Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Bowing deeply and on several occasions, Wei WuXian waved at the crowd, going as far as sending cheeky kisses to all the shouting people which only resulted in louder screams.

Today’s was a good show.

Walking all the way to their greenroom, he was surrounded by people, many of them around and touching him. Wei WuXian still remembered his rookie days and how after a fair few of basking and odd little mall performances they held their first concert where fans needed to pay for their tickets. Where they already had fans.

At their very first gig, Wei WuXian kept flinching and shuffling around uncomfortably as people jumped towards him with clothes and make-up. Someone wiping away his sweat, fixing his lip stain or fluffing his hair with a comb.

After doing this for five years, Wei WuXian was walking and drinking while all of this was happening. That’s what one might call multitasking, to him it was just a plain Saturday during their promotion.

Having reached the greenroom, Wei WuXian dragged the wet clothes off of himself and receiving two sheets of wet wipes, he was left to fend for himself. Obviously he will take a shower once they get back to their hotel but he still judged two a bit cheap from the team.

Pulling clothes onto a wet body was a challenge even though he has never, ever, brought anything tight. Been there done that, Wei WuXian knew better. His baggy shirt and sweatpants stuck to his glistening skin just the same but at least he's managed to charm them onto his body in a few tries and only two prayers later—under ten minutes. That was the most impressive part.

This time around it was the security that surrounded them. Two layers, one hired for the event and their assigned ones who always work with them.

It may sound extreme to have consistent bodyguards and also refuse to change the people but there have been many occurrences within the entertainment industry where superfans—or antifans—tried to get close to idols via getting jobs at their company. Needless to say, no one wanted that to happen.

Their group—Tzii —had four members thus it was effortless enough for the company to pay a bodyguard per person. Even though this wasn’t common Wei WuXian’s own bodyguard has decided to leave once she has gotten pregnant thus making the choice to move to the countryside and raise her baby there with her husband.

Wei WuXian had definitely ugly cried, asked to be the godfather and also personally gifted his own car to her—it was not an impressive brand—so she could not use such thing as an excuse to avoid visiting. Qui Lian has been with him ever since that first concert so Wei WuXian decided that no matter who will be hired, he will despise them to take out his grief on his new victim.

That plan held up nicely until the next morning when Wei WuXian has walked into the lobby of their hotel—only twelve minutes and thirty-five seconds late—and in his genuine rush—which he obviously was not faking and had genuinely run from their shared room not just from the elevator once within view—he bumped straight into a wall.

However, said wall just so happened to also catch him when he bounced right backwards thus Wei WuXian remained blinking at the man ahead of him. Taking a one over, he was not that much taller than him and also—nicely built, he had to admit—not truly beefy either.

Yet Wei WuXian has been sent to a different dimension while the man did not even waver, having no decency to at least pretend and take a step back.

Bowing his head, he mouthed an apology and rushed past the man to sit right on top of Jiang Cheng. The later made their presence known within the foyer but Wei WuXian just ignored the indignant shrieks.

Turning towards the disapproving look on their manager’s face, Wei WuXian picked his utmost innocent smile and flashed it right at him. His eyes darted to the side though, seeing that the god-like creature was still just standing around like he would be no more than a figment of Wei WuXian’s imagination.

“Everyone the car is already here and so are the fansites and just general fans. Let’s not create any new scandals today and get everyone nicely settled into the car.” Plural has been used, everyone addressed, but all of them knew that only Wei WuXian meant to take the threats to heart.

He was too busy though, upon watching the man again, Wei WuXian felt like he needed to question why they would have such a conversation in front of a stranger who might blow this out of proportion and sell the spicy gossip on the Internet.

“Also, this man next to me is Lan WangJi and he’s our new hire,” there were none of that welcome him or take care of him bullocks, Hang-ge looked straight into Wei WuXian’s eyes, “listen to him, if you annoy him to complaints I will roast you for dinner!”

Setting off on a quest, Wei WuXian has gathered his utmost charming grin, eyes crinkling from how wide it was. “I would never!”

The response was a mixture of sighs and quite chuckles but it’s not like Wei WuXian has ever put himself or anyone in danger, it just so happened that Lian-Jie has been almost as famous as he was, simply known for her patience.

The man in question, Lan WangJi, nodded his head once and that was all to it. No gusto to his movements or theatrical speeches, only the slightest incline to his head. Wei WuXian liked him already, he looked like someone fun to tease.

Leaping out of Jiang Cheng’s lap, Wei WuXian was not about to let this poor soul live without proper introductions.

“Hiya Lan WangJi, it’s Wei WuXian,” Extending his hand, Wei WuXian waited a couple of moments whilst Lan WangJi looked at the hand then back into his eyes and decided to grab him for himself, holding the other’s hand in a tight grip. Wei WuXian shook his hand widely enough to have set back his hand watch a couple of minutes but his grin only grew at the stoic face that remained unchanging.

“I have complaints.” The words were exceedingly quiet so probably only Wei WuXian heard since he was alone who laughed. Doubling over, he did not let go of Lan WangJi because now it felt like he was trying to hold onto his sanity instead. “Blessing of the Lords, you are. I see I’m having a funny one on my hands this time.”

Not repeating himself louder, Wei WuXian took it that Lan WangJi did not actually mean it thus he whisked the man under his arm. “Now, now bendan come and meet everyone—I’ll recon you have met the staff but this here is my cutest, tiny little purple grape—Jiang Cheng,”

The cutest tiny, little purple grape was wearing an expression severe enough to freeze over Hell with a single glare. Lan WangJi made no comment while Wei WuXian jumped to the side to avert a blow.

“—this one is Jin ZiXuan...quite irrelevant and this final cutie is Wen Ning—now tell me Lao Lan are you a fan? Avid listener of our music? Die-hard supporter of our crafts—” The rest of his questions got cut off once Hang-ge came back from wherever and swatted at his head with the rolled up programme booklet.

They left right after, the walk outside quite smooth, their fans staying a respectful distance away, only occasionally shoving a phone in their faces. There were a few additional men hired to stay around the hotel and keep everything in line and everyone safe.

Lan WangJi walked on his left side thus not a single thing has disturbed him.

*

Within the greenroom, Wei WuXian set off to get Lan WangJi all comfortable and more familiar with all of them. The man was just standing there almost like he’s expecting someone to jump Wei WuXian, guarding him with way too much seriousness.

His hair was still sticking up in all sorts of directions, a stray curler getting tangled somewhere in there but he ignored that and leaned against the wall that Lan WangJi stood by. “So my dearest, how are things going? Do you like the job so far?”

“Mn.”

“You don’t seem the touchy type, it could only get more ironic if you would have become an idol yourself, have you never thought about it? Such a handsome face—you wouldn’t even need the talent!” Lan WangJi refused to answer to that but Wei WuXian did not take it to heart.

“Where are you from?”

“Gusu.”

“Aiya, I heard that it’s very pretty there—now I feel compelled to go and check it out. Are there more people like you, or is that just your specific genetics?”

Lan WangJi, “...”

“You are truly giving me nothing to work with...anyways I’m from YiLing but grew up at Yunmeng, it’s also very pretty—I’ll take you there once, do you know how to swim?” Realising that Lan WangJi also wasn’t the chatty type Wei WuXian went ahead and filled in for the gaps for him, “—even if not, I’ll teach you...”

Carrying on, he did not shut up until a good hour later when he was dragged away so his hair could be finished. He invited Lan WangJi along but the man remained standing by the wall. It was hard to tell if he zoned Wei WuXian completely out or just happened to have even more patience than Lian-Jie used to—she has cut off his ramblings on every single occasion though so that was not truly all that tolerant—since no one has ever just let Wei WuXian talk.

He was used to making a list of priorities because if something was important he needed to include it as the first thing since people tended to halt his speech or straight up turn away and leave him behind. He did not even realise how much time has slipped by, not once interrupted by the man.

Looking up into the mirror, Wei WuXian saw that Lan WangJi was already looking at him, making indirect eye contact through the surface. Grinning broadly, he gave a little wave. Lan WangJi said very little through their conversation but he did not seem to try and get rid of him either.

It’s not that he wanted to make things quick, he just did not have much to offer but hummed and answered via singular syllables, sometimes words if he got lucky, so it was hard to determine.

Similarly to their journey to the venue, after the concert has finished, Lan WangJi was back on his side but a lot closer and walking with his chest puffed out thus he looked even taller than he already was. This part of the day was always messier with way more people and hysterics.

The security has done their best so Wei WuXian was only strangely caressed here and there, nothing he was not already used to. Lan WangJi was still doing the at most, averting most attempts and at one point—willingly!—grabbing Wei WuXian as he was pulled to the man’s other side, having less grabby palms towards that direction. Wei WuXian decided to store away this memory, pressing it like a flower between the pages of his heart. The first time Lan WangJi initiated a touch.

Their own bodyguards formed a smaller circle within the arena’s men while they got into the car. Wei WuXian smiled even though his mask was on and waved around while bowing a couple of times to show his gratitude.

Lan WangJi, right beside the car, has given him a look which probably meant he should get in or else thus with one last heart thrown out he did as urged. Feeling a hand against his head, he looked back from the inside and saw that Lan WangJi has prevented him from bumping into the roof of the car with his own hand.

The door was shut.

Once they reached back, getting into the hotel was just a bit more chaotic than leaving it, only those fans coming who could not get into the concert but desperately wanted to see them. Yet again he was smoothly guided while he kept bowing until they were safely inside the lobby again.

Lan WangJi has taken a step away, the distance between them way more appropriate than prior. Humming to himself, Wei WuXian leaned against Wen Ning while Hang-ge made it in as well. “All right, got through this one just fine good job everyone—boys tomorrow we will leave for rehearsal and mic check at ten am so go shower and get in bed right away—here,” they were given knew pamphlets on the concert and their schedule, “have a good rest and do not dare to wake me with something ridiculous like someone starting a fire with a curling iron, just don’t be dumb!”

Yet again Hang-ge was nice to phrase it like such even if no one was fooled. They left while their manager addressed the rest of their staff and filled in any questions in their minds. Before getting out of reach, Wei WuXian heard their room number as Hang-ge made sure that everyone would know where to find the boys in case there was an emergency.

That night, Wei WuXian set nothing on fire.

The morning rolled around and they all got ready swiftly. Wei WuXian has been pushing his limits for years, today he set his alarm to 9:47 and was excited to see if he’ll get ready by ten. Flash news he did not.

His sneaky attempts were known though and in the past he has been told to be ready at a different time than the rest of them or all four had to get ready sooner than what was necessary. Everyone was already waiting before the receptionist’s desk by the time he heaved himself out of the staircase.

“Sweet Lord have mercy. Your lift does not particularly work as of right now.” The manager of the hotel frowned and started a call right away, while Wei WuXian hoped to rehabilitate his lungs before the night rolls around. Their room was on the forty-ninth floor.

Shoving a steamed bun into his mouth, he took a huge bite and placed back his mask right after. He was sleepy, exhausted, out of breath, chewing and wearing a face mask. “Good morning to my favourite person, how did you sleep?”

This time Wei WuXian was fairly certain that even if Lan WangJi wanted to answer him, he would not have been able to due to his lack of decorum. The man just stared at him then probably judged that sentence to be a greeting and inclined his head meekly.

“Let’s get going, you know the drill.” They did the same as yesterday except this time Wei WuXian was waving with a bun and has gotten some red-bean paste onto Lan WangJi’s jacket. Rubbing the spot only made it worse and he has also drawn Lan WangJi’s attention. “Lovely arms, just wanted to feel them.”

Pulling his mask under his chin, he included a grin while shoving the entirety of his half-eaten bun into his mouth. Lan WangJi was in no position to keep staring at him or reprimand him for what it’s worth thus Wei WuXian managed to get away with it.

Getting into their car again, the door was closed and he tried not to choke from how hard it was to actually chew his breakfast all at once. “Xian-ge did you sleep well?”

Wen Ning, bless his soul, had been worried about his sleeping schedule lately since they always share a room. Originally it has always been given that he stayed with Jiang Cheng, knowing him for the longest, but Jin ZiXuan has started to date their sister and Jiang Cheng decided that he needed to keep a closer eye on him.

On this single occasion, Wei WuXian agreed with the peacock when he claimed him to be a nuisance because there was no way that Jin ZiXuan could hide anything from them or rather their fans. Besides a few insane theories, people had the eyes of eagles and worked more effectively than Secret Service agents could ever hope to achieve.

The funny thing was that Wei WuXian was shipped the most, to every single one of his band mates—which gross—and all sorts of random hosts and interviewers, other idols or just fans. He had a flirty personality but he has actually kept a very clean record, never truly having any scandals but he figured that was mainly because he has never actually dated anyone before. The hilarious part was—no one shipped Jin ZiXuan with Jiang YanLi. Wei WuXian supported his sister in whatever she wanted but his heart always felt light and fuzzy from that knowledge.

Jiang Cheng's voice brought him back to reality, speaking in a snarl, “Who were you texting last night?”

“None of your bloody business.” The pair has fallen into bantering while Wei WuXian realised that he never ended up answering Wen Ning because of his musing. “I slept fine my little cinnamon roll, how ‘bout you?”

“I did so as well, I talked to A-Jie for a few but I was too exhausted to listen to everything she had to say, I hope that today during lunch I will be able to get in an hour or so of a phone call.”

“That certainly sounds ambitious and what is up with her?” Wen Ning really did not talk long enough to gather much but Wei WuXian was glad to hear that Wen Qing was doing as fine as possible.

Getting to the stadium, the car parked on the inside of the fencing, no fans allowed in just yet but they could already be heard, probably forming lines outside, waiting to get in. Only their four bodyguards were present, pulling up behind their car with the rest of their team.

Guided through the place, Wei WuXian just followed without troubling himself to remember where he was going, it’s not like it will make a difference really. They never wander off on their own.

During the rehearsal, he was making strange moves in order to get Wen Ning to laugh but Jiang Cheng seemed a bit annoyed and decided to smack him. Things escalated and all the while singing their song, the pair started a mad chase and Wei WuXian officially won the round when he went ahead and jumped from the edge of a separate stage piece to a different one.

Jiang Cheng did not follow him, only deepened his scowl but it soon turned into a grin then outright laughter as Hang-ge started to scream at Wei WuXian from the pit of the space.

During their concert Wei WuXian has decided to tell a few jokes in order to entertain the crowd, but it turned into pick-up lines, one cheesier than the other. “Well here I am, what are your other two wishes?”

The fans screamed and laughed, some yelling things that he could absolutely not comprehend due to the combination of his presence on the stage, distance, other people and his earpiece. He smiled nonetheless.

“I must be in a museum because you truly are a work of art.” Winking at a lovely lady who, he assumed, has been pestered to take her teenage daughter, Wei WuXian was proven wrong when said lady winked right back then almost fainted as she screamed.

His jokes got cut off when he started to detail how long the peacock takes in the bathroom, inquiring as to why would any normal human need a two-hour long shower, since he has been tackled. Jiang Cheng laughed, not appearing to wish and help him while Wen Ning was taking a photo for someone from the crowd, too busy to notice his mortal peril.

The concert went as well as it could with all of them involved.

Heading towards their greenroom, their staff has created a bit of a feast while they were all freshened up and started a livestream. This was the final day of their local tour. They will not fly back to Beijing from here instead set off to start promotion in South Korea, then Japan and finally the US.

Their comeback was successful enough to grant them these options but they still were far from being able to just go to anywhere they had fans. It was sad to ignore so many countries from which they had immense support but such thing did not depend on them.

Like always their staff kept coming and going and it bothered no one as they ate and talked while preparing themselves for what was ahead of them. Airports tended to get wild, even though they are flying out with night flight today, probably not bothered too much, they will arrive at a reasonable time and the information has been public seeing that this was part of their ‘We’re coming to Korea’ promotion which Wei WuXian found highly flawed.

Even though he has not once taken notice of their staff doing their job, he could not help it this time. Lan WangJi has entered the room and looked so fine as he stood to the side. While Jin ZiXuan was talking about how talented he was—or whatever the hell he ever chatted of—Wei WuXian took it upon himself to make a plate for Lan WangJi.

They always hand some over to their staff so this was not even strange, the rest already eating with them. The point was for them not to be seen in the boys’ live or at least never more prominent than a lurking shadow or just-within-the-frame hand. Making an impressive plate, Jiang Cheng grumbled about gluttony but Wei WuXian has ignored him in favour of piling more vegetables on the side, figuring that someone like Lan WangJi would probably eat healthy.

Standing seamlessly, he sauntered over and halted his form in front of the other who since then seated himself, hovering over. Lan WangJi was not playing on his phone like Lie-ge—Wen Ning’s bodyguard—nor was he watching the boys stream like Zi-Jie. He just sat there with his back straight, staring into nothing as if not even wholly present.

Having a plate shoved into his line of vision, he raised his head, their eyes tangling together then let his gaze drop back onto the plate. “What is it? Do you not like something? I’ve put a bit of everything just leave what you don’t want—we’ll finish it later.”

Lan WangJi did not make any moves to take the plate offered but also did not appear to reject the idea. He just seemed so shocked and it was so incredibly endearing.

“Are you mad that I called people beautiful and ignored your stunning presence? I saved the best one for you xiao xin’ gang, want to hear it?” Lan WangJi, indeed, did not seem like he did but he got to listen anyways. “Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?!”

The plate was finally taken, Lan WangJi nodding to show his gratitude while he made absolutely no reaction, as if Wei WuXian would not have uttered a word.

Even though he was whispering, the comments were flooded and by the time they boarded the plane Wei WuXian saw it trending on both Weibo and quite incredibly Twitter. People made guesses as to who he was addressing and an embarrassing amount thought that it was his new bodyguard.

Their fans had eyes and it almost appeared like even the ones who hated them and came to start fights could not deny how handsome Lan WangJi was when pictures were posted. Wei WuXian, for the first time, felt ill towards the idea, feeling too exposed.

The ships never bothered him because he knew there was no truth behind them and, in his case, most people did as well, seeing the sheer quantity of people he flirts with. However, he has lost one too many friends and acquaintances via ship culture and the idea of offending Lan WangJi seemed awfully scary to him—something his heart might not be able to handle. Even though he has only met the man a few days prior, Wei WuXian has never felt quite this strongly about becoming friends with someone.

It felt similar to when he was dropped off at the Jiangs after his parents passed away and how badly he wanted to get along with them and be loved by them. Lan WangJi felt a bit like that too and Wei WuXian yearned for his approval just as badly as he was keen to receive it from his family.

He also felt surges of jealousy which was just straight up insane. People had the right to look at Lan WangJi but Wei WuXian felt like they shouldn’t. Turning his phone off, he decided to stare at the man in real life, sitting only a row from him and Jiang Cheng.

For now Wei WuXian figured that he should not get ahead of himself and not act like Lan WangJi and him are best of friends already. The man was still foreign for them all but he also did not appear overly pressed about fitting in.

Wei WuXian has not once seen him mingle, try and make a conversation or even take his phone out. Besides Wei WuXian—granted he has never sent him away for what that was worth—Lan WangJi appeared to be fine on his own, not pressed about keeping any company around. The man was always stoic and just staring, only ever talking if asked or nodding if instructed. The only time Wei WuXian witnessed him express anything was upon being approached by not just one but two of their stylists, their make-up artist and even a member from their promotion team where the intention was clear but it either got ignored or rejected.

Lan WangJi has been asked in front of Wei WuXian’s very eyes to hand over his WeChat and the man politely declined, not elaborating as to why.

Turning his phone back on once they were in the air, this time he was searching with purpose but the name gave him nothing. The most he could find was a Musical Academy that was ran by a family who had the same surname.

Even if the man wasn’t much of a social butterfly, he could still be a worm waiting to cocoon and transform into one thus Wei WuXian double checked that the light showed that he was allowed to unbuckle himself and stalked over to the conveniently empty seat next to his bodyguard.

“Láng Wàng Jī, how are you handling the flight? Do you travel a lot?” Giving himself permission, Wei WuXian plopped down onto the seat adjacent and plastered a hopefully kind grin onto his face. “Not particularly.”

“Ah, are you afraid, here I’ll hold your hand.” Extending his hand, both of them watched how his hand was not taken but he only smiled some more as he dropped it onto the armrest between them. “Do you follow me on Weibo?”

“No.” A tad bit more hurtful than it should have been, Wei WuXian hoped that his face has not fallen too severely. “Aiya, what kind of working environment is this—you need to follow me.”

“Do I?”

“Yes, why must I tell this? You should have done so already...did you know that that damned peacock has more followers than me?! I swear people are so stuck on his good looks that they fail to realise how terrible he is—”

“Fuck you Wei WuXian!”

“You only wish!”

Lan WangJi remained jaded but still appeared a bit nonplussed at the interaction. “Anyways my dearest ge—di...how old are you again?”

“Twenty-four.”

“Me too, which month?”

“January.”

“Me not too—whoa no wonder you are such a cold person, that’s cool though I like the challenge. I’ll be expecting your follow Lan WangJi!” Lan WangJi did not seem too bothered by his presence but Wei WuXian needed to use the loo so he left and was not stopped at all.

Mulling over the conversation again, he cringed by how obvious he was and figured that he has probably annoyed Lan WangJi the most even though he did not dare to ask for his information in the end.

His account was restricted so he never received notification but he allowed the follower count to show, deciding that Lan WangJi might not despise him in case he does end up following. However as much as he waited, no such thing came and someone has knocked on the door.

Exiting the bathroom, he ambled back and making a split second decision, he plopped down next to Lan WangJi again. “Hungry? I have some snacks.” Opening up a bag of chilli covered peanuts, he showed it under Lan WangJi’s nose who just leaned more off to the side. “No.”

“Wanna watch my drama with me?” Yet again no agreement came but Lan WangJi also did not refuse him thus Wei WuXian dropped one of his ear buds into the man’s lap and opened up his tablet on the tray ahead of them.

Lan WangJi made no comments at all but he simultaneously appeared to be paying attention and like he could not answer a single question about what he was watching for the past three hours by the time they were asked to take their seats.

Bidding his farewell, Wei WuXian sauntered back to Jiang Cheng and checked his followers just before having to shut his phone down. He had no new followers by the name of Lan WangJi. It was okay, Wei WuXian has been occupying his time during the entire flight so this meant nothing!

The airport had been hectic as hell, they were surrounded by security but it meant up to nothing. Whenever they leave the country fans feel more desperate to get their chance with them which usually ends in frightening scenes.

Wen Ning was clinging to his side but basically all of them were pressed together in a confined circle while they tried to look idly enough not to seem rude and unappreciative while having their internal organs rearranged and grabby, rude hands touching where no one should be allowed to without explicit permission.

That night Wei WuXian still did not have Lan WangJi amongst his followers.

*

His mood quite foul, they were slapping make-up on them for an interview. Wei WuXian has woken up with bad temper and it did not seem to waver greatly no matter how much he tried. When he felt two seconds away from ripping the comb out of his hair dresser’s hands, Wei WuXian decided he needed distraction.

Without his permission, the first thing his traitorous fingers have loaded was his Weibo and he was staring at his followers sooner than he could have pondered over how this would be the last thing to fix his mood.

It would have, alas he did not have Lan WangJi following him, but just as it appeared, he did have a follower by such a name. Going onto the profile, he was beyond disappointed once seeing that it was set up at six in the morning—that day—had absolutely nothing, not even one of the fan taken pictures and it only followed Wei WuXian.

Lian-Jie has been pretty well-known within their fandom but clearly such a handsome face was drawing attention way more easily to already have fake accounts. That was faster than the first person pretending to be Wei WuXian on his burner account.

Finished with the torture—also known as make-up and hair—Wei WuXian buttoned up the blouse he was given, squeezed into black jeans and tried to bend over enough to tie his boots. Once wholly ready, he located Lan WangJi and decided to bite the bullet and question the man.

“So you really aren’t a fan, are you?”

Lan WangJi, “...”

“I mean you would have followed all of us...probably, or do you have a bias—it’s not me, is it?”

“I follow now.”

“Pardon?” Pulling up his phone, Wei WuXian still did not receive anything so Lan WangJi was probably hoping to get rid of him. “Do you have some odd user...I cannot find you.”

Getting his own phone out, it was the first time Wei WuXian has seen Lan WangJi using it. Loading his Weibo himself, he showed Wei WuXian that dingy fake account that was set up that morning and only followed him. “You did not have a Weibo? Or do you hate me that much to set one up only to follow me? I wasn’t that serious, you needn’t do it like that.”

“Mn, made it today—why would I have something like this?”

“I don’t know...because you’re young and pretty and could make friends or make your existing friends jealous or—whatever it is people do with their social media, I tend to just post stupid things and cats, I love cats. I have this thing where I take pictures of every cat I see, my followers love that.”

“It is part of your job to entertain, why would someone like me need such thing?”

“Well I just gave a fair few reasons.”

“I do not have friends and want to make no one jealous.” Rubbing his eyes, Wei WuXian locked his phone back for now, trying to deal with such a situation. “You could have just said so, why make it now then?”

“To follow you so you can have more people than Jin ZiXuan.” It was such a plain and honest tone that Wei WuXian was unsure if he should laugh or take him seriously.

“Whatever, I’m sure you’ll be addicted soon enough, don’t forget to like my posts gege.”

“Mn.” It was a single hum, barely even a syllable but Wei WuXian believed him more than anyone who has ever promised to forever support him and never unfollow. That night Wei WuXian watched how Lan WangJi’s account filled with activity, the man actually going back and liking everything he has ever posted.

His stomach was filled with a strange tension, aware that he has asked Lan WangJi and this might as well count as manipulation but so incredibly happy that this was how Lan WangJi decided to spend his own personal time. He has gone all the way back to their debut. Wei WuXian made a lot of shitposts and was not very refined with the content he put out there thus his reels have neared a thousand rather than a hundred.

Not completely justified, Wei WuXian fell asleep with his phone in his hand, grinning like an idiot.

*

Things got more hectic like always. The boys were performing every night, going through Korea then Japan and as a final stop they arrived to America. Wei WuXian has taken a special liking to Lan WangJi, constantly harassing the other while Lan WangJi must have also considered Wei WuXian differently because he has allowed such thing to happen.

They were walking on the street, just the two of them. Wei WuXian held a go-pro and vlogged the journey and acted like the tourist he was, while Lan WangJi patiently followed along. “Qin’ai de, how do you like America?”

Switching to his phone, he shamelessly recorded Lan WangJi, not even thinking of handing such footage over to anyone. “Do you enjoy it my gege?”

“Wei WuXian.” He walked straight into a pole which would have been mortifying if he would not have been busy reeling in the fact that Lan WangJi grabbed onto him as his other hand came up and shielded his head before it could have come in contact as well.

“Whoa, my hero...it’s Wei Ying by the way—but don’t tell others, I will only allow you to use it.” Winking at the man, Wei WuXian turned on the go-pro again—after he definitely did not delete the video that he has taken of Lan WangJi—and set off to harass an ice cream parole employee with his broken English, trying to bargain out some free samples.

“—but,” pointing to himself, “famous, big idol! Want free!” Lan WangJi appeared next to him again, staying out of the camera’s range and handing over a sparkling card. They usually use their phones or pay via face I.D. but in the US they still used their cards mostly due to compatibility. “Pick what you want.”

Shamelessly choosing three different flavours, Lan WangJi made no comment and also did not buy any for himself. “No allergies or dietary restrictions that I don’t know of, right?”

Once there was a conforming hum Wei WuXian shoved the little spoon into Lan WangJi mouth with a large grin. “How is it? Tasty?”

“Mn.”

“What is your name?” Wei WuXian did not particularly believe that he will be told but at the same time he did think that Lan WangJi rather liked him. It was hard to confirm, since once he felt like the other was the definition of devotion and would in no shape or form put up with his bullocks unless he felt bound like a mother hen but the next second he was convinced that Lan WangJi just needed a job and was in no shape or form able to quit or allow himself to get fired.

“Lan Zhan.” Choking on the dessert, he genuinely did not expect to be told something personal but then again, he has been treated differently.

Lan WangJi still only followed Wei WuXian’s account who in return followed him back. He only followed his bandmates and a few professional friends so this has definitely gained attention but even though Lan WangJi’s account grew steadily, he has not once made a single post, nor has he used it for anything other than liking Wei WuXian’s own ones.

It made him ridiculously happy which truly made no sense.

“Lan Zhan, I like it...Zhan-ge—let’s go and play in that park.”

They went.

The editors were always glad to be working with him since Wei WuXian was always the one bringing ridiculousness, exciting adventure and humour to all of Tzii’s vlogs, the man not ashamed to bring disgrace on himself and too unruly not to get into ridiculous situations.

This one was way milder than his usual work and watching it back mashed together with Jiang Cheng’s mukbang, Wen Ning attempting to do his own make-up and Jin ZiXuan just talking, it almost felt like Wei WuXian was on a date with the fans. Either because of the way he addressed them or because Lan WangJi has taken over the camera at some point and not once strayed away from his form as he ran around and did cartwheels and flew kites.

To him, it felt more like a date with Lan WangJi but he obviously did not deny when people praised him for being so thoughtful of them, indulging their rotten fans.

*

The concert was going great, their audience super loud and hyped up but there was a bit of an underlining melancholy. This was their very last show performed during this come back. Obviously Wei WuXian was happy to be taking a break, he was exhausted and they have already started to work on some new stuff but it was still always challenging to do the last show with the knowledge that he will have to wait up to a year to do such thing again.

The stage was barricaded for safety where the security stayed—the rest of his band all jumped down to walk to the stairs leading up to their second smaller stage that stretched out and into the crowd more.

Wei WuXian was about to do the same when his eyes linked to Lan WangJi’s attentive gaze. Smiling as bright as the sun, his eyes crinkled up as he stretched his arms out and made some tiny grabby motions.

Lan WangJi did not even hesitate for a second, he just walked over and extended his own arms. The stage wasn’t that high and they did worse acrobatics—Wei WuXian in specific—but he was also shameless and Lan WangJi looked so serious as he was allowed to lean even further down and into the touch.

Grabbed by the waist, he supported himself on the man’s shoulders as he was softly and carefully lowered to the ground. For once Wei WuXian was all too aware of their audience even though the screams seemed pretty filtered out to his numbed brain that could only take in Lan WangJi in that moment.

The grin softening infinitely, even though thousands must have watched, that look was solemnly for Lan WangJi and that had been clear to all. Adding a wink to make the interaction more like his signature flirting, he hoped that none of their fans will go too wild—admittedly that has been in vain but it was a good effort on his part—while letting him go, Lan WangJi has stepped back and even though he looked almost stuck up to the untrained eyes, Wei WuXian felt like he could tell that Lan Zhan was amused.

They trended all over the place, not just on Weibo, though their ship WangXian became one of the top ten cps in China that night. Obviously there weren’t that much content and even their fans were stumped with getting information about Lan WangJi—besides his name that Wei WuXian via his Weibo and their company with its hire papers have exposed—not managing a lot.

They have all been quick to point out Lan WangJi’s soft attentiveness and the small times they interacted with one another. It was the very first ship of his that has been taken more seriously, this time many people believing that the two actually had something going on.

At first he thought it strange since he figured that he’d been relatively secretive about wanting Lan WangJi to be his friend or figured he hid well any potential attraction but apparently he has been wrong there.

It was exactly that according to most of his fans, the way Wei WuXian even got embarrassed once—caught too off guard when Wen Ning read a comment unwittingly—instead of joking and flirting, there he was blushing and avoiding to look at the camera which made everyone suspicious that there must be more between the two.

To the best of his knowledge, it was not even just ignorance but Lan WangJi seemed straight up oblivious. Wei WuXian has gotten somewhat familiar with his routine and even though he predicted that the man will get addicted, he has only ever used his phone to talk to his family and let them know that he was all right and every evening, during his reading time, Lan WangJi went to Wei WuXian’s account and liked anything that he has posted through the day.

He probably did not even know about the ship and how popular WangXian was becoming.

*

After their concert they were rushed to the airport to catch their flight. Many of their fans came to bid farewell, crowding around them and doing their best to shove their gifts into their idol’s hands. Wei WuXian was starting to feel a bit under the weather but did his best to not get annoyed from his headache because he wished not to take anything out on the people who supported him.

Wearing sunglasses, Wei WuXian could only attempt and will the pressure against his cranium to ease a bit before his skull would explode. Closing his eyes, he rubbed at his face while grabbing onto Lan WangJi’s upper arm in hopes that he won’t walk into anything.

The man must have turned towards him, because in the next second an arm came around his waist, steps more hurried. Lan WangJi blocked both hands and camera angles with his other arm, stretched ahead of Wei WuXian and soon they all managed to get inside the terminal.

Once through the line, people could only record and watch them with a protective barrier in-between while they checked in. “Are you feeling worse?”

It was rare that he shut his mouth but in that moment Wei WuXian was not feeling all too chatty. He just nodded his head, collapsing into a chair even though they’ll be moving in a few minutes. With his elbows on his knees, Wei WuXian leaned forward when a thermos came into his vision.

Lan WangJi squatted down as well, holding out not just the bottle but also medicine. “Thanks.”

His voice was getting raspier and close to none existence. Seeing who was ahead of him, Wei WuXian did not question what the pill was or where it came from just popped it into his mouth and swallowed with the boiled water.

Lan WangJi did not ask for the thermos again so he placed his mask back on and hugged it to his chest for the time being.

Heavy weight dropped over him, startling him out of a nap as Lan WangJi grabbed his arms. “We need to board.”

Wearing the man’s jacket that had been wrapped around him, Wei WuXian nodded his head and let himself be led, not forgetting to turn back one last time and bow for the people who were watching. He closed his hands over the bottle in his hold and hoped that the apology will be enough for his less than decorous parting.

Wei WuXian let himself be guiding through, Lan WangJi’s hand on his shoulder as they walked together until he was made to take a seat. For once he bothered no one and slept through the whole flight like the dead still using Lan WangJi’s jacket as a blanket, having no consideration whether the man was cold or not.

Reaching back to Beijing, they all knew that some hardships were still waiting ahead of them. In three weeks they'll perform at an award show and will also have a meet and greet but for now they have been gone for several months and people will probably be desperate to show them how much they were missed.

Awakened by Hang-ge, Wei WuXian felt even worse, his fever severe and headache bad enough to make him nauseous. The only thing on the bright side was the fact that the airport in Beijing never allows commotion, having had to shut it down once because of celebrities.

To avoid physical injuries, whenever departures or arrivals were public and thought to cause mayhem, everything was closed down.

The fans were there but could only stand behind fencing and without entering. Wei WuXian tried very hard not to throw up right then and there, still clutching the now empty water can. Lan WangJi was back to guiding him, walking in-between so he figured that the pictures will be yet again ruined for his own fansites.

Not managing to care, he gathered himself enough to turn back and bow before entering the car. “You look like death.”

“I also feel like it.” Jiang Cheng sat next to him, bending forward to take a closer look at his face. “For now, we’ll go to the company’s building but Hang-ge already called the doctor and A-Jie is probably waiting with soup.”

Even though he was still nauseous, he felt uplifted by the prospect of not just seeing his favourite person but also having her cooking. He nodded off in the car as well, Jiang Cheng waking him and pulling his arm to get him moving.

In front of their company, people were still gathering but the security formed tight lines with fences and no one was allowed near them. Pulling his hoodie further over his face, Wei WuXian watched the rain splattering as Wen Ning rushed inside with Lie-ge.

Stepping out of the car, Wei WuXian felt nothing and upon looking up he saw that an umbrella was held above him. Lan WangJi held out his hand to help him out of the car completely and angled the umbrella not just in way that it was wholly covering Wei Ying—only him though—but also blocking cameras yet again.

As soon as they entered the conference room, Wei WuXian has almost been knocked from his feet as Lan WangJi let go while Jiang YanLi basically jumped on top of him. “A-Xian, I missed you so much—are you feeling well? How bad is it? Let your jiejie take care of it darling.”

Nodding his head like a child, Wei WuXian clutched her cardigan and let himself be whisked away taken into the attentive care of Jiang YanLi as she started to repeatedly smooth his hair out of his face. Understanding in the meanest way possible, Jin ZiXuan seemed exceedingly put out by the difference between their greetings, having gotten only a hug even at that, Jiang Cheng has been pulled into it alongside him.

Jiang YanLi was the best and Wei WuXian has easily let himself be roped into going back to their house and staying so his A-Jie could properly take care of him.

*

Their meet and greet was only four days after their performance at the award show and Wei WuXian has managed to make a complete recovery thankfully. The show went incredibly well and their ship has climbed even higher along the cps from all the interaction that the two were having.

There truly were no good pictures of Wei WuXian since Lan WangJi has done his most to block them but that did not stop fans to trend such act along with his ‘get well’ wishes. Pointing this out, Wei WuXian tried to understand what everyone was seeing but to him it did not feel like Lan WangJi was too pressed about Wei WuXian, he was probably relieved that for once he was not bothered at all with silly stories and dumb questions where he’d demand to get to know more about Lan WangJi.

Even with such knowledge, Wei WuXian had to admit that all the small gestures combined and the little crease between Lan WangJi’s brows were all convincing.

*

“—and from that day on we started dating,” Wei WuXian smiled at the story and the fan telling it. It has always been his favourite part to actually meet and talk to their fans but he always deemed the amount of time given insufficient, “and I brought this for you.”

Laughing at the bunny ears, Wei WuXian hovered above his seat a little and leaned on the table so she could place it onto his head easily. “Thank you, does it look cute?”

Making a pout the girl ahead of him squealed which he figured meant a yes. Waving to her one last time, Wei WuXian turned his attention to the next person who happened to be a man, wearing a tired expression. “Could you sign it for Xiao Mian?”

Nodding his head deeper to show respect, he went ahead and did as told, not overly keen on pissing the man off with chattering if he wanted nothing more than to leave. The next boy was younger and way more enthusiastic as he jumped in front of Wei WuXian grinning like he has just won the lottery.

Signing the album, he dutifully kept writing what was dictated even though it felt like he was nearing a novel rather than a fan note. Their time wasn’t up and if instead of talking, the boy wanted a paragraph written for him then Wei WuXian was not about to ruin his dreams.

The bunny ears kept slipping forth as he slouched over the table, writing furiously. He has given up on them, figuring they can just fall under his chin for now since it sounded like the boy—said his name was A-Sai—was just getting started with his speech.

The bunny ears got stopped from gliding off of his head and were moved back towards the crown so they stayed upright until he has finished.

Joined with way more gifts than one could ever possibly want, Wei WuXian has finally reached his own apartment building and has quietly entered.

He texted Jiang Cheng that he arrived safely and loaded up his Weibo to post about his gratitude to everyone who came. As it would happen, his ship was trending again even though Wei WuXian was sure they have done nothing this time.

It started to become like this. He does not even openly flirt with Lan WangJi all that much but people just take photos of the two and that’s enough, find tiny things that Wei WuXian would never ever even consider to be evidence.

On one occasion, they trended for fans finding solid proof over Wei WuXian wearing a simple white shirt because Lan WangJi has also worn one of those before. To him that seemed like a joke but people were going to great length to prove that it had been the same exact shirt because they were sharing clothes like the good boyfriends they were. It was not the same white shirt.

This time, however, Wei WuXian was facing the other option when it came to their ship which was definitely the worse one. There were these moments that got edited or gestures pointed out which gave him hope, actions that showed Lan WangJi caring for him even if Wei WuXian did not notice himself, people always did and weren’t shy about expressing their believes online.

His struggle with the bunny ears was the most prominent post, most people sharing it like crazy under the tag. Apparently it has been Lan WangJi who moved them so they would not keep sliding and annoying him in the midst of writing.

Other popular moments that he could find were Lan WangJi looking at a girl with a glare when the fan asked to hold his hand and Wei WuXian has complied. He did know that he was probably frowning because of the rule and that look was directed at Wei WuXian for being a nuisance but people seemingly thought he was jealous.

Lan WangJi moving his chair so Wei WuXian could stand and then pushing it back when he sat down was also up there in the undeniable proof piles. Just as Lan WangJi taking things gently from him, mostly notably the time he took a bubble blower and fixed it so Wei WuXian was able to use it. Going through all of them, the two did not even once made physical contact, yet people thought they were witnessing the epitome of devotion.

After Lan WangJi liked his posts about the fan meeting, Wei WuXian put his phone on charger and decided to just watch some movie for the night and promptly refused himself to even think about Lan WangJi. It did not work but it was the thought that counted.

*

Wei WuXian was in some great shit.

It has been three whole days where he was unable to leave when he’s had enough and packed his bags. His address got leaked and people were not leaving, some even managing to sneak up and ring his bell.

He was both annoyed and slightly mortified as he mulled over his options with Hang-ge.

The main issue was that the Jiang’s house was known publicly. When the boys started to gain fame, they both made a whole ordeal about moving out. Wei WuXian has actually done so but Jiang Cheng moved right back in after a week.

So they were no option, Wen Ning would be perfect but he has travelled back to Qishan—they were just working on their new album so their schedule was pretty free—and no one else had keys to his place while Jin ZiXuan’s address was also known, he just lived in a mansion where security was top-notch.

Finding a new place in secret where it will also be kept as one will take longer than a couple of hours and hotels were always finicky because at least one member of the staff always ratted the celebrity out.

For now he stayed in the lobby and as soon as Hang-ge’s car pulled up, he made a run for it.

“Shit.” Falling into the backseat, he was taken to the company for now. Thankfully, he has never had that much knickknacks so it wasn’t hard to pack up and he owned basically just a plate or two that he has left behind, though it can be picked up later by someone from their company.

All throughout the journey, they went over all the possible options and agreed that he’ll just move back to the Jiangs for now. Conversely, Jiang FengMian has called and told them that people were already gathering in front of their house so Wei WuXian was probably risking the exposure of Jiang Cheng as well if he confirms by going there.

In the end he agreed to stay at a hotel for now and they left it at that.

Lan WangJi has been called in with Lie-ge and Huan-ge to escort him in case he gets discovered even before getting there.

The company’s courtyard is completely closed and the backdoors are pretty well-hidden. There was little chance of them being followed so Wei WuXian hoped that things will be all right for the time being.

Lan WangJi has walked him up, while the other two waited at the entrance of the hotel, carrying his luggage for him. “Thanks and I’m sorry for having to be called in.”

“No need, does Wei Ying know my number? I could stay in the hotel as well.” Shaking his head, he did not even let the idea linger before he’d do something crazy like agree but has whipped out his phone a tad bit too eager so Lan WangJi probably thought that he was scared to stay alone. In reality he was dying to get that number and had no idea how to request it before.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?” Scanning to QR code, Wei WuXian was basically vibrating from excitement but did his best to control it. “It will be fine gege, think of me so I won’t get too lonely.”

“Ridiculous.”

*

Wei WuXian was indeed not fine.

He was awakened around one in the morning by beeping. Someone was continuously putting in a code to his room number and it kept getting rejected. He highly doubted that it’d be a flustered worker who is coming to inform him that there is a fire but the alarms aren’t working, an employee that would also had to be mute and dumb to neither call out nor knock.

Switching the lights on, he shut the bathroom door loudly and waited until there were no more attempts. Dialling Hang-ge, he could not actually reach him while he did not want to wake up his family.

Back to staring at Lan WangJi’s contact, he at least had a good reason to do so now.

He also did not want to bother the other but he was not kidding himself either. This place was freaking him out now and there was no way he would be able to fall back asleep. There was a level of commitment though since he was certain that Lan WangJi would not put his phone on silent or dnd.

No, the man would be the type to answer no matter what.

Upon hearing pattering footsteps, Wei WuXian started the call and was not even shocked when it was answered within moments. “Wei Ying?”

“Lan Zhan, I’m sorry to bother you but—would you happen to live far from the hotel? It’s not that I necessarily need you but like if perhaps you would not be that far and too tired and could potentially come by...because there—I mean really I don’t mean to bother you, you are probably sleeping—actually, maybe never mind, I’m fine haha—”

“On my way, stay in the room I will knock, don’t open the door if it’s not me.” Lan WangJi has hung up on him before he could have protested again. Pondering over his little monologue he sounded both terrified and exceedingly stupid.

It did not take long for someone to knock on the door which made his heart beat twice its usual speed. He knew that he just had to walk to the peephole and confirm that it’s Lan WangJi but whether the same person or not, someone had tried to open his door again repeatedly since he has been awakened the first time.

Taking careful steps to not be heard, he did not even make it to the hallway leading to the door before there was another series of knocks. “Wei Ying?”

Running over, he threw the door open and barely caught himself from crying because Lan WangJi was standing there all prim and proper and things did not seem too bad after all. It was highly unlikely that anything would happen to him now, he felt foolish again.

“Lan Zhan, I’m sorry.” Dropping his head, he was pushed into the room and Lan WangJi locked the door behind himself. “Did something happen?”

It was a fair question, Wei WuXian has not managed to get that far in his little freaking out call but Lan WangJi knew he wasn’t the fragile type nor has he ever expressed strong emotions reacting to scary situations.

“I, well, it’s pretty stupid...probably nothing but someone keeps trying to put in the code to my room and—” Unsure how to continue, Lan WangJi grabbed his coat and wrapped it around his body. “Come on, wear a mask.”

His bags were grabbed, Lan WangJi walking around the place to put away anything he got out while he did as told. Putting on both of the hoods on his clothing, not an inch of his face could be seen which might have been stranger than just him heading out.

They noticed no one on their way to the parking lot and rode far longer than it took Lan WangJi to get there. Parking in front of a very nice apartment building, Wei WuXian doubted that Lan WangJi hated him but needed the money thus he put up with his terrible self after seeing where he lived.

They met absolutely no one as he was led up the building until they reached Lan WangJi’s door. The man’s apartment was a lot like him, pristine and organised, seemingly not a single thing out of its designated place even though he has been awakened and rudely called off in the middle of the night.

Wei WuXian just followed Lan WangJi until they reached what appeared to be the man’s bedroom, where his luggage got dropped off. The bed was not made properly as it showed that someone just got out and left it at that.

Going into a closet, Lan WangJi took out new bedding and got off his own blanket and pillow. Holding out his arm that did not have said things, Wei WuXian handed his coat over. “Sleep.”

Before he could have protested, the man left and the door was closed behind him.

This whole thing has taken a lot out of him so he did not put things together properly and just crawled into the bed that smelled just like Lan Zhan and fell asleep within seconds, the thought that he might not be safe not even crossing his mind.

The next morning—almost noon—he managed to drag himself out of the heavenly bed and set off to locate Lan WangJi. Entering the living room that was opened together with the kitchen, he saw that Lan WangJi was cooking, probably making lunch at that point.

On the couch—which definitely did not fit someone as tall as Lan WangJi comfortably—had bundle of bedding neatly folded on one edge. “You don’t have another bed?”

He meant to greet the other nicely, tease him by pretending to be domestic but was too gobsmacked to do any of those. “No. Did you sleep well?”

“Why would you let me use your bed then? I can crash on your couch.”

“No need, it was no bother.” Lan WangJi waited so Wei WuXian tried to remember what he was asked two second prior. “I can’t remember your question...you cannot just leave it at that—why would you sleep on the couch?”

“It makes no difference to me, did you sleep well?”

“Yes because I slept in a bloody bed—your bed! You are even taller than me.”

“Come and eat.”

“Aiya, you are really just going to ignore me, won’t you?”

Lan WangJi said nothing as he set the table in front of them. There were multiple dishes like Mapo Tofu, banquet noodles and Banmian waiting to be eaten and each looked absolutely amazing. “You are not allowed to do that again...you can cook quite well I see.”

“Decent enough to get by.” Everything tasted good but mild, not enough flavour, however, Lan WangJi has come prepared and given him not only chilli but also some other spices and straight up salt.

“I always figured you eat healthy, maybe I’d look half as good as you if I would switch out two of my meals of ding ding chao mian a bit more frequently.”

“Wei Ying should.”

“Damn Lan Zhan don’t hold back.”

“It’s not good for your health.”

“So you do admit that I’m very handsome—even if I’ll shrivel up.”

“Won’t be if you do.”

“I’ll take that as confirmation that as of right now I am.” Lan WangJi did not explicitly disagree so Wei WuXian carried on his believes.

“I should probably find another hotel, Hang-ge hasn’t called me back yet even though I called him last night.”

“Wei Ying can stay for as long as needed.”

“No, no Lan Zhan take that back!”

Lan WangJi, “?”

“If you won’t retract quickly, I will take you upon your word and you won’t get rid of me. This is not the time to be polite, have you never been taught that? What if you offer out of the good will of your heart but someone is shameless enough to take it! Like me, I’m shameless enough to take it!” Wei WuXian has almost spilled his soup while gesturing to really hammer home the point.

“I learnt this in kindergarten when kids ask for your things but then you know that you will never get it back so you just should not hand it over to begin with.”

“That has never happened to me. I will not offer if I do not want to.”

“So if I would stay for weeks, you wouldn’t have a complaint?” Lan WangJi seemed so idle as he chewed on his noodles that Wei WuXian’s sarcasm truly came out as a question. “No.”

“So anyone could just crash here and it would not annoy you in the slightest...” Now there was a frown finally but Lan WangJi was still not bending to Wei WuXian’s will.

“I offered Wei Ying, no one else.”

“But that is the worst, me—I am the worst! I’m messy and loud and needy and—”

“Mm.” That was Lan WangJi’s disagreement noise.

“Fine whatever, Jesus you’re a handful, I’ll talk to Hang-ge as soon as he calls me back and will get out of your hair soon, I promise.”

“No need.” Rolling his eyes, Wei WuXian went back to his bowl of rice, dipping it into his soup but his heart was still frenetic from how badly it preened under Lan WangJi’s words.

*

“What do you do for fun? I’m so incredibly bored, do you have PS4-5, xbox or you know anything similar?”

“I do not know what does letters mean, you can borrow a book.”

“May the gods help me...I’d probably be more entertained painting myself to blend in with your couch—I’d become your couch haha.” Lan WangJi never ended up laughing.

“If you want to I can get you paper and pencils—I don’t own any paints but I can buy some for you.”

“No, this is not about...oh whatever, actually can I have that paper? I will draw you something as a thank you gift.” Settling in, Wei WuXian occupied himself and got so into it that he did not stop until Lan WangJi has asked him to go and have dinner.

By that time, he has finished two whole pieces one sketch and started a new one because he got suddenly inspired. It was not particularly his style to cut off what he was doing, realistically he probably would not have eaten anything until night time when he’d have a midnight snack of Buldak or something.

Instead of trash or take-out—truly the only options for Wei WuXian normally—he was served yet another table full of homemade food. “Wait don’t touch it.”

Slapping Lan WangJi’s hand away, Wei WuXian snapped a picture to brag about his luxurious life. “I guess it is dark already, Hang-ge has not called me back at all so I will need to try again—oh you can eat already, anyways I will call him to sort out a solution...you won’t mind me staying one more night? On the couch though!!!”

“Wei Ying can.”

He ended up not just sending his meal to the family group chat but also posted it onto his Weibo. His A-Jie sent back a cat sticker with its tongue out, Jiang Cheng told him off for being obnoxious and his fans seemingly took matters into their own hand, starting to conduct a very serious investigation.

Apparently Lan WangJi’s table was different than the Jiang family’s which honestly Wei WuXian could not remember in order to confirm himself and people thought it too fancy to be from a restaurant.

He needn’t bother with such things, his fans have done all the comparing pulling up proof after proof from what they all have posted from within the Jiang house and how it did not match. Some even going as far as to compare the five star places with the furniture around Beijing.

Shaking his head, Wei WuXian ignored his account in favour of chatting with Lan WangJi. “Do you ever just look at the trending tags on Weibo?”

“Mm.”

“So I’ve figured...this has absolutely no ground—truly no reason for my question, but do you happen to know what shipping means?”

“Travelling via sea?” Wei WuXian intended to remain serious through this discussion but he lost it a tad bit at that, laughing so much that tears started to gather under his eyelashes.

“You are literally the cutest human I have ever met...did I mention that before?”

“I am going to presume it means something else.” Tone sobering, Lan WangJi seemed exceedingly far from amused so Wei WuXian managed to pull himself together. “CPs are couples, usually real ones but fandoms always start ships which is just short for relationship—I guess, not hundred percent sure on that though—where if the fans think two people are a good match they will create these scenarios and make edits and reels of receipts.”

“I see.” Lan WangJi was wearing what appeared to be the lightest bit of a frown and Wei WuXian found it stupid that he brought this up. What if Lan Zhan actually gets offended or starts hating him?!

“And Wei Ying has one?”

“Pffft, one—you are so cute, as if. No, no, no my gege I have probably one thousand of them. Ships are harder to avoid than to come by...to be fair there are people I have never even met, at most have been in the same building, and I’m still shipped with them.”

“Like?”

“You want to have a list of my ships?”

“Mn.”

“Well, here we just have to put in my name and see what comes up.” Pulling out his phone, Wei WuXian did as told and seamlessly scrolled past WangXian which was the number one result. Lan WangJi was still sitting opposite him and did not appear to question whether or not he was lying or filtering through the results. “Wen Ning—we hugged during the meet and greet, Jin ZiXuan—don’t worry that disturbs me just as badly as the next person, Jiang Cheng—terrible but in people’s minds there is no blood relation, but we are bandmates so these ones are the expected ones...”

He carried on listing off the results that he knew for a fact that Lan WangJi would not get, since he, himself, was unable to pin some of the people based off of only their names.

“Does it bother you? Ships?” The word sounded strange from Lan WangJi and he made it even odder by pronouncing it as if he wouldn’t be sure it actually exists to being with. “No, there is no truth to any of them—not a single name I read out has anything to do with me.”

“Would it bother you if they were?”

“Maybe...I wouldn’t want to put someone through all of this nonsense when they might just want to be with me...you know what’s hilarious? Jin ZiXuan has never been shipped with my jiejie, which I’ve always found hilarious.”

“It would be worth it though,” said Lan WangJi.

“What? Not having their relationship exposed?”

“No, being shipped with Wei Ying.”

“What? Why?”

“No reason, you just said it like it’s a bad thing—you deserve someone who would go through more than petty hardships to be with you.”

“Stop that—dear god Lan Zhan, warn a man!” Hiding his face, Wei WuXian felt very hot all of the sudden from how fast his heart started to beat. He knew he wasn’t blushing, he had thicker face than that but it did not lessen his sufferings.

“Actually I left one out—it’s my favourite ship, do you want to know who my favourite imaginary partner is?”

Lan WangJi, “...”

“It’s—” His phone started to ring before he could have finished his teasing and seeing that it was Hang-ge, he excused himself from the conversation. After almost half an hour has passed, he ambled back over to the table and sat.

“So we have two options. Hang-ge is going over leasing for me somewhere new but it’s going to take a bit over two weeks until I can move in. So I could stay at a different hotel and try again or I could pay you rent for that time period if you genuinely will have me over.”

“Wei Ying should stay—no need for rent.”

“That wasn’t between the options.”

“Now it is.”

“Lan Zhan do you want to become my sugar daddy?”

“You are rich though.”

“Hahah, why are you saying it like that—as if that’s what’s been stopping you?! It’s about stance, even if I make more than you, you can still spoil me.”

“All right.”

“Wait, what do you mean all right? Don’t all right me!”

“You are confusing.” Wei WuXian huffed at that, as if!

“So can I actually crash here until then?”

“Of course.”

Making Lan WangJi sign a simple contract was shaping out to be the most difficult task that Wei WuXian has ever attempted, needless to say, he was failing badly. “Come off it you brat, just sign it! I literally only wrote how I will pay rent and you are not allowed to sleep on the couch, why won’t you just stop being difficult?!”

“No need.” Sighing so deeply it felt guttural, Wei WuXian slumped back against the dining table. “You are impossible.”

*

Sitting on the couch, Lan WangJi just grabbed the book that he was reading while Wei WuXian got back to drawing a bit more fiercely, brewing in his spite a little at Lan WangJi’s stubbornness until he calmed down more.

Wei WuXian did not even notice how quiet they were until the door bell rang and made him jump out of his skin. As Lan WangJi casted a look his way, he felt like his skin did not fit him like it used to for the time being.

“Don’t be scared, it’s probably my brother.” Instead of calming, that sentence appeared to be even more anxiety-inducing because Wei WuXian was not ready to meet family. What if he does end up marrying Lan Zhan? The first impression needs to be neat!

Before he could have fled, a man akin to Lan WangJi came in with him, the pair of them almost identical. Lan WangJi’s brother was wearing a smile, bright and friendly and his eyes were darker. He seemed more approachable between the two but no less handsome.

Gaze flitting across Wei WuXian, the smile froze for a second before it pulled even wider. “You must be Wei WuXian, my name is Lan XiChen, it’s a pleasure.”

Staring at the hand extended towards him, Wei WuXian was suddenly reminded how Lan Zhan did not technically take his hand the first time when they met. Reaction a bit too delayed not to seem rude, Wei WuXian held the man’s hand and politely shook once. “The pleasure is mine...I’ll just—”

Motioning towards the bedroom, he went ahead and rushed away, leaving the brothers alone while he did his best to suffocate himself so he could start his life again.

The visit has been quick, Wei WuXian barely even starting his little panic attack before Lan XiChen was already gone. Lan WangJi came to fetch him, seemingly confused as to why Wei WuXian avoided the pair like they had the plague but he was feeling too remorseful to joke about this.

“Why did you not mention your brother coming by?” He did end up asking the question and it sounded very accusing which must have been unexpected seeing Lan Zhan’s reaction of pure puzzlement.

“I did not realise you would be uncomfortable. My brother won’t tell anyone you are here, I am not sure he knew who you were before I mentioned working for you.”

“That’s...no, what? That is not what this is about—I just looked so stupid and now your brother will hate me, I deserved a warning.”

“My brother wouldn’t hate you.”

“Of course he will and—”

“He never dislikes people, if you would see half the friends he’s made...one is worse than the other.” For a second, Wei WuXian forgot his inner turmoil in order to laugh because he was not expecting Lan WangJi to be so ruthless and honest all at once.

“Damn Zhan-Ge, you never hold back do you?” Sitting back on the couch, Wei WuXian grabbed Lan WangJi’s book. “So why did he leave so soon?”

“He just brought a floor mattress over so you would stop complaining about where I sleep.”

“The audacity! Wang Wang-er how can you be so mean to me.”

“Wei Ying started it.”

“Why did I think that you were mature again?”

Hitching an elegant shoulder, Lan WangJi carried on ignoring him as he grabbed the book back out of his hand. They were immersed in their tasks again for a long while before Lan WangJi filled the silence around them.

“Who is it?”

“Whe?”

“Your favourite ship? Who is it with?” Blinking a few times, Wei WuXian laughed when he remembered his teasing from earlier. Still a bit anxious that Lan WangJi would stop paying so much attention to him if he learns how much his actions are analysed, Wei WuXian still could not help but yearn to share. “Well you, my dearest da ye zhu.”

Eyebrows raising in the slightest, Lan WangJi seemed both baffled and annoyed. “Don’t kid.”

“You don’t think people should ship us?”

“They would not.” Getting his phone, Wei WuXian watched his fingers shaking as he typed away, the trembling just a bit noticeable as he showed the WangXian tag. Lan WangJi hesitated a bit, then made a gesture to request the phone and removed it from his jittery hands without touching him at all.

The moments stretched out like hours would have passed while Lan WangJi made no sounds at all. “I apologise for causing you trouble.”

Taking his phone that was offered, he just went ahead and locked it without exiting at all. “What do you mean trouble?”

“My actions placed you into such situation, I could—”

“Don’t be silly, you are literally gorgeous, it would be a thing even if we never would have talked before. Ships are like that, people just want good-looking celebrities to get together so they can vicariously live through them.”

“You are not mad?”

“Of course not...are you?”

“Why would I be?”

“I knew this will happen and I agreed when I took on the responsibility of fame but you did not...I—there are people who literally think that me and Jiang Cheng are a thing—I don’t think anything could bother me at this point but you—”

“I do not care. People’s opinions have no affect on me, if Wei Ying is fine then that is enough.”

*

‘Why WangXian is real! Proof, receipts and analysis’

‘WangXian married?!’

‘Jealousy, is Lan WangJi too controlling?’

‘WangXian on a date’

‘The double standard of WangXian’

Searching up the tag, it had many more posts and videos edited so convincingly that Wei WuXian had to stop and think whether or not he was actually dating Lan WangJi.

He is bound to move out next week, in the duration his relationship with Lan WangJi became quite domestic. For whatever reason, Wei WuXian was certain that Lan WangJi was still never checking his Weibo and what people say about them but Wei WuXian has done so every single night.

Lan WangJi was probably already asleep as he went ahead and watched another tragic, unattainable, Romeo and Juliet-esque reel of the pair. The more time passed the more Wei WuXian thought about such option.

It was hard to see so many people convinced when he was aware of the cold hard truth. It’s not that he was oblivious, he was aware of his own feelings and could tell that Lan Zhan liked him to some extent but what his exact thoughts were on Wei WuXian, he was too scared to question.

Without mentioning their relationship there was a sliver of hope, it felt like a door left ajar where maybe Wei WuXian could enter but if Lan WangJi would know of such idea he might shut it firmly and even just the image made his heart too tight.

If Lan WangJi doesn’t know of his feelings, if he does not change the way he treats Wei Ying then he will be allowed to live comfortably and watch these edits when left alone because, no matter how slim, there is a chance.

Putting his phone back on the charger, he exited Lan WangJi’s room as quietly as possible. Even though he did not even dare to breathe, Lan WangJi has sat up, eyes quick to find Wei WuXian’s frozen frame. “Sorry, I want a cup of water...sleep.”

Blinking at him, Lan WangJi opened his mouth as if he wanted to tell him off but ended up only nodding once as he lay back down. Slipping past, Wei WuXian cringed when he opened the tap, gulped down water and clunk the bottom of the cup against the counter.

Making his way back, Lan WangJi has not moved again, he just lay there on his back looking gorgeous.

Then Wei WuXian learnt the hard way why he should look at where he was going. Eyes trailing over Lan WangJi’s sharp features, he failed to remember that Lan WangJi was sleeping on a mattress which obviously was higher than the ground.

Tripping over the corner, Wei WuXian at least did not wholly fell on top of Lan WangJi but has definitely rearranged his ribs with a sharp elbow. Switching on the light, Lan WangJi seemed fine from near the wall while Wei WuXian has not managed to gather himself from the ground.

Most of his body actually hit the floor and not the mattress and it was actually quite painful. “Shit, I’m so sorry—I must have given you a heart attack, so sorry.”

“Are you all right?” Grabbing his arm, Wei WuXian was turned around and helped onto the mattress while Lan WangJi pushed back his sleeves. His arms were red, just like his knees and chin probably but he only felt stupid if anything.

“I am genuinely sorry—”

“No need, Wei Ying, this will bruise, stay while I grab some ointment.”

“Na, it’s fine—go back to sleep, I will just—” The glare that he received was enough to make him shut his mouth and he figured that he might as well do as told.

Lan WangJi was exceedingly gentle as he held his hand and rubbed ointment onto his wounds but it only made his chest convulse harder. They were very close to each other.

Before he could have fled the scene, Lan WangJi rolled up his pants as well and clasped his ankles when he tried to protest and pull them away.

Lastly it was his chin, Lan WangJi holding the underside softly to tilt his face up so he could see where he has hit himself. Wei WuXian has not noticed but his nose was also lathered up so he figured it must have been hit as well.

“Thank you, sorry.”

“Stop apologising, it is fine—be more careful.”

“Yeah I know, I seriously did not mean to,”

“Not with me, yourself!”

Groaning softly, he was finally allowed to lower his head as Lan WangJi disappeared back to his bathroom. Wei WuXian forgot that he should move so the man was back before he could have gathered himself and extended a hand for him to take.

Doing without a second thought, Wei WuXian was pulled to his feet and since Lan WangJi did not take any steps away, they came to be almost touching each other. If Wei WuXian would breathe a little heavier their chests would touch, if he would get on his tiptoes, their lips would make contact as well. “Sorry...good night.”

*

Trying hard not to cry, Wei WuXian will never understand how people put in coloured contacts and not yearn to rip it right back out.

Once his make-up was done, he made an attempt to retie his shoes and not die during the walk to their seats at the award show. Their outfits were always less practical when they did not perform since all they had to do was stand and look pretty but this one was probably a punishment in the second circle of hell.

The fit was completely black, and because of the lace a lot of it was sheer and what wasn’t just so happened to be tight enough that might as well count translucent. On top of that he was wearing a leather harness which made movements even more difficult.

Bending in half was no option and he must have looked pitiful because Lan WangJi came to him easily and resting a knee on the ground, his shoes were both neatly tied for him. Wei WuXian’s inner fangirl was freaking out and it was a hard feat to hide it in time.

“Can you walk properly?”

“I will have to try.” Crossing his arms over his chest, he felt very exposed with Lan WangJi’s sharp eyes directed at him. The gesture must have translated wrong for him—probably assuming that he was cold—since the man took off his zip up hoodie and draped it over Wei WuXian.

After he managed to get through the night, Wei WuXian has unbuttoned his pants even before entering their greenroom. “I think I’m suffocating...how the hell will I get out of this?!”

The stylist jiejies laughed at his very real panic and ushered him over. Not as hard as he would have assumed, he was almost on the verge of tears when he was finally freed from his prison. Bowing on several occasions, he kept sending back kisses to show his gratitude.

Lan WangJi was standing to the side, watching with a scowl which did not ease when Wei Ying blew him one as well.

*

“Tonight is my last day here, I will miss you greatly gege, can I drop by sometimes?”

“Mn, anytime.”

“Thankfully I don’t have too much stuff,”

“I will help tomorrow.” Wei WuXian smiled and watched Lan WangJi turn back to the stove. Taking a look around, the space has changed significantly since Wei WuXian has moved here. There were some of his things scattered around, which never got moved by Lan WangJi even though the man loved neatness and the walls and fridge were all accompanied by a dozen drawings that seemed like an odd mix with Lan WangJi’s minimalist and sophisticated art pieces of landscapes.

He has not once refused Wei WuXian’s gifts and not only kept the drawings but also displayed them. He will probably remove them all once he moves out but it was still heart-warming to see them up for this time period.

“I wish I could just stay here, I like this place.”

“Wei Ying can.”

“Haha, and where will you go?”

“Why do I need to leave?”

“Obviously you don’t need to, it’s me who’s moving remember gege?”

“You don’t need to move out at all.”

“What are you saying?”

Lan WangJi, “...”

“And what if I stay? What if I never want to leave?”

“Then don’t.”

“Lan Zhan...” He wanted to ask, he needed to question Lan WangJi because things were going too far but Wei WuXian was a coward when it came to this. It felt like gambling and even though there was so much to win, it was too scary how much he could lose.

“If you help tomorrow, you will know where I live...come by sometimes.”

“Mn.” Lowering his head, Wei WuXian watched his own hands as his fingers kept fidgeting, threading together and falling apart. “Wei Ying, what’s wrong?”

“Noth—” cutting himself, Wei WuXian felt like this was truly not like him anymore, “well, I know that I flirt a lot and I am quite shameless but when it comes to you it’s hard. You never take me seriously, no one does but when you dismiss my efforts—that actually feels terrible.”

“What do you mean?”

“I just—you are such a great person Lan Zhan, it’s...I don’t know.”

“What?”

“Why do you want me to stay here?”

“I like having you.”

“But what does that mean? Like I would be XiChen-Ge? Or are you actually scared that I will get you fired somehow? You know I’m not like that.”

“No.”

Sighing softly, Wei WuXian finally raised his head feeling both annoyed and defeated. “I don’t think I can do this, you can eat without me”

Lan WangJi called out but Wei WuXian did not turn back, he just closed the bedroom’s door. None of the doors had proper locks but Wei WuXian doubted that Lan WangJi would barge in, disregarding his clear attempt to be forlorn.

He just sat on Lan WangJi’s bed, staring at nothing. He did not go on to his phone, nor did he fall asleep. He just sat there and did absolutely nothing.

It’s not even like he was rejected, but somehow the events unfolding had the same result. Wei WuXian did not know what he was expecting, what he wanted to achieve to begin with. Lan WangJi technically offered him to stay, he has been very kind but it all made him feel worse.

Once it was past midnight, he realised that time has slipped by him. Gathering himself, he figured that even if Lan WangJi will wake up, he will probably ignore Wei WuXian slipping into the bathroom.

Opening the door, his eyes squinted by how bright everything was. Not a single light has been turned off and Lan WangJi was sitting by the table, not appearing like he has ever gone to bed. Wei WuXian has not once seen the man break his routine since they were living together and it tightened the knot inside his stomach.

The noise made Lan WangJi look up so Wei WuXian gestured towards the bathroom. “Wei Ying,”

Standing still, he waited for him to continue but he never did. Smiling widely, Wei WuXian just waved him off. “All is well, get some sleep now, what are you still being up for?”

“I, Wei Ying I apologise. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“My actions had been indecorous.”

“Why?”

“I meant no disrespect.”

“Seriously what? This has nothing to do with you...well it does but it’s about me not you—I should be the one to apologise.”

“No,”

“I’m not allowed to but you are? That’s unfair.”

“You did nothing wrong.”

“You didn’t either, if I’m not allowed to apologise then you cannot either.”

“Fine.”

“Lan Zhan, you genuinely confuse me...just what am I to you?”

Standing there, Wei WuXian watched Lan WangJi and pondered whether he should make a joke or push further. This already felt like it will break him, he was unsure if he could handle the actual conversation.

“Then let me be the one to make things clear. I will move out tomorrow,” Lan WangJi lowered his head, their eyes not meeting anymore, “I will have to because I cannot move past this—not with you being around all the time. Listen I’m sorry for ruining whatever friendship we have here and I hope you will allow us to start over but as of right now I want you too much to pretend.”

Head snapping back up, Wei WuXian did not mean for his confession to came out so accusing and like it was all Lan WangJi’s fault and also forgot that he should not use the term ‘I’m sorry’ near him.

Instead of being told off for not listening or getting his arse thrown out for his impure thoughts, Lan WangJi stepped closer and closer until he was right in front of Wei WuXian. Looking up, Wei WuXian extorted all of his energy in not looking upset and fragile but Lan WangJi’s gaze was too intense for him to hold.

“Wei Ying,” He never continued so Wei WuXian figured he was waiting for courtesy to be given thus he allowed his head to rise and gaze to link with Lan WangJi’s. Instead of saying more, Lan WangJi grabbed the side of his face leaning even closer. “You can refuse,”

Wei WuXian did not even comprehend what he was told, let alone actually consider such options as he let Lan Zhan to get even closer until their lips touched. Neither of them moved which should have been strange but Wei WuXian was feeling too much, thinking too much and he did not even notice the ill-fitting emotion of the contact not deepening.

“I—” He has forgotten that their lips were connected and his word sounded like a simple sound, not the beginning of speech. With such movement, Lan WangJi decided to take things further and grabbing Wei WuXian’s jaw with his other hand, he tilted his head even further up.

Thoughts melting away and turning into mush, Wei WuXian gripped Lan WangJi’s wrists with both hands as he let himself be kissed. At first it was so carefully that they barely even touched and then it turned exceedingly sweet.

A kiss that was light yet filled with a certain charge.

Wei WuXian found himself pressed into the wall soon, their desires seemingly adding together and threatening to scorch them both to the ground. Thoughts of decency or his nagging doubts all left behind, Wei WuXian felt like the usual narration that guided his mind has completely been wiped clean.

Opening his mouth, Lan WangJi seemed no better as he handled him almost roughly as if he wanted to drill his point across.

Lan WangJi’s hands were far inside his shirt, touching bare skin as he threw his head back and tried to grasp his sanity over Lan WangJi’s teeth that were sinking into his sensitive throat repeatedly.

His phone cut through the haze and even though Lan WangJi’s form halted, he never ended up pulling away. With his head bowed, Wei WuXian could feel his breathing against his neck, hands firmly engulfing his torso as they spread out over his back.

Clearing his throat, Wei WuXian answered the call and tried not to cringe when he could still hear that pending need which underlined his voice. “A-Cheng?”

Lan WangJi probably heard every last word seeing how closely they were pressed together but he only shook his head. “Actually, I’m fine Lan Zhan will help move, not like I need that much assistance anyways. You should be asleep by now anyways, I’ll invite you over once I settled in...yeah, sure—give my greetings to everyone, see ya.”

Hanging up on the phone, Lan WangJi pressed a final kiss against his throat, his nose bumping into Wei WuXian’s jaw as he straightened. “Do you want to move out?”

“I already got the place.”

Lan WangJi, “...”

“Wouldn’t it be too fast? You’ll get sick of me at this rate.”

“Never.” Groaning by how honest Lan WangJi looked, he let his own head fall forward and rest against Lan WangJi’s chest. “Gege, I cannot believe that everyone saw through you sooner than me.”

“Mn, Wei Ying should have.”

“Ya—you could have as well.”

Wei WuXian felt Lan WangJi move and closed his eyes even tighter when a kiss was pressed on top of his head. “You will be the death of me.”

“Are you hungry?” Laughing, Wei WuXian finally pulled back and grabbed Lan WangJi’s hand. As he watched their digits tangle together, he could not will his mouth to stop smiling. “Not really, why don’t you join me in bed instead? It would be very loutish of me to kick you out again.”

Lan WangJi said nothing.

He will need to take a shower in the morning, he was actually hungry and he could have gathered the energy to stay up all night if needed but Lan WangJi’s expression has become incredibly softer as he let himself be taken to the bedroom and made no complaints when Wei WuXian demanded them to cuddle.

From within Lan WangJi’s hold, Wei WuXian just smiled and did not scroll through the WangXian tag because he was actually living inside it now.