretched widely with a big yawn.
“Lan Zhan will probably be awake soon.” Wei Wuxian mused fondly, eyes tired yet still bright, even brighter as he thought of his beloved husband.
“You should go to bed, Wei-Gongzi-“
Wei Wuxian lightly whacked him in the arm, “Hey now, no more “Wei-Gongzi”, remember? You can call me Wuxian, you’ve always had that right.” He smirked, “And you’ve already called me it, so why not stick with it now?”
“Ah...” Despite everything, Wen Ning was still easily embarrassed, “Okay...” And, hesitantly, “Wuxian...”
“See? Better already!” Wei Wuxian laughed, the sound reminiscent of chimes and echoing throughout their surroundings, mingling with the birds and their morning greetings.
The quiet came upon them again, not fully silent as the world slowly woke up around them, but a companionable tranquility that let them simply sit next to each other. Wen Ning was unsure of what to make of it as Wei Wuxian’s face took on a more distant expression, his teeth absentmindedly nibbling on his bottom lip. He waited, patiently as ever, for the other to reveal his thoughts.
It was a little while longer before Wei Wuxian finally opened his mouth again.
“Do you regret it, remaining here?” Wei Wuxian asked, softly. It was a question he’d asked before, but he felt it important to ask again.
“No.” Was the instant reply.
“If you ever wish to return to death, to move on-“
“I’m happy, Wuxian.” And despite there being no smile in sight, Wen Ning truly seemed so, “I’m happy to be able to help those I care about, I’m happy to travel with A-Yuan and be around to tell him about his family, I’m happy to be able to carry on my sister’s legacy...”
He nodded at Wei Wuxian, “And, I’m happy to still be here. I’m happy to be your friend.”
“Wen Ning-“
“One day I’m sure I’ll leave this strange life of mine as naturally as one like me can, but for now, I wish to stay.” Wen Ning looked away for a moment, but when he turned back, Wei Wuxian could see the determination and sincerity blazing in his dark eyes.
And if Wei Wuxian looked close enough, it was almost as if Wen Ning was smiling.
Clasping a hand on Wen Ning’s shoulder, Wei Wuxian beamed back at his dearest friend, his brother in all but blood.
“Then, I’m more than glad to have you around, and I’m happy to be your friend too.”