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Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng was struggling to process the situation he currently found himself in. If someone had told him a year ago - hell, even a month ago! - that he would be officially courting the Second Jade of Gusu Lan, he would have punched them in the face.

Yet, here he was, sitting beside Lan Wangji, watching as their guardians discussed the terms of their official courtship.

As most chaos does, this disaster began with Wei Wuxian. 

=          =          =          =          =

“We’re going to get in trouble,” Jiang Cheng grumbled.

“Don’t be such a killjoy, a-Cheng,” Wei Wuxian countered. “They all go to bed soon anyways. Who could possibly catch us?”

Jiang Cheng looked to Nie Huaisang for support, but the other boy just gave a small shrug and reached for his glass. 

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes and huffed, “Fine. But if anything happens, it’s entirely your fault.” He gave Wei Wuxian a sharp glare, and his friend simply laughed it off.

Of course, Jiang Cheng should never have let his guard down. After the three of them had downed a couple jars of Emperor’s Smile, no one was thinking or moving properly. Which made it all that worse when the door of their dorm was suddenly opened.

Jiang Cheng could imagine the matching expressions of shock on his, Wei Wuxian, and Nie Huaisang’s faces as they stared up at an angry Lan Wangji. The sober boy stormed into the room and inspected one of the bottles on the table, confirming his suspicions.

Before he could drag them to his uncle for punishment, though, Wei Wuxian jumped up and began badgering Lan Wangji. Jiang Cheng’s mind was too fuzzy to operate as fast as Wei Wuxian was moving, but he nodded along to whatever his friend was saying in an attempt to save their asses.

Whatever Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang were saying must have been working, because Lan Wangji suddenly sat down beside Jiang Cheng. Someone started giggling - Jiang Cheng was sure that it wasn’t him, but he couldn’t tell where it was coming from.

The night became more fragmented after that. Snippets of alcohol, laughter, and warmth were all he had.

=          =          =          =          =

Lan Xichen was worried.

It was entirely unlike Lan Wangji to skip breakfast and even more so for him to be late for lectures. Once shufu had noticed Wangji’s absence, as well as the Jiang sect heir’s absence, he had sent Xichen and a handful of younger disciples to search.

Lan Xichen’s first thought was to trace Wangji’s potential steps, so he should start at the Jingshi. Perhaps, though incredibly unlikely, Wangji had simply slept in. If so, the whole endeavor would be an easy fix.

Though, the coincidental disappearance of Jiang Wanyin was intriguing. Had the two of them gotten up to something?

Had Wangji finally made a friend?

Lan Xichen couldn’t hold back a faint smile at the idea. Wangji hadn’t always been a stern-faced, awkward boy. As his older brother, Lan Xichen desperately wanted others to break through the layer of ice around Wangji and realize how warm-hearted and loving he could be.

Even if Jiang Wanyin had nothing to do with Wangji’s disrupted schedule, perhaps Lan Xichen could push the two together. 

Wei Wuxian was a thorn in Wangji’s side, though Lan Xichen was sure the two could be good friends if they took a moment to actually talk and respected each other’s boundaries. But perhaps Jiang Wanyin would be an easier introduction to friendship.

Lan Xichen thought through the possibilities as he walked toward the Jingshi, occasionally stopping to ask those he passed about Wangji’s whereabouts. 

When he neared the Jingshi, he spotted two junior disciples loitering. 

“Lan Jiayun and Lan Feiming,” he greeted. “Have you seen my brother around this morning?”

Both boys shook their heads but glanced back at the bushes behind them. Lan Xichen had to bite back a laugh at the sight of a bunny cowering in the leaves. 

“Perhaps the two of you can help me in my search,” he suggested. A pout flitted across Feiming’s face, but both boys nodded anyway and followed.

Lan Xichen pondered the chances of being able to convince his shufu and the other elders to loosen the rules on pets. The bunnies filling the hills of Cloud Recesses were no secret to any Lan clan member.

Mostly lost in thought, Lan Xichen arrived at the Jingshi. He opened the door and called for his brother, “Wangji, are you -.”

Well, he hadn’t been expecting that.

=          =          =          =          =

Jiang Cheng woke to the soft sounds of birds chirping. His head throbbed violently, but he felt enveloped in warmth. He was so comfortable he didn’t want to move. Despite the headache, Jiang Cheng hadn’t slept that well in a long time.

He slowly opened his bleary eyes, squinting at his surroundings. He tried to bring his hand up to wipe his face, but it was caught in something. He moved to steady himself and looked down at his hand. 

Intertwined and twisted through his fingers was a soft white ribbon. Jiang Cheng blinked a couple times, bringing the world better into focus. He realized that the ribbon was actually tied to his wrist and tugged it towards himself. 

At the sound of a grunt, Jiang Cheng finally took in his surroundings and immediately jumped in shock.

He stared down into the eyes of Lan Wangji. Jiang Cheng was lying half on top of the second Jade of Lan. The other boy was staring up at him blankly. Though Jiang Cheng couldn’t understand Lan Wangji’s stony exterior, at that moment, he felt a communal sense of confusion and dread between them.

Jiang Cheng quickly moved to get away from Lan Wangji but was stopped short. He had made it as far as sitting up, before the ribbon around his wrist tightened, and Jiang Cheng was faced with yet another horrible realization.

The long, white, Lan sect ribbon currently tied around Jiang Cheng’s own wrist was also tied to Lan Wangji, connecting the two. 

“What the hell?” Jiang Cheng grumbled, shifting to get a better view of the ribbon.

“Mmm,” was the only response Jiang Cheng got from the other boy.

He glared down at Lan Wangji, “You have nothing to say right now? Why are you here?” Jiang Cheng then looked around, suddenly taking in his surroundings. “Where the hell are we?”

“The Jingshi,” Lan Wangji replied, “my quarters.” 

Jiang Cheng whipped back around to face Lan Wangji, “What the fuck,” he hissed. “I’m in your room?”

“Mmm.” Lan Wangji then moved to sit up as well, leaning back on his forearms. 

However, his movement pulled the still-connected white ribbon and yanked a confused Jiang Cheng back on top of Lan Wangji. 

Jiang Cheng grunted in surprise and tried to pull himself back up, but the two were a tangle of limbs. Suddenly, he found himself straddling Lan Wangji, who was staring back up at him with the roundest, stunned eyes. Jiang Cheng’s hands were braced on Lan Wangji’s chest, and Jiang Cheng could feel the other’s body move with each breath.

Unfortunately for them both, before Jiang Cheng could do anything – move, apologize, fling himself out the window, literally anything – the door to the Jingshi opened.

“Wangji, are you -,” Lan Xichen stopped short and simply stared at the duo, both of whom simply stared back from their extremely compromising position.

Lan Xichen finally found his words. “I apologize, Wangji. I did not expect… this. I should have announced myself.” He paused awkwardly, still processing the situation. Before he could speak more, though, Jiang Cheng’s day was made even worse.

Two small heads poked out from behind Lan Xichen. At Lan Wangji’s small gasp, Jiang Cheng knew he wasn’t dreaming. Not only had Lan Xichen walked in on them together in bed, but two random disciples also had a clear view of the entire disaster!

Lan Xichen gave Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji a pained smile, then turned toward the small disciples whose eyes were as wide as dinner plates. 

“Ah, Jiayun, Feiming, please go inform shufu that we found both Wangji and young master Jiang.”

The two young disciples backed away from the door slowly, their eyes clearly lingering on Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji until they were completely out of sight.

Lan Xichen watched until they left, while Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji remained frozen. Then he said, “I will wait outside… as you two make yourselves presentable.”

“Xiongzhang-“

“Lan Xichen-“

Both tried to speak and move at the same time, resulting in another episode of flailing limbs. This time, Lan Wangji ended up on top of Jiang Cheng, his arms bracketing the smaller boy’s head, even closer than before.

The two stared at each other. Their faces were so close that Jiang Cheng could feel Lan Wangji’s breath by his ear. He forced himself to break eye contact with Lan Wangji, which instead drew his eyes down towards the other’s neck and the small opening in his robes… Jiang Cheng gulped.

Thankfully, the strange tension was shattered by Lan Xichen.

His strangely calm voice filled the room, followed shortly by the opening and closing of the main door. “Please be quick.”

Lan Wangji moved first, pulling himself off Jiang Cheng and sitting at the edge of the bed. Jiang Cheng followed; his arm being dragged by the other. They sat together in silence, unmoving, for a moment.

Then, Jiang Cheng threw his head into his hands – dragging Lan Wangji’s hand along, too – and moaned pitifully. 

“What the fuck did we do?” he whined.

Lan Wangji hummed quietly in response, but when Jiang Cheng peeked over, the other boy was staring into the distance with a startlingly clear expression of distress on his face. Jiang Cheng felt a twinge of worry.

They’d both messed up. For Jiang Cheng, the worst to be done would be Lan Qiren giving him punishment and writing a letter to his parents, who would then also assign punishment upon his return home. This would be another disgraceful endeavor his parents would argue about until the next incident happened. With Wei Wuxian, no one could dwell on a singular mistake for too long.

However, for Lan Wangji, he was the honorable second heir to the sect and would be facing his own uncle for punishment for breaking sacred rules. This wasn’t one of many indiscretions for Lan Wangji, rather this was probably the worst thing he had ever done.

Jiang Cheng experienced a wave of sympathy. He pulled himself out of his own misery and awkwardly shifted to pat the other boy’s shoulder.

“It’s not that bad,” he started, then immediately stopped when Lan Wangji fixed him with a fierce glare. “Okay, it’s pretty bad. Even by my standards.” 

Lan Wangji shifted back into distress.

“Sorry, sorry, I’m awful at being comforting,” Jiang Cheng apologized. “But don’t worry too much. We’ll apologize and accept our punishment. I’ll tell Grandmaster Lan that this is my fault. If it wasn’t for us, you wouldn’t have drunk at all, anyways.”

Lan Wangji just nodded, seemingly still in disbelief.

Unsure of what else to say, Jiang Cheng decided to simply push on and get the whole ordeal done with. He raised his hand between the two, once again dragging Lan Wangji’s up as well. 

“Let’s fix this first,” he suggested.

That shocked some life into Lan Wangji, and he immediately began undoing the knots tying them together. They worked in silence, slowly undoing the many, intricate knots around their wrists.

“You really did a number on this. Didn’t want me getting away, huh?” Jiang Cheng joked, though he instantly regretted saying it when Lan Wangji stilled beside him

“I’m just joking,” he said awkwardly. 

Lan Wangji looked over at Jiang Cheng, expression suddenly serious, “I am sorry, Jiang Wanyin.” Jiang Cheng couldn't decipher Lan Wangji’s expression entirely but he definitely saw the remorse in the other boy’s eyes. “My actions last night were reprehensible. I lost control of myself, and I have dishonored you.”

“We both made mistakes,” Jiang Cheng replied. “Like I said, it’s a mess, but we’ll get through it.”

Lan Wangji shook his head. “No.”

Jiang Cheng held himself back from rolling his eyes. He might be bad at comforting others, but Lan Wangji was not helping the situation at all. Who was Jiang Cheng to get in the way of the other’s internal punishment? 

Lan Wangji continued, “I have defiled you. That is not a simple mistake.”

“What the hell, Lan Wangji!” Jiang Cheng spluttered. “What defiling? We’re fully dressed!”

Lan Wangji just shook his head again, and asked “Do you remember what you did last night?’

“Of course I-” Jiang Cheng stopped. He didn’t remember. He had no idea how he ended up in Lan Wangji’s rooms and even less of an idea of what happened while he was there. 

“No,” Jiang Cheng confessed. “I don’t remember.”

Lan Wangji nodded, seeming to have expected that answer.

While Jiang Cheng stared at him in confusion, Lan Wangji finished untying the ribbon and stood, pulling the ribbon with him. Jiang Cheng watched it run over his wrist and felt a strange absence once it was out of his hands. 

Lan Wangji then began straightening his robes, prompting Jiang Cheng to stand and do the same. The two organized themselves in silence, but Jiang Cheng’s mind was running cartwheels attempting to remember what he’d done last night.

What the absolute fuck had Jiang Cheng gotten himself into?

=          =          =          =          =

“I will take responsibility, shufu,” Lan Wangji stated.

Lan Qiren looked like he was going to explode. He sat before Lang Wangji and Jiang Cheng, rubbing his temples with a large scowl across his face. As he let out a long-suffering sigh, Lan Xichen gave Jiang Cheng a small smile. 

Jiang Cheng wanted to melt into the floorboards and die.

“You don’t have to take responsibility, Lan Wangji,” Jiang Cheng said, frantically waving his hands. “We were just drunk and stupid. It was all a mistake. We’ll accept any punishment you see fit, Grandmaster Lan.” 

“No,” Lan Wangji responded, voice firm. “I treated Jiang Wanyin dishonorably last night and acted against the teachings of our sect. I will take responsibility.”

Jiang Cheng and Lan Qiren groaned in unison, but their combined displeasure was not stopping Lan Wangji from confessing all of his sins.

He began speaking again, “Last night, Jiang Wanyin and I were… indecent-”

“Lan Wangji!” Jiang Cheng hissed.

“So I must take responsibility,” his words were final. 

The more Lan Wangji talked, Jiang Cheng’s sense of dread grew. What did Lan Wangji know that he didn’t? What had they done last night that was making Lan Wangji so serious? 

Lan Qiren rubbed his temples again. “If you insist on following this path, Wangji, I suppose there is nothing I can do but prepare you to the best of my ability.”

Lan Wangji gave a short nod in response, so Lan Qiren continued, “You must both copy the rules three times and will each endure twenty strikes with the disciple ruler.” 

Jiang Cheng bowed, “Of course, Grandmaster Lan. I sincerely apologize for my actions and will take this time to properly reflect.” Everything considered, Jiang Cheng would gladly accept the punishment he had been given and finally put this whole incident behind him.

“As you should,” Lan Qiren responded approvingly. Then he stood up and stroked his beard. “I shall write to Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan about the specifics of your courtship then.” 

Any relief Jiang Cheng had felt swiftly vanished. Before he could move, Lan Qiren had left the room with Lan Xichen following shortly after.

Jiang Cheng swiveled to face Lan Wangji. “Courtship? What courtship? Whose courtship?”

Lan Wangji gave him an unreadable look. “Our courtship. I am taking responsibility for my actions last night, Jiang Wanyin, and will not besmirch your honor.”

Jiang Cheng stared at the other boy, mouth agape. “So you taking responsibility means dating me?” 

“Of course,” Lan Wangji replied. “The gifting of one’s forehead ribbon is a serious matter.”

“We barely know each other!” Jiang Cheng said, feeling a bit hysteric in the face of Lan Wangji’s calm demeanor.

“We know each other enough for us to have spent the night together.”

“We were both so drunk!”

Lan Wangji looked down at his lap, obviously unhappy.

“Brother found us in my bed with my ribbon tied to you. If we don’t follow that with an official courtship, I will have sullied both of our reputations.” Lan Wangji’s voice sounded small, and Jiang Cheng deflated a little.

“So, you intend to court me in order to preserve our reputations?” he finally asked.

“Mmm.”

“Instead of having people know that we made a horrible series of drunken bad decisions that we don’t even remember, you’d rather pretend that it was intentional, and we were just stupid enough to be exposed.”

“Mmm.” There was a slight blush on Lan Wangji’s cheeks.

“You’re going to pretend to be so infatuated with me that you simply had to give me your sacred clan ribbon?”

“Mmm.”

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes at the absurdity of the situation.

“What if we convince everyone, and they then want us to get married?” Jiang Cheng questioned.

“Then I shall become Jiang Furen,” Lan Wangji responded, much too calmly for Jiang Cheng’s taste.

“What the hell, Lan Wangji!” he yelped. Jiang Cheng couldn’t even be bothered by Lan Wangji’s reproachful gaze at his outburst. “You’d just accept it if we have to get married?”

“Mmm.” 

If Lan Wangji continued to respond with non-verbal answers, Jiang Cheng was going to start throwing punches.

“Why?” 

“I am taking responsibility.”

Jiang Cheng just stared at Lan Wangji. “You’re insane.”

A flash of something passed across Lan Wangji’s face; annoyance? Or was it hurt? Jiang Cheng felt bad for a moment but couldn’t find it in himself to apologize.

“I need to find my siblings,” he finally said. “Give them a heads up about our… courtship.”

Lan Wangji didn’t even acknowledge Jiang Cheng’s words, just stood up and expectantly walked towards the door. Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes but followed in silence. As they left Lan Qiren’s office, Lan Xichen was waiting outside for them. He nodded at his brother, then turned a soft smile to Jiang Cheng.

“Jiang Wanyin, may I speak to you for a moment?” he asked.

Jiang Cheng glanced at Lan Wangji who was once again stone-cold and unreadable. “Of course, Lan Xichen.”

“Thank you.” He turned to Wangji, “You can continue ahead. This will just be a moment.”

Lan Wangji nodded slowly, potentially also confused by the situation, but listened to his brother and left. Jiang Cheng faced the older Lan, unsure of what to expect.

“Jiang Wanyin, from the conversation earlier, it doesn’t seem as if you are taking my brother’s feelings seriously.” Lan Xichen stated. His face radiated an eerie calm, but his eyes bore down on Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng spluttered in response, “No! I mean- yes! I do! Take them seriously, that is.” He was crumbling under the weight of Lan Xichen’s formidable gaze. “It was all just so… unexpected. I don’t want to unfairly tie Lan Wangji to me. Neither one of us was thinking clearly last night.”

Lan Xichen hummed; his gaze still sharp. “You must know the importance of our clan ribbons.” 

It was a statement, not a question, so Jiang Cheng simply nodded.

“Wangji has always taken the rules of the sect seriously. Even inebriated, he would not give his ribbon away lightly.” Lan Xichen continued. “I hope you realize the significance of his actions.”

Jiang Cheng stared back at the older boy dumbly. Lan Xichen must have seen something in his face, because after a breath, he gave Jiang Cheng a final, warm smile and walked away. 

Somehow, despite the kindness of Lan Xichen’s actions and the gentleness of his words, Jiang Cheng felt incredibly threatened.

Chapter Text

“Jiang Cheng!! Everyone knows about you and Lan Wangji! It’s the hottest gossip around Cloud Recesses right now!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed as soon as he saw Jiang Cheng.

“I thought Lans weren’t allowed to gossip,” Jiang Cheng grumbled.

Wei Wuxian slung an arm around Jiang Cheng’s shoulders. “Eh, as if a few rules ever stopped anyone. Except for that fuddy-duddy Lan Zhan!” At that, Wei Wuxian paused, then immediately began questioning Jiang Cheng. “When did you and him become that close? What really happened between you two last night?”

“Nothing happened!” Jiang Cheng shouted. At the disapproving glares from passing Lan disciples, Jiang Cheng quickly quieted. “The whole thing is a major misunderstanding. I can’t believe you left me alone with him anyways.”

“Huaisang and I were looking for you for hours! It’s not our fault you ran off to another man’s private rooms.” Wei Wuxian responded.

“Ugh!” Jiang Cheng groaned. “Stop saying it like that! We weren’t like..” Jiang Cheng paused. He couldn’t remember much of anything last night after Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang had disappeared, and Lan Wangji had been overly apologetic that morning. For all Jiang Cheng knew… anything could have happened between them last night. He gulped, “Nothing happened, okay? You should know that.”

Wei Wuxian gave him a side-eye, “I don’t know, shidi. The only reason Lan Wangji didn’t run off to rat us out last night was because he wanted to drink with you.”

“What?” Jiang Cheng scrambled to remember what happened before things went dark, but he hadn’t been paying attention at all to Lan Wangji’s arrival.

Wei Wuxian shrugged. “He was ready to storm out with all of us in tow, but we convinced him that you were too drunk to be moved. And you definitely were way too drunk. Where’s your stamina, shidi?” he poked Jiang Cheng's cheek and Jiang Cheng swatted at his hand. “He sat there like a log until you started begging him to drink with you. Then he totally just passed out.”

“He passed out? How did we end up in his rooms?”

Wei Wuxian just shrugged again. “Beats me. Huaisang and I left to get water for the both of you, and when we came back, you were gone.”

Jiang Cheng threw his head into his hands. Wei Wuxian bounced next to him. “Stop worrying so much! Shijie will be so happy you’ve made a new friend.”

Jiang Cheng just groaned. He didn’t know how he could face his sister after spending the night with another man and inadvertently getting himself engaged.

Thankfully, Jiang Yanli and his parents would be learning about the situation first through a letter from Lan Qiren. Hopefully, by the time they arrive at Cloud Recesses, they won’t be so disappointed in him.

=          =          =          =          =

The next day, gossip had died down significantly. Jiang Cheng was positive Lan Qiren had done something to kill the rumors. His speculations were proven correct when he spotted Lan Qiren overseeing a row of Lan cultivators writing the rules while holding a handstand.

Jiang Cheng had to bite back a grin at their discomfort, feeling extremely thankful towards his teacher.

Dinner the night before had been horrible. As soon as Jiang Cheng entered the dining hall, all eyes were on him. It didn’t help that Wei Wuxian had not-so-subtly nudged him towards where Lan Wangji was sitting. The two had eaten together in awkward silence with the eyes and whispers of disciples from all sects pointed at them. 

Jiang Cheng still wasn’t sure what was expected of him and Lan Wangji now. How much would they have to play up their infatuation? Or would they at all? The Lan sect was such a stickler for rules and propriety, maybe they wouldn’t even want Jiang Cheng in the same room as Lan Wangji.

During lectures for the day, Jiang Cheng was seated next to Lan Wangji - once again, not-so-subtly nudged to that position by Wei Wuxian. Jiang Cheng wasn’t sure if Wei Wuxian thought that he was helping or just intentionally causing trouble.

For the first time, Jiang Cheng was grateful that Lan Qiren ruled his classroom with an iron fist. Besides an awkward moment when he leaned over Lan Wangji to reach for extra ink and the entire class had gone dead silent, obviously watching their interaction, lectures were a painless affair.

Once Lan Qiren concluded the lectures and swept out of the room, Jiang Cheng gave Lan Wangji a swift nod and attempted to hurry off. Unfortunately, Lan Zhan had grabbed his wrist as he stood up, pulling Jiang Cheng right back down to the floor.

Jiang Cheng leveled a fierce glare at Lan Wangji, who immediately looked apologetic. 

“I apologize, Jiang Wanyin,” he said, “I just..?”

Lan Wangji trailed off awkwardly, not letting go of Jiang Cheng’s wrist. Jiang Cheng stared at him, absolutely not wanting to have to talk or process whatever had happened between them, but the typically stoic Lan Wangji was noticeably tense, and Jiang Cheng didn’t have the heart to leave him alone.

Jiang Cheng groaned and stood up, accidentally pulling Lan Wangji with him via their still connected hands. Jiang Cheng scowled and jerked his wrist out of Lan Wangji’s grasp. 

“Let’s go,” Jiang Cheng grumbled and stormed off.

Lan Wangji followed him diligently. 

Jiang Cheng strode to the library, not looking back at Lan Wangji once. Upon entering the library, Jiang Cheng acknowledged the other disciples present and walked back to a far corner. When he genuinely needed to study, it required hiding away from both Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang. On more than one occasion, Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji had found themselves in the library together, silently studying in their own worlds.

Jiang Cheng figured they could just continue as they used to.

He sat down at his usual table, and at Lan Wangji’s hesitation, gestured for the other boy to sit across from him. 

“Grandmaster Lan said he will be testing us on meridians soon, right?” he asked halfheartedly. “We should study.”

Lan Wangji was staring at him from across the table. Jiang Cheng had no idea what he was thinking, but his gaze felt heavy. 

Jiang Cheng did not have the energy to deal with more emotions, so he chose to ignore whatever was happening with Lan Wangji. He pulled out his books and began reading, studiously ignoring the weight of Lan Wangji’s gaze.

Eventually, Lan Wangji took out his own books as well. The two fell into a companionable silence, existing as they always had, only this time, they were at the same desk.

Every now and then a disciple would approach their table, curiosity or false bravery written across their face. Jiang Cheng could only assume they wanted to ask about the details of the rumors, but he never had to actually find out. Any time someone got within five feet of their table, Lan Zhan would simply stare them down until they grew uncomfortable and left.

Jiang Cheng had to hold back laughter by the third encounter. 

He had been on the receiving end of Lan Wangji’s glare a few times. Yet being on the same side for once and being protected by Lan Wangji’s bitchiness was an entirely different feeling. Jiang Cheng wasn’t upset by the faint resemblance of a friendship.

If Jiang Cheng’s life continued to be an absolute disaster and he had to keep up the charade of loving Lan Wangji, Jiang Cheng didn’t think he’d mind spending more time with the other boy. Unlike Wei Wuxian or Nie Huaisang, Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng had fairly similar personalities and structure to their lives.  Maybe once this was all over, they could really be friends.

=          =          =          =          =

The following days seemed to pass quickly. Jiang Cheng lived in a constant state of observation. If he was with Lan Wangji, no one would take their eyes off of them, and if he wasn’t with Lan Wangji, everyone was asking about their relationship.

Much to Jiang Cheng’s dismay, Lan Qiren had announced at the beginning of morning lectures, with the entire class present, that Jiang Cheng’s parents had responded to his letter and should arrive within a week to discuss the details of courtship between Yunmeng and Gusu. 

The rest of the lecture consisted of Wei Wuxian poking him in the side and sending him nonsensical notes about Lan Wangji, as well as the eyes of every single disciple in the room who had decided Jiang Cheng was more interesting than Lan Qiren’s lectures. 

Jiang Cheng just needed some space to breathe. He had avoided Wei Wuxian by saying he was going to study and then just as easily avoided Lan Wangji by claiming he needed some time alone to practice his meditation. Leaving both of the banes of his existence behind, he had found an isolated spot along one of the streams in the back hills of Cloud Recesses to be alone. It was perfect. 

Jiang Cheng enjoyed a blissful period, laying back on the grass, listening to the soft stream, and watching clouds float by. He was nearly dozing off, when the sun was suddenly cut off.

“Jiang-xiong!” Nie Huaisang said happily. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

Jiang Cheng groaned, squinting up at the other. “You didn’t think that maybe if I was this hard to find that I didn’t want to be found?”

Nie Huaisang hummed, “No.” He plopped down beside Jiang Cheng on the grass, snapping his fan open and waving it over the other. “You look a bit hot. Have you been laying out here since lectures ended?”

Jiang Cheng grunted an affirmation, sitting up. “Why were you looking for me?”

Nie Huaisang flicked his fan closed and tapped it against his bottom lip. Jiang Cheng could only describe the look on his face as downright devious. Few realized it, but Nie Huaisang was just as chaotic as Wei Wuxian - he was just much better at not getting caught.

“We haven’t properly talked in a while,” he teased. “I think my good friend, Jiang Cheng, should tell me all about what’s been going on in his life.” 

“Shut up, Huaisang,” Jiang Cheng grumbled.

The older boy wasn’t deterred at all. He gave Jiang Cheng a fake pout, “Aren’t we friends, Jiang-xiong? It’s important to be honest with your friends.” He poked Jiang Cheng’s shoulder, “I’m fairly certain one of the thousands of rules on that wall is about honesty. If you’re marrying a Lan, you should probably start living by their standards.”

Jiang Cheng swatted at Nie Huaisang, who just leaned back to avoid it, and continued. “I wonder if Lan Wangji will punish you himself if you break any rules now.”

“Shut up, Huaisang,” Jiang Cheng barked, jumping at the other boy.

Nie Huaisang squeaked and attempted to stand, but Jiang Cheng caught the end of his robes and pulled him backward. Nie Huaisang let out an undignified grunt when he hit the ground. Jiang Cheng held him in a chokehold, laughing as the other boy slapped his arm with a fan.

“Let me go, Jiang-xiong!” he whined.

“Not until you apologize, Huaisang,” he countered.

Suddenly, Jiang Cheng felt a rough pull on his shoulder and was being dragged away from Nie Huaisang. He looked behind himself, perfectly content to start another fight with whoever interrupted him and Huaisang, to be met with the fierce gaze of Lan Wangji.

Jiang Cheng dropped his defensive posture, “What are you doing, Lan Wangji?” 

Rather than responding, the second jade of Lan grabbed Jiang Cheng’s wrist and stormed off with him in tow. Jiang Cheng looked back at Huaisang for help, but the other boy just flicked open a fan and shrugged, watching calmly as Jiang Cheng was taken away.

After a couple minutes of walking, Jiang Cheng reached his limit. He stopped mid stride and felt a bit of satisfaction watching Lan Wangji stumble at the sudden opposition. When Lan Wangji turned back to glare at him, Jiang Cheng simply shrugged.

“What the hell are you doing, Lan Wangji?” He yanked his arm out of Lan Wangji’s grasp, shaking it off. He then crossed his arms and adopted his own sharp glare before continuing, “You just dragged me across half of Cloud Recesses without a word! What the fuck is your problem?” 

The two glared at each other in silence for a long moment. Jiang Cheng refused to budge, though. Lan Wangji couldn’t just keep pushing him around, no matter if they were courting or not!

“You were acting too familiar with him,” Lan Wangji finally said, his face turning a light pink.

Jiang Cheng stared incredulously. “He’s my friend. We were messing around.”

Lan Wangji frowned, “You shouldn’t mess around with your friends.”

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, “I messed around with you, didn’t I? That’s just what friends do.”

“We are different.” Lan Wangji responded hotly. “I marked you with my ribbon, Jiang Wanyin.”

“Yea, I know that. Everyone in Cloud Recesses knows that.” Jiang Cheng said. “I don’t know why you’re so upset. You and I have been much closer than Huaisang and I. We spent a whole night together, for fucks sake! Who knows what we got up to?”

“Mmm, just the ribbon,” Lan Zhan said seriously.

“See, we did-,” Jiang Cheng stopped, “Wait. ‘just the ribbon’? What do you mean ‘just the ribbon’?”

Lan Wangji looked away, avoiding eye contact. Jiang Cheng felt like he was going to explode.

“‘Just the ribbon’! You didn’t do anything to me except give me your ribbon?” he questioned. “Nothing else happened that night?”

“I gifted Jiang Wanyin my ribbon, you accepted, and we shared a bed.”

“I can’t believe you got us into this fucking mess just because of a ribbon!” Jiang Cheng yelled.

Lan Wangji huffed. His cheeks were still red from earlier, which gave him a very childish aura. “The clan ribbon can only be touched by family or cultivation partners.”

“It’s not like I asked to touch it! You put it on me!” 

“Yes,” Lan Wangji said. “So you are mine.”

Jiang Cheng felt a rush of heat at Lan Wangji’s words, and instantly knew that he was blushing.

“Don’t say shit like that!” 

They stared at each other, Jiang Cheng frozen in embarrassment and Lan Wangji as unreadable as ever.

“Does Jiang Wanyin not want to be mine?” Lan Wangji asked quietly.

The absolute whiplash of the question shocked Jiang Cheng. He hid his head in his hands and let out a pained moan. 

“Why are you asking me that? This whole thing is a big misunderstanding anyways. Does it even matter if I want to be with you?” 

There was a painful silence in which Jiang Cheng refused to look up. 

Eventually, Lan Wangji replied, “Yes.”

Jiang Cheng could hear the vulnerability in Lan Wangji’s voice, and it convinced him to finally drop his hands. Lan Wangji was pointedly looking away, and Jiang Cheng didn’t know what he should do.

“I do like you, okay,” Jiang Cheng said awkwardly. “Everything’s just moving really fast. I still barely know you, and now we’re supposed to be courting each other.”

Lan Wangji glanced at Jiang Cheng, and Jiang Cheng wanted to smack the sadness off his face.

“Just tone down the emotions for a while and let me adjust to this,” Jiang Cheng continued. “You’re a good person, and if you want me to take this… that is, our relationship… seriously, then give me time to figure it out for myself. Okay?”

“Mmm,” Lan Wangji nodded, “I will give Jiang Wanyin all the time he needs.” 

Lan Wangji quickly went back to gazing at Jiang Cheng, and Jiang Cheng would swear that he could see the hints of a smile in Lan Wangji’s expression. Jiang Cheng shuffled awkwardly, unsure of what to do with the sudden shift in mood.

“You’re so dramatic,” Jiang Cheng muttered. “How does no one know that you’re this emotional?”

“Xiongzhang knows,” Lan Wangji responded unnecessarily. “So does shufu.”

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, “That was rhetorical, dumbass.”

Lan Wangji shrugged, seemingly back to a balanced emotional state.

Jiang Cheng watched Lan Wangji for a moment, trying to understand everything that had just happened. How the fuck had this turned into his life?

After a while, Jiang Cheng sighed, “Let’s head back to the dorms, Lan Wangji.” 

Even before Nie Huaisang and Lan Wangji appeared, Jiang Cheng had been off on his own for too long. The sun was beginning to set and dinner would be served soon. Jiang Cheng started to walk back towards the main buildings of Cloud Recesses, or at least, in the direction he assumed was towards the main buildings. Lan Wangji had not left much room for navigation when he’d dragged Jiang Cheng into the middle of the woods.

However, Jiang Cheng stopped short at Lan Wangji’s words.

“Lan Zhan.”

“What?” 

“Call me Lan Zhan,” Lan Wangji repeated.

Jiang Cheng whipped back around, and, yet again, just stared blankly at the other man. “What the hell?”

“We are engaged. You should call me by my birth name.”

Jiang Cheng groaned, rubbing his temple with one hand. He was not prepared for the absolute whirlwind of emotions that Lan Wangji was throwing his way. Is this what was lurking behind the stony exterior?? And if so, how did Lan Wangji get anything done?

“I literally just asked you for some time to process,” he countered.

The pout had returned to Lan Wangji’s face. “I thought Jiang Wanyin liked me.”

“I do! I just-, ugh!” Jiang Cheng could not handle another minute of this conversation. “Fine, I’ll call you Lan Zhan.”

“Mmm,” Lan Zhan gave Jiang Cheng a small, genuine smile, looking entirely too pleased and smug with himself.

Then Lan Zhan began walking in the opposite direction of Jiang Cheng. 

“The dorms are this way, Jiang Cheng,” he said, not pausing to look back.

Jiang Cheng groaned, but quickly followed.

=          =          =          =          =

Later that night, Jiang Cheng found himself with Nie Huaisang and Wei Wuxian. Under the guise of studying, Nie Huaisang had barged into their dorm with snacks and made himself comfortable on their floor.

Wei Wuxian was chatting away with intermittent interjections of “Wie-xiong!” from Nie Huaisang. They were discussing the girls they had seen in Caiyi town last weekend when Jiang Cheng interrupted.

“How do you know if you like someone?” he asked, not fully aware the words were going to leave his mouth until they actually did.

The awkward silence Jiang Cheng created only lasted for a moment, before both Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang were scrambling toward him and loudly talking over each other.

“A-Cheng! Does this mean you actually like him?”

“Jiang-xiong! I can give you all the relationship advice you need!”

“Wait, has something actually happened between you two?”

“I can help you write poetry for Lan Wangji!”

“Did he actually defile my shidi?!”

“Ooh, or if you need a more practical education in the physical-”

“Shut up!” Jiang Cheng yelled, completely embarrassed by his gremlins of friends. “Please, just shut up.”

Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang quieted, but both stared at him expectantly.

“I just… I was just wondering what it felt like to actually be interested in someone.” Jiang Cheng admitted. He pulled his knees up to his chest and forced himself to keep talking. “I don’t think I’ve felt anything like that before, and now… well, you know.”

Wei Wuxian quickly moved in and wrapped his arm around Jiang Cheng’s shoulder. Despite his brashness, Wei Wuxian always seemed to know when to stop teasing Jiang Cheng and offer comfort instead.

Nie Huaisang also seemed well aware of the change in mood. He tapped his fan against his chin. “That’s not an easy question to answer, Jiang-xiong. Love and attraction are fairly subjective emotions.” 

Wei Wuxian nodded, “It’s just a feeling. One of those ‘you know if when you feel it’ sort of things.”

“You are both entirely unhelpful,” Jiang Cheng said, rolling his eyes.

Wei Wuxian laughed, squeezing his shoulder, “There are always things to look for, though. Like, do you think the other person is beautiful? Does your heart race when you’re near them? Do you want to spend all your time with them?”

Now Nie Huaisang nodded, “Oooh, do they make you feel happy? Or comfortable? Or safe?”

“Yea! Do they make you feel anything?”

Jiang Cheng hummed, “I don’t know. He’s nice, I guess.” He thought back to the events of the day, and added “Annoying. He’s very annoying.”

Wei Wuxian barked a laugh, then leaned in and poked Jiang Cheng’s cheek. “Annoying like Jin Zixuan in a ‘I want to punch him in the face’ way or annoying like ‘aaah, he’s so cute, I want to kiss him until he shuts up’ way?” 

Jiang Cheng flushed, but replied, “I don’t want to punch him.” 

At Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang’s joint shriek of laughter, Jiang Cheng immediately added, “I don’t want to kiss him either!”

Jiang Cheng regretted starting this conversation at all. 

“This is unhelpful. Let’s stop talking about it,” he grumbled.

Nie Huaisang hit him with his fan. “Don’t be so scared of your emotions Jiang-xiong.”

Jiang Cheng glared at him. “What do you know about relationships anyway,” he questioned. “Not like either of you has had a relationship before.”

Nie Huaisang and Wei Wuxian shared a glance, making Jiang Cheng rapidly swivel between the two. “What? Have you?”

Nie Huaisang just shrugged.

“If you weren’t so dense maybe you’d have kissed a girl or two before, too,” Wei Wuxian teased. 

Jiang Cheng smacked Wei Wuxian on the forehead.  “Kissing girls doesn’t mean you know anything, dumbass.”

Nie Huaisang piped in, “What we’ve done doesn’t really matter anyways, Jiang-xiong. Experience doesn’t matter for love, and everyone feels things differently.” He tilted his head, “Just ask yourself if you enjoy being with Lan Wangji. Figure out what you feel when he’s around, and decide for yourself if those feelings are good.”

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng stared back at Nie Huaisang. The older boy was rarely so eloquent for anything other than birds and his yellow books. 

“But that’s just my opinion, Jiang-xiong. I could be wrong. I don’t really know,” Nie Huaisang added flippantly.

Jiang Cheng huffed. What did he feel around Lan Zhan? Up until today, he could have classified his feelings as companionable respect or potentially friendship. After today, he wasn’t so sure. He hadn’t been upset to hear Lan Zhan’s confession, and as loath as he was to admit it, his own heart had beat faster hearing Lan Zhan’s words.

Jiang Cheng could feel a blush forming as he thought back at the memory. He quickly pushed Wei Wuxian off of him before he could notice and reached for the bag of peanuts on the table.

“Forget it. I don’t want to talk about this with you two,” Jiang Cheng said. “What were you saying about Caiyi Girls again?” he added, attempting to change the conversation.

Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes at the obvious attempt, but played along and started discussing the differences between Gusu women and Yunmeng women, while Nie Huaisang happily nodded along.

Jiang Cheng did his best to not think about Lan Zhan for the rest of the night.

=          =          =          =          =

Yu Ziyuan swept into Cloud Recessions with a fury. Her husband, daughter, and a contingent of Jiang disciples followed behind. It had taken a full week after having received Lan Qiren’s letter before she and Jiang Fengmian were able to leave Lotus Pier. She had no patience left.

Following the minimum amount of decorum required, she led the way to Lan Qiren’s office, where her son and his supposed crush were located. Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen were both seated at a small table, already laid with tea and snacks. Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji sat off to the side. 

She had learned to expect this kind of rash behavior from Wei Wuxian but hadn’t anticipated such foolish decisions to come from her own son. She stared down at the two perpetrators. 

Lan Wangji seemed unfazed by her presence, sitting rigid and expressionless, while Jiang Cheng looked like a kicked puppy. He was as tense as a drawn bowstring, and if she flicked him upside the head, he would have surely toppled over.

“A-Cheng,” she snapped. “Your behavior is entirely unbecoming of a sect heir.”

Her son wilted. 

Jiang Fengmian placed a placating hand on her shoulder. “We can discuss his actions later.” He gestured to the table, “Let us discuss with Lan Qiren.”

Yu Ziyuan brushed his hand aside but seated herself across from Lan Qiren. Jiang Fengmian followed, and Jiang Yanli seated herself at the edge of the table, within reach of Jiang Cheng. 

“Please explain the situation in detail, Qiren,” she said. “A letter can only convey so much.”

Jiang Fengmian gave a small sigh beside her, most likely exasperated that she hadn’t bothered with any formality. Yu Ziyuan couldn’t care less. There was very little she wouldn’t do for her children. It was within her right to be demanding after being informed that her son was found in the bed of another man with one of the Lan sect’s personal ribbons wrapped around him.

She listened intently as Lan Xichen clarified the events of the past week. Occasionally, she looked over at her son who was madly blushing and steadily avoiding her gaze. When the Lans finished talking, Yu Ziyuan took a moment to think.

“It seems as if your nephew is the one who has defiled my son,” she said.

Jiang Cheng made a pained noise, but Yu Ziyuan elected to ignore it.

=          =          =          =          =

Jiang Cheng couldn’t believe the situation he was in. 

The entirety of the conversation thus far consisted of his parents and Lan Qiren discussing the stupidity of Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan’s actions and the productivity of continuing with a courtship. His mother had been quick to assign fault to the Lans, though Lan Qiren was quick to remind everyone it was Wei Wuxian who brought forbidden alcohol into Cloud Recesses.

At some point, Jiang Yanli had reached over to grab his hand for comfort, but even with his sister’s understanding, Jiang Cheng still wanted to bang his head against a wall.

Jiang Fengmian frowned, “I don’t think we should act upon the rash actions of our drunk children.”

Madam Yu crossed her arms and stared Jiang Fengmian down. “If you actually wanted what’s best for your son, you’d let him continue this courtship with Lan Wangji.”

Jiang Cheng looked at his mother in shock. He had been so sure she would be the one disapproving of the whole relationship, not his father. 

“The second son of Gusu Lan marrying into Yunmeng Jiang is good for all of us,” Madam Yu continued. “We can strengthen the ties between our sects and forge new relationships for all of Yunmeng and Gusu. Not only that,” she whipped around to gaze at Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan, “It’s what our son wants. They made foolish decisions and have disgraced themselves with their actions, but at the very least, we should respect their wishes.”

“You said it yourself, my lady. They made a foolish decision. We shouldn’t push them together based on a mistake. We don’t want to force another engagement.”

Jiang Cheng stiffened, glancing over at his sister. Jiang Yanli was doing her best to hide her discontent.

Jiang Yanli softly spoke up, “Despite the troubles with our personal relationship, I am glad for my engagement to Jin Zixuan. He is a good man, and our marriage will benefit Yunmeng Jiang.”

Madam Yu smirked, satisfied with the answer, while Jiang Fengmian maintained an expression of displeasure.

“What do you make of all this, Lan Qiren,” Jiang Fengmian asked.

Lan Qiren stroked his beard, “Wangji acted inappropriately, but I do not think he has made a mistake. As Madam Yu said, their courtship benefits both of our sects, and it seems both Jiang Wanyin and Wangji want to pursue courtship. We should encourage them.”

Jiang Cheng glanced over at Lan Zhan. After spending so much time with the second jade of Lan recently, he had learned to read the emotions behind his stoic expressions. Lan Zhan was positively radiating happiness at Lan Qiren’s words. 

It seemed Lan Xichen also realized this, as he then spoke, “Wangji has been clear with his intentions thus far. Jiang Wanyin is his fated one, and as such, we have no complaints against their courtship.”

Jiang Cheng blushed Lan Xichen words. 

Madam Yu turned to him. “What about you, a-Cheng?” she asked. “Are you certain you want this? Be clear now.”

All eyes turned to him, and Jiang Cheng shrunk in on himself. He glanced again at Lan Zhan and was struck by his slightly furrowed brow. Lan Zhan was worried. He was worried for Jiang Cheng’s response.

Jiang Cheng took a breath. If he wanted, he could end the whole thing now. His parents would surely punish him, and he’d have embarrassed the entire sect, but they would eventually forgive him - at least, Jiang Cheng was fairly sure he would eventually be forgiven. 

Saying no would also mean breaking Lan Zhan’s heart, though. It hadn’t been long since Lan Zhan had confessed to Jiang Cheng. He had no idea why Lan Zhan was so intent on pursuing him, but Lan Zhan had made it clear that he wanted to be with Jiang Cheng. Did Jiang Cheng also want Lan Zhan? Dissolving a courtship would surely put a black stain on his record for future matchmaking, so he shouldn’t agree unless he was willing to actually commit to Lan Zhan. Saying yes now would be the same as saying he accepts a future with Lan Zhan. 

Jiang Cheng didn’t necessarily want to get married, especially after witnessing the disaster of a marriage that his parents had lived through. However, as a sect heir, the identity of his future spouse was important. Whether he wanted to or not, his parents would sooner or later fix a marriage for him.

Over the past week of awkwardly forced closeness, Jiang Cheng had enjoyed learning more about Lan Zhan. He realized that they weren’t actually that different. Lan Zhan was an awkward boy who hid behind a veil of stoicism and rules, not that different from Jiang Cheng’s anger. Jiang Cheng was sure that, at the very least, he and Lan Zhan could be good friends.

Jiang Cheng wouldn’t mind spending the rest of his life with a friend. Even with the sense of finality of a courtship, Jiang Cheng would like to get to know Lan Wangji better. It certainly helped to know that, for some reason, Lan Zhan had already decided he liked Jiang Cheng.

So, after a thick silence, he finally spoke, “Yes, mother. I wish to court Lan Wangji.” 

The tension in the room broke. Jiang Cheng was met with the warm smiles of both Jiang Yanli and Lan Xichen. Lan Zhan was once again stone-faced, but Jiang Cheng could see the red tint to his ears. 

“It seems this is settled,” Madam Yu said. “We shall contact a matchmaker and determine auspicious dates.” She nodded toward Lan Qiren, “We shall also begin preparations for betrothal gifts.”

“Mother,” Jiang Cheng protested, “Jiejie, isn’t even married yet.”

Madam Yu fixed him with a glare, “You must wait to be married. However, that’s no reason to not start preparations early.” She turned an almost threatening smile at Lan Qiren, “Our children deserve the best, don’t they?”

Lan Qiren gave her an amused smile in return. “The Lans of Gusu will prepare accordingly to do our best for the heir of Yunmeng Jiang.”

Chapter Text

The remaining weeks at Cloud Recesses seemed to pass quickly.

News of Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan’s courtship had undoubtedly spread throughout the cultivation world. Jiang Cheng was a sect heir after all, and the potential marriage was exciting news. However, only those at Cloud Recesses were fully aware of the impulsive circumstances of their relationship. 

Rumors and gossip had spread fast enough from disciple to disciple. Lan Zhan’s strange behaviors hadn’t helped the situation either, as he was somehow always within hearing distance of Jiang Cheng.

As such, Jiang Cheng did his best to avoid everyone at all times whenever possible.

He’d gotten into the habit of studying or reading with Lan Zhan in the library, or occasionally the quiet meadow behind the Jingshi, whenever daily lectures finished in an attempt to find moments of peace. The typically stoic boy was a surprisingly comfortable companion. Jiang Cheng often found himself sharing passages of his readings with Lan Zhan or waiting for the other to finish his work so they could talk. 

Of course, he couldn’t escape the chaos of Wei Wuxian and Nie Huaisang, but Jiang Cheng pointedly refused to drink more than a glass of alcohol.

By the time their studies at Cloud Recesses came to an end, Jiang Cheng was almost sad to leave. He mentioned such to Wei Wuxian the night before their departure. 

“It feels strange to be leaving so soon,” he whispered.

Wei Wuxian stirred in the bed across from him. “What are you talking about? We’ve been here for a year. I can’t wait to go home and get away from these stuffy Lans.”

Jiang Cheng hummed a vague response, melting back to silence. 

Then Wei Wuxian flipped to his side, staring Jiang Cheng down through the darkness, “Are you going to miss Lan Wangji? Is that why you’re sad?” 

“No!” Jiang Cheng denied. He turned his head toward the wall so Wei Wuxian couldn’t see his expression. “I’ve just become used to life here, I guess.”

“Okay, shidi,” Wei Wuxian replied with a smile in his voice. “Your sorrow for tomorrow’s departure has absolutely nothing to do with your fiancé.”

Jiang Cheng huffed, “He’s not my fiancé yet,” then quickly realized what he said. Until now, he had been adamant with Wei Wuxian about the distinction between courtship and engagement, and that he and Lan Zhan were merely courting each other right now, and that did not automatically require an engagement, thank you very much. 

Jiang Cheng flipped entirely to the opposite side of the bed and hid his face in his blankets, mortified.

Wei Wuxian just laughed.  

The next day, Jiang Cheng woke to an empty room. It was entirely unlike Wei Wuxian to wake up before him. Jiang Cheng questioned the possibility of Wei Wuxian being drunk in a ditch somewhere as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

He didn’t have to worry long, before Wei Wuxian burst through the door of their dorm, disheveled, but no more so than usual.

“You’d better start thanking me now,” he announced proudly.

Jiang Cheng eyed Wei Wuxian warily as he started getting dressed. “What did you do?”

Wei Wuxian flung himself onto Jiang Cheng’s bed dramatically. “I walked headfirst into a pit of monsters for you, shidi! I woke up before the sun for you! I –“ Jiang Cheng cut him off by throwing a dirty sock at his head. 

“Speak normally,” Jiang Cheng grumbled.

Wei Wuxian laughed, sitting up and throwing the sock back. 

“I spoke to Lan Qiren this morning.” Jiang Cheng looked over in shock and was met with Wei Wuxian smug grin. “I know, I know, I’m amazing. Anyways, I begged old man Lan for you, and he actually agreed!”

Jiang Cheng frowned, “Begged for what?”

“Lan Wangji to visit Lotus Pier!”

Jiang Cheng dropped the robes he was holding. “What?”

“It’s important for you and Lan Wangji to not only get to know each other, but also your homes and families. You spent a year in Cloud Recesses, so it only makes sense for Lan Wangji to come to Yunmeng.” Wei Wuxian shrugged nonchalantly, but the shit-eating grin on his face told a different story.

Jiang Cheng couldn’t hide a smile of his own breaking through. He made himself busy finishing his packing. He couldn’t believe it. He would be able to show Lan Zhan his home! They would have more time together! As glad as Jiang Cheng was, he resolutely did not read into the reasons why he was so happy.

 After a while of silence, Jiang Cheng finally glanced over at Wei Wuxian. The other boy was still sprawled on Jiang Cheng’s bed, dozing off. 

“Thank you, a-xian.” 

Wei Wuxian didn’t respond, but the corners of his mouth ticked up in a smile.

=          =          =          =          =

Jiang Cheng loved having Lan Zhan in Lotus Pier. 

Rather than suffering through lectures and studying together as they did in Cloud Recesses, in Lotus Pier they had so much more freedom. They weren’t free to do whatever they wanted, as even Wei Wuxian toned down his antics in the presence of Madam Yu and Sect Leader Jiang, but they could do a lot more than read books.

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian attended to their regular duties around Lotus Pier, including training of their own and leading training for the younger disciples. Lan Zhan usually joined these sessions and had easily begun to pick up Yunmeng fighting style.

Lan Zhan had also been given a tutor from Madam Yu, so that he could learn the history of Yunmeng in more depth than what was taught in Gusu. Jiang Cheng had been embarrassed by the implications. 

The only downside to Lan Zhan being in Lotus Pier was the awkward family dinners. If Wei Wuxian wasn’t badgering Lan Zhan with inappropriate questions, then Jiang Cheng’s mother was glaring at him and Jiang Cheng’s father was making pointed remarks. Thankfully, Jiang Yanli always tried to redirect conversations, giving Lan Zhan small respites.

After enduring one such torturous dinner with his family, Jiang Cheng just needed to escape. Jiang Fengmian had made a pointed remark to Lan Zhan on the importance of being aware of one’s actions, no matter how inebriated, and Jiang Cheng almost choked on his dumpling. 

As soon as his parents had swept out of the room, Jiang Cheng avoided Wei Wuxian’s gaze and pulled Lan Zhan away with him. Hearing Wei Wuxian’s pout, “Where are they going alone?” at Jiang Yanli when she stopped him from following, Jiang Cheng just rolled his eyes.

Jiang Cheng took Lan Wangji to a secluded pier far away from the main quarters. It was an older, rundown dock that had once been used to host fishing boats. Now, it was primarily used as a swimming spot. 

No one was at the pier when they arrived, so Jiang Cheng ran to the end of it, leaving Lan Zhan behind, and plopped down. He made quick work of his boots and robes, then dipped his feet into the calm water. 

Only after he breathed out a sigh of relief, did he look up to see Lan Zhan standing awkwardly behind him.

Jiang Cheng waved to get Lan Zhan’s attention, then motioned to the space beside him. “Sit.”

Lan Zhan hesitated, but slowly moved to sit beside Jiang Cheng. 

“Wait,” Jiang Cheng stopped him, leaving Lan Wangji awkwardly bent in half. “Take your boots off first.” 

Lan Zhan followed Jiang Cheng’s demands and placed his boots next to Jiang Cheng’s. When he finally sat down, Jiang Cheng reached over him, pulling the bottom of his robes up.

Lan Zhan jerked backwards, “What-”

Jiang Cheng froze, then laughed. “Don’t worry, Lan Zhan. You don’t want them to get wet. I’m tying them for you.” He looked pointedly at the knot in his own robes which was holding the fabric up around his knees. 

“Oh,” Lan Zhan said, relaxing again. He leaned back towards Jiang Cheng and helped bunch up the many layers of fabric. 

Jiang Cheng moved swiftly, trying his best to not linger on Lan Zhan’s skin. When he finished, he looked up at Lan Zhan and his words caught in his throat. 

While working, Jiang Cheng had leaned into Lan Zhan, unknowingly slotting himself into Lan Zhan’s side. He fit into the space perfectly, and if he wanted, he could have tucked his head into Lan Zhan’s neck. Not that he wanted to; it was just an observation.

They were entirely too close for friends to sit, but looking up into the other boy’s eyes, Jiang Cheng didn’t want to pull away. Lan Zhan was staring back down at him, and Jiang Cheng couldn’t tell if it was just the rosy rays of sunset or if Lan Zhan was really blushing. He had to bite back a smile at the thought.

Slowly, Jiang Cheng pulled himself away and returned to his own space. They sat in silence, staring out over the lakes. Golden and pink rays of sun were turning the lake into a soft kaleidoscope of color. Lotus flowers surrounded the docks, adding splashes of bright pink and green. 

Contrasting the heat of the day and the warmth of Lan Zhan’s presence, Jiang Cheng kicked his feet into the cold water. He swirled the water and touched lotus leaves with his toes. He could feel Lan Zhan slowly relax next to him the longer they sat on the dock.

Jiang Cheng bumped his shoulder into Lan Zhan’s. “This isn’t too bad.”

“Mmm,” Lan Zhan agreed. “Your home is beautiful.” 

“Yeah, it really is.”

“I look forward to living here as Jiang Furen.”

Jiang Cheng choked. “What the hell” he questioned, whipping his head around to Lan Zhan. 

Lan Zhan was already looking back at him, a small smile playing at his lips. Jiang Cheng stared at him for a moment, then burst into laughter.

“I can’t believe you’re making jokes about it, a-Zhan!” 

“Mmm, Xiongzhang says I have a good sense of humor.”

Jiang Cheng laughed even harder. He resisted the urge to lean into Lan Zhan as he gasped for breath between laughing fits. Instead, he settled for looking over at the other. Lan Zhan wore a simple smile, clear as day, and was once again looking out over the lakes. 

The peace of the situation was unexpected. Not that long ago, Jiang Cheng had barely known Lan Zhan outside of official sect matters. Yet, now, they were friends. Lan Zhan was someone who made Jiang Cheng happy, though he didn’t fully understand why. 

Basking in the last rays of sunlight and Lan Zhan’s comfort, Jiang Cheng felt incredibly light and carefree.

=          =          =          =          =

“He’s such a snob, jiejie,” Jiang Cheng groaned. “I thought I could learn to like him, and I swear that I’ve tried, but he’s just so annoying!”

Jiang Yanli sighed, staring dreamily at a space behind Jiang Cheng. “I think he hides a lot from the world.”

“That doesn’t make it okay for him to act better than everyone else,” Jiang Cheng muttered.

First impressions aren’t always right, a-Cheng,” Jiang Yanli chided, drawing her attention back to him. She poked his cheek playfully, “You should know better than most that sometimes prickly exteriors can be surrounding the sweetest, loveliest people.”

“Jiejie!” Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. “I can’t believe you just compared me to that absolute fucking peacock!”

Jiang Yanli leaned to tousle Jiang Cheng’s hair but was stopped short by a loud crash outside the door. She looked toward Jiang Cheng who just shrugged and stood up to investigate. 

He opened the door to see Lan Zhan kneeling and picking up broken shards of a tray. Lan Zhan looked up at him with a stony expression, much colder than he’d been with Jiang Cheng in a while.

Jiang Cheng didn’t question Lan Zhan’s mood, instead he kneeled beside the other boy and helped him pick up the shards. Once they were done, Jiang Cheng reached for Lan Zhan’s hands.

“A-Zhan, did you cut yourself at all?” As soon as he touched Lan Zhan’s fingers, though, Lan Zhan yanked his hand back as if he’d been burned. 

Jiang Cheng stared at him questioningly, his hands frozen in air. Lan Zhan stood up and obviously avoided Jiang Cheng’s gaze. 

“I am fine,” he said, strained. 

Jiang Cheng slowly stood up and nodded. Lan Zhan gave him a small nod in return and quickly walked away. Jiang Cheng watched from the door Lan Zhan as he quickly walked away. 

“He’s acting weird,” Jiang Cheng mumbled.

Jiang Yanli hummed, “Did something happen between you two?”

“Nothing new,” he said, then laughed. “Maybe he’s mad that I was complaining about Jin Zixuan.”

Jiang Cheng’s laughter was met with silence. He turned to look at his sister, who had a delicately worried expression. 

“A-Cheng,” she started, “I don’t know if we ever mentioned his name.”

“So?”

“I think it’s possible that Lan Wangji heard us and assumed you were saying all of those things about him,” she suggested softly.

“He wouldn’t-” flashes of Lan Zhan’s emotional outbursts over the past weeks flitted through Jiang Cheng’s mind. The other boy tried very hard to hide it, but Jiang Cheng had learned that Lan Zhan was incredibly sensitive. 

“Oh, he absolutely would.” Jiang Cheng said. He groaned, but immediately began to follow after Lan Zhan. He called back to his sister, “Sorry, jiejie! We’ll talk more later!”

Fortunately, Lan Zhan hadn’t made it that far. Unfortunately, Lan Zhan seemed to have sensed Jiang Cheng following him and started walking faster. It was painfully clear now that Lan Zhan was trying his hardest to avoid Jiang Cheng.

They were in a busy area of Lotus Pier, with disciples and servants passing by on their way to and from work, training, or chores. Jiang Cheng didn’t want to cause a commotion by running Lan Zhan down, but he was quickly tiring of following Lan Zhan through the halls like children.

At an open courtyard, Jiang Cheng finally stopped. 

“I’m in love with you, Lan Zhan!” he yelled.

Everything seemed to stop, and everyone shouting distance had turned to stare at Jiang Cheng. Lan Zhan was frozen in place at the other end of the yard. Even from a distance, Jiang Cheng could tell Lan Zhan’s ears were bright red from the attention.

Jiang Cheng did his best to ignore the gawking disciples as he hurried across the courtyard to Lan Zhan. Reminiscent of their time in Cloud Recesses, Jiang Cheng grabbed Lan Zhan’s wrist and dragged him along, refusing to look back at either Lan Zhan or the curious disciples and servants. 

It wasn’t until they had reached a secluded area outside on the docks that Jiang Cheng finally stopped. He dropped Lan Zhan’s hand and awkwardly turned to face the other boy.

Jiang Cheng crossed his arms and huffed, “I can’t believe you were actually trying to avoid me in my own home.”

Lan Zhan didn’t bother responding to Jiang Cheng’s annoyance. He was just staring at Jiang Cheng with soft eyes, and Jiang Cheng could easily read the fragility in his expression. 

“You love me?” Lan Zhan questioned quietly.

Jiang Cheng cleared his throat, attempting to appear as indifferent as possible, “That’s what I said, isn’t it?”

The corners of Lan Zhan’s mouth turned down and his eyebrows furrowed slightly. “Then why did you say such things about me to your sister.” His voice wavered slightly as he finished speaking, exposing the vulnerability hiding behind his displeasure.

It hurt Jiang Cheng to hear Lan Zhan’s vulnerability. He moved toward Lan Zhan, reaching for his hand. When the other boy tried to pull away, Jiang Cheng tightened his grip and frowned. 

“Stop it,” Jiang Cheng said. “I’m comforting you.”

Lan Zhan froze, letting Jiang Cheng pull his hand back and wrap it in his own. 

“You shouldn’t have heard that,” Jiang Cheng started, and then immediately winced when the frown on Lan Zhan’s face deepened. He hastily added, “But not because it’s about you!” Jiang Cheng gripped Lan Zhan’s hand tightly. “I swear. None of what we said was about you! We were talking about Jin Zixuan! Jiejie’s fiancé.”

Jiang Cheng stared pleadingly at Lan Zhan, willing the other boy to understand.

Lan Zhan’s brow furrowed even more, though his wide eyes hinted at confusion rather than annoyance.

“You weren’t talking about me?” he asked softly.

“Of course not! I would never feel that way about you.” Jiang Cheng insisted. “And you are so much better than that peacock in every single way.”

Lan Zhan’s mouth ticked up in a smile, and Jiang Cheng knew they were okay. They stood together for a moment, and Jiang Cheng kept holding Lan Zhan’s hand, unwilling to let go so soon. 

Lan Zhan looked at the ground, suddenly shy. “You really love me?” 

The energy between them had swiftly changed, and Jiang Cheng couldn’t do more than nod and fight back a blush. Lan Zhan watched Jiang Cheng briefly, then pulled back from his hold. Jiang Cheng let out a sound of disagreement, his hand following Lan Zhan’s, but stopped short when Lan Zhan reached up to his own forehead and began to untie his ribbon. 

“A-Zhan,” Jiang Cheng whispered.

Lan Zhan didn’t respond, simply pulling the ribbon from his hair. He took a step back towards Jiang Cheng and took his hand. Jiang Cheng just stared dumbly at his wrist as Lan Zhan slowly wrapped his ribbon around it.

When he finished, Lan Zhan didn’t step away, instead, he took another step towards Jiang Cheng. They were nearly chest to chest, and Jiang Cheng could feel his heart beating in his chest. He felt entirely too close, but somehow not close enough, to the other boy.

“A-Zhan,” Jiang Cheng repeated, whispering it into the other’s lips.

The name had barely left Jiang Cheng’s lips when it was replaced by Lan Zhan himself. Lan Zhan wrapped his hand around the back of Jiang Cheng’s neck and pulled him in, his fingers inching below the neckline of Jiang Cheng’s robes. 

Lan Zhan kissed Jiang Cheng with a ferocity that did not match his touch. Jiang Cheng happily melted in the kisses, slotting himself perfectly into Lan Zhan’s arms.

Jiang Cheng had never felt as light as he did in that moment. He never wanted to leave Lan Zhan’s embrace. 

They finally pulled away from each other, though Jiang Cheng felt it was too soon. Jiang Cheng held tightly to Lan Zhan, as if daring him to actually move away from Jiang Cheng. Lan Zhan hummed in contentment and rested his forehead on Jiang Cheng’s, fully willing to stay with him. Jiang Cheng gave a breathy laugh, arching his face forward to bump noses. 

The corners of Lan Zhan’s mouth tweaked up in a smile, and Jiang Cheng wanted to kiss it in place.

Lan Zhan leaned in and whispered in his ear, “I will be yours forever, Jiang Cheng.”

=          =          =          =          =

They walked side by side back to the main hall of Lotus Pier, staying as close to each other as they could possibly manage without impeding their movement. Jiang Cheng was vibrating with happiness, and he could practically feel the joy that radiated from Lan Zhan.

When they made it back, Jiang Cheng was all too aware of his outburst earlier and did his best to avoid all eye contact. If he was lucky, no one would speak about what happened to his parents. 

As they walked through the hallway, he caught sight of Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli across the courtyard from them. Jiang Cheng stopped Lan Zhan by grabbing his arm and pointed to his siblings. 

“Oh, I need to apologize to jiejie,” he said, redirecting their course. Lan Zhan nodded, content to follow Jiang Cheng. When they stepped into the light of the courtyard, Wei Wuxian caught sight of them. 

Wei Wuxian waved dramatically, then abruptly stopped mid movement. A gleeful grin spread across his face, and Jiang Cheng shivered at the sight of it.

“Shidi!” Wei Wuxian called out. “Does this mean you’re fully engaged now?”

Jiang Cheng stumbled on nothing, surprised by Wei Wuxian’s question. Had someone seen him and Lan Zhan kissing earlier? He glared across the courtyard, yelling in response, “What are you talking about?”

Instead of responding, Wei Wuxian just lifted his hand and pointedly waved his wrist.

Jiang Cheng squinted in confusion, looked at Lan Zhan, back to Wei Wuxian, then down at his own wrist- Oh.

The Lan ribbon was still tightly wrapped around his wrist, and Lan Zhan’s forehead was shockingly bare. Jiang Cheng’s eyes widened, and he felt his face heat up, quickly realizing their mistake. 

Lan Zhan, however, was not facing the same embarrassment. He turned towards Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli and gave them a formal bow. When he straightened, there was a small, but blindingly bright smile on his face. 

No words were needed.

Jiang Yanli gave a wide small back, clapping her hands together. Wei Wuxian barked out laughter. 

“Wait till Uncle Jiang and Madam Yu hear about this!” he choked out between laughs. “You two forced your way into courtship and now you’re forcing your way into marriage!”

“Wei Wuxian!” Jiang Cheng yelled. 

He was about to run over and beat up the gremlin, when Lan Zhan grabbed his wrist, directly over the ribbon, and tugged him away.

“Do you lovebirds need a chaperone?” Wei Wuxian cooed from behind them, which Jiang Cheng resolutely ignored.

Lan Zhan took them out of sight, far enough away from Wei Wuxian for at least a breath of peace. Then he pulled Jiang Cheng into a hug.

“You are mine,” he said happily.

Jiang Cheng stiffened in shock, then immediately deflated, softening into Lan Zhan’s arms.

“Yea,” he grumbled into Lan Zhan’s neck. “I’m all yours.”