Chapter Text
It had been three years since Wei Wuxian had bid farewell to his dearest companion - Lan Wangji. Three years into a restful retirement, but three years of yearning. Every day, Wei Wuxian wished to see Lan Zhan - and every time he played that one song of his; he could see Lan Zhan’s face. Wei Wuxian’s brother, Jiang Cheng - Leader of the YunmengJiang Clan - had but recently allowed his return to Lotus Pier. Wei Wuxian was both relieved and concerned, as Jiang Cheng had - for many years - been brittle towards Wei Wuxian. But, with the truth coming to light most frequently - Jiang Cheng had finally come to terms with his brother.
During this time, the Cultivation World had been rejoicing upon the stable peace which had been settled at the death of the previous Chief Cultivator, Jin Guangyao. Jin Rulan, nephew to both Jiang Cheng and the deceased Chief Cultivator (and the probably hundreds of other unknown uncles) - took leadership of the LanlingJin Clan, under a new guise to bring harmony throughout the Cultivation World. Lan Xichen, Leader of GusuLan Clan had - with the help of Lan Wangji - brought an everlasting serenity to both The Cloud Recesses and the entire region. Things, at last - seemed to be all well in the eyes of the cultivators. Wei Wuxian himself even believed as such and hoped for it to last.
~~~
Wei Ying stood before the cliff of a great mountain - one which brought him many emotions. Not far from here lay Gusu - and The Cloud Recesses; a place in which he found quite a lot of boredom. He looked out across the cloud-splattered horizon before glancing at Chenqing situated at his belt. Wei Ying frowned before gingerly taking his flute and gripping it rather tightly. With a moment’s hesitation, he brought his lips to the blowhole - and his fingers rested delicately at the finger holes. He took in a breath, and pressured air through the instrument, fluttering out a gentle note. He can’t help but smile. He continued to play as the ease of the notes whistle out of Chenqing with stunning skill.
‘If I knew what the name was, Hanguang-Jun, I could fully respect such a piece.’ Wei Ying thought with a silent chuckle. Once more, Wei Ying couldn’t help but feel a sense of desire rush into his veins and pierce his heart as he thought of that stoic-faced cultivator. How silly! He shook his head before pursing his lips and carrying the tune across the valley beneath him. He couldn’t help but admire such serene nature being up upon this cascade of rock.
Suddenly, he felt a rustle as his robes trilled beneath him - and the wind that had been so delicate moments ago; almost spurred into activity. He felt something was different in the air. Then, he understood why.
“Wei Ying.” A steady yet clear voice spoke from behind him. A sparkling shiver ran up Wei Ying’s spine as he dropped his arm to his side. Slowly turning around - his face beamed and a great smile etched upon his face.
“Lan Zhan! Y-you’re here!” His voice seemed to rise quite quickly and he coughed.
Robed in the palest of snow and the fairest of blue - The Twin Jade of Gusu seemed as placid as ever, but his light eyes seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. His black hair danced in the slightest of breezes, and the ever-bound forehead ribbon of the GusuLan Clan was placed fondly above his handsome brows. His form was extravagant, with a strong yet graceful presence. Wei Ying tightened his jaw ever so slightly at seeing him once more - yet he couldn’t understand why.
“Mmn.”
‘I admit, I have missed his unhindered icy behavior.’
Wei Ying steps forward, “Hanguang-Jun, It’s been too long! Hahaha. Three years? Way too long. Do you come here often?”
Something passes Lan Zhan’s face, “Every week.”
“Every week?! I’m surprised I haven’t seen you, Lan Zhan. How strange. We’ve returned once again! How are you doing? I must admit, I’ve missed you. I’ve been stuck with Jiang Cheng - and he is even harder to handle than you! Haha!” Wei Ying laughs.
Lan Zhan’s face softens, “I am well.” The faintest of smiles can be seen upon his lips as he hears ‘I’ve missed you' from Wei Ying.
“I mostly gather basic news of happenings from Jiang Cheng, but truly - I cannot trust HIM as my credible source. How is your work with Zewu-Jun these past years?”
“...We have been training newer disciples and brother has been assisting Jin Ling with his duties to Lanling.”
Wei Ying bursts out laughing, and Lan Zhan frowns slightly. “Hahahaha! I see - I’m sorry. Yes. Just- it seems Jin Ling hasn’t retained the title of Clan Leader Jin as of yet. He is but ‘Jin Ling’. Show respect, Hanguang-Jun! Hahaha.”
Lan Zhan does not seem amused.
Regardless, Wei Ying continues. “Have you heard from Nie Huisang? I haven’t - or I guess Jiang Cheng hasn’t minded to tell me of our secretive friend.”
“QingheNie under his leadership - has become a dwelling of secrets. He has been far stricter since the death of Jin Guangyao.” He says and Wei Ying nods.
“Interesting. We’ve stayed silent on the matter for the past three years now. I cannot be sure if it will stay that way. Or what may happen if it’s uncovered.”
“The truth shall come to light eventually. Do not worry.” Lan Zhan says softly.
“Lan Zhan, I’m curious. It seems like you have something on your mind. I am your closest confidant.” Lan Zhan huffs indifferently, but Wei Ying had come to know it’s just his form of acknowledgment sometimes.
“Clan Leader Jin is holding a banquet in honor of peace at Jinlin Tower.” He explains, “He has invited you.”
Wei Ying felt a tinge of disappointment suddenly but quickly brushed it off. “Really!” His relationship with Jin Ling had improved quite a lot, and they were on friendly terms - quite affectionate to be precise. Wei Ying wanted there to be a lasting relationship between himself and his nephew; not only for a healthy family but… For shijie. “I humbly accept. I would like to see A-Ling again.”
Lan Zhan nodded once, “It is to be near the end of the month.”
‘But two weeks away!’ Wei Ying thought and smiled.
There’s a brief silence and then Lan Zhan inquires gently, “Brother wishes to see you again. Before the banquet, he has invited you to stay in Gusu.”
“Gusu? Jiang Cheng wouldn’t mind one bit. Haha. I’ll find a place to stay and I’ll go see him.”
“-At The Cloud Recesses.” Lan Zhan corrects. Wei Ying seems confused.
“At the-?”
“He has invited you to stay at The Cloud Recesses.” He says again.
Blood rushes up to Wei Ying’s face, “Oh, oh! I see. That sounds much better, no matter how boring it may be.” Wei Ying smirks, and Lan Zhan turns slightly to face a path down the mountain.
“Now? A-ah, okay.” He chuckles, and quickly steps beside Lan Zhan as they stroll down the mountain. One can notice the slightest release in tension in Lan Zhan’s shoulders as they walk rhythmically with one another. It is near midday, and the speckles of pinks and oranges begin to form upon the edge of the sky. They find themselves near the base of the mountain when Wei Ying lets out a hiss and groans. Lan Zhan snaps his head to him, “Wei Ying?” His voice is strewn with concern.
“Ahh…” Wei Ying is on the ground, holding his foot, “It’s okay. Sprained ankle. I’m usually fine walking up here. But…”
Lan Zhan swiftly kneels down and brings up a part of Wei Ying’s robes, and he flushes at his directness.
He examines his foot and accidentally glances above at the bare skin - before dropping the fold. “You cannot walk.”
“Hanguang-Juuuuun. How am I going to get to The Cloud Recesses like that? Maybe I can make a spli-” Before he can complete his sentence; Lan Zhan takes Wei Ying’s back with one arm and brings his other underneath his knees. He rises, and there, in his arms - like a fair maiden, is Wei Ying; his head unintentionally pressed against Lan Zhan’s chest.
“Lan Zhan! Wha-”
Lan Zhan begins to stride agilely down the rest of the mountain and onward into a high-grassed field. Wei Ying, as they went, could feel the warm breath of his abductor on his face. He wasn’t sure how to feel, but it wasn’t bad.
After a while longer, Wei Ying - who was fed up with the silence, “Lan Zhan, aren’t you tired? I can walk most likely.”
Nothing.
“Lan Zhan!”
“Mmn.”
“-What does that mean?”
“No walking.”
Wei Ying suddenly grasped Lan Zhan’s robes, and Lan Zhan froze only for a moment before murmuring very brokenly. “Wei Ying.”
Wei Ying himself wasn’t sure why he had done such a thing. A moment passed, and he noticed he was still holding his robe, near the neck. He dropped his hands, “S-sorry, Lan Zhan. Haha.”
Lan Zhan quickly continued forward - motioning the silence once more. Wei Ying looked forward, trying to keep his gaze anywhere but Lan Zhan’s chest. The natural world around them was breathtaking. Wei Ying couldn’t help but take a long breath of fresh air. The murmur of leaves moved around them, and the beauty was near and far. Two pretty snow doves fluttered overhead, their wings beating in rhythm, the tips touching ever so slightly. Wei Ying grins, “How elegant.”
Lan Zhan gazes at the two birds as they pass, his eyes sparkling and mouth slightly agape in awe. He looks back down as they disappear from view and starts out once more. He delicately shifts his arms to a more comfortable position, Wei Ying shifts with him. Soon, they met a small trail that led down past a quiet bamboo forest and into The Cloud Recesses of Gusu.