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Chapter Text

Soulmates can be enemies too.

It was a hard lesson that Wei Wuxian learnt every single day, for eight years, after abdicating from the Jiang Clan. He had just wanted to live peacefully with the Wens, but no. The Chief Cultivator, the esteemed Hanguang Jun, would never leave him alone. Especially after having told him that they were lifelong companions.

It all started with the Jin Clan forcing the Wens to submit unconditionally to non - violence, by prohibiting them from ever manufacturing or using weapons. Cultivation was forbidden too. Although Jin Guangyao and Jin Guangshan had already died, the Lans, who took over as leading Sect after them, still kept up this part of the agreement. When Wei Wuxian brought up the topic of the young blood in the Clan and their potential talent with the Lans, the children were whisked away to Gusu, for ‘correctional studies’.

To Wei Wuxian’s horror, Lan Wangji had even taken away his beloved A-Yuan. It was painful, to say the least. Since the tragedy of Koi Tower, Wei Wuxian would be driven insane by the resentment every single night, with no rest for him. His temperament began to worsen, and he almost attacked the next envoy that came to the Burial Mounds.

After repeated incidents, it was discovered that Wei Wuxian’s weak psyche enabled his powers to drive him to the brink of killing and destruction as a form of self- defense. By then, Lan Wangji had taken over as Chief Cultivator. As the strongest cultivator in the Cultivation world, it naturally fell upon him to control this untamed, delirious madman.

The solution to Wei Wuxian’s problem was an influx of strong, pure energy every time the spirits tried to take over, coupled with mind cleansing music. And who would be more qualified to do that than the Chief Cultivator? So began the regular visits of the Chief Cultivator to the Yiling Patriarch.

Now, it was no secret at all how much the two men despised each other. Wei Wuxian displayed open hostility towards Lan Wangji, and the latter was just barely concealing his own resentment. However, Lan Wangji was a responsible man, more concerned with the greater good, than his own needs. Even though the presence of the Yiling Patriarch annoyed him, he would still go to help Wei Wuxian every night, when the dark energy was the strongest.

Thus, a delicate balance was maintained. Soon, Lan Wangji realised that Wei Wuxian was less likely to get nightmares and lose control if A-Yuan was nearby as well, so he would drag the poor boy with him every time he went to treat the Yiling Patriarch.

One evening, the Chief Cultivator arrived, but to the surprise of onlookers, he wasn’t alone: with him came carts full of jewels, silks, luxury items, and more. Such opulence hadn’t been seen in the Wen camp for eight years, so everyone came out to look. The loud noises of the crowd disturbed Wei Wuxian, who was tinkering with a compass in his forge. He stepped out, groaning.

“Why is it so noisy? Is someone getting married?”

To his surprise, his sister was in front of the carts, looking distressed. “You are, A-Xian.”

Wei Wuxian took a moment to register what he had just heard. Then he burst out into laughter. “Jie, you’re hilarious! Thank you for the goods, and it’s so nice to see you. But you aren’t allowed to be here. Why don’t you go back, and take the goods with you? It’s not good for Madam Jin to be connected to the Yiling Patriarch.”

Yanli seemed to want to say something, but a man spoke from behind her: “Not the Jin clan. The Lan clan.”

Hanguang Jun stepped out from behind Jiang Yanli, and Wei Wuxian’s face instantly went from the picture of loveliness to a condescending sneer.

‘Why would the great Hanguang Jun want to help us? What ulterior motives could he have? Oh, a marriage, right? So you like a Wen girl from our camp and want to marry her?”

“Yiling Laozu.” The bitterness in Lan Wangji’s voice was evident.

“Do what you want. I won’t interfere, as long as you take the woman willingly. As a member of the Lan Clan, at least that much is expected.”

Lan Wangji looked exasperated.

“It is not for a lady. It is for you.”

Time seemed to stop, as Wei Wuxian used his entire mental capacity to comprehend what he had just heard. “Come again?”

“Yiling Laozu, Wei Wuxian, you have been sanctioned a marriage by the Chief Cultivator.”

“But that’s you!”

“Mn.”

Looking Lan Wangji in the eye, Wei Wuxian questioned, “Fine, and who’s the poor person who must face the dishonor of marrying me?”

“Me.” His expression remained neutral, and any hope that Wei Wuxian held flew right out of the window. Heck, it even escaped town.

Lan Wangji said it like it was nothing, but the barely disguised hatred in his tone was implied. The crowd began to whisper amongst themselves. After all, most of the gossip of the Cultivation world was centered around these two figures, who represented wildly contrasting ideals and existences.

Wei Wuxian’s head spun as he tried to make sense of his situation. “Why am I, Wei Wuxian, marrying you, the Chief Cultivator, due to an order passed by you?”

“Your nightmares are getting worse. I can’t live here, so you must stay with me at all times, for safety.”

Wei Wuxian wanted to snipe back at him, but he couldn’t say anything.

“Whose idea was this?”

“The Lan elders.”

“And who will take care of the Wens?” Wei Wuxian asked, extending an arm, indicating the people surrounding them. The crowd hushed, anxiously anticipating an answer.

Jiang Yanli interrupted their loud dialogue with a polite smile.

“Me. A- Xian, Zixuan gifted me this piece of land. If only you let me, I will lead the Wens. Of course, that also means that the Jin Clan will provide for them, and help with taking care of them. However, the condition is that you agree to marry the Chief Cultivator.”

Wei Wuxian was brewing with rage. However, if he thought about it carefully, he could tell that this was a great outcome for the Wens. It would not only drastically improve their standard of living, Wei Wuxian also could be sure that they were in safe hands. The only problem was getting married. Why should he?

Lan Wangji interrupted his train of thoughts: “Don’t worry. After you are fine, you may dissolve the marriage at any time. For now, you are required to agree to being my husband.”

Lan Wangji handed him a scroll. He opened it, to find a letter of betrothal.

Wei Wuxian swallowed down his pride and anger and forced a smile onto his face. He spoke through gritted teeth. “Since you seem to have my family’s consent, from today on, we are betrothed, Hanguang Jun.”

Just then, a little plump boy ran out from one of the Lan Carriages.

“Xian Gege!”

A-Yuan was ten years old by now, a healthy yet baby-faced boy. He ran straight towards Wei Wuxian and hugged him.

“Does this mean you’ll come back with us?”

“Not yet. I will go with you when I marry Hanguang Jun.”

“Mn. Sizhui, go and play with your granny.” Lan Wangji said in a strict but slightly softer tone.

The boy bounded off, not caring about anything in the world except the happiness that being with his Xian Gege brought him.

“His name is Wen Yuan. Why do you call him Sizhui?”

“Sizhui is his courtesy name.”

Wei Wuxian gritted his teeth. Oh, how he hated this man!

***

Chapter Text

Hanguang Jun was tired.

When the Yiling Patriarch began to have nightmares and wreak havoc everywhere, it meant more paperwork for him. Especially since Jin Guangshan and Jin Guangyao had just died under mysterious circumstances, leaving the position of Chief Cultivator unoccupied. Nie Mingjue refused, Jiang Cheng said he was too busy restoring his clan and Jin Zixuan wanted to focus on his wife while dealing with the repercussions of the Carp Tower tragedy.

That left Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji. His brother was too preoccupied with the leading position of the Lan Clan, so the responsibility fell to Lan Wangji. In accordance with the elders’ wishes, he ascended to the position of Chief Cultivator, envied and revered by all.

At 20, he was saddled with the affairs of the Clans, solving disputes and reversing the effects of the war they had just experienced.

Around that time, the scouts in Yiling sent word about the Yiling Patriarch’s insanity. It had already been visible to everyone during the tragedy. Since the Lan Clan specialised in musical cultivation and treating those with mental issues, it naturally fell upon them to help curb this impending threat. Thus, after much discussion, Lan Wangji was chosen as the one who would help Wei Wuxian with his problems, for the safety of the cultivation world.

That was how Lan Wangji ended up frequenting the Burial Mounds on a daily basis. At first, he would be accompanied by an entourage, to ensure his safety, but now that the Yiling Patriarch’s hostility was low, they only rarely accompanied Hanguang Jun.

It had become a part of his day-to-day life. He would even take along Lan Sizhui, who could calm down the Yiling Patriarch’s anger, due to the depth of their connection. Every day he met and fought with the Yiling Patriarch, who disdained him and sneered at him publicly. And after that he had to go back to Gusu and handle the paperwork, the discussions and the schooling of the students. He was exhausted.

Then suddenly Wei Wuxian’s temperament began to worsen despite the daily treatments. His powers were becoming more and more bloodthirsty, and even Lan Wangji found it difficult to control the man without being present at all times. Therefore, the Lan elders, under the advice from Lan Xichen, decided to have Lan Wangji marry Wei Wuxian, while also ensuring with the help of Jiang Yanli that the Wens would never rebel again.

Lan Wangji personally thought the solution was rational, yet he felt uneasy and had his doubts. In his position, having such a wife was not only unconventional, this arrangement also practically forced Wei Wuxian into a marriage with him. Even though the Yiling Patriarch was becoming a bigger threat by the day, should he be treated like that?

Unfortunately for him, everything was already decided. So he took the betrothal gifts, chosen by the Lan clans elders, with him, ready to hear the Yiling Patriarch’s snide remarks and rejection.

However, it turned out to be simpler than he had expected. Wei Wuxian was suspiciously nonviolent about it, and agreed only after a short discussion. Maybe the marriage wasn’t that unacceptable to him.

But as soon as Jiang Yanli left, Wei Wxuian began throwing a tantrum, loudly making everyone stare at him.

"Hanguang Jun! You have some guts to just show up here like this! I'm only marrying you for the Wens, nothing else!"

"Mn."

"Good that you know. And don't you forget it! Now I feel sick from this whole craziness, the audacity! Come, do your duty, make it go away."

Wei Wuxian stormed off dramatically, and Lan Wangji soon followed. The crowd kept talking about how both of them were pitiful, having to put up with and even marry someone whom they hated so much.

By the time Lan Wangji left the next day, the news had already spread far and wide: "The Yiling Patriarch and the Chief Cultivator are being forced into a marriage. It is a great shame for the Lan Clan, that the Lan Er Furen is a necromancer. However, the Lan Clan is doing this only to protect the rest of the Clans and their people from the Yiling Patriarch's deranged mania."

The common folks felt equally excited and sympathetic. The most powerful cultivator in the world with an unfathomably rich family was getting married, but it was to the person he hated the most. How unfortunate that all his power couldn't protect him from that fate! It was truly the ultimate source of gossip.

Since then the energy between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian slowly changed. Before, Wei Wuxian was openly hostile towards Lan Wangji, screaming at him and throwing things occasionally, but now he managed to control himself more, by only glaring at him and making faces behind his back. It was as if he was actually considerate?

While their marriage approached, Lan Wangji was extremely busy with preparations, since Wei Wuxian couldn’t do it himself. He had Jiang Yanli helping him, but she was preoccupied with her son and newborn daughter. Of course, Lan Wangji would still make sure he went to meet Wei Wuxian every night, and kept him company to help reduce his mental trauma.

However, a problem he couldn't have predicted came up. It seemed that there were not one, but two Tortoises of Slaughter. The one that Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji killed in their youth was a mother, and the child had surfaced on the borders of the Nie Clan, injuring a majority of their forces.

On Nie Mingjue's request for reinforcements, Lan Wangji had to leave for the battlefield, despite the fact that he had so much on his plate already. This was also because his brother was a guest in the Nie Clan at this time, and he worried for him.

That night was the first time Lan Wangji did not make it in time to the Burial Mounds. In fact, he didn't come at all that night. In the moonless night, it was truly a sorrowful absence, one filled with restlessness and anxiety.

Fortunately, Hanguang Jun had dropped Sizhui at the Burial Mounds the day before, just in case. Due to A-Yuan's presence, Wei Wuxian just stopped short of losing all coherence to the pain. However, his powers escaped his control, and tendrils of energy began curling up all around the Burial Mounds, threateningly protecting.

If on this night anyone would have taken a closer look, they could have seen that Wei Wuxian’s face, distorted by agony, was still more worried than furious, but who was awake in the middle of the night and brave enough to get so close to the Yiling Patriarch when his powers were out of control like that?

Just as dawn arrived, a blood-covered Lan Wangji made his way into the Burial Mounds, limping and exhausted. He walked into Wei Wuxian's cave, and was met by a shouting and angry Wei Wuxian, who was irritable because of the power’s drain.

“You… you promised! What took you so long? Did you really take care out there? Did you even consider what will happen to me, if you don't come back? Why are you bleeding so much?"

“Not mine.”

Wei Wuxian huffed, “Wouldn’t know till we check, would we? This is a nightmare. How could you do this to me?”

He forced himself to calm down and helped to fix up Lan Wangji's wounds.

“There. You’re good to go, but I suggest you sleep here for the night. How can anyone let you leave while you’re in this state?”

“Mn.”

The next day, they were found fast asleep next to each other.

Of course, the person who found out was none other than Wen Qing, who knew better than to say anything. She had been away with her brother for the past few weeks, but after finding out about Wei Wuxian's wedding, the two had rushed back as soon as they could.

And so the entire Cultivation World heard of the incident where Yiling Laozu almost repeated the incident from eight years ago, until Lan Wangji came at the last minute and stopped him, as he had done before. Every listener shared the same sentiment, 'Ah, they should get married sooner for our safety.'

Chapter Text

Lan Jingyi was bored. Approaching his teens at a rapid pace, he was an outstanding example - an outstanding example of how NOT to be a Lan.

He had begun his life by being one of the loudest babies to be born to the main branch of the Lan Clan, and as he grew up he wasn’t exactly the role model Lan he should have been. Maybe it was because of his father’s mischievous temperament or his mother’s overly patient and sweet nature, Lan Jingyi was breaking rules left, right and center.

Then came Lan Sizhui. He was four years old when the elders made him play with the latter, in hopes that Sizhui’s calm temperament would rub off on Jingyi. It did not. Lan Jingyi continued to be a brat, with the exception that he was engaged while he played with Sizhui and therefore couldn't make much trouble.

As they were growing up Lan Jingyi was under the impression that Hanguang Jun was Sizhui’s father. Sometimes, little Sizhui’s tongue would slip when he spoke about Hanguang Jun, calling him A-Die. Other times, he would call him Hanguang Jun in a formal way.

Jingyi had also seen how Hanguang Jun and Sizhui often left together at night, Sizhui carrying along some or the other trinket which he hid in Hanguang Jun’s Qiankun pouch. Irrespective of the size of the trinket, it would fit right in. Jingyi was very fascinated by the pouch, while also being extremely curious about where the two went every night.

But that wasn’t even all of it: Hanguang Jun and Sizhui always returned before the break of dawn, as if they were thieves or spies. What was it that they were hiding? Where did they go every night? He was so curious that he almost asked Sizhui, but upon realizing how guarded he was about the topic, he kept quiet.

However, there came a point where he couldn’t hold his curiosity anymore. He had just turned eleven that year, and he heard from his parents that Hanguang Jun was getting married to the Yiling Patriarch. By now he knew almost everything about Sizhui, including the fact that Hanguang Jun was his adoptive father. But still he had not found an explanation about the late night rendezvous he had seen so often, what they meant and where the two were going. Not knowing bugged him immensely and robbed him of his sleep regularly, trying to think of scenarios and reasons for this secretive behaviour.

Finally, tonight, Jingyi was going to solve this mystery! He snuck away from his house under the cover of the night, carefully avoiding the traps and alarm talismans his father had laid out for him (if not for those, Lan Jingyi would have solved this mystery a long time ago). He found his way to the Jingshi and, while no one was looking, he jumped into Hanguang Jun’s Qiankun bag.

It was a weird feeling, as if he was floating in nothing. Around him were sets of clothes, some jewels, a few books, money, and some carrots. There were also talismans and a bouquet of flowers? He was unsure about this strange collection, but he supposed that the weirdest item of the collection right now was an eleven year old boy who had snuck into said bag, therefore leaving him no room to judge.

Soon, he could feel the entire space shake. They were finally on the move. His heart started to pound even more, excitement flooding him of finally revealing this secret. But he had to wait and be patient, until they reached their destiny.

The whole trip was more or less silent, save for the conversations between Sizhui and Hanguang Jun. They seemed to be talking about all kinds of things, from cultivation to pet rabbits to Hanguang Jun’s upcoming marriage. Though Hanguang Jun didn’t generally talk much, he seemed to enjoy talking to the young boy and spoke to him kindly. Jingyi was a little jealous of Sizhui, for being able to talk to the most important man of the Cultivation World and Jingyi’s idol so carefree. Every time Lan Jingyi spoke to Hanguang Jun, he would freeze up and forget how to talk properly, stammering and stuttering around nervously, never being able to show his intellect and cleverness.

With the calm lull of voices outside and the rhythmic swaying of the bag, Lan Jingyi fell asleep. He dreamt of having a proper conversation with the great Hanguang Jun and of making his parents proud by killing a dragon and of… Sizhui? But they were hugging? And Sizhui was looking so pretty? Jingyi chose not to dwell upon that, and enjoyed crushing his shorter friend in a bear hug.

All good things must end though, and Lan Jingyi woke up to an utter silence. Literally. The absence of sound scared him terribly. Holding his breath, that seemed too loud in this silence, he quickly found the opening of the bag and jumped out. He now was in a dark cupboard. Just a little bit of light came through the door cracks, showing him that in this cupboard were Hanguang Jun’s outer robes and sword. But wait, wasn’t it unsafe for the Chief Cultivator to be without a weapon? Shouldn't he have it by his side at all times?

Now that he was out of the bag, he realized that he could also hear the sounds outside the cupboard. Muffled ghostly howling and wailing sent shivers down his spine and rooted him in the cupboard for a bit longer. Did Hanguang Jun exorcise spirits with Sizhui every night? It was strange and it made no sense. Lan Jingyi decided that his stint was up, so he breathed in deep to steel himself and then slowly pushed open the door of the cupboard to step out.

He found himself in a dimly lit cave with sparse furnishing and a huge bed in the middle, which was surprisingly luxurious for its surroundings. Two figures were on the bed, intertwined. They seemed to be.. kissing?! One of them was only wearing his innermost robe, half laying, half sitting on the bed, grabbing and pulling the other person's collar, who looked suspiciously like Hanguang Jun, kneeling on the bed over the other. Hanguang Jun's hair was surprisingly in disarray and hid both men's faces. A low soft sigh was heard, when their bodies pressed together even more, the two completely unaware of Jingyi standing there, blushing furiously.

Lan Jingyi let out an audible gasp, before he could slap his hands in front of his mouth to silence himself. Had he just caught the Chief Cultivator having an affair? His head reeled as he thought about the Yiling Laozu getting cheated on by the most loyal man of their Clan. Maybe the marriage pressure got to Hanguang Jun? After all, being married off to a serial killer wasn’t easy. In that split second, Lan Jingyi decided to keep his mouth shut about this forever. He even pitied Hanguang Jun a little.

Meanwhile, the two men on the bed had heard the teen’s gasp, whirled around and, seeing him, they hurried to close and straighten their clothes. Hanguang Jun was calm, yet fast, the other man however kept cursing and yelping while struggling to collect himself.

Hanguang Jun sat up straight, asking sternly, “Lan Jingyi. How did you get here?”

As Lan Jingyi sweated nervously, he spoke, “H-Hanguang Jun, I’m so s-sorry! I j-just wanted to see where you and Sizhui g-go every night!”

The other man suddenly jumped up from the bed and walked up to him leisurely, and with a pleasant smile, his hair disheveled and robes still hanging a bit loosely. “A little Lan? Is he a relative of yours, Lan Zhan?”

“Mn. Cousin’s son. Sizhui’s best friend.”

The pretty man laughed, while looking down on him. “A mischievous Lan! How sweet! How did you manage to come here, little one?”

Lan Jingyi was momentarily stunned by the person speaking to him. “Um, Qiankun-”

“Ingenious! Did you really manage to fit inside the bag? How did you do it? Can you show me?” Then, smirking and with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, he looked towards Hanguang Jun and smiled coyly. “Maybe you could carry me with you sometime?”

Lan Jingyi ignored the man for a moment, looking straight at Hanguang Jun, “Sir, I promise I will never let anyone know what happened here, especially the Yiling Patriarch. You have the Lan word of honor.”

The pretty man frowned playfully. “That would be a problem, little one."

“Um, why?"

“Because I am the Yiling Patriarch."

***

Chapter Text

8 YEARS AGO

"Who cares about the crowded, broad road? I’ll walk the single-plank bridge into the night…"

Lan Wangji's heart dropped as Wei Wuxian and Wen Yuan walked away from him, hand in hand, while Wei Wuxian hummed to himself, skipping down the small trampled road into the burial mounds. Looking at their backs, the two of them looked perfect together, like father and son. Lan Wangji ached to be with them. Just then his internal instincts overtook his restraint and something in him just snapped.

Suddenly, before he could realise or even stop it, he was running towards them, taking only a few strides to catch up to them. Before his constraints could kick back in, he already had grabbed onto Wei Wuxian's other hand, palms clammy, falling into step with them. Even though it was only a short distance and running didn't require him much strength, he now was miraculously out of breath, adrenaline rushing straight to his head.

"Short of money. May I stay the night?"

Wei Wuxian was momentarily stunned, he looked at Lan Wangji, mouth wide open, then at their intertwined hands. But after just a few moments of surprise and wonder his face broke out into a brilliant smile. "Of course. We would love it if you did."

And so they went back to the Burial Mounds, together. Yes, Lan Wangji would have to leave at some point, he knew that, he knew his responsibilities. But he could and would not abandon Wei Wuxian, not now, when the whole world hated him. 

"Wei Ying."

"Yes, Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian didn't even move his head, just watching the road ahead. 

"I'm here."

Wei Wuxian needed to know that he wasn't alone. He would never be alone again, as long as Lan Wangji lived. Even if Wei Wuxian hated him, Lan Wangji would still love the man with the ferocity of a thousand suns.

Wei Wuxian simply nodded without an answer or reaction, but he had a skip in his step for the rest of their way. 

As they came closer and closer a small problem arose when Wei Wuxian returned with Lan Wangji in tow. There was no place in the Burial Mounds good enough to host a Clan Heir, much less for him to spend the night.

"Ah, Lan Zhan… do you mind sharing the Demon Subdue Palace with me? It's shabby, but we can clean it up!"

"Mn. I'll help." He did not care about a fancy room or other amenities, as long as he could stay close to Wei Wuxian. 

And so the two men got to work, fixing up the cave. While Wei Wuxian picked up all his inventions and talismans strewn everywhere, Lan Wangji helped by sweeping and cleaning everything. Then he started placing a bed on the ground (Wei Wuxian wanted to ask why Lan Wangji carried a bed in his Qiankun bag, but he suspected it had something to do with the Lan bedtime). 

"Aiyoh, I don't intend to make my guest work so hard. Lan Zhan, we'll drag the bed together, no need to hurt yourse-..."

Wei Wuxian shut up as he saw Lan Wangji lift the bed with the ease of lifting a child, carrying it over into a corner. 

Wei Wuxian's eyes became bigger while he exclaimed jokingly, "My, what arm strength! You could probably lift both me and A- Yuan in those strong arms."

"Mn. I can." Lan Wangji responded, completely serious.

"I'm joking of course! Come, let's put up a partition here so no one can peek in."

After successfully cleaning up the room, they lay down on the bed after shedding down to their night robes.

"Lan Zhan."

"Mn?"

Wei Wuxian turned on his back and moved his head, to stare at Lan Wangji’s side profile. The moonlight illuminated the man, making him look like an ice sculpture.

"Thank you. For standing by me and scolding me, for being honest, for being you. I know it's hard for you too, but after living with the Wens in the Burial Mounds I really can't go back to Yunmeng. They're my charge now. I will protect them with my life."

"And I will protect you, Wei Ying. If you let me."

“You can’t. Lans don’t side with evil and unrighteousness.”

“Right? Wrong? Who decides these? I need to follow my heart.”

Wei Wuxian felt his pulse quicken.

“Then where does your heart lie, Lan Zhan?” he asked, the tremble in his voice almost too small to hear. 

“With you.” came the answer as honest and stern, as the one before. 

Wei Wuxian felt the blood flow to his face and almost had to hide under the blanket, but Lan Wangji wasn’t done.

“I believe in your cause. I will support you.”

Oh, that way. Of course, the kind Hanguang Jun wouldn’t want to see innocents die. Nothing more. Why was he feeling so disappointed?

“Wei Ying?”

“Mhm?”

“Promise me. Don’t push me away." At the end of his plea Lan Wangji wanted to say 'again'. But to not hurt Wei Wuxian by bringing it up, he left it stuck in his throat and mind.

Again with the ambiguous wording? Lan Wangji, aren't there rules against such things? Why does he make my heart stop like that every time? He needs to stop doing that! 

Regaining his thoughts, he tried to answer Lan Wangji honestly, “I - I won't." He hoped his voice cracking wasn't audible to the other. 

Seemingly satisfied, Lan Wangji turned around to face Wei Wuxian. The latter gasped quietly, seeing the man’s features so close to him, his eyes glinting in low candle light. He truly was a peerless beauty, second to none in the Cultivation World.

“Good night, Wei Ying.”

“Good night to you too, Lan Zhan.”

***

“Wei Gege! Wake up! We have eggs!”

Wei Wuxian woke up to a three year old jumping onto him. The weight propelled him backwards, straight into the mattress.

“Aiyah, A-Yuan! Man down! Ouch! Stop!”

The three year old started jumping around on the bed, not allowing Wei Wuxian to catch him and hold him still. Wei Wuxians eyes adjusting to the light were relieved shortly after by the shadow of Lan Wangji, who had walked into the room after A-Yuan, holding a tray with plates and small bowls.

“Breakfast, ” he stated calmly.

Wei Wuxian sat up, caught hold of the flailing little boy, pulling him into his lap and tickling his belly deftly, causing him to burst into laughter.

“So active, so early in the morning, huh? Let this Gege teach you a lesson!”

A-Yuan giggled happily. “Gege, eggs!”

True enough, the plates had some fried eggs and rice on them, there was soup and fried vegetables as well. It was quite the sumptuous meal, something Wei Wuxian could only dream of in their current state in the burial mounds. He frowned in suspicion.

“Lan Wangji, did you buy these for us? There’s no need to be so charitable. We can manage on our own. Especially considering that you're short of money.”

“Didn't buy. Traded.”

“Huh?”

Lan Wangji sat down, putting the tray with the dishes on the bed. A-Yaun jumped off of Wei Wuxian’s lap and ran to sit next to Lan Wangji, obediently staring at him.

“Wash up. I’ll tell you then.”

Wei Wuxian looked at him questioningly for a short moment, but when there was no sign of Lan Wangji changing his mind, he got up and left the cave. On the way, he saw the Wens laughing and eating. Everyone looked less haggard and more energetic than they usually did. Wen Qing walked up to Wei Wuxian with a small smirk on her lips.

“Wei Wuxian, you slept in today? Good. With how much sleep and food you were getting, you were one foot in the grave, and this is the Burial Mounds too. It seems having Second Young Master Lan stay wasn’t such a bad idea.”

Suddenly, Wei Wuxian realised the height of the sun and therefore the already advanced time of day. Had he slept for more than ten hours? This was unprecedented. Usually, Wei Wuxian slept for a couple of hours at night, spending the rest of his time tending to Wen Ning or tinkering with some new inventions.

Oh right, just then he remembered that Wen Ning had woken up just yesterday. The exhaustion and excitement from that event, combined with Lan Wangji’s close presence, had apparently made him sleep like a dead man. Or something similar.

“Where’s Wen Ning?”

“Gone to Yiling. Why don’t you go back and ask the Young Master in your bed?” She winked at him, not so subtly.

“Hey! So what?” His face was turning red, but he refused to let Wen Qing misunderstand.

“He's just a guest! And my good friend!”

“Sure. Have fun fooling around!”

She skipped off, to do who knows what. Wei Wuxian scoffed at her back, but then returned to the matter at hand, washing up and going back, to find A-Yuan being fed by Lan Wangji. The scene was so homely that Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but sigh loudly.

“Ah, Lan Zhan, look at you, you would make an amazing father.”

He sat next to the man, and opened his mouth. Puffing his cheeks out like a baby, he pouted.

“Feed me too!”

Unexpectedly, he found a spoon of rice and eggs in his mouth. Lan Wangji, having fed his big baby focused on the three year old again. Wei Wuxian ate his food, smiling.

Since Lan Wangji had come back with him, he felt like he was happier, more carefree. He knew he could rely on the man, so he unwittingly let his guard down.

“Now tell me how we got eggs.”

“From hens, Wei Gege!”

Wei Wuxian resisted the urge to laugh as he put on his stern face.

“Very good, A-Yuan." Lan Wangji lightly petted the little boy on the shoulder, then lifted his eyes back to Wei Wuxian, adding, "Wei Ying, the Wens grow radish. They traded it.”

“With whom? Last I checked, no one wanted to trade with us. They even tried to chase us out of Yiling the first time. ”

“A Lan Disciple who lives here. He’s opened an inn. If you trade vegetables with him, he’ll give you money or produce.”

“Are you sure you aren't coercing him?”

“He needs the vegetables. Wen Ning and Uncle Four went to make a deal.”

Wei Wuxian was silent for a while, as Lan Wangji looked at him, expecting a response.

“Thank you. We owe you.”

“You owe me nothing.”

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji had asked his brother to come to Yunmeng as soon as possible. Within a couple of days, Lan Wangji received notice that Xichen was in Yiling waiting for them to meet. As soon as he received the notice he got ready to leave.

"Wei Ying, I have to go."

Wei Wuxian's heart dropped into his stomach. Over the past few days, Lan Wangji's presence was his sole source of happiness and gave him a feeling of security. Although he was aware that the man would have to leave at some point, he had held on to a faint sliver of hope, praying that Lan Wangji would stay with him.

"I guess this is goodbye, then? Thank you so much for having stayed and helping us so much, Lan Zhan, it's-"

"No! I'll be back in the evening." Lan Wangji hastened to tell him.

"Oh, ah, eh, okay then! See you in a bit!"

Wei Wuxian brightened up, and smiled at Lan Wangji. His heart went back to its normal pace. So he was only temporarily stepping out. What a relief. Though a part of him was wondering why he was so emotionally reliant on the other man, he chose to ignore it.

Lan Wangji walked out of the cave with Wei Wuxian and was ambushed by a wild A-Yuan.

"Rich Gege! Me too! Take me!"

"A-Yuan, he has work. Why don't you play with me?"

"No! Rich Gege, please?"

Wei Wuxian was about to scold the boy when Lan Wangji scooped him up in his arms and began walking towards the gate.

"Lan Zhan, wait! Are you seriously taking him with you?"

"He wants to go."

Wei Wuxian burst out laughing. "Why do you pamper him so? You're going to spoil him rotten, then leave me to take care of him."

Lan Wangji turned to Wei Wuxian, and, with full seriousness, looked into his eyes.

"Wei Ying. I won't leave you two."

His heart clenched at that. Lan Wangji's promises were reliable, yet why did his heart feel so?

"Haha okay. But still, won't he be in your way?"

"Never."

With that, A-Yuan and Lan Wangji walked off, leaving Wei Wuxian with somehow rosy cheeks and deep thoughts.

Lan Wangji and A-Yuan arrived at the Lan Disciple's inn and were led to a quiet side room, where the older Lan brother sat patiently.

"Wangji. Good to see you. And who is this young man?" Lan Xichen asked, with a smile on his face, raising an eyebrow at the sight of his brother carrying an unknown young child in his arms.

"Smiling Rich Gege! There are two Rich Geges!" A-Yuan called looking between the two men's faces incredulously. The Twin Jades of Lan truly lived up to their names.

Lan Xichen was amused at the title. "Rich Gege?"

"Mn! Rich Gege buys me all the toys and candies I want!"

"He is Wei Ying's ward." Lan Wangji put A-Yuan down, then elegantly sat down across from his brother and bowed his head in greeting.

"What a sweet child." Lan Xichen turned to A-Yuan, pulling out a candy from his sleeve.

"What is your name, young man?"

A-Yuan liked being called a young man. He puffed up his chest and said, "My name is Wen Yuan." Then, copying the greeting Lan Wangji had taught him, he curtsied to Lan Xichen. He was a little wobbly, but he did his best, to the capacity of his tiny hands and short legs.

Lan Xichen was shocked to hear his surname, but he didn't show it.

"My, how proper of you! A fine young man we have here. Would you like to go play with the puppies that are in the main hall?"

"Yes! Wei Gege never lets me play with puppies, he says they're evil…"

Lan Xichen called for one of the waitresses to take A-Yuan out, then fully diverted his attention towards his baby brother, who got to the point right away.

"I need your help."

"What is it, Wangji?"

"I have a plan."

"To help Young Master Wei?"

"Mn."

"Will it go against Lan Rules?"

"Slightly."

Lan Xichen sighed. "Can I dissuade you, then?"

"No."

"Fine. Go on."

Lan Wangji's plan was simple. The Wens would be portrayed as they were, powerless and feeble, while they would make up a story about Wei Wuxian and his powers going awry.

To help him, the Lan Clan would benevolently send Lan Wangji, who would get to meet and take care of Wei Wuxian everyday. Meanwhile, they would also trade with the Wens, so they could sustain themselves.

The plan wasn't too complex, but the problem was that the Lan Clan didn't lie.

"Are you sure, Wangji? I don't want you to be hurt at the end of all this."

"Won't be."

"Well then. I will always stand by you."

Afterwards, the Lan brothers continued talking for a while. Even A-Yuan returned and fell asleep on Wangji's lap. They spoke of Jin Guangshan's incapability as a Chief Cultivator, and how he was treating Meng Yao atrociously. Rumours had it, he had another bastard locked away in Koi Tower. Xichen also told Wangji about how the Lan Clan elders were hoping the Chief Cultivator would be someone morally upright, not a crude, lascivious man.

Xichen planned to stay in the inn for the night, and A-Yuan slept peacefully for hours at an end in the comfort of his Rich Gege's lap, so the two men did not realise the time. Around eight in the night, Lan Wangji picked up a yawning baby in his arms and flew back to Yiling.

Chapter Text

After Lan Wangji left, Wei Wuxian was lost. Sure, he knew not to be too dependent on the man, but it felt like his anchor to reality was lost. This resulted in him having a perpetual bad mood.

Wen Qing observed this, and said, "Wei Wuxian. We need to go trade the radish today. Will you join Wen Ning?"

Maybe it would be a good change of pace, Wei Wuxian thought. He helped cart up all the radishes and sat on the cart, which Wen Ning began to drag.

"Young Master Wei."

"Mhm?"

"Do you miss Young Master Lan?"

Wei Wuxian momentarily stopped biting on his tanghulu.

"WHAAAT? NONONO NO! Why would you even think that?"

"Right? But you look like an abandoned puppy. Is anything the matter?"

Wei Wuxian was stumped. Was he that obvious?

"I just miss home." A half truth. He missed how Lan Wangji made him feel at home. The fear that he wouldn't return was ever present, strangling Wei Wuxian's heart.

Wen Ning kept quiet for the rest of the trip. Just as they were reaching the inn, Wei Wuxian was lifted off the cart and pulled into a corner, his mouth muffled.

"It's me! Ouch- Don't bite me, you dog!"

"Jiang Cheng?!"

"Who else?"

Before him stood his younger brother, in the flesh. Seeing him made Wei Wuxian ecstatic.

"Wen Ning! Go trade at the inn and then meet me back here!"

Without waiting to hear Wen Ning's response, Jiang Cheng dragged Wei Wuxian off.

"You really did it, Wei Wuxian. You really resurrected a dead man. You're insane, man."

"Ouch- ow- ouch- not- that hurts! Be gentle!"

"Shut up. I'm only here because someone specifically requested it." Jiang Cheng huffed, looking annoyed.

"And who is that?"

Just then, they arrived at a door. Jiang Cheng pushed it open, to reveal the back of a woman in red wedding clothes.

"S-Shijie?"

She turned around. Jiang Yanli, at that moment, looked like she descended from Heaven.

Her inner robes were embroidered with golden lotuses, while her outside mid-length robe featured the peony. It was all brought together by a net sash, and the skirt was light, yet elegant.

"A-Xian, how do I look?"

A tear had escaped Wei Wuxian's eye unknowingly. Then he burst out crying. Tears he didn't know he was holding back gushed out.

Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli were stunned for a moment, before Jiang Yanli pulled him into a hug with Wei Wuxian.

"You're getting married to-, to that Jin brat…"

"He loves me, A-Xian. I'm very happy, believe me."

"And since you defected from the Clan like a fool and can't attend the wedding officially, Jie wanted to show you her wedding dress at least."

He cried as he spoke, soon devolving to sobs and hiccups.

"My Shijie, hic, is the prettiest bride… Don't marry that Jin brat..."

"Oh, my little A-Xian. Can I bribe you with Lotus root and pork rib soup?" she coaxed him, while patting his back.

Wei Wuxian's eyes glinted when his head shot up from Yanli's shoulder. "There's soup?"

"Oh course there is. I don't know when I'll see you…"

Jiang Yanli's words trailed off, hurting Wei Wuxian like a knife through his heart, even more than before.

They sat at the table, drinking soup.

"When is the wedding?"

"In ten days. It's going to be a grand affair at Carp Tower. Everyone possible is invited."

Wei Wuxian's mood soured. Jiang Cheng and he had decided in their childhood that their sister would have the best of weddings possible, and they would stand and weep with her. Now it seemed like a pipe dream.

As they ate, they spoke about this, that and everything in between, but the underlying pain never went away. Wei Wuxian heard all about the new disciples from Yunmeng Jiang, who couldn't even hold their swords and told his siblings about A-Yuan and Lan Wangji.

Jiang Cheng got up from the lunch table and left for a bit, with the excuse of having to meet someone.

Jiang Yanli looked at Wei Wuxian smugly.

"What's going on between you and Young Master Lan?"

"Nothing! Nothing at all! Nothing significant. Absolutely nothing. Why?"

Jiang Yanli smiled. "Because when you talk about him, your eyes light up. A-Xian, I know you. Liking Young Master Lan isn't a bad thing! He's a very good man, he's proved that more than once."

Wei Wuxian was silent, pondering.

"Jie. How does it feel to love someone?"

Jiang Yanli sighed.

"It makes you happy. You want to spend time with that person and not let them leave. You think about them a lot. It makes your heart beat, yet you feel comfortable with them. "

Wei Wuxian moved, leaning against his sister's shoulder. This was more to hide his blush and less for support."But Jie… why would you voluntarily halter your neck to someone?"

"A-Xian, you're old enough now. When you really do love someone a lot, you won't treat your feelings in such a way."

Wei Wuxian pouted. "But Xian-Xian is three."

He held up three fingers, as if making a point.

Jiang Yanli caught hold of his fingers, folding two of them.

"Isn't three too much? Xian-Xian is one."

They laughed, remembering the conversation they had had just before Wei Wuxian had left for the Koi Tower on that fateful day.

Wei Wuxian had a sneaky suspicion about his feelings, but hearing it from his sister made him a little more certain, solidifying his doubts.

"Shijie."

"What is it?"

"I think I might love Lan Zhan..."

"You think? This whole conversation you have spoken only about him."

Wei Wuxian shook his head. "That's not true! It's because he's always such a fuddy duddy that I can't help but notice him…"

"A-Xian. So many people live in the Burial Mounds, yet all your attention is focused on him, no?"

"...Yes."

"You keep thinking about him and enjoy his company?"

"... Yes, but-"

"And how would you feel if he left the Burial Mounds and never came back?"

"Very sad, BUT-"

"What about if he marries someone?"

"HE CAN'T!"

Jiang Yanli smiled.

"You do love him."

Chapter Text

After being consoled by his sister and eventually having to leave due to Jiang Cheng's return, (the man made a fuss about how the person he was to visit was too preoccupied with his brother), Wei Wuxian went back to the Burial Mounds, the same sentence echoing in his mind and heart as he spaced out, "Do I love Lan Zhan? Maybe I love Lan Zhan. I think I love Lan Zhan. I love Lan Zhan!"

He thought back to all the things Lan Wangji had done for him over the past few days and the past few years. In retrospect, he had liked Lan Wangji since the moment he had laid eyes on him. The incessant need to want Lan Wangji's attention, to bask in his presence, to mean something to him had always overtaken Wei Wuxian, without him realizing why.

Only now did he realise it for what it was: love. But were his feelings reciprocated? Probably not. Jiang Yanli had told him that Lan Wangji treated him differently, but it was just because Wei Wuxian got on his last nerve. Lan Wangji only tolerated him, because he had to. There was no love between the two.

"Wei Wuxian! Stop trampling on the potatoes!" Wen Qing called out from behind him, breaking him from his reverie.

Great. Now he was confused about the state of his emotions as well as the potatoes. What a day!

He was also still in turmoil over missing his sister's wedding as well. The Wei Wuxian of the past, who could steal into Cloud Recesses, had died when he fell into the Burial Mound. All that was left was the shell of a man, barely holding himself together. He felt like he lost everything, his purpose, his sanity and his happiness, and even the newly found love to Lan Zhan was doomed to fail and make him more miserable.

Broiling in these thoughts, Wei Wuxian went back to his cave. There, he threw himself onto his and Wangji's shared bed, and started to cry.

Months upon months of pent up emotions were laid bare, as he wept his eyes out. His fall into the Burial Mounds, the deaths he saw and fueled during the Sunshot Campaign, the people he killed to save Wen Ning, the spirits were all hounding him, holding him accountable. The resentful spirits had been promised revenge and Wei Wuxian settling down peacefully and quelling his urge to destroy were counterproductive to their mere existence. They wanted him to use these powers, get more vengeance and take over everything that had been taken from them. Settling down and forgiveness were not the way!

Slowly, a tendril of dark energy rose out of the ground, without his knowledge, while all these emotions and voices flooded his head and out of his eyes as more and more tears. Then one more tendril. Then two more. Four more. Eight more. Soon enough, Wei Wuxian was surrounded by a cage of dark resentful energy.

But he didn't know. After bursting like a dam, he had no energy left in him. Completely drained, he lost consciousness, unaware of his surroundings.

***

"Wei Wuxian! Stop it! Wake up!"

"Young Master Wei! Can you hear us?"

"Can anyone reach him?"

"If only those resentful tendrils stopped attacking us!"

When returning Lan Wangji could hear screaming and shouting in the distance. Hearing Wei Wuxian's name, his blood ran cold. He rushed towards the cave, still holding a sleepy A-yuan in his arms.

At first glance, the cave was completely empty, a little too empty, it seemed completely absent of any light. Getting closer, Lan Wangji realised that it was even worse, the mouth of the cave was covered with a thick, translucent film of resentful energy.

"What happened?"

The residents of the Burial Mounds turned towards him, faces aggrieved.

"Young Master Lan! It's Young Master Wei!"

Wen Qing ran up to him, with Wen Ning following suit. Lan Wangji placed A-Yuan on the ground, asking one of the Aunties to take him away.

"Lan Wangji. We need to help him. He seems to be asleep inside and his resentful energy is out of control, trapping him in and keeping us out. Anyone who goes near it gets injured gravely."

She nodded to a person next to her, who was bandaged all over, but still seemingly in pain.

"Can you dispel the energy or wake him up? If this energy barrier continues expanding outwards as it has, all of us will be hit soon."

Lan Wangji hummed his agreement, and pulled out his guqin. Just as he was about to play a melody, an audible gasp spread through the crowd.

"A-Yuan! He's inside!"

Indeed, the boy had escaped from the Aunties' side and somehow entered the cave. It was as if the barrier didn't care about blocking him, permitting him entry easily.

A-Yuan walked up to Wei Wuxian worriedly. He tried to poke him, but got no reaction. He kept pushing him more and more, but Wei Wuxian had gone still.

"Wei Gege! Wake up! A-Yuan is scared!"

The boy kept shaking Wei Wuxian, who refused to budge. It seemed as if he wasn't breathing at all. Lan Wangji began to play the song of Cleansing urgently, hoping that nothing had happened to Wei Wuxian.

As the energy of the barrier started stripping away, A-Yuan began to cry.

"Wei Gege… he won't wake up… I'm sorry Gege. It's my fault for not listening to you. If you wake up, I'll give you all my toys! Wei Gege!"

The boy began pounding on Wei Wuxian's chest with his little hands, causing the barrier to shimmer.

"Wei Gege! Do you hate A-Yuan? If you don't wake up, I'll never speak to you again!"

As the boy continued crying, Wei Wuxian stirred. He opened his eyes bleakly, inhaling strongly as if he had been holding his breath for a long time, just as the last bit of the barrier was brought down. Seeing a weeping A-Yuan on his chest, he was confused.

"En? Why is my little radish crying?"

"Gege! Why didn't you wake up?"

"Was I asleep? I don't remember going to bed..."

Lan Wangji ran into the room, and embraced the two of them. His heart was beating wildly and he couldn't think straight.

"Lan Wangji? Back already?"

"Wei Ying."

"Yes?"

Lan Wangji stopped talking, as the other people all came in, asking about how Wei Wuxian felt. He responded to everyone absent-mindedly. The entirety of his mental capacity was focused on the spot where Lan Wangji held him, making Wei Wuxian feel his heart flutter.

Granny Wen picked A-Yuan up and took him away, to soothe and feed him. Then suddenly only Wen Qing, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian were left in the room.

Wen Qing took his pulse, checked his vitals with her energy and finally concluded that Wei Wuxian was over stressed. She would try to think of something to help him out better, but for now he mostly needed rest.

After she left, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were the only two left in the room.

"Lan Zhan. What happened?"

"You lost control. The resentful spirits hurt people. You almost died…"

What? Wei Wuxian couldn't believe it.

"No, no, no, how could that even happen? I was just upset. Why would that lead to something dangerous?"

Lan Wangji furrowed his eyebrows.

"Upset?"

"Ahem. Just a bit?"

Lan Wangji looked at Wei Wuxian, inquiring.

"First tell me everything that happened when I was out, then I'll explain", was the unexpected answer he got instead.

Lan Wangji suppressed a sigh and then told him about how the power detained Wei Wuxian in the cave, keeping everyone but A-Yuan from him.

Conversely, Wei Wuxian told Lan Wangji about his sister's marriage and how he felt emotionally tense after realizing he couldn't attend.

"Wei Ying."

"Hm?"

"You will attend. I will make sure."

Wei Wuxian felt the heat rush straight to his cheeks.

"Lan Zhan, you don't have to. Really. I should have known, when I stood against the Cultivation World, that such a day would come. It's my fault."

"It is your sister's wedding, you will attend."

Wei Wuxian laughed helplessly. "You're such a good man, Lan Wangji. I know you'll try your best, but don't think about it too much. I'm not hopeful anyway..."

An awkward silence hung in the air. Wei Wuxian let out a longing sigh, at which Lan Wangji's brows twitched and his mouth opened as if to say something. But at this moment, Wei Wuxian felt a cold spread from his insides and he shivered involuntarily.

Lan Wangji seemed to swallow his thoughts and asked instead, "Cold?"

"Maybe because of the resentful energy. It generally feels very cold, almost bone chilling."

Watching him shiver, Lan Wangji said nothing and suddenly stood up and just walked out.

Wei Wuxian was stunned. Maybe Lan Wangji was annoyed with him? Did he say something wrong? Overstep his boundaries? Did Lan Wangji see through him already and couldn't stay with a man in love with him?

As he was thinking if he could give chase, Lan Wangji returned, blankets, winter robes and soup in hand.

The robes were very obviously Lan Wangji's, white with the Gusu Lan motif stitched on them with light blue thread. Lan Wangji carefully put the robes on Wei Wuxian, his hand skirting around the latter's waist in an impossibly soft, caressing motion, inducing more goosebumps on Wei Wuxian's skin.

"Lan Zhan! What are you doing?"

"You're cold."

Avoiding Wei Wuxian's red face, Lan Wangji then huddled Wei Wuxian up in the blankets, so tight that Wei Wuxian couldn't use his hands, and finally sat down in front of him with the soup bowl.

"Open your mouth."

"W-what?"

Lan Wangji sighed softly.

"Let me feed you."

"Oh haha Lan Zhan, there's no need, I can feed myself! I'm not A-Yuan!"

Lan Wangji stared at him with a poker face, saying nothing, waiting patiently. Wei Wuxian guiltily opened his mouth, poking his tongue out.

Lan Wangji fed him the soup in spoonfuls. After Wei Wuxian was finished eating, Lan Wangji wiped his lips with a handkerchief and went to put the bowls away.

Wei Wuxian was comfortable physically, with all the blankets, but his heart still felt cold, like something was clenching it. He fell onto the bed exhausted and tried to sleep.

Since it was already past 9 at this point, Lan Wangji, after cleaning everything up, retired to the bedroom as well. He came back to find Wei Wuxian completely knocked out, fast asleep. However, he kept frowning and mumbling, "Cold!... So cold" under his breath.

Lan Wangji's eyes softened at the sight, and joined Wei Wuxian in his bundle of blankets, hugging the man close to his chest. Earlier, when he felt no pulse from Wei Wuxian, he had almost broken down and had impulsively clutched onto Wei Wuxian the moment he woke up.

Now, only when he felt Wei Wuxian's heartbeat against his chest did he calm down. Wei Wuxian was alive. He would ensure it.

And so they fell asleep, Wei Wuxian feeling a little less cold and Lan Wangji feeling a little happier.

When morning came, it was A-Yuan who walked in on them hugging while they slept. Seeing them look so comfortable together, he decided he wanted to join their little blanket roll. He pushed himself into the blankets and between the two, quic asleep there.

That was how Wen Qing found them when she came to check on Lan Wangji, who was supposed to wake up at 5 am like the Lan he was. Seeing the three of them in this domestic scene warmed her heart, so she forbade anyone from interrupting them, under the pretense that Lan Wangji was using potent magic to nurse Wei Wuxian.

Chapter Text

News of Wei Wuxian's outburst had spread throughout the Cultivation World almost overnight, but most descriptions were heavily distorted.

What Lan Wangji could gather from his brother's letter was that Wei Wuxian had lost his temper, thus effectively losing control over his powers and unwillingly summoning the forces of darkness. That also was used to explained why all of Yiling was cloudy that day (which was a coincidence, of course).

However, when Gusu Lan's Second Young Master Lan Wangji arrived at the spot, he was able to use his superior cultivation to bring the Yiling Patriarch's powers under control, thus saving everyone from impending doom.

While Wangji could not begin to fathom how such a far-fetched rumor was assumed to be reality, he did not feel a need to refute it. Since it justified his staying in the Burial Mounds, it bought him more time to find a solution, a way for him to be with Wei Wuxian without publicly leaving his Clan.

Yes, Lan Wangji had already decided, the moment he walked back to the Burial Mounds with Wei Wuxian, that he would stay with the man forever, irrespective of whether he regretted it in the future or what his Clan would think. He would only leave when asked to by none other than Wei Wuxian himself.

His thought process was interrupted by Wen Qing, who was looking at him expectantly. He folded his brother's letter and stored it into his sleeve, before returning the gaze.

"Lady Wen."

"Hanguang Jun. Do you have a minute?"

Lan Wangji said nothing, only nodded calmly.

"We need your help. After speaking to Wei Wuxian about his, erm, loss of control and analyzing his behavior, I have found the source of his problems.”

She went silent. After a few breaths and no visible reaction from Lan Wangji she spoke again.

“His powers are mentally draining him. It seems the resentful spirits speak to him, drive him mad, straight into bloodlust. However, your music yesterday helped him a lot. Being out in the fresh air, being in the presence of people, and especially you, Second Young Master Lan, whose powers are so strong, helps him. The voices quiet down with you around.”

“Ceasing demonic cultivation should suffice.”

Wen Qing shook her head. “It is too late. He can’t go back, and not because he enjoys the power. At this point, the dark energy is the only thing holding him together.”

Even though Lan Wangji was as always non expressive, the look in his eyes was one of pure concern.

“Furthermore, since finding out about his sister’s wedding, he hasn’t been stable. The powers have an opening to take over, which makes this situation so dangerous, not just for him, but also for the entire Yiling region and maybe even for the whole Cultivation World.”

“What can I do?”

“Can you make it possible that Wei Wuxian can attend his sister’s wedding? The Lans are the second most influential Clan as of today, I’m sure you can do something. I hope that this can stabilize his state and prevent the dark energy from taking over.”

Lan Wangji’s shoulders eased.

“I have already promised Wei Ying that. I will take care of it immediately.”

Wen Qing breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good then. I’d also like to request you to stay with him at all times, or at least till I find a permanent solution for his problem.”

Like he needed an invitation for that. It was his plan anyway.

“I will.”

After speaking about some more things, Wen Qing left. Lan Wangji decided to go seek out Wei Wuxian and tell him about how the doctor had ordered that they stay together. Of course, it was only for his health. Not like Lan Wangji wanted to spend every waking second with this beautiful, exciting man.

However, the man in question was nowhere to be found. Not in their cave, not with Granny Wen, not in the radish field, not near the stream, not even in the common eating area. Nor did anyone know where he was or where he went. Lan Wangji was just about to feel worried, when he heard a loud groan and a loud argument from the gates of the Burial Mound.

“Wen Ning~ I promise I won’t leave you to sell the radish alone this time. Come, help me pick a present for my sister while we trade the vegetables! You don’t even have to lug me around.”

A usually complacent Wen Ning, however, refused to go with him.

“Jie said the two of us shouldn’t stay together, in case your powers act up. It’s dangerous.”

“Rubbish! I’m completely fine!” replied Wei Wuxian exasperated.

Lan Wangji walked up from behind Wei Wuxian, declaring himself, “Not rubbish.”

When Wei Wuxian heard his voice, he perked up and turned around, his eyes lighting up.

“Lan Zhan! Are you finally free? Then will you come with me?”

“Mn.”

Wen Ning looked grateful as he scampered away from the two.

“So, Lan Zhan, what did Wen Qing say?”

“I must stay with you, at all times. Doctor’s orders.”

Wei Wuxian giggled.

“I like the sound of that! Now, hurry, let’s go! Yiling has their annual fair tonight and I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”

So they set off, walking to the market. As Wei Wuxian spoke about anything and everything, Lan Wangji assumed the role of a silent admirer. The sharp lines of the man’s body, enhanced by his previous prolonged starvation, were now filling out, giving a familiar softness to the man. His smile, which was dimmed since killing Wen Chao, was now returning to its original splendor. Most of all, the man felt less like an unfamiliar thrill and more like home now.

“Lan Zhan? Lan Zhan!”

Abruptly pulled out of his thoughts, Lan Wangji focused on Wei Wuxian and the way the sun glinted in his eyes.

“I asked you what you’re giving Shi-jie for her wedding!”

“Brother will arrange for it.”

Wei Wuxian tutted. “No, no, no! It should feel more personal. Just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it holds sentiments! It needs to be something special! Let me think about it.”

And then Wei Wuxian thought about it for a sum total of ten seconds.

“I have an idea! I’m going to make Jie a headdress with protection charms! Oh, and why not make the gems into spiritual power bombs which activate on command? And maybe the filigree could be used as a binding! Just in case she needs to tie up that stupid peacock!”

“Dangerous.”

“For her enemies! It will protect her from the dangers that come with being Madam Jin. Will you help me make it?”

Lan Wangji stopped himself from rolling his eyes at the wild and uncontrollable mind of Wei Wuxian, before nodding defeatedly “Mn.”

“Ah, let’s first find some scrolls and paints. I’ll draw a design while we catch a meal and then we can buy what we need. Ooh, and then we can grab lunch, and attend the fair at night! But what do we do in the meantime?”

Lan Wangji looked to Wei Wuxian in reply, his eyebrows drawn together slightly as if wondering, before shaking his head slowly.

“Of course you wouldn't know , you fuddy duddy! It’s okay, we’ll figure it out as we go. As we always do!”

“Mn.”

Wei Wuxian started walking into the market, as driven by a strong force, Lan Wangji trailing behind him, an unusual fondness to his eyes.

Chapter Text

“Ta-da! Look, isn’t it pretty?”

Lan Wangji, however, was too busy staring at the beautiful man before him to comment objectively on the drawing in that man's hands. He forced himself to focus, not wanting to be caught absent minded a second time.

“Stunning.” But it can't beat you, irrespective of how well you make it. Which was half-true, considering that both the idea and the art were true masterpieces. Delicate yet firm strokes, creating an elegant crown of lotuses and peonies, with encrusted gems.

“That’s all? I’ve been drawing for an hour! How about, “Wei Ying, your artistic mastery awes my humble eyes, and the beauty on the page far overshadows anything I’ve seen in this lifetime?”

Lan Wangji felt the corners of his lips curl up involuntarily and had to stop them before they followed their wayward path.

“Excess flattery is prohibited.” answered Lan Wangji quickly.

“Ah, Lan Zhan, this, that, and everything in between is prohibited in your Clan! Tell me one thing that isn’t prohibited in the Cloud recesses!”

Without thinking, Lan Wangji responded.

“Wei Ying.”

As the horror of what he had just said dawned on him, he saw Wei Wuxian’s face turn a pretty shade of pink, as he furiously hid his face behind the drawing in his hand.

“Lan Zhan! You’re shameless! Besides…”

Suddenly, the smile left his voice as it dropped to an almost inaudible whisper.

“Aren’t demonic cultivators prohibited in Cloud Recesses? Which means I can never come meet you. But that doesn’t mean you stop meeting me! Right? You’re welcome to see me whenever you want.”

“Whenever?”

“Yep!”

I would like to see you everyday then, Lan Wangji thought. He brushed the thought aside. Wei Wuxian, at present, was in his most volatile state. Taking advantage of that was something Lan Wangji would never do.

Just then, the waiter arrived. After looking far and wide, the duo had circled back to the Lan disciple’s inn, getting their own private room with the view of a grassy lawn, occupied by a couple of rabbits. Apparently, they reminded the Lan disciple of home. The room itself was cozy, with wood and blue interior, reminiscent of the Lan style. It felt quite a bit like Cloud Recesses.

He set down a plate of dumplings, a bowl of soup and some fried meat with spicy sauce. Wei Wuxian, who was starving since the morning, gorged on the food as Lan Wangji watched. He then picked up a dumpling and nibbled on it.

“Ah, the food here is to die for! It's way better than the bland stuff in the Cloud Recesses. I wonder where he learned to cook like that… ” Wei Wuxian looked up with his face smeared with sauce. It was a comical sight, yet endearing. Lan Wangji felt his heartbeat quicken.

He pulled a handkerchief out of his sleeve, and reached out to wipe Wei Wuxian’s face.

“If I may.”

Maybe the sauce was too spicy. Wei Wuxian’s cheeks were completely flushed, as he let Lan Wangji wipe his face with no protest, his eyes staring deeply into Lan Wangji's.

“Gods, I’m such a mess. How does the pristine Second Jade of Lan tolerate me?” he mumbled in between, shifting his eyes down.

Lan Wangji said nothing and focused on his task. His ears heated up as he wiped at Wei Wuxian’s lips. They felt soft to the touch and looked so pretty and inviting.

As his thoughts turned towards indecent paths, he pulled his hand away. At which point he was already mentally reciting the 3000 rules of his clan. Oh, having Wei Wuxian around was intoxicating and dangerous for his heart. He had almost thought of asking Wen Qing for medical advice, because his heart was constantly achieving new feats, but then he thought better of it.

“Now, Lan Zhan, focus. This crown has a nine petaled lotus in the center, made up of nine spell stones. The central stone is a ward and healing stone, which will keep away low level beasts and help with minor wounds. The two stones next to it are energy stones, to help someone whose core strength has depleted. The next two are tiny bombs which can be thrown at an enemy to cause a distraction, and - OUCH!”

He was rudely interrupted by a rabbit jumping into his lap. Now, no one could have seen that Lan Wangji had cast a spell to summon a cloud carrot onto Wei Wuxian’s lap while he spoke, to lure the rabbit there, so he could enjoy seeing the man he loved with his favorite animal. Why would anyone suspect the Second Jade of Lan for a rabbit’s temperament?

This particular rabbit had moist ruby eyes, which looked up at Wei Wuxian adoringly (or rather, hungrily).

“Aw, look at her! What a brat, to jump into the mighty Yiling Laozu’s lap!”

All the hostility in Wei Wuxian’s eyes had disappeared as he looked at the rabbit nibble at Chenqing’s tassel. He gently nudged her under the face with his index finger, in a move to dissuade her from her fervent endeavours. However, this only served to encourage the little one.

Wei Wuxian laughed, one of his clear, genuinely happy laughs, as he showed the rabbit to Lan Wangji. “Look! What would people say if they saw a rabbit teething on Chenqing? Surely they would suspect me of wanting to kill rabbits, or enchant them to eat everyone’s grains so everyone starves!”

Lan Wangji didn’t like hearing that.

“Wei Ying is not like that.”

“Ah, I’m not, I’m not, but you know how it is. One day I’m seen with you, and people think I’m trying to brainwash the Lan Clan's Second Heir. If I grow and sell a radish, they suspect it’s a horrible weapon or poisoned. Anything I do is bound to be misinterpreted. Besides, I’m too lazy to clear their misunderstandings. Let the people say what they want!”

The man smiled, but this time it hid his pain, that could only be seen in his eyes, that slowly stopped shining with every sentence. After all, Wei Wuxian was barely twenty years old. While others his age were pursuing pinnacles of cultivation and lovers of their choosing, he was trying his best to protect the remnants of a clan which wasn’t even his, just for the sake of righteousness. He was a feared and hated figure, whom no one wanted to be associated with. And it was all because he was too kind.

Yes, Lan Wangji didn’t understand why Wei Wuxian would choose to stray onto the dark path for his purposes, but he had come to terms with it. He loved Wei Wuxian irrespective, as he had come to realize.

As Wei Wuxian continued to play with the rabbit, Lan Wangji felt a twinge in his heart. He wanted to show the man before him to the world, to question them about their cruelty and lies, to demand of them the love Wei Wuxian deserved, but a small part of him wished to hide him away at the same time, to keep this happiness and truth to himself, like a well- guarded secret.

He finally found the words he wanted to say.

“Wei Ying.”

“Yes?”

“This will pass. You’re not alone.”

And Lan Wangji saw how a real smile showed up on the latter’s face again.

“Mhm!”

Chapter Text

Finding pretty gemstones wasn’t a problem in Yiling, affording them was.

Because, for all his infamy in the Cultivation world, Wei Wuxian was basically penniless.

“Lan Zhan! May I borrow some money from you? I’ll return it soon!” Wei Wuxian coaxed, while making big round pleading eyes at Lan Wangji.

Yeah, right, as if. Either way, the only time Lan Wangji would accept money from Wei Wuxian was if he was giving his heart back too. Which was impossible. He handed him his money bag without hesitation and would have looked for more money on his person if Wei Wuxian had asked for it.

“All yours. No need to repay.”

Wei Wuxian, however, seemed uncomfortable with that.

“Lan Zhan, it’s my sister’s wedding gift. I refuse to be incapable of paying for that. Anything else, and I would consider it, but not this time! ”

Lan Wangji thought about it. He knew of Wei Wuxian’s current financial state, which was almost as bad as an animal, so he thought better of receiving monetary compensation from the man.

“Mn. Later.”

Wei Wuxian brightened up instantly. Was it just him or did Wei Ying have too many mood swings? Lan Wangji found it amusing, but chose not to comment as usual.

While Wei Wuxian picked out gemstones at the local jeweller and had them adjusted to his design, Lan Wangji roamed the aisles, while keeping his eye on Wei Wuxian. However, something caught his eye. Carved with china roses as a motif, it was a pair of matching bracelets, made of fine green jade. It had gold filigree and shone with a translucent glow. Lan Wangji couldn’t help but imagine him and Wei Wuxian wearing those.

His train of thoughts stopped abruptly when Wei Wuxian snuck up on him.

“Lan Zhan! They’re so pretty! Who are you buying them for?”

Lan Wangji's brain malfunctioned.

“Shufu.” His voice was calm as always, but his brain was plummeting into chaos, only the many years of a cold and collected face saved him from showing his regrets right after he had opened his mouth.

Wei Wuxian was shocked for a moment, looking from Lan Wangji's eyes to the bracelets and back, waiting for a sign of joking, but then burst into a wicked cackle.

“I CAN TOTALLY SEE IT! They’d look amazing on him, but would he wear them? After all, excess embellishments are also prohibited in the Cloud Recesses, no?”

An image of his Shufu teaching a class of unruly brats while wearing the jade bracelets kept trying to enter Lan Wangji’s head, but he pushed it away so as to not scar himself for life.

“Would Wei Ying like one?”

Wei Wuxian absentmindedly answered, “Oh, gods, ye-no! No, it’s okay. Green is not my colour.” He twirled, as if to prove his point.

Lan Wangji, who had seen Wei Wuxian in green robes once before, starred at him intently, “…”

“Ugh, fine, they’re really pretty, but I can’t possibly afford them. It’s okay. I’d rather buy seeds and livestock with the money.”

Unacceptable. Wei Wuxian wanted the bracelet, so he would get it at any cost. In fact, if Wei Wuxian wanted to buy all of Yiling, Lan Wangji would arrange to buy it. Money would never stand before Wei Wuxian’s happiness, if it could be helped.

While Lan Wangji paid for the jewels and the making, he also bought the bracelets on the sly. By the time he confirmed that the order would be prepared by night, Wei Wuxian had already run off somewhere.

He stepped out of the shop and into the street, wanting to look for the man, but he didn’t have to wait long before Wei Wuxian came running towards him, screaming profanities and crying. He was followed by a pack of dogs, barking menacingly as they gave chase.

“Lan Zhan! Run!”

Without a second thought, Wei Wuxian grabbed onto Lan Wangji’s hand and dragged him off before any protest could be made. Yes, Lan Wangji could have gotten rid of said dogs in a minute, but who was he to deny the Heavenly Officials’ rare blessings? So he grabbed onto Wei Wuxian’s hand even tighter, and ran with him, ignoring how undignified it looked and the thrill it sent up his spine, imagining them eloping.

They ran through many twists and turns before they finally lost the dogs. Panting, Wei Wuxian reclined against the nearest wall. Lan Wangji noticed that Wei Wuxian had actually been weeping. His nose was red due to all the sniffling, as he pouted a little, streaks of tears still shining on his flushed cheeks.

Oh, and how the view stirred up Lan Wangji’s insides and made his ears flush. His heart beat uncontrollably fast, as he thought guiltily of how Wei Wuxian looked after crying, thinking about other things that could achieve the same look. His

It took all of his self control to tear his eyes away from Wei Wuxian at that moment, which made him realise that they were still holding hands. At some point, their hands had become so comfortable in each other’s grasp that they both hadn't realized it and none of them seemed inclined to change it.

“I’m sorry, Lan Zhan. I dragged you all around the place in such a strange manner, for my insignificant fear of dogs. I couldn’t help it. Whenever I see a dog, I get so scared. Since my childhood, when I was bitten by dogs while living on the streets, I’ve dreaded them and their sharp canines. I’m so stupid, huh? I’m so terrified I can’t even stop blabbering-”

“Not stupid.”

“Huh?”

“Wei Ying’s fear. Not stupid.”

“Oh no, I know it is, don’t console me. I should be too powerful for fears like that. But thank you for understanding.”

“Next time, don’t run. Dogs sense fear. Chase it away.”

“Believe me, if I could, I would.”

“Then I will. Don’t run.”

Lan Wangji offered his handkerchief to Wei Wuxian, who received it gladly, wiping his face.

“Speaking of which, any idea where we are?”

Lan Wangji looked around, then shook his head noncommittally. He had been too busy in his thoughts to actually pay attention to their path or destination.

“Oh. We’re lost. Fu*k.”

Chapter Text

And well, they were truly and utterly lost, as they found out when they spoke to a nearby villager, who told them they weren't even in Yiling anymore. They were in some place called Puqi? Wei Wuxian had to admit that his geography sucked, he never even knew of such a place's existence. Even Lan Wangji's eyebrows had moved together slightly at the villager’s answer and it seemed like he also had never heard of this place.

By this point, Wei Wuxian was absolutely starving, ravenous enough to eat anything in front of him. He decided to take Lan Wangji along on a hunt for some food.

As they scoured the area, Wei Wuxian's nose caught a whiff of something absolutely heavenly. It smelled a lot like meatballs and mantou?

Following the smell up a hill, the two reached a small, slightly dilapidated yet well maintained shrine, 'Puqi Shrine', as the board read. The sounds of laughter and the smell of food were rich in the air surrounding it.

"Well, no shrine denies visitors, aye? Let's go in!" Wei Wuxian said while reaching for the door, his mouth already watering from the heavenly smell.

And so the duo entered the shrine.

The shrine was modest, to say the least. With two stools, a small altar table, a donation box and a cushion, it felt slightly cramped but also very cozy.

Just then, two men entered through the back, one of them in only white clothing, laughing lightly while the other in black and red clothes cracked jokes. They stilled in their tracks upon seeing visitors.

The man in white broke into a brilliant smile, stepped a few steps closer and then caught hold of Wei Wuxian's hand. Even though this happened fast and caught him by surprise, Wei Wuxian didn't feel alarmed at all and let the man in white just take his hand.

"Oh, you're here! You must be hungry! Come, come, let's eat! San Lang, will you be a sweetheart and bring the food? Take this boy with you too! I feel like you'll get along perfectly."

The other man simply nodded, then turned to Wei Wuxian.

"I'm Hua Cheng. Come with me."

And so, Wei Wuxian nodded and without another word or thought followed the man in red and black.

***

Lan Wangji did not like how fast these men got friendly with them and could barely control himself from running after Wei Wuxian, who left as if he was in a trance.

"Oh, don't worry about him! My husband will take good care of him."

Something about the man before him was disarming and warm, yet he could see the grace of a weapon master in his gait and kept him suspicious.

"Speaking of which, when will you finally tell him you like him?"

Lan Wangji was startled, then on alert. The urge to run away or fight only solidified as he gripped his sword tighter.

"Who are you?"

"Oh, me? I'm Xie Lian and I just want to help you." The man in white answered lightly, as if the answer should be obvious.

"Help? How?"

The man called Xie Lian sighed.

"Don't you know that you've liked him for over three years? It's been long enough. Don't you want to tell him?"

Like I wouldn't know how long I've loved him, Lan Wangji thought.

"None of your concern."

"But it is! Rarely do I find two people with such an interesting story, especially when they come running right to my doorstep!"

At this point Lan Wangji was ready to attack the man and go find Wei Wuxian. However, the other man wasn't done.

"I can't tell you much, because it's wrong, but let me tell you this… not everything is what it seems like to you. I know you have a steely resolve, but remember this when you are at your worst: everything will be alright."

Before Lan Wangji could make sense of what Xie Lian said, Wei Wuxian and the other man returned, food and crockery in hand. He still couldn't decide what to make of the man in white, but Wei Wuxian seemed comfortable, so he pushed down his instinct to leave.

The four of them sat down, having their meal in the background of a conversation between Xie Lian and Wei Wuxian.

"So, how does it feel to live in such a small shrine with just the two of you?"

"Oh, it's the most wonderful thing in the world! My husband and I get to enjoy the peace of domestic life, what could be better?"

Someday, that could be Wei Ying and me, Lan Wangji thought.

As the meal ended, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji turned to leave, thanking the two men for the wonderful meal and conversation.

Before exiting Wei Wuxian turned back and said excitedly "We'll come back sometime!"

Xie Lian laughed. "Ah, I think you won't be able to find us again, but have a good life!"

As soon as Wei Wuxian had crossed the threshold, Xie Lian quickly whispered to Lan Wangji, "Don't forget, when you think you ran out of patience, stop and breathe. It will make all the difference." As Lan Wangji steps out of the shrine he looks back to the two men with a distrusting look, before hurrying after Wei Wuxian, who had already started walking down the path they had come.

Years later, when the two try to find their way back to Puqi Shrine, they are met with startling news: the village of Puqi was long gone, a myth from thousands of years ago. There was only a small, well kept shrine on the hill, with two idols in it: a man in white, holding hands with another man in red and black.

***

They made their way back to Yiling, reaching the town just before nightfall. Unlike the path they took to Puqi, which seemed relatively short, the way to Yiling felt surprisingly long. The whole way back Wei Wuxian raved about the annual night fair they were going to attend, and how he and Jiang Cheng attended it once when they were 13, sneaking away from Lotus Pier.

Yes, Wei Wuxian added, the two of them were severely punished by Madam Yu for their little rebellion. She made them stand outside the Lotus Pier every night in the same place, not allowing them to move even one muscle.

As he reminisced, Wei Wuxian's face brightened ten shades. He was happy, Lan Wangji noted. Before, during the Sunshot Campaign, when Wei Wuxian had returned from his three months of absence as a completely different person, Lan Wangji had believed that the boy he fell in love with was buried in his memories forever.

But here they were, standing on the sharp fragments of their past, bearing the cuts and scars to look towards a mirror-like future, one that could be shattered with a small breath. Were they truly happy? Lan Wangji hoped so. If not, Lan Wangji would overturn every stone in the Cultivation World and destroy anything that came in the way of Wei Wuxian's happiness.

They made a turn, and finally reached the peak of the hill they were climbing. Lan Wangji stopped in his place, breath hitching.

With the background of the slwowly darkening sky, the streets of Yiling were unusually bright, already illuminated by hundreds of colourful lanterns in the distance. A few small fireworks, released early by mistake, lit the sky with shades of pink and blue, harmonising with the dark pinks and violets created by the ending sunset, just as Wei Wuxian came and stood behind him. Lan Wangji turned to look at Wei Wuxian as he heard the sound of the fireworks.

Which meant that instead of looking at the explosion directly, Lan Wangji saw it in Wei Wuxian's silver eyes. His heart filled with love for the man and a sudden urge to see himself reflected in these glinting eyes took him over.

"Wei Ying."

Wei Wuxian turned towards him, and smiled. Look at me, Lan Wangji wanted to say, keep looking at me so I can look at you.

But instead he said "It's getting late."

"Ah, yes! We still have to go back to the jeweler! Let's make haste!"

So they continued on their journey, finally reaching the streets of Yiling.

If the view of the town from a height was stunning, the view of its streets was comparable to a bright cacophony of colors, sounds and smells.

As they made their way to the jewelry store, Wei Wuxian kept stopping and looking at small trinkets on stalls alongside the road. Every time, after looking for a moment, he would feign disinterest and walk away. So each time Lan Wangji would buy the item, no matter what it was, in secret, before following Wei Wuxian down the streets. Someday, he would give them to their rightful owner.

This resulted in Lan Wangji's bag being filled with a pinwheel, a compass, a ribbon, some potatoes (?), a pretty tassel and many other such things. It totally messed with Lan Wangji's bag organisation system, but who was he to question Wei Wuxian's shopping urges.

Finally reaching the jewelry store, Wei Wuxian went in to get his sister's crown, asking Lan Wangji to wait outside.

He came out with the parcel, but he looked sad.

"What happened?"

"Ah, nothing. The pretty bracelets from this afternoon were apparently bought by a handsome man after we left. What a shame. I intended to come back for them."

Lan Wangji couldn't help but want to bring out the bracelets then and there, but he held back.

"Shame."

"Isn't it? Here I was, hoping I could give them to you."

Lan Wangji stopped short. "Me?"

"Oh, of course! It would look so pretty on you! Besides, you liked them too, no? I saw you looking at them, don't lie!"

So he wanted to give it to me. If Lan Wangji was a bit more expressive, his entire face would have been flaming red. However, since he wasn't, his ears did the honour. To anyone who looked closely, it was visible that Lan Wangji was profusely blushing.

"You did want them! It's okay, I'll get you something prettier. And next time don't hide it when you like something!"

Lan Wangji could only nod as the boisterous man before him pulled at his sleeve and dragged him along. Unfortunately, he had to hide from Wei Wuxian what his favourite pretty thing was.

Just then, a stall caught Wei Wuxian's attention.

"Goldfish scooping! Look!"

Sure enough, there was a stall with a tank for goldfish and some paper scoopers.

Lan Wangji had never heard of this before, so he could only look at Wei Wuxian quizzically.

"Ah, it's a game native to Dongying. Jiang Cheng and I discovered it back when we snuck out three years ago. You compete with your partner to scoop out fish without breaking the delicate paper and whoever manages to scoop out the most fish wins! Jiang Cheng and I both suck at the game, so we didn't actually end up taking any goldfish home."

As they walked closer to the stall, they could hear the owner shouting.

"Come play, only tonight! Dongying's most popular game! The one who can scoop 20 fishes gets the special sakura sake, the rarest alcohol in the world!"

On hearing the last sentence, Wei Wuxian's interest was piqued. So was the interest of most men on the street, apparently, as they thronged the stall.

"You know what, I'm older now. How hard can it possibly be?"

Wei Wuxian ran to the stall, paying for two paper scoops and taking two bowls from the owner, then handed one of each to Lan Wangji.

"You too! I want that drink at any cost!"

Lan Wangji considered just buying the alcohol from the man, but cheating was forbidden in the Cloud Recesses. He resigned himself to his fate of playing the game for Wei Wuxian.

All around him, men and women were trying to catch the fishes, without much luck. At first glance, the task seemed almost impossible, because the scooper kept breaking. Wei Wuxian had already burnt through three by the time Lan Wangji finally started.

He focused on the tank, observing the tiny fish. They were surprisingly slow, and if you paid enough attention you could easily catch one. As he observed the other people earlier, he also had already found the best technique to catch a fish without ripping the fragile paper. And so he caught one. Then another. Then two more.

Lan Wangji almost didn't realise when his bowl filled up. He nudged Wei Wuxian gently as it started to overflow.

"Wei Ying. Your bowl."

Wei Wuxian, too focused on trying to catch a fish to look up, just shrugged.

"I know, I know, I haven't caught anything yet, but just you wait."

"No. Give me your bowl. Mine is full."

It took Wei Wuxian a moment to comprehend what Lan Wangji had said, but when he turned around and saw it, he whisper-shouted, "A FULL BOWL?!", drawing the attention of those surrounding them.

"Mn." Lan Wangji was still focused on the fish he was going to catch next, as soon as he got an empty bowl.

Wei Wuxian began to laugh, finally disrupting Lan Wangji's state of concentration, enticing him to look up.

"Lan Wangji, you did it! Twenty goldfish, you actually caught twenty goldfish!"

"Not hard."

"Lan Zhaaan! Showing off is prohibited! Don't make me feel bad!"

Lan Wangji just nodded to him, then took his bowl to the owner with an excited Wei Wuxian in tow. After the owner had confirmed his victory, he announced, "This young man has caught 20 fishes, so the alcohol is his! Congratulations!"

The crowd groaned and shouted, watching the owner give the sake to Lan Wangji. What hurt even worse though, was watching this winner give the alcohol they so wanted to his companion nonchalantly.

"For me?!" Wei Wuxian inquired, while gleefully looking from the porcelain jar to Lan Wangji and back, holding the prized drink carefully.

"Mn. Wei Ying's."

Wei Wuxian, in an unexpected turn of events, jumped at Lan Wangji, hugging him tight.

"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Lan Wangji's body prickled with heat and want. He wanted to hug the man back, but he couldn't do it, at the cost of his already frayed sanity.

Wei Wuxian disentangled himself from Lan Wangji, still thanking him profusely while also apologising for the unexpected skin contact.

Don't apologize for doing something I want. Apologise for not doing it earlier, were Lan Wangji's only thoughts.

And so they continued their rounds of the fair, Wei Wuxian holding onto the bottle of alcohol like it was his precious child. At some point, they stopped at a small roadside restaurant, dingy and garishly lit.

Wei Wuxian walked in, plonked himself next to the table and asked for the spiciest thing on the menu to be brought for him with some meat. Lan Wangji simply asked for some cold noodles.

"Ah, Lan Zhan, the spice of the food will complement the sweetness of the floral wine perfectly. You should try some too!"

Now this, Lan Wangji wouldn't do. As he had discovered at some point due to Xichen, his alcohol tolerance was miserably non-existent.

"Can't. Alcohol is prohibited."

"In the Cloud Recesses! This is Yiling."

"It is prohibited everywhere."

Wei Wuxian pouted.

"Hmph. Okay."

As they ambled away their time, Wei Wuxian talking about all the best fairs he had visited and how Lan Wangji would enjoy them, the food arrived.

"Excuse me, when do the fireworks go up?" Wei Wuxian asked curiously.

The waiter, a young boy, told them that they would start to burst in the time it took for three incense sticks to burn.

After hearing this, Wei Wuxian began plowing through his food at light speed.

"If you don't finish eating I'm leaving you behind! I want the best view of the fireworks!" he said in between slurps and swallows of spicy red.

As he ate, Wei Wuxian poured himself a glass of alcohol and began sipping at it.

"Ah, this is the best! So sweet!"he exclaimed, closing his eyes in delight.

Lan Wangji pointedly ignored him. Talking while eating wasn't just prohibited in the Cloud Recesses, it was a choking hazard. At some point, Wei Wuxian began flirting with his sake.

"Sweet. Mellow. Fragrant. Subtle yet sharp. Lingers in my heart. Huh. Reminds me of a certain someone."

Lan Wangji stabbed at his food, not wanting to know who said certain someone was. To cover up his sulking pause, he started eating again in a slight rush, but ended up choking on his noodles. He coughed lightly, silently chastising himself for his haste and loss of control.

As Lan Wangji stopped coughing, Wei Wuxian hurriedly gave him a cup of water. He grabbed it hastily and downed it in one go, belatedly realising that…

The water was sake.

Oh. I'm in trouble.

Chapter Text

To Wei Wuxian's alarm, Lan Wangji was still a dead weight. One cup of alcohol and the man collapsed onto the inn table, softly snoring. If his previous experience with a drunk Lan Wangji was anything to go by, the man would wake up soon, seeming normal yet disoriented beyond comparison.

Sure enough, when Lan Wangji woke up, he looked completely sober with the exception of his eyes, which had glossed over. That and his slightly stuttered breath were the only signs something was off.

"Lan Zhan?"

"Mn?"

"Are you okay?" Wei Wuxian had his head tilted to the side and waved at Lan Wangji's face to see his reaction.

"Mn."

"Did you know that you were sleeping on the table a moment ago?"

Lan Wangji stood up, straightening his clothes and looking into Wei Wuxian's eyes intensely, then walked over to Wei Wuxian's side.

"It is 9. We must sleep." He grabbed the other man's hand and tried to pull, to make him lie down.

"Must sleep," he repeated.

After multiple unsuccessful attempts at making Wei Wuxian sleep on the restaurant floor, Lan Wangji gave up and laid down by himself. Watching the tall, usually dignified man in his pristine white robes lie on the floor of a temporarily set up eatery, Wei Wuxian couldn't help but laugh.

Wei Wuxian poked him to get his attention. "Hey, Lan Zhan, you can't sleep! We have to go see the fireworks!"

At this, Lan Wangji perked up excitedly and Wei Wuxian could almost imagine his puppy ears and wagging tail from how his eyes shone with excitement.

"Fireworks! Where?"

"Just outside. Let's go join the crowd, or we'll miss the best spots."

"Now! Fireworks! Wei Ying, Go!"

Then he immediately ran out of the restaurant, leaving Wei Wuxian to pay for the food and hurry after him.

They made their way up to the common area, where the firecrackers were to be lit, but found it already occupied with many people, blocking any sight of the spectacle.

Wei Wuxian sighed, "Aw, no good spots for us. What a pity. Well, it's okay, we'll just stand here and watch as much as we can."

Lan Wangji frowned unhappily.

"But fireworks…"

"Next year? We can always come back."

"Yes! And fireworks now! "

Just then, Lan Wangji pulled Wei Wuxian out of the crowd into an empty alley.

"Lan Zhan, wait! What are you doing?"

Without explanation Lan Wangji swiftly unsheathed Bichen and stepped on it, pulling Wei Wuxian onto the sword by his waist.

"No. Watch Fireworks."

The finality in his tone and seriousness of his face, combined with the childish insistence made Wei Wuxian giggle, until he realised how close they were. Lan Wangji's hand was retaining its place on his waist, his face nestled right next to Wei Wuxian's ear, breathing lightly but audible. He could feel how Lan Wangji's entire body leant onto him and then he realized they were practically close enough to kiss. The thought made Wei Wuxian heat up and his cheeks flush lightly.

"Up!" Seemingly oblivious to all that, Lan Wangji followed his plan and sternly directed his sword to rise.

And so Bichen went up in the air, taking its two riders along. Lan Wangji roamed around in the air a bit, before finally deciding on their destination, the roof of the tallest building in Yiling.

They got down from Bichen and right away Lan Wangji went and laid on the red tiles, folding his hands over his chest and looking up at the sky. After a second of catching his breath and regaining his wits, Wei Wuxian joined him on the tiles.

Just then, the sky exploded with a million shades and colors of the universe, glowing bright, lighting up the night sky as if it was noon and filling their ears with the noise of the fireworks and the excited exclamations of the crowd below.

The firework display was so stunning that Wei Wuxian couldn't look away, reveling in the beauty of the view before him and the happiness he felt, which he thought he had lost forever.

Finally, realising that he had company, he glanced at the beautiful man next to him, fully expecting to see his awe and happiness at the show. However, as he found the expected facial expression on the other man's face, it seemed not to be directed at the fireworks lighting up the sky. Lan Wangji had turned his head to the side and moved his arm under it, resting his cheek on the pristine white fabric of his sleeve, looking intently at Wei Wuxian, his mouth slightly agape. Lan Wangji's face was aglow with the last spectacular lights of the firework, making Wei Wuxian forget how to breathe for a second, before being able to voice his wonder over the others behavior.

"What?"

"Pretty."

"I told you! Fireworks in Yiling are unparalleled. Why else do you think the months of punishment after Jiang Cheng and I went were worth it?"

"No. You."

Was it the fireworks that heated up the atmosphere? Wei Wuxian couldn't tell as he felt a rush of heat overcome him.

Scratching his neck and lightly laughing, he replied, "Haha thank you! You're also very pretty. After all, the great Hanguang Jun is famed for being a beauty."

"Wei Ying is prettier."

"Aiyah, don't say such things! I never knew you were such a flirt. You've been hiding yourself, huh?" Wei Wuxian waved his hand around and tried to swat at Lan Wangji lightly, trying to distract him from his reddening cheeks.

"Only the truth." Lan Wangji grabbed Wei Wuxian's flailing hand.

"Look. Pretty nails. Pretty fingers. Pretty thumb. Pretty wrist. Pretty skin. Pretty-"

"I get it, I get it! I'm pretty."

Finally, Lan Wangji looked satisfied.

"Mn. Wei Ying is pretty. But don't tell Wei Ying."

A giggle bubbled up in Wei Wuxian's mouth, but he kept quiet and tried to calm his face as well.

"Why not?"

"Shush. Secret."

He held onto Wei Wuxian's pinky, entangling his own with it and looking seriously into the other man's eyes.

"You promise. Shhhh."

Finally losing control, Wei Wuxian burst out laughing, doubling over slightly, earning a confused look from the other man.

"Lan Zhan. Did you know you're so cute when you're drunk?"

Lan Wangji's entire face turned red, as he turned his upper body, talking to no one in particular. "Wei Ying called me cute."

Wei Wuxian really couldn't help himself. After all, the man he loved was in front of him. Bullying him was so much fun!

An idea struck him and a small mischievous smile spread over his face. In the most authoritative tone he could muster, Wei Wuxian said, "Lan Zhan, hug me!"

While he hoped the other person would listen to him, he didn't actually expect to be gripped so fast by these strong, sturdy arms and pulled into a muscular and comfortable chest.

He let out a tiny squeak as his face made contact with the general vicinity of Lan Wangji's heart, enabling him to hear the man's fast heartbeat.

"So soft" Lan Wangji mumbled, stroking Wei Wuxian's hair, as he held him close. Slowly, all the tension seeped out of his muscles as he snuggled into the hug, reveling in Lan Wangji's warmth and sandalwood scent. He had to admit, Lan Wangji was a really good hugger.

They stayed there like that for quite a while. At some point Wei Wuxian started poking Lan Wangji's cheeks, pulling his ears, playing with his hair and even messing with his ribbon, after realising that Lan Wangji had fallen asleep while hugging him.

He fell asleep just like that?! Wei Wuxian couldn't help but laugh. He somehow managed to get out of the vice grip Lan Wangji had on him, and unsheathed Bichen.

"Lan Zhan." he called loudly, poking Lan Wangji with Bichen's sheath.

"Mn?" came a sleepy reply. Lan Wangji opened his eyes sluggishly a few times, seemingly disoriented and confused as to why his arms were empty suddenly.

"I don't want you to ride when drunk, but I can't possibly lug you all the way to the Burial Mounds! Can we please go home?"

Lan Wangji got up, his eyes now focused on Wei Wuxian again.
"Yes. Go!"

That was how Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian got stuck in the branches of the oldest and biggest tree of Yiling, a very popular tourist attraction, and ended up demolishing half of it partially. After untangling themselves from the branches and fleeing the gathering crowd of onlookers, they just barely made it to the burial mounds and collapsed on their pushed together beds.

The next day, rumors spread all over the Cultivation World that Hanguang Jun valiantly tried to stop the Yiling Patriarch from destroying a heritage site, but unfortunately lost and was unable to catch the culprit.

Chapter Text

It was the day of the big Jiang-Jin-Wedding, as the Cultivation World called it. Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian were heading to Koi Tower and Lan Wangji couldn't help but notice the spring in Wei Wuxian's step. The happiness seeping from Wei Wuxian's every pore was making him feel warm inside.

Wei Wuxian decided to dress in his finest clothes that day. He wore his best black robes, embroidered with discreet lotuses and a red sash to go with it. Lan Wangji, however, saw him look wistfully at a purple robe he had in the small box he called his cupboard, when they were getting ready.

"Why not?"

Wei Wuxian smiled sadly. "I've defected from the Jiangs. I can't."

Lan Wangji picked up the lilac belt from the robes, holding it out to Wei Wuxian.

"For your sister."

So the red sash was replaced with a purple one.

While Wei Wuxian had tinkered on his elaborate present for his sister day and night, Lan Wangji had spent many days visiting the Jin Clan as well as with complicated correspondence, but never leaving Wei Wuxian's side for long. It had cost him a long and arduous amount of convincing the Jins until Wei Wuxian had finally been permitted to attend the wedding, not as Jiang Yanli's brother but as a guest of the Lanling Jin Clan.

Jin Zixuan had played an important role in this happening. He knew that his future wife wanted her sworn brother at her wedding, so he had pushed for it with all his power and influence. Combined with Lan Wangji's logical argumentation and push for peace and reconciliation they were finally able to convince Jin Guangshan.

As they reached Koi Tower, the apprehensive guards still wouldn't let Wei Wuxian in, unconvinced even by Lan Wangji himself. But Jin Zixuan personally came out to escort Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji up the tower and into the great hall.

As soon as they entered, Lan Qiren pulled Lan Wangji away from Wei Wuxian to one corner of the hall with an intense look. However, Lan Wangji noticed with a bit of relief that Wei Wuxian followed leisurely, accompanied by Lan Xichen, who had welcomed him in the name of the Lan Clan.

As they were about to take a seat, a girl with a polite smile approached them. Lan Qiren introduced her, though both he and Wei Wuxian were already familiar with her.

"Wangji, this is Lady Luo of the Jin Clan. I presume you remember her? She had accompanied the Young Jin heir when he came to study at the Cloud Recesses."

Oh, of course he remembered Lady Luo. The taste of bile in his mouth felt sour. He had nothing against the woman herself, but he hated how much attention Wei Wuxian gave her and how it made him feel watching them flirt with each other.

"Lady Luo."

"Hanguang Jun."

They bowed to each other politely, Lan Wangji wanting desperately for her to leave, but she stood there expectingly for a moment and after a nod of Lan Qiren, sat at the Lan table, some distance away.

Lan Qiren explained, "I wanted to tell you sooner, Wangji. The Jins have proposed a marriage into the Lan Clan."

"Mn." Lan Wangji wasn't particularly interested in knowing the nitty gritty of inter clan matrimony, but as his station required of him, he had to listen patiently.

"Lady Luo may soon marry into our clan."

"Whom?" Wei Wuxian piped up, unable to mask his curiosity.

"Wangji."

"Mn?" His thoughts of how to get out of this conversation were disrupted and confusion settled in.

"The Jins' wedding proposal is for you, Wangji." Lan Qiren stated, not getting the reaction he expected.

If Lan Wangji wasn't paying attention then, he was now hyper focused on every word his Shufu had just said, shock settling into his stomach.

He still hadn't come to sorts with his Uncle's statement, when suddenly a loud sound of something breaking came from behind him. He turned around to see Wei Wuxian covered in splashes of alcohol, his cup destroyed in his hand. The many shards the cup had broken into had caused multiple cuts in his otherwise smooth palm, and blood mixed with the alcohol on his hand, dripping down in a sickly way.

"Oh, sorry. My fault. You may continue! My grip is too strong for these dainty cups it seems." Wei Wuxian spoke with a smile plastered on his face, laughing lightly and wiping away the alcohol splatters from his face. But years of observing the man had taught him that Wei Wuxian was currently laughing through a pain that could only be seen in his eyes.

Pain? Of what? Because he liked Lady Luo? Lan Wangji's thoughts spun faster with many possibilities.

Wei Wuxian excused himself, to clean up and tie up his wound, leaving hurriedly in a rush of flowing fabric. However, as he left Lan Wangji noticed that the spring in his step was now gone and he looked rather like a wet puppy.

Lan Wangji wanted to follow him immediately and talk to him, but he still had to respond to his Shufu appropriately.

"Shufu."

"Yes, Wangji?"

"I will not marry Lady Luo. This is final."

Before Lan Qiren could actually respond to him, Lan Wangji got up and bowed to Lady Luo, "I am sorry. Please excuse me.", then swiftly walking out, following Wei Wuxian's footsteps and the smell of alcohol and blood.

He found him on a side balcony with no one else present. Wei Wuxian was whispering curses as he tried to bandage himself one-handedly, using one of his sleeve binders.

"Let me."

Wei Wuxian turned to him, eyes glistening and red. Had he been… crying? Lan Wangji let his outstretched hand fall back to his side, slightly taken aback.

Before Lan Wangji could say or do anything, Wei Wuxian smiled at him, composing himself.

"Oh, I completely forgot. Congratulations on the engagement! Lady Luo and you would look amazing together!" He sniffled a bit, while still keeping up a carefree face.

"Wei Ying…"

"No, really! She's so calm and composed, just like you. I can totally see why your Uncle would want you two to get married! You'll be so happy with her, with no one to bother and annoy you, and, oh, your kids will look so adorable! Ah, kids. If you want, you can teach them how not to behave by telling them about the fearsome Yiling Patriarch who was also your friend, and oh boy, I am rambling and, and… " His words trailed off, his finger starting to wipe at his eyes that glistened with tears.

Lan Wangji felt his heart ache from seeing Wei Wuxian in this emotional state, So he likes Lady Luo that much. The thought crushed him inside, while he tried to remain his composure outside.

"Wei Ying, I won't-"

"Why won't you? It's a match made in Heaven! You should not go against such a Heavenly Blessing"

By then, Wei Wuxian was finally done bandaging his hand. Looking up from his hand he set his eyes back on the great hall and was starting to walk away, wiping at his tears with the back of his hand.

No, no! I can't let him leave like that. If he likes Lady Luo, he should be with her. One broken heart is better than three, even if it's mine.

He caught Wei Wuxian's unhurt hand, and spun him to look back. Just as he was about to speak, the wedding music started, signifying the beginning of the marriage and a signal for guests to get back to their places.

Wei Wuxian looked down at their hands and, with a wistful smile, he let go, rushing away to sit with the rest of the Jin guests in the other corner of the hall..

As much as he wanted to give chase, Lan Wangji had to return to his own place. As he settled in his seat, Lan Wangji felt like they were worlds apart, his heart aching to feel the other's soft hand again. The whole ceremony, he kept staring at Wei Wuxian, who put on his best fake smile to look at his sister, waving frantically at her from his place in the audience and cheering for her.

A lump formed in his throat. Wei Ying should be happy today, he's waited for so long, but he can't enjoy himself because of me. It's all my fault.

Chapter Text

The ceremony concluded successfully, with Jiang Cheng replacing the parents of the bride. A single tear was visible on the young man's face.

As soon as the basic rituals were done and the last bow made, Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan asked to be excused to their quarters. It seemed that the new Madam Jin wasn't feeling too good and required some peace.

To make up for the couple's absence, Jin Guangshan asked for the entertainment to be brought in. Lan Wangji decided that now was a good time to go and clear the air with Wei Wuxian. He immediately spotted the one he was looking for on the other side of the hall, quickly intercepting his sister to hug and greet her excitedly. But after only a short exchange Yanli and her husband went on to the rooms in the back, leaving behind a lost looking Wei Wuxian, gripping a package tight in his hand, where Lan Wangji knew the gift Wei Wuxian had worked on so hard was inside.

Just as Lan Wangji was starting to step through the room , his hand was grasped and he got half-dragged away from the crowd into an alcove in a corner of the room by Lady Luo.

In that moment Wei Wuxian had turned to look at them and his just regained composure dropped visibly. Lan Wangji had to explain everything to him once they would leave, he swore to himself.

Lady Luo politely bowed, "Hanguang Jun."

"Lady Luo. We must discuss-"

"I agree with you. We cannot marry." She interrupted him.

Lan Wangji was dumbfounded.

"I have a man I love. A mortal, not a cultivator. I'm very sorry." She explained, bowing apologetically.

"No need. I wish you the best, Lady Luo. Though I presume Wei Ying will be very sad."

"Wei Wuxian? Why would he be sad? He already has someone he likes."

This was news to Lan Wangji and it made his heart sink.

"Who?" His brows knitted together in confusion.

"Oh, you didn't realise it yet? It's-"

All of a sudden a ripple of dark energy spread through the room and hit them both. They felt how suddenly their golden core got blocked by this wave of energy, their Cultivation now disabled, they felt powerless and unsure. It was as if a snake of dark energy had coiled around their cores and was squeezing the life out of them.

Lan Wangji immediately thought of Wei Wuxian and how he had left him. Not only had he broken his promise to Wen Qing and Wei Wuxian, he also had created more emotional turmoil to the already unstable man.

As screams and shouts of horror arose around the hall, Lan Wangji shook off the thoughts that had prevented him from moving and rushed into the hall. The music had stopped abruptly and the screaming ceased to whimpers as an unfamiliar, cruel laughter could be heard.

Lady Luo right behind him, he entered the middle of the room, finding Jin Guangshan's head rolling over the floor to his feet.

Next to his freshly beheaded body stood a young boy, laughing maniacally. He seemed to be not more than sixteen years old, and Lan Wangji recognised him at first glance. He was about to speak, when across the hall Wei Wuxian already started yelling.

"Xue Yang!"

The boy smiled, a vicious, crooked smile that could make even the bravest cultivator's blood curl.

"It's me! Wei Wuxian, did you miss me? Oh, right, it's the Yiling Patriarch now! What an honour to finally meet my idol!"

Wei Wuxian snarled back at him. "Why did you kill Clan Leader Jin?"

"Clan Leader Jin? You mean my father?"

His voice echoed across the room, scaring everyone into hushed whispers.

Jin Guangyao, who had been mysteriously missing almost the entire ceremony, approached Xue Yang from the back.

"A-Yang. Go back to prison. No one will hurt you." He tried placating the boy, pleading to him.

"And YOU! My half brother! You, who wanted to use me to kill my father! Do you think I'm stupid? Your crazy mind games won't work on me!"

Then, fast as a leopard, he jumped at Jin Guangyao, who tried to react by pulling out his sword and deflecting the attack aimed for his heart. But Xue Yang seemed to be prepared and knew his brother's movements all too well and used the momentum of the deflection to spin around and cleanly cut off Jin Gunagyao's head with his dual wielding swords.

"I told him, I'm a legitimate heir too! I'm your son too! I should also have a right to the Koi Tower!"

As he spoke angrily, he kicked the lifeless body of Jin Guangyao on the floor.

Everyone fell into panic, started arguing and whipping out their swords or trying out their powers, but being unable to use them. The clamoring, shouting and worrying became a huge ruckus.

Jiang Cheng, who had had enough of this teen ruining his sister's wedding and killing her family members, finally spoke up loudly, overpowering the others voices.

"And how do you know you're the son of Clan Leader Jin? Not every orphan is a Jin Guangyao!" he spat with bile in his voice.

Xue Yang turned his complete attention towards Jiang Cheng.

"Why, I made a gadget! If you're in the same area as a biological relative of yours, this gem glows blue."

He took out a red gem and pointed it towards Jin Guanshan and Jin Guangyao. When moving it towards Jin Guanshan, it was a bright blue, but it was more violet when he pointed it towards Jin Guangyao.

"See? He abandoned me, so I decided to make him abandon his existence! How fun!" he stated, his wicked laugh never ceasing.

The villainous streak in his eyes was visible to all, scaring most of the people in the room. Many people were trying to leave through the doors, but there was some sort of spell on the gates, preventing their exit.

This left only the Clan leaders and some others near Xue Yang.

"Run away! I'll be killing anyone and everyone with Jin blood today!" he laughed maniacally.

He turned to Wei Wuxian and winked. "But, for the sake of my idol, I won't kill his sister. I'm such a lawful person!"

On hearing his sister mentioned, Jiang Cheng was infuriated and jumped in to fight the boy. Many others tried to help him, but were swatted away like flies by Xue Yang's resentful energy.

"Oh, this? A trick I picked up by observing my idol! Neat, isn't it?" Xue Yang sneered at the now weak cultivators shoved to the floor.

Lan Wangji had never wanted to punch someone so hard in the face, but he kept his cool, slowly creeping closer to where Wei Wuxian stood.

Suddenly, Jiang Cheng, who had gotten up and tried to fight on, was knocked out in Wei Wuxian's direction. Jiang Cheng landed on his back, his head hitting the ground hard, blood flying around. As he remained unmoving, Wei Wuxian scrambled to his side, scooping him up and checking his unconscious state.

"Aw, I expected more from the Yiling Patriarch's brother, but I guess he's weak? No worries. Since he threw my idol out of his Clan, he deserves to die!"

Xue Yang was now running at full speed towards a collapsed Jiang Cheng, who was cradled in Wei Wuxian's arms.

At that moment Wei Wuxian looked up, his eyes red in anger and his nose beginning to drip blood. Lan Wangji abandoned all stealth and ran straight towards him.

Suddenly, resentful energy began to pool around Wei Wuxian, surrounding him completely. It formed a barrier encircling himself, Jiang Cheng and Xue Yang, leaving everyone else outside. They could barely see what was happening on the inside, so they could only judge by listening.

"So you have chosen Death, little one? Is your life so cheap? Well, no matter. BECAUSE TODAY, YOU WILL DIE!"

It was strange. Wei Wuxian's voice sounded nothing like his usual trill, it was more ancient, sinister…

As Lan Wangji attacked the barrier with his sword, he found it strong and reflective. He could neither enter not help otherwise. This time around, only Wei Wuxian could break the cage.

"Yes! Yes, just like that! The power is taking over you! Let it! Join me and we can rule the Cultivation World together!" Xue Yang's voice carried through the barrier, slightly distorted, sounding even crazier than before.

Lan Wangji felt his own killing intent surge. He wanted nothing more than to cut out the vocal cords of this annoying teenager.

"Are you a fool? You come to MY territory, attack MY brother and sister and expect to leave with an intact body?"

"What brother? The one who abandoned you for the Cultivation World? The one who refuses to acknowledge you, even after all you did for him? Does he know the sacrifice you made? If he did, would he still be able to look you in the eye? WOULD HE?"

A pause.

"How do you know?"

"Jin Guangyao found out. He told me. What a noble thing to do! Truly-"

"Shut your mouth before I sew it with your own hair! For every drop of blood he has shed, I will inflict a cut on your body. NOT EVEN ASHES WILL REMAIN!"

"I look forward to it, Yiling Patriarch."

The whole barrier vibrated with thrums of energy. The clinking of Xue Yang's dual swords could be heard, but it was unknown what they were hitting. Low, banging sounds were heard in the barrier, reverberating around the room.

"Should I kill you and then dismember you, or dismember you, then kill you?"

"I'm not going to die."

"Fool."

And then began the music. The high, thrilling notes of Chenqing could be heard from inside the barrier as the barrier enlarged, pulling in spirits to fortify it.

"Shielding yourself will do nothing! Come and fight me, Wei Wuxian!"

Hearing no response, Xue Yang seemed to be enraged, attacking with newfound vigor. It seemed that Xue Yang had to fight the spiritual energy inside the barrier to get close to Wei Wuxian and the unconscious Jiang Cheng.

There was an abrupt sound of metal breaking.

"You see, little one? Now that your claws have broken against my hide, who will save you from my wrath?"

A high pitch screech was heard in the barrier, followed by continuous screaming from Xue Yang and incessant, evil laughter from Wei Wuxian. Lan Wangji had goosebumps on his skin as the sounds intensified.

"No! Stop! What are you doing?"

"Little one, you asked for it."

The screams kept getting louder and louder, till they stopped. It felt very ominous.

Then slowly, softly, the barrier frayed into little tendrils, drifting around, and then disintegrating into the marble floor. The horrors inside were revealed to everyone, causing viewers to gag at the grotesque sight.

There was blood all over the floor, with the exception of Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng. Xue Yang's arms were in the middle of the pool of blood, with a pile of ashes next to them.

And then there was Wei Wuxian himself. Spotlessly clean, with the exception that his seven orifices were bleeding. His eyes appeared hollow while he was trying to hold up Jiang Cheng's head, but failed and exhaustedly dropped onto his own back, now laying next to Jiang Cheng .

Lan Wangji and Lady Luo were the first to unfreeze, running straight towards Wei Wuxian.

Lan Wangji lifted Wei Wuxian's head onto his lap and tried to coax his mouth open to feed him some medicine. His hand was stopped by Wei Wuxian's bloodstained one.

"...Is Jiang Cheng okay?" He croaked, vomiting blood over Lang Wangji's pristine white robe.

"He's completely fine. You saved him, Wei Ying. " Lan Wangji looked down at the broken man in his arms, a stray tear escaping his eye.

"That's good then."

Wei Wuxian tried to get up, but he was exhausted and bleeding too much to move. Lan Wangji held onto him tight, afraid of breaking the already fragile man.

Lady Luo looked down on him with worry, and handed Lan Wangji some herbs.

"Eat."

Wei Wuxian simply shook his head, and his breath stuttered, as he coughed more blood.

"If anything happens to me, I love y-"

And Wei Wuxian collapsed in Lan Wangji's arms, utterly lifeless. He was neither breathing, nor was his heart beat audible.

Barely holding back tears, as Lady Luo called out to see if any healer had regained their power and could help, he climbed onto his sword, holding Wei Wuxian's body in his arms. The whole world seemed to blur around him, the noise muted. He took off, heading straight to the Burial Mounds.

Chapter Text

“A-Xian! My baby!”

Wei Wuxian opened his eyes on a beach. Pure white sand surrounded him, as a woman squatted next to him, concern visible on her face.

He blinked a few times, trying to block out the harsh sun rays.

"Why are you here?"

Wei Wuxian's eyes finally focused, and he choked back a sob.

The woman in front of him was his mother, looking exactly the same as she had on the day she died.

"A- A Niang?"

She scolded him fondly. "Who else, little fool? Know any other lady who looks this pretty with a nineteen year old son?"

It's her. It's the same bad jokes and warm smiles.

He couldn't stop himself and threw himself into her arms, sobbing.

"You said you would come back! You and A -Die both lied to me!"

His body was wrecked with sorrow, as he let out his years of frustration, weeping, lamenting, but mostly taking comfort.

"A-Xian, my strong boy. I'm sorry. Die is sorry too. But these discussions can be had afterwards! Why are you here?"

Then, suddenly, Wei Wuxian realised that he had no corporeal body.

"Ack! What the hell? Why am I floating?"

"It's common here. Look, I'm floating too!"

Sure enough, even Cangse Sanren had no corporeal body, even though Wei Wuxian could swear he felt body warmth from her when they had hugged.

"My son, what have you been up to that you end up at the entrance of the Underwater Ghosts Territory?" Her translucent face looked worried at him, her brows furrowed.

"Underwater what?"

"The Underwater Ghosts Territory. So, this whole region is ruled by a ghost called He Xuan. He's a good ruler! Your father assists him. Only a bit cannibalistic, but it's better than that silly green Goblin! Oh, and of course there's Hua Cheng too, but that's another story. But enough of changing the subject! I want to know what happened to you! Explain everything, now!"

And he did. Wei Wuxian told his mother about how he had lived his life since his parents passed, his adoption by Yunmeng Jiang, his education in Gusu, the Sunshot Campaign, even losing his Golden Core. He told her his entire life story, watching her expressions vary from pity, sorrow, anger, happiness, bitterness and finally pain.

"My baby… I'm so sorry. I never wanted to leave my little boy to fend off the world on his own. That's why your father and I can't leave just yet. We've waited for you since the day we died, so we could meet our son for one last time."

Then she pinched his ears, with a little smile on her lips. "That doesn't mean you come before your time! I want to know how my son lived happily, in love and with children, for a long, long time. And I presume you have someone you like?"

Wei Wuxian's face lit up, but then it darkened.

"He's getting married to someone else. Someone who would make him very happy, someone who matches him in status, a good person. I'll bless him, of course, but I can't help but wish it was me. "

Cangse Sanren listened to him patiently, then flicked him on the forehead with her translucent finger.

"Ow!!"

"You stupid boy! Why don't you match him? If anything, he doesn't deserve my son! Does he know how you feel?"

Wei Wuxian rubbed the spot where his mother hit him and wondered for a second, how it could hurt that much, when she didn't even have a real body.

"No. But what's the point of telling him? He'd feel guilty and our friendship would be over."

His mother held his hand, shaking her head incredulously. "If your friendship can end over such a small thing, it's a worthless friendship."

Just then, the world turned upside down. Wei Wuxian fell to the ground, head throbbing.

"A -Niang! What's happening to me?"

She sighed. "That's what I've been trying to tell you! Xian-xian, you haven't died yet. You're just in a state of temporary slumber. It's time for you to go back to your world now. I'll wait for you here with your father. So, have a long and fruitful life! We will meet you again when it's time."

As Wei Wuxian's vision was blacking out, she placed something in his hand and kissed his forehead gently.

"Remember. A-Niang and A-Die always love you."

And then everything went black.

***

"Wei Ying! Wei Ying! Someone, call Lady Wen, quick!"

Quick footsteps, some screaming and a bout of headache later, a familiar voice was heard.

"I'm here! What's happening?"

"His eyes fluttered!"

A cool hand on his pulse.

"He seems to finally be awake. Breathing is normal. Heartbeat is back. He can hear us. Congratulations, Wei Wuxian, you survived death."

Hushed whispers as Wei Wuxian slowly opened his eyes. He could see the ceiling of a cave with daylight filtering in from the side entrance. He was back in the Burial Mounds, on his own bed. Next to him sat Lan Wangji, who was as white as a fresh scroll. Lan Wangji's clothes were surprisingly disheveled, seemed dirty and were partially covered by a coarse blanket hanging over his shoulders, clasped together by one of his hands, as if he was cold.

"I'll go bring some food." Wen Qing said calmly, with an undertone he couldn't quite place and turned to go, leaving only Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji in the room.

As he slowly came to, Wei Wuxian also remembered everything that had happened before. Lan Wangji's engagement announcement, Xue Yang's attack, Jiang Cheng fainting, and then… and then what? Wei Wuxian had no idea.

"Wei Ying. Are you okay?"

"Of course! How is Jiang Cheng?"

"Recovering. Relatively unhurt."

Wei Wuxian heaved a sigh of relief. "That's good then. What about Xue Yang?"

"Dead. Killed by you."

Wei Wuxian stopped in the middle of drinking a cup of water, slightly choking.

"Ahem... I killed him? Why don't I remember?"

"Your resentful energy turned you into its vessel. Why didn't you tell anyone?"

Wei Wuxian frowned. "Tell what?"

Lan Wangji looked into his eyes and for once they weren't as hard as always.

"Your Golden Core."

Wei Wuxian felt his heart drop into his stomach. He knows. If he knows, Jiang Cheng probably knows. NO, HE CAN'T KNOW!

"Lan Wangji! Who knows? Did you tell anyone?"

The other man looked at him with a strange expression, not having expected such a question.

"Did you?! Answer me!"

Lan Wangji exhaled. "No."

Feeling a heavy weight lifted off of his shoulder, Wei Wuxian finally relaxed, sinking back into his pillow. "Good. Then I hope you forget what you know too. I'd prefer that no one knows."

Lan Wangji's expressions were unreadable and it seemed like he didn't want to elaborate either, so Wei Wuxian gave up and changed the topic.

"Oh, about your engagement. When is it halpening? I'll need to prepare a gift for the two of you, no?"

"Wei Ying, rest." Lan Wangji's answer almost sounded defensive, but it must have been his exhaustion playing tricks on him. Instead of following Lan Wangji's advice, he sat up again, leaning against the stone wall and pressing on.

"Tell me! Don't you have to go back to Gusu now? Since you're a betrothed man, you should spend more time with your future wife, instead of staying in these gloomy Burial Mounds! Get her some flowers, give her some gifts, make her happy. I'm sure you'll do so well, Lan Wangji. I tease you, but you're a good man."

Lan Wangji seemed utterly disturbed.

"Wei Ying…?"

"Also, don't call me by my given name in front of everyone, people will think you're too close to me!"

Wei Wuxian could feel a sob welling up in his throat. He closed his eyes, not wanting Lan Wangji to see the sadness in his eyes. He was breaking apart, fractal by fractal, under the watchful eyes of the one he loved. It hurt so bad. But he had to do this, he had to push Lan Wangji away, else he couldn't take this.

"You should go, Lan Wangji. This place isn't yours. You should be with your wife in Gusu, living comfortably."

"...What if I don't want to?"

Wei Wuxian finally lost his head.

"How do your wants matter, Hanguang Jun? It must be so easy for you, just coming to live here with me, not caring about the repercussions! Well, I do! And I want you to go! I'm sick, I need to rest and I don't want you to appear before my eyes!"

Wei Wuxian, hand outstretched to point at the exit, glared at Lan Wangji, who seemed to want to say something, a lot of things even. But he closed his eyes to calm himself, held it all back, and then walked out of the cave swiftly, the blanket from his shoulders falling to the ground.

Chapter Text

As soon as Lan Wangji's footsteps receded, Wei Wuxian burst into tears. In choked sobs and stuttered breaths, he buried his head in the bed, pushing the pillow into his face.

Wen Qing arrived to find him in this state. She held bowls of food and was utterly distressed when she saw an absent Lan Wangji and a weeping patient.

"Wei Wuxian! Are you okay? What happened?"

He looked up, eyes red, seemingly miserable.

"Wen Qing! It hurts…"

"What hurts?"

"My heart… it hurts so much… I had no idea it would feel so painful!"

Wen Qing sat next to him and held his hand, like his mother had just a few moments ago, making him sob even more.

"What happened? Tell me."

And so, between tears and consolation, Wei Wuxian explained everything to her. To his surprise, she looked furious as he finished.

"Wei Wuxian, did you really throw Lan Wangji out for something as stupid as your unfounded jealousy?! That man has been sitting next to you without food and sleep for five days now! Even a blind person can tell he cares for you deeply! He's injured too, he needs to sleep, you're so stupid!"

Wei Wuxian was startled, as he heard this new information.

"What?"

"Are you daft? When Lan Wangji returned to the Burial Mounds, cradling your body, he was in pain due to his sealed powers and he couldn't stop crying. CRYING! Have you ever seen him cry? He refused to leave your side for even a second and sat with you day and night. When you slipped into your comatosed state and we were losing hope, he continued to stay there like a statue. I had to put a blanket on him because he kept shivering, but refused to change clothes, sleep or even eat properly! Everyone's been worried about him! Now if you don't bring him back I will personally send you back into your coma!"

Wen Qing's face had become red with anger and Wei Wuxian could almost see the smoke coming from her nostrils and it looked like she was only by a bit holding back the urge to hit him unconscious for his stupidity.
Wei Wuxian was just beginning to realise what a fool he was. Instead of letting Lan Wangji talk, he had shut him out at every opportunity, too afraid to be rejected, but even more hurting the other's sentiments, whatever they were.

Just then, he felt something in his hand. On opening his palm, there were a pair of rings enclosed within. One was a thick band of silver, while the other was a delicate silver swirl with sapphires in it. Wei Wuxian had no idea how they got there, but they looked painfully familiar. He thought about it for a second and a pang of pain hit his heart.

A-Niang and A-Die's wedding rings.

And they were. As her son returned to the realm of the living, it was their final gift to him. Wei Wuxian decided to consider this a sign.

Remembering what his mother told him, he jumped off of the bed, wobbling a little at first, not even supported or held back by Wen Qing, who still tried to regain her calmness, he caught himself and started running across the Burial Mounds in nothing but his inner robes and on bare feet.

As he ran, he kept thinking about the repercussions of what he was going to do. What if he thinks it's weird? What if he rejects me? What if he never meets me again? Should I burden him with my feelings? How will he react?

Then he decided to stop thinking. Nothing good came out of it anyway! He increased his pace, shivering in the slightly cool air, but tried to focus on the way and to even more increase his spread even in his still frail state.

He crossed paths with multiple people, all of whom tried to either stop him or talk to him, but he had no time to spare and just rushed by, not even able to apologize for his rudeness.

At almost breakneck speed, Wei Wuxian ran through the woods, knowing he was getting closer to the gate of the Burial Mounds. Thankfully, there was only one of them. But he also knew this was his only chance now. If he was too late and Lan Wangji had already left on Bichen, it would be impossible for him to catch up and mend this horrible situation.

Soon, as he stumbled through a bend in the way, he could see the sturdy back he was so familiar with. Feeling relieved that he wasn't too late, but still anxious he started shouting.

"Lan Zhaaan! Lan Wangjiii! Hanguang Juuun! Stop! Stop right there!"

However, it seemed that Wei Wuxian had grossly miscalculated both the distance between Lan Wangji and him and the speed at which he was running, because, as Lan Wangji, who now seemed to just have been standing as if waiting, turned around, Wei Wuxian couldn't slow his speed anymore and bumped straight into Lan Wangji's chest, losing his balance.

Just as he was about to fall, he was caught by an alarmed Lan Wangji. Strong arms wrapped around his waist, pulling him back up. He was suddenly looking straight into the eyes of the person he most wanted to avoid due to his mixed emotions, but he steeled himself. He knew he had to do it right this time.

"Lan Zhan, I-I'm sorry!"

He was panting, unable to string his words together. It didn't help that this beautiful, wonderful man was looking at him so intently.

"Sorry...for what?"

"I'm sorry for sending you away…"

"Is that all?" was the stern reply he got.

Did Wei Wuxian just imagine it, or was there a sliver of hope in Lan Wangji's voice?

"No. I'm sorry for many things, but first I have to ask you a few questions. Answer truthfully. Okay?"

Lan Wangji nodded, though he looked slightly confused. He was about to let go of Wei Wuxian's waist, but he was prevented from doing so by Wei Wuxian himself, gripping tightly into Lan Wangji's robes.

"One: Do you want to marry Mian Mian?"

"No."

"Will you cancel the marriage, then?"

"It is already cancelled."

That took Wei Wuxian by surprise. "What?"

"You interrupted me every time."

Wei Wuxian couldn't help but grin sheepishly for a moment.

"Well, that's true. But let's not linger on it too much. Next, do you have someone you like?"

Lan Wangji gulped. "Yes."

Wei Wuxian felt uncomfortable after hearing that, but he continued. Squeezing his eyes shut to alleviate the awkwardness, he shouted.

"Lan Zhan, I like you! I know it's weird, but I really do! I don't care who you like, because from now on I'll court you properly! Don't go marry anyone else- mmmph!"

He was cut off by soft lips meeting his. The sensation was like nothing he had felt before and it lit fireworks in his body. His mind felt fuzzy, melting.

Then he kissed back.

Lan Wangji's arms wrapped a bit tighter around him and he couldn't stop a little gasp to escape his throat.

At first, they were a bit awkward, inexperienced, bumping noses and unsure how to move properly. But they soon found their own rhythm, as Lan Wangji pulled Wei Wuxian in even closer and Wei Wuxian tenderly grabbed the other's jaw and cheek. Under his hands Lan Wangji's skin felt so soft and warm. Reveling in the feeling of soft lips, exploring tongues and heated breaths he found that he could feel Wangji's heartbeat under his fingers, which had slightly slid down to the side of the other's neck.

Oh. He likes me too. His heart sounds just like mine.

They pulled away, gasping for air. Just as Wei Wuxian was about to say something, he was suddenly pushed back by a tall shadow in purple. A man stood before him, pointing his sword at Lan Wangji.

"WHAT THE HELL? My sister and I come to visit our injured brother and we see this Lan textbook attack him?! Get away from him!!"

A very mortified Jiang Cheng stood between them, veins popping on his forehead. Behind him, Jiang Yanli tried to hide her smile as she looked at her younger brother, as if saying your boyfriend is done for.

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji was sleep deprived, hungry and annoyed. After years of pining, his one sided love had just come to fruition?! And right then, of course, the injured Clan Leader Jiang Wangyi had decided it was a good idea to intrude upon him and Wei Wuxian, that too in such a rude manner.

Wei Wuxian had invited his siblings into their cave, to clear any misunderstandings that they had, but Lan Wangji considered it a waste to clarify when everything was as clear as day.

To be fair, they WERE kissing at the only gate of the Burial Mounds, but Lan Wangji was too angry to care about such trivial things. As they walked into the cave, his thoughts were still all over the place and it was getting harder and harder to focus on the moment.

Wei Wuxian kissed me! I want to kiss him again. Does it smell like soup here? When did I last eat something? Ah, Wei Wuxian's cheeks look so soft in this light. This annoying purple man keeps blocking my view. Ah, it's Wei Ying's brother. Wasn't he hurt? He should go back and rest. Why does he have to ruin this? Aish, so sleepy… I want to sleep on Wei Wuxians lap hug him close and forget about everythi-

His thoughts were interrupted by a still angry looking Jiang Cheng, shoving his face into Lan Wangji's view.

"Lan Wangji, answer me! How could you defile my brother in such a way, when he's weak and in such a public place too? Is Lan propriety just for show?"

Can someone please just cast a Silencing Spell on this buffoon?

"Mph! Mmph!"

Stunned silence, interrupted by angry noises, filled the room. It seemed the spell in question had accidentally been cast on Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng's face instantly turned red. He was gesticulating wildly, slamming his fist on the table. If looks could kill, Lan Wangji would already be on his way to Ghost City.

Meanwhile, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli could barely control their laughter. Their brother looked like a red-faced fool, truly the paragon of rage.

Sighing, he tried to focus on the moment at hand and released the spell, to hear a string of insults flow from Jiang Cheng's mouth.

"Fuck! What the fucking hell? You can't just use your stupid Silencing Spell on a Clan Leader! There will be consequences to your behaviour! You took away my brother's first kiss, then dared to put me under a spell?! Disgraceful!"

Most of Jiang Cheng's blabbering and jelling fell to deaf ears, but he perked up when the kiss was mentioned. First kiss? Was it true? Wangji looked hopefully at Wei Wuxian.

Meanwhile, Wei Wuxian was upset for reasons entirely different from the stealing of his first kiss.

"Jiang Cheng! You don't have to tell him that!"

With an appalled expression, Jiang Cheng stared at his brother.

"THAT'S what you're worried about? Not the fact that he behaved inappropriately with you?"

"Ha! What's so wrong about it? I liked it!"

Jiang Cheng went pale and his eyebrows rose unusually high.

"What?"

"I like Lan Wangji! Why? Is me liking men a problem for you? Does it disgust you?"

"That's beside the point! Weren't you the one who called him boring, saying he'll never get a wife in his life?"

"Jiang Cheng, if you don't shut up,-"

"Wei Ying?" Lan Wangji was unsure about the exchange he just heard. This conversation took too many turns and revealed too much new information for his exhausted brain. But now it seemed as he had already expected: Wei Wuxian didn't enjoy his company after all.

"That was years ago, when I first met you! I don't believe that anymore! You're such an interesting person, Lan Zhan, how could I POSSIBLY think that?"

"Lies."

"No! Iam not lying! I really do like you! Would I have kissed you, if I didn't? I don't know how to convince you right now. Oh, wait, just ask Jie, I've told her, she knows!"

Jiang Yanli silently nodded, smiling. Lan Wangji felt a bit relieved, though it felt like there was much more, he and Wei Wuxian had to talk about and figure out.
Jiang Cheng, on the other hand, was furious.

"You told Jie and not me? Are we even brothers anymore?"

"Of course we are! You're just an emotional fool, like me, so I needed a sensible voice of reason. Jiang Cheng, you are a lot of things, but you are NOT the voice of reason."

Jiang Cheng was now sulking. With cheeks puffed and a pout on his lips, he looked everywhere but at Wei Wuxian.

After a little more huffing, Jiang Cheng hesitantly and quietly said,"Hanguang Jun, I apologise."

Ha, I know you don't mean it. I can see your eyes rolling! But he simply nodded in acknowledgement, without mentioning anything. He knew better when to let it go.

"And you! Wei Wuxian! Come talk with me!"

He swiftly got up, swung his arm around Wei Wuxian's shoulders, pulling him up from his seat and out of the cave. This left only Lan Wangji, Jiang Yanli and the awkward silence between them.

At last, Jiang Yanli broke the silence, sighing. "Lan Wangji. Do you truly like my brother?"

"I love him. I have, since I first saw him."

She smiled. "He loves you too. He's just very foolish about it. After all, you're both so young! I hope you'll take good care of him. "

"Till my last breath and even after, if I can."

"Then I welcome you to our family."

And then, all of a sudden, her tone turned steely, as her eyes gained the sharpness of daggers.

"As long as you don't break his heart, we will get along very well! Otherwise…"

She let her threat hang in the air. Of course, Lan Wangji would never ever do anything to hurt Wei Wuxian, but he still knew that Jiang Yanli was a scary woman.

"I will keep that in mind."

"Keep what in mind, Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian entered, with his brother in tow. Their clothes were a mess of dirt and Jiang Cheng's nose was bleeding and crooked.

Jiang Yanli seemed to not find anything novel about the scene before her, no muscle in her face showing surprise or wonder, but Lan Wangji was immediately worried.

"What happened?"

"Oh, nothing at all! Just a conversation between brothers!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed, smiling lightly and massaging his shoulder as if to ease some pain.

Lan Wangji had a brother too. He was fairly certain that conversations with a brother weren't supposed to end with a broken nose, hurt limbs or dirty clothes.

Jiang Cheng wiped his nose nonchalantly and sat down next to his sister again, not even trying to straighten his clothes properly.

"Anyway, that's not why we came here! Ugh, you and your stupid antics, Wei donkey, making me forget!"

Wei Wuxian was mildly amused. He plopped down in the only open seat, nodding encouragingly at Jiang Cheng.

"Go on."

"It was mostly to check on your health, but after the display from before, I'm inclined to believe you're perfectly fine."

"Yup! Fine enough to beat you up!"

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes at Wei Wuxian sticking out his tongue to tease him even more.

"Let's duel when I'm not injured."

Jiang Yanli may have seemed to be infinitely patient, but she too, was tired of her brothers' trash talking.

"A- Cheng, A-Xian, enough. How old are you again? Three? Silly boys."

Wei Wuxian all but whined to his sister.

"Jie! Look how this brat bullies me! Xian Xian is hurt…"

She laughed. "I can see who got hurt. Anyway, our purpose for coming here was completely different."

Jiang Cheng nodded. "Yep. Otherwise we wouldn't want to be seen with a half wit like you."

Lan Wangji thought to himself, and who was the one who threw himself at Xue Yang?

Jiang Yanli ignored her brother's comments and spoke on. "Your… spirit energy surge. Do you know why it happened, A-Xian?"

He shook his head, which she seemed to have expected. "But I do. After speaking to Wen Qing, I think we may have zeroed in on the cause."

She looked at him, her brows furrowed and eyes sad.

"Are you unhappy? Wen Qing thinks that the resentful spirits you control believe you to be one of them and are protecting you every time something goes wrong. The drawback of this is that you need to be almost dead to be believed as one of them. Thus, your current state."

Wei Wuxian averted his gaze, laughing awkwardly.

“No? Why would I feel unhappy? It’s not like it matters that I had to publicly dissolve my connections with my only family, or that the world hates me. Those were my decisions and I have no regrets about anything I did. It’s just that… sometimes, I miss being able to talk to Jiang Cheng when I have a nightmare. I miss Shijie and the long conversations we had. I miss being able to throw tantrums and getting away with it. I feel lonely, and Lan Zhan’s presence makes it much better, but is it wrong that I miss my family?”

Wei Wuxian didn’t realise it, but a tear had escaped from his eyes. Soon, he was crying into his sleeve, looking utterly miserable. Lan Wangji wanted to pick him up and run away with him, bring him to a place where his worries could be forgotten, but he knew that this was a family matter. He wasn’t family, not just yet, so he just stayed there, for when he was needed.

***

Wei Wuxian didn’t expect anyone to ask him if he was unhappy. He was always smiling, playful and mischievous. However, the moment he was asked about his feelings, it was as if a dam inside his heart burst and the emotions welled up, wanting to escape.

And they did. God, it was embarrassing that he, a full grown man, was crying his eyes out due to something so trivial as missing his family, but to him they were everything. As his emotions flowed out of him like a tidal wave, he felt himself being pulled into a hug by someone.
“Shh. You’re always our family, A-Xian. In the eyes of the public, we may be separated, but our hearts are together. Isn’t it, A-Cheng?”

She turned around to see that Jiang Cheng’s eyes were red too. He threw himself at the pair, crying.

“So what if we aren’t Yunmeng’s Twin Prides? We are brothers for life. That’s more than enough.”

Wei Wuxian never thought he would see Jiang Cheng cry, so he pinched his brother's nose.

“Oi? Why are you sad? Didn’t you say I annoy you?”

Jiang Cheng poked him back. “You do. It’s good that you live far away from me and closer to Jie. That way, I can be sure she’s safe.”

Jiang Yanli pinched both their cheeks. “My stupid boys. What do I do with you?”

She looked at them fondly, smiling.

“A-Xian. We have a way to help you fight the resentment.”

“Oh yeah, THAT’S why we came here!”

Jiang Yanli pulled out a scroll. Wei Wuxian looked over it, noticing it’s familiar writing.

“Isn’t this the ritual which Clan heirs undergo as kids so that their children can’t turn into vengeful spirits once they die? What does it have to do with me?”

“A-Xian, the ceremony not only prevents you from turning into a vengeful spirit, it’s also the strongest spell to quell resentment and help dissipate demonic energies. If we can calm the spirits around you a little, they won’t react as strongly to the fluctuations in your mood.”

Lan Wangji, who had made himself scarce previously, but listened to the conversation, reappeared from a corner of the cave and nodded.

“It should work.”

Jiang Cheng pouted. “Though I still can’t understand why you fool would give up your sword. Is demonic cultivation really necessary?”

Wei Wuxian laughed. “Well, since I’m already traversing down that path, might as well go all the way, no?”

Chapter Text

That night, after Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng had left for Koi Tower, the two men were finally left together, dealing with the repercussions of their interrupted confession.

It was already time to sleep, but as they lay together on the bed, the two found that sleep was alien to them in the presence of unresolved questions.

Lan Wangji could feel Wei Wuxian tossing and turning, so he slowly slid his hand over to Wei Wuxian's back, first caressing him gently and then caught hold of his side, pulling him into his embrace.

A soft sigh. Wei Wuxian relaxed into the hug, body softening.

"Lan Zhan."

"Mn?"

"Was it all a dream? Did you really accept my feelings for you."

Lan Wangji turned him around and, looking straight into his eyes, whispered.

"Not a dream."

In fact, I'm the one who is dreaming. I never thought the day would come where I could touch you when I wanted, hug you when I feel like it, hold your hand when mine is cold.

"Lan Zhan, I really do like you a lot. You complete me in ways I didn't know I needed to be. Will you talk to me, enjoy with me and cry with me for your entire life?"

On that full moon night, Wei Wuxian's face was partially lit. He looked like an ethereal descendant of Heaven, soft, slightly flushed cheeks, smooth skin, beautiful, plump lips. Lan Wangji nodded to him, before pulling him in for a kiss.

This time, it wasn't as difficult nor as desperate as before. The two of them basked in each other's presence, slowly, softly, peacefully. All questions, all doubts and sorrows seem to fall away, leaving only the moment, their feelings and the touches they've both longed for for a while.

Wei Wuxian ended up falling asleep on Lan Wangji's chest after saying that he wanted to listen to his heartbeat to ensure he wasn't dreaming. As he looked at Wei Wuxian snoring softly, he remembered the words of the man from Puqi Shrine.

"Don't forget, when you think you ran out of patience, stop and breathe. It will make all the difference." What had seemed like utter ramblings back then made perfect sense now.

In fact, when Lan Wangji, hurt and rejected by Wei Wuxian, was about to leave the Burial Mounds in the morning, he could've just pulled out Bichen, flying far away as fast as possible. However, an internal instinct or maybe something else, held him back, telling him to take his time, to wait. And that he had done. He deliberately had slowed down on his way out, his ears listening for steps behind him.

Deep down, he thought it was just him being unrealistically hopeful, but that moment of hesitation had led to this beautiful miracle of Wei Wuxian's confession, that he never could have hoped for.

Maybe we can go back to that shrine someday, to receive blessings for our marriage.

And with this thought, Wei Wuxian's breath warming his chest and a small smile on his lips, Lan Wangji fell asleep.

***

After multiple correspondences and conversations, most of the technicalities of the Cleansing Ceremony had been settled and figured out. Since A-Yuan had previously penetrated the resentment cage at the burial mounds, he and Wei Wuxian had to undergo the ritual together. Since it was forbidden to use the ceremony on common people, A-Yuan needed to be adopted into a clan, just like Wei Wuxian would have to, at the end of the ceremony.

A huge question arose: Which clan would A-Yuan go to? It wasn’t all that sensible to adopt him into the Jin Clan, when Jiang Yanli would have her own child be the heir, and Jiang Cheng wouldn’t possibly hand his clan to a child he barely knew. Wei Wuxian was truly stumped by this as he sat at his desk, chewing at the end of his brush.

His thoughts were interrupted by Lan Wangji, who grabbed the brush from his hands as he replaced it with his smooth palm. Their fingers interlaced, as Lan Wangji started stroking the back of Wei Wuxian’s hand gently.

“Wei Ying. What’s wrong?”

Wei Wuxian sighed, leaning onto Lan Wangji’s side. “I was just wondering what I would do if my handsome lover decided to leave me for a prettier girl?”

“Lies. Tell the truth.”

“Ha! When have I ever lied to you?”

Wei Wuxian pulled slightly away in mock offence, leaving his hand still intertwined with Lan Wangji's, who in response stared off into space as he counted with the fingers of his free hand, “The alcohol under your floorboards, your sorrows, how many women you’ve courted-”

Wei Wuxian groaned into his shoulder.
“I should have gagged Jiang Cheng when I had the chance.”

“I disagree. I’m glad to know.”

“Know what?”

Lan Wangji leaned towards him, whispering softly in his ear.

“That I’m your first.”

Wei Wuxian’s ears flushed.

“So what? It’s not like you had anyone either! What if I didn’t confess to you, huh?”

“I would have confessed to you then.”

Wei Wuxian sprung up from his place and looked straight into Lan Wangji’s eyes, surprised.

“What?”

“I’ve liked you since the first time we met.”

Wei Wuxian couldn’t believe his ears. Lan Wangji had stated it, as if it would have been obvious.

“WHAT? Really? I thought you always hated me! Though as I think about it now, for some reason I felt an incessant need to monopolise your attention since then. If you weren't looking at me, I'd feel upset. The days you actually spoke to me, made me insanely happy. Maybe I liked you at first sight too and was just too dumb to realise it."

Lan Wangji nodded, stepping slightly closer. The warmth between them, as well as all the memories coming back, made Wei Wuxian's heart melt.

"Agonisingly dumb."

Wei Wuxian wasn't sure if to laugh at Lan Wangji teasing him or be offended by that. So he just whined at him, then, sliding dramatically into his previous seat, he returned to look at his scroll, sighing again.

"Wei Ying. Worried about A-Yuan?"

"Is it that obvious?"

"You're trying to write with a dry brush."

That he was. He retracted his hand, embarrassed.

"I've sent a letter to Shufu and Xichen, we've discussed it. I will be adopting A-Yuan, if his grandmother consents."

"Huh?"

Wei Wuxian turned around, looking at Lan Wangji surprised. Lan Wangji put his arm around Wei Wuxian's shoulder, pulling him into a side hug.

"Last time I went out with A-Yuan, Brother met him. Both of us agree that he is bright, a diamond in the rough. Shufu respects our decision."

Wei Wuxian felt overwhelmed, but also still unsure about this whole thing.

"Isn't it too early for you to adopt a child? You're too young! Do you even know how to take care of children?"

"You do."

Lan Wangji looked at Wei Wuxian with nervous anxiety, but also with longing and love.

"Wei Ying, Lans can't lie. I've loved you for a long time and intend to keep loving you. I want to do this with you. Will you help me raise A-Yuan?"

Wei Wuxian felt an uncomfortable knot in his throat, but at the same time his heart stuttered happily. He felt lightheaded and wished for some air.

"Lan Zhan. Aren't we going too fast?"

As he saw Lan Wangji's crestfallen face and the pain in his eyes, he continued swiftly.

"That doesn't mean no, Lan Zhan. It just means that this is a lot and we, I need time to think this through. I mean, I already consider A-Yuan my own and I'm grateful and excited that you love him so much. But we also have to consider his wishes! Does he want to live with his granny or with you in the Cloud Recesses? Does he even WANT us as parents? This is such a big decision!"

As they were talking, discussing the ceremony and A-Yuan's adoption, the little boy came into the room, shouting.

"Wei Gege! Rich Gege!"

He found and bounded over to them, smiling. His tiny hands seemed to be hiding something. He went over and sat on Wei Wuxian's lap, looking up at the two men happily.

"What do you have in your hands, my little A-Yuan? Won't you show your Wei Gege? What is it, huh?"

A-Yuan giggled, then opened his hands to reveal two slightly squashed flower rings. They were made from wildflowers, one red and one white.

"For you! Hui told me people who like each other should wear them! So these are for Wei Gege and Rich Gege!"

He exclaimed enthusiastically, before showing them his own hand, which bore a similar, less crushed ring made from a pink flower.

"I have it too! See?"

With expectant doey eyes he looked up at the two men. Wei Wuxian couldn't endure the cuteness anymore, so he pulled A-Yuan into a tight hug, lightly laughing. As A-Yuan wiggled in his arms, trying to not squash the rings more, Wei Wuxian released him, looking at him lovingly.

"Why don't you put them on us? Since you made them, the honour is all yours."

The little boy giggled, nodded excitedly and gingerly put the ring made from the white flower on Wei Wuxian's finger. Then he turned to Lan Wangji, who already had his hand outstretched, and slid the ring of red flowers on his finger as well.

"Now hold hands!" he exclaimed happily.

A-Yuan took Wei Wuxian's hand and put it in Lan Wangji's hand, satisfied with his work, he nodded and grinned, not noticing how the two fully grown men had flushed cheeks and unsteady gazes.

Now is the chance. Let's ask him.

"A-Yuan?"

The boy looked up at him, his eyes filled with expectation and any doubt in Wei Wuxian's heart was washed away instantly.

"Your Rich Gege and Wei Gege like each other and want a family together. Would you like to be with us, as our son? If you want, you can think about it first. And you can meet Granny Wen whenever you want!"

A-Yuan just smiled up at them excitedly. "Yes, family! I want to be in Wei Gege and Rich Gege's family! Wei Gege, take me to the radish field, quick! I want some sisters!"

Lan Wangji raised an eyebrow at Wei Wuxian, while Wei Wuxian quickly tried to stifle his laugh and divert A-Yuan's attention.

"Hahaha you little fool! No need for anything like that! Wei Gege was just joking with you!"

"Then how can I get a younger sibling?"

He's too young for this!

"A-Yuan, that is a story for another day. First tell me properly, are you sure you want to be in our family?"

"Yes!"

Wei Wuxian hugged the little boy a little tighter, as he felt Lan Wangji's grip on his hand.

"Does that mean I can call you A-Niang and A-Die?" He asked suddenly, catching Wei Wuxian off guard.

Before he could answer, Lan Wangji had already responded eagerly.

"Mn."

A-Yuan brightened up. He looked at Lan Wangji, and called out "A-Die!"

Then he turned to look up at Wei Wuxian. "A-Niang!"

Wei Wuxian frowned. "Why am I A-Niang?!"

***

Unknown to Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, after he left the cave, A-Yuan headed straight for his friend Hui's house.

"It worked! They want to be a family!"

The little girl grinned at him.

"See? I told you they need a little push! It's what I do when my parents fight."

Chapter Text

No chapter for today, y'all. It's my beta's birthday, so I won't have her proofread the chapter. Y'all can leave wishes for Jenny Jie tho! I'm also going to rewrite the end a little better, because it feels too rushed. Have a great weekend!!

BONUS: Jie and Mei Shenanigans while writing

This is during the confession scene when Wei Wuxian grabs Lan Wangji to apologise

Me:
LAN WANGJI'S BIRTH SECRET REVEALED!!!!! BREAKING STORY! TODAY THE CULTIVATION WORLD WAS SHOOK TO ITS GOLDEN CORE BY THIS REVELATION…!!!

Jie:
WE SHOULD HAVE MADE A VIDEO AND PUT IT UP FOR THE READERS - SO THEY GET SOME FUN TOO
I LOVE THIS😂

Me:
What if we post the chapter like this

Jie:
With BLOOPERS - that would be so funny

Me:
HANGUANG JUUUUUN DID YOU KNOW THAT YOUR MOTHER (ME) AND YOUR MOTHER (THE ORIGINAL) WERE BESTIES
BUT THEN I DIED
SO SHE TOOK CARE OF YOU
BUT THEN SHE WANTED TO LEAVE WITH YOU SO SHE WAS LOCKED UP
DON'T TELL ANYONE THE LAN SECT'S SCANDAL

Jie:
Poor readers, they will not understand anything anymore XD

Me:
OH SHOOT I NEED TO LOG INTO CLASS

Jie:
Let it be, we'll make a special segment at the end 'Jie and Mei' our takes on the stupid STORY NOW WE HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT HE ACTUALLY SAYS

Me:
WHAT DOES HE SAY IDK HE'S A FOOL

Jie:
Love it ❤️

That's it for today, I love y'all, thanks for your patience!

Chapter Text

On the day of the Cleansing Ritual, Jiang Cheng came to the location, an old Jin temple on the border of Yiling, secretly.

Wei Wuxian had told him that he wasn't required to come all the way to Yiling just for a stupid ceremony, yet he insisted that Lan Wangji would mess it up and that he needed to represent the Jiang Clan in such a matter. So he made his way there and with him were Nie Huaisang and Jiang Yanli, who would represent the Nie Clan and the Jin Clan.

It took a while for everything to be set up, since representatives of all four major sects participated in the ceremony, so that it was official.

Jiang Cheng, faking an unconcerned demeanor, even scolded Wei Wuxian as they were getting ready before the ceremony.

"Wei Wuxian. You know that the ceremony will only wash away your resentment, and not prevent it from accumulating, right? At some point, you will have to repeat the ceremony, because continuing down your path is dangerous and will lead to all the resentful energy coming back at some point in the distant future."

"I know, I know. It's okay." Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes at his brother.

"Lan Wangji, you have to get rid of the resentful energy as frequently as possible. Play him music from time to time. If you don't, I'm breaking your guqin."

Lan Wangji nodded sternly, not the slightest bit concerned.

"Sect Leader Jiang, I will play music for him everyday. No need to threaten my guqin."

During the ritual, when A-Yuan was asked for his Clan name, he looked happily at his grandmother, whom Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji had already spoken to about adopting A-Yuan.

"Lan! Lan Yuan of the Lan Clan."

Wei Wuxian felt a smile on his face. He was pretty sure Lan Wangji had tears in his eyes too, though it was hard to tell in the low light of the temple.

Then it was Wei Wuxian's turn to announce his Clan.

Oh, shit. He had completely forgotten that he wasn't affiliated with a Clan anymore! With all the worrying about A-Yuan's adoption and the setting up of the ceremony he had completely forgotten about his own status.

As he thought about what he should do, without showing panic on his face, he saw Lan Wangji mouth to him, "Lan."

But before he could think about it or come to terms with the meaning of his, his thoughts were interrupted by Jiang Cheng.

"Hey, you're not married to him yet! How is he a Lan? He's obviously a Jiang!"

Jiang Cheng turned to Wei Wuxian, fuming.

"You donkey, have you forgotten that you're my brother?"

Wei Wuxian stifled a giggle, but could not swallow the snide remark, instantly leaving his lips.

"If I'm a donkey and you're my brother, then by extension you're a donkey too!"

"YOU-!"

Jiang Cheng's face contorted in fury, only just holding back the crackling energy from Zidian but Wei Wuxian did not worry, he felt genuinely happy. He had a Clan. He had a family.

He took a deep breath and confidently said it.

"Jiang. Wei Wuxian of the Jiang Clan."

He saw from the corner of his eye, Jiang Yanli, who was representing the Jin Clan in this ceremony, wiping a tear, as Nie Huaisang smiled, hiding it with his fan and even Jiang Cheng seemed to lose his sour look.

***
After having to endure the long and boring ceremony, Wei Wuxian made a loud sigh of relief and threw an arm over Nie Huaisang and Jiang Cheng each.

"Well, now that that's over, let's go celebrate with everyone! When do all of us meet like this?"

So, with mutual agreement and minimal grumbling from Jiang Cheng, the five of them plus A-Yuan headed to Wei Wuxian's usual haunt, the Lan Disciple's inn.

"Alcohol for everyone but Lan Zhan and A-Yuan!" Wei Wuxian ordered drinks as well as food, since he knew everyone's preferences best.

"Mn. No alcohol."

Wei Wuxian laughed. "Exactly! We don't want to destroy another monument, do we?"

And so Wei Wuxian told everyone the story of them destroying the tallest tree in Yiling, but censoring the story in such a way that it seemed that HE was the one drunk.

This earned him a smack up his head.

"You brat! Don't go around getting drunk everywhere. Learn from your beloved Lan Zhan!"

The last sentence was obviously sarcasm from Jiang Cheng and it was pointedly ignored by Wei Wuxian, though in his heart he enjoyed the sound of it without the sarcasm.

"Wei Xiong, Wangji Xiong, if you ever need to hide your relationship or cover your tracks, you can ask me! I know all about the gossip network of the Cultivation World. Putting in a word for you two would be far too simple."

Wei Wuxian laughed.

"Lans don't lie! Do they, Lan Zhan?"

"No."

Just then A-Yuan, who had gone out with his Yanli Jie (hearing everyone call her Jie, he thought he could too), returned, bringing a rabbit with him.

"A-Die! A-Niang!"

He ran to them, tripping slightly, and falling face first into Jiang Cheng's lap.

"Ouch! Sowwy!"

A-Yuan spoke with a mouthful of fabric, then hastened to get up and straighten himself out and bowed formally.

"Sorry Sect Leader Jiang. "

Jiang Cheng frowned hard at A-Yuan, and Wei Wuxian was getting increasingly worried.

"Lan Yuan. You call my brother 'A-Niang' , and my sister Jie, but you don't call me Jiu Jiu?"

Jiang Cheng scowled at Wei Wuxian. "You're a bad A-Niang. What are you teaching him?"

Wei Wuxian burst out laughing. "Am not a bad parent! How could I know that you want that? But if you insist, A-Yuan, call him Jiu Jiu! He is your Uncle after all. "

A-Yuan was getting a bit flustered, but bowed again slighy and shyly said, "Jiu Jiu!"

Seeming satisfied, Jiang Cheng pulled a red pouch out of his robes.

"For you, Lan Yuan. It's a 'welcome to the family' gift from me and Jie Jie."

A-Yuan squealed, grabbed it and ran back to Lan Wangji with it, showing it to him.

"Aiyah, you didn't have to!" Wei Wuxian lightly slapped Jiang Cheng' shoulder, but couldn't hide his broad smile.

"Of course I did. He's my first nephew!"

"First…? What do you mean? Will there be more?"

Jiang Cheng looked at Jiang Yanli, beaming, before excitedly exclaiming.

"Jie Jie is pregnant!"

Before he knew it, Wei Wuxian had tears in his eyes again. He felt Lan Wangji's hand tighten around his own, in support, before he got up and ran to hug his sister.

"Shijie! When?"

Jiang Yanli laughed.

"I found out today morning. I wanted to tell the both of you together, but my husband has been telling everyone he sees and I don't have the heart to stop him… He told A-Cheng, when he picked me up for the ceremony."

Wei Wuxian smiled up at her excitedly.

"Oh, Shi-jie, what wonderful news!!!"

After hugging her tight, he turned around and picked up A-Yuan, twirling him around.

" Did you hear that, A-Yuan? You're getting a cousin!"

"A Cousin! Yay!"

Chapter Text

After returning to the Burial Mounds, Wen Qing came to check up on Wei Wuxian.

"Good! You seem completely stable now. Your energy is flowing regularly, as it should. How do you feel?"

"I feel great! I think I haven't felt that energetic for a while… "

Wei Wuxian smiled broadly, looking proud of himself. He preened to Lan Wangji, snuggling up in his arms.

"I did good, no?"

Lan Wangji nodded. "Mn."

Wen Qing sensed she was intruding on something and left hastily, saying that A-Yuan needed a check up too.

"She's quick to catch on, that one."

Wei Wuxian sighed happily, stretching his arms over his head and slightly breaking the hug. Then catching Lan Wangji unaware, who was focused on a bit of Wei Wuxian's skin, exposed by his stretching, he moved fast and pushed him onto the bed. Before Lan Wangji could react he climbed on top of him, his smile twisting to one side.

"Lan Er Gege. Now that I feel so strong, we should get some… exercise!"

***

Now, you must be wondering, how did two people who love each other so much become enemies in the eyes of the Cultivation World?

Simple!

Ever played a game of Chinese Whispers? People sit in a group around a table and the first person whispers something to the person that sits next to them. That person repeats what they heard from the first person to the person sitting next to them. This goes on until the last person in the group.

When the last person is asked to repeat what the first person said, more often than not it is a complete distortion of what was actually said. The bigger the group, the bigger the discrepancy between the original telling and the final result.

This is exactly what happened in the case of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.

For, when Wei Wuxian killed Xue Yang, rumours began to spread. Rumours that the Yiling Patriarch has no control of his powers, that the Lan Clan is trying to restrain him, because he also intends to take over the Jin Clan.

There were also rumours about how Xue Yang learnt demonic cultivation in the first place, young as he was. Since the Yiling Patriarch was the only one with such infamy in the field as the founder of this path, he was the only possible teacher. Especially since Xue Yang called the Yiling Patriarch his idol, the suspicions rose even more.

It also didn't help that the few public outings of both Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were prone to bad luck, but mostly were misrepresented everytime.

One of these events happened on a work day for Lan Wangji. He had invited Wei Wuxian over to his new office, situated near Yiling, to show him his Head Cultivator seat. He would have his ceremony soon to be appointed Chief Cultivator, but he wanted Wei Wuxian to see his future workplace and also take his advice on it. It seemed Wei Wuxian approved.

"Lan Zhan! It's so you!"

And it was. The place was decorated in a minimal manner, but with trinkets all over. The trinkets were, remarkably, little gifts from Wei Wuxian and some of his unfinished projects which Lan Wangji had borrowed (read: stolen).

As Wei Wuxian went closer to a specific part of these trinkets, he found them to be familiar, but they were not things given by him. He could barely stop his laughter, when he finally realised what they were.

"Hanguang Jun! You're the worst man ever! How could you??!" he exclaimed scandalized.

The Jade bangles. The alcohol. The toys. The ribbon. Everything was from that night fair in Yiling, the one which Wei Wuxian had dragged him to. Just things he looked at, liked but never bought himself and now they were here in Lan Wangji's new office.

"For you. You wanted them."

Wei Wuxian ran towards him, and sobbed into Lan Wangji's shoulder, who hugged him tight.

"If only you had given me all this earlier, and had the courage to confess first." He whispered weakly, as he looked at the gifts fondly. Part of him also felt guilty about never noticing the other man's feelings.

"Mn. I'm sorry."

"Don't be! I should have realized earlier! But now I have something for you too!"

Wei Wuxian pulled out the rings he had gotten from his mother and took Lan Wangji's hand in his.

"Lan Zhan. I don't know if they will fit, but these are my parents' rings. I can't imagine anyone other than you owning one of them. Will you wear this ring at all times, remembering me every time you look at it?"

"...Are you proposing marriage?"

Wei Wuxian laughed. "Not yet! I can't marry you till I am completely sure that the Wens are comfortable, living peacefully and without fear. But when that time finally arrives, I expect a grand dowry from the Lans! For now, just the rings… "

"Mn."

Lan Wangji nodded, his ears turning red slightly. Wei Wuxian put the rings on both their fingers, the ones on which A-Yuan had placed the flower rings that by now sadly had withered away, leaving both of them feeling naked there. Now the rings made them feel more complete again, more grounded, sharing a soft smile with each other.

Wei Wuxian leaned in for a kiss, but was rudely interrupted by a Jin disciple who walked in, worried after hearing his loud exclamation, calling Lan Wangji the worst.

This resulted in Wei Wuxian being startled and accidentally shoving Lan Wangji away, who landed on the ground, shocked.
Lan Wangji didn't think he would regret having guest apprentices as much as he did in that moment.

And so spread more rumours, about the Yiling Patriarch who didn't even show the most basic decency to his old friend, swearing loudly at him and getting angry again. Their intimate moment was interpreted as another fight, where Lan Wangji had tried to subdue the Yiling Patriarch's evil powers, which resulted in Lan Wangji being pushed to the ground rudely.

However, no one noticed the new ring that Lan Wangji wore after that.

More rumors spread, when Lan Wangji ascended to the position of Chief Cultivator and Wei Wuxian showed up to the ceremony. He was of course invited personally by Lan Wangji, but after he destroyed many of the gifts bestowed upon the new Chief Cultivator, rumors spread that the Yiling Patriarch only came to wreak havoc.

To this, Wei Wuxian could only say, Ha! Think what you want! The gifts that he destroyed weren't just ruined arbitrarily or for his own entertainment. No, the gifts were all from women who Wei Wuxian knew liked Lan Wangji, the gifts meant to get these women in the good graces of the esteemed Hanguang Jun or even entice his interest. When Wei Wuxian had found these gifts, his jealousy had gotten the better of him and he wrecked the gifts completely. Lan Wangji wasn't even angry, because he never cared about these trivial things at all. Anything for his Wei Ying only.

After these misunderstandings, whatever Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji did, was misread and interpreted as hatred for each other.

Wei Wuxian's attempt at sending a paperman with Lan Wangji was misconstrued as him trying to spy on the Chief Cultivator.

Lan Wangji's gift of sunflowers made Wei Wuxian fall sick due to pollen allergies, which was seen as a clever move by the Chief Cultivator to keep this evil practitioner of the demonic path in check. Although unruly, people wouldn't hold it against him.

The one time Wei Wuxian publicly scolded A-Yuan for liking Lan Wangji more than him, was considered his method of manipulating the first Lan heir to his wrong ways.

On and on, people misinterpreted what Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji did. But did the two protagonists of the gossip know anything? Absolutely not!

It was only after Xichen was informed by his spies about the misinformation and lies spreading around the Cultivation World that the rumours about Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji came to light.

Folding up his brother's letter, Lan Wangji frowned.

"We need to tell everyone."

"What? No! I don't want everyone to know about our love till you're settled in as Chief Cultivator and the Burial Mounds are completely safe."

"We cannot lie, Wei Ying."

"We won't! We just do everything as we did and let people interpret it how they want. Who are we to tell the people what to believe? It's not against the Lan Doctrines, right?"

"...No."

"Perfect, then! We can just let it be!"

And so several years passed, with rumors far and wide, with the Chief Cultivator regularly traveling to the Burial Mounds to suppress the Yiling Patriarch's evil powers and their love mostly just between the two of them.
Most rumors had died down recently until the big announcement of the marriage between the two had spread.

Lan Wangji used his power and every free minute to ensure safety for the Wens, so that marriage was finally possible. He wanted to marry Wei Wuxian as soon as possible, so that the next time they had a cleansing ceremony for Wei Wuxian, he would be a Lan and not a Jiang. He could imagine himself smirking at Jiang Cheng, a sense of achievement to it. He was a petty man, sometimes.

Wei Wuxian's reaction to the proposal, partially overplayed by himself to keep the rumors, partially exaggerated through word of mouth, stoked the rumors once more, old stories retold to pity the pair of grooms that hated each other.

And so the Cultivation World was deceived and their love hidden.

***

After hearing all of Wei Wuxian's story, Lan Jingyi finally understood. So it was like this!

"Don't worry, Lan Er Furen! I won't tell anyone the truth!"

Wei Wuxian laughed.

"The Lans don't lie. So you can't, either. If anyone asks you, tell them. But don't say anything till you're asked. Can you do that?"

"Yes!"

***

However, to everyone's surprise Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were a happily married couple.

Maybe it was the fact that they had nothing left to fight about, or that they were resigned to their fate.

After all, no resentful energy interrupted the wedding, no corpses turned up and the marriage ceremony went smoothly. It also seemed as if Lan Wangji was… smiling? People pitied him, thinking that he had finally lost his sanity under the circumstances.

Either way, it was a slap to the face of everyone who gossiped about them and even those people who placed bets on how fast the two would separate. Especially when the two stayed married and in love for longer than people had ever gossiped about them. Who made up these lies, anyway?

If anyone ever asked Xichen what it was that changed the two men so, he would just laugh and say these words to them.

"Sometimes, Enemies can be Soulmates too."