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Lan Jingyi had a problem.

Normally, when faced with something he couldn’t solve on his own, he would ask Lan Sizhui or Ouyang Zizhen or even Jin Ling for help. He might even go to Lan Wangji or Wei Wuxian.

This though, this wasn’t something he wanted to share with anybody.

Because how on earth was he supposed to explain that he kept getting distracted by how hot his friends were?

Who was he even supposed to go to for that?!

He couldn’t tell his friends for obvious reasons, and none of the other people Lan Jingyi regularly interacted with would be any help.

Wei Wuxian would definitely just laugh at him, and the thought of going to Lan Wangji, the honourable Hanguang-jun and Lan Sizhui’s dad for this was just. No. Absolutely not.

In this, he was alone.

At first, he’d assumed it was just puberty hitting him with a second wave, but then it had become depressingly apparent that he wasn’t finding everyone more attractive. No, this phenomenon was strictly confined to his best friends.

It wasn’t as though he had never realized they were attractive before. Lan Jingyi had eyes. But never before had their attractiveness really registered on anything other than a purely intellectual level.

But oh boy, it sure did now.

A little too much.

…

His trouble started, as if often did, with Jin Ling.

Because of their friendship, whenever something of enough importance needed to be sent to the Jin, Lan Jingyi was sent along as well. He was never sure if it was an attempt to put Jin Ling in a good mood-unlikely considering the frequency of their arguments-or if they just considered him the second-best option when Lan Sizhui wasn’t around.

They were received in Koi Tower and all the very boring but necessary greetings were made. It took forever, but after they finished, Lan Jingyi was free to chase down Jin Ling while the rest of the delegation retired for the day.

After questioning a servant-who were all used to Lan Jingyi’s visits by now-he tracked Jin Ling down at the archery range where he was observing a class of juniors.

Despite Jin Ling not actually being that much older than some of the disciples, he held himself with a self-assured air that would make it impossible to mistake who was in charge.

“Keep your feet planted.” He barked. “And I don’t want to see any slouching. How are you supposed to aim straight if you can’t even keep your posture upright?”

The disciples obeyed without complaint, firing their arrows with admirable precision. The Lan didn’t put as much focus on archery as the Jin or the Jiang, so it was fascinating to watch the skill displayed at a younger age.

Still, he hadn’t come all this way to see a bunch of juniors shoot arrows.

“Jin-zongzhu!” He called out shamelessly, grinning at the way Jin Ling startled and whirled around.

There used to be some discomfort whenever they approached each other in public. On one hand, Jin Ling always seemed distinctly uncomfortable when his friends addressed him so formally. On the other, it didn’t look great to have the newly appointed Jin sect leader spoken to so casually by someone who, by most measures, wasn’t even close to the same status.

As sect heirs, Lan Sizhui and Ouyang Zizhen could get away with a more informal address, but Lan Jingyi wasn’t afforded the same luxury.

After a conversation that had contained a lot of shouting and, embarrassingly, some tears, they’d come to a solution. In public, he would stick to Jin Ling’s proper titles, never giving anyone an excuse to accuse him of disrespect or Jin Ling of impropriety. In private, he was free to use whatever ridiculous names he could come up with.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough.

“Jingyi!” He scowled. “What are you doing here?”

Lan Jingyi jogged closer. “I figured I’d say hi before the meetings tomorrow. I can come back later if you’re busy.”

“No, it’s fine.” Jin Ling sent a sharp look to the disciples who were trying very hard to pretend they weren’t eavesdropping. “You’re getting a fifteen-minute break! If you slack off any longer, I’ll sick Fairy on you.”

The Jin juniors bowed. “Yes, Zongzhu.” And promptly scurried off to the side, still within sight but not quite close enough to hear their conversation.

Lan Jingyi grinned. “Teaching the little ones how to shoot?”

Jin Ling’s ears turned pink and he scoffed. “Who else? I was trained by Sandu Shengshou and my aim is the best in our generation.”

Lan Jingyi couldn’t even say that was an exaggeration. Jin Ling was good. “I’m sure they’re ecstatic to have you as a teacher.” He said instead. “It’s always fun to train with someone your own age-Ow!”

Jin Ling smacked him in the side again. “You’re barely a year older than me! If anyone would fit in with the juniors it would be you.”

He clutched his chest in offense. This was a two-pronged attack! Both on his excellent maturity and his height! What a betrayal.

“So rude! I’m not the one who named my dog Fairy.”

“Fairy is a great name for a dog you-”

A sudden shout cut their verbal sparring short, the sound coming from the corner the Jin juniors had absconded to.

“Take that back!”

“It’s true. If you didn’t want me to say it than maybe you shouldn’t have been such an embarrassment!”

The two disciples began grappling with each other, any semblance of grace or propriety thrown right out the window as they thrashed and twisted.

Lan Jingyi took half a step forward, ready to intervene. It wasn’t really his place, but despite his talent at starting fights, he’d put his fair share to rest.

“Enough.”

Jin Ling’s voice reverberated throughout the archery range, low and furious and setting Lan Jingyi’s nerves alight in the best and worst way possible.

Gone was the boy he’d been joking with just moments ago, now the Sect Leader of the Jin was here and he was pissed.

“You will both report to Jin Lihua and explain to her why you thought starting a brawl in front of an honoured guest was acceptable. The rest of you are dismissed.” One of the boys opened his mouth to protest, and Jin Ling sent him a look so fierce his jaw snapped shut immediately.

“Are there any questions?”

The disciples shook their heads and scurried off, eager to escape the fierce gaze of their sect leader.

Jin Ling turned to him, still draped in the remnants of authority and it made Lan Jingyi’s mouth inexplicably dry. “Ignore those idiots. Their first teacher let them get away with everything and we’re still trying to train them out of poor behaviour.”

Lan Jingyi had to swallow twice before he could make coherent words come out. “Yeah, no problem. I get it.”

It wasn’t like he’d never seen Jin Ling act as a sect leader. It had been years since he’d ascended and even if Lan Jingyi preferred their interactions out of the public eye, they’d still had plenty of them.

Maybe it was just that Lan Jingyi’s mind still clung to their first interactions, when Jin Ling had been fifteen and a combination of overly confident and unsure of his own power. Back when he struggled in a power vacuum, surrounded by gold and snakes while grieving a man who would have killed Jin Ling to save himself.

(Lan Jingyi always kept his opinions on the late Jin Guangyao very, very quiet. Even someone as tactless as himself knew better than to push a subject that touchy.)

But Jin Ling wasn’t like that anymore. He’d grown into his power, wielding it with ease and confidence. He commanded men twice his age and tolerated no disrespect.

And Lan Jingyi apparently found that very hot.

What the fuck.

…

Jin Ling would have been bad enough, but of course that wasn’t the end of it. Lan Sizhui was normally wonderful at helping Lan Jingyi solve his problems, but this time he only made them worse.

“Sizhui! You’re back!”

Lan Jingyi saw less of Lan Sizhui than he used to, but that was mostly because there were much less constrained to Cloud Recesses than they’d once been.

Now, Lan Sizhui left of semi-regular trips with Wen Qionglin and attended to his duties as the Lan sect heir. Lan Jingyi was often gone for night-hunts and had his own responsibilities as a senior disciple.

It made the time they had together all the more meaningful.

Lan Sizhui broke into a dazzling smile that made Lan Jingyi’s stupid heart stutter in his chest. “I am.” He didn’t even scold Lan Jingyi for breaking the rule about excessive noise.

“How was your trip? You said it was a yao infestation, right? Did someone burn down another forest?”

Lan Sizhui didn’t so much as falter under his assault of questions, far too used to Lan Jingyi’s antics. “It was good. The infestation was caused by the blockage of a nearby river, so once we exterminated the yao, Jiujiu and I had to clear it.”

Clean up was one of the least glamours parts of being a cultivator. “At least you had Wen-qianbei to help. Moving that much on your own would have been so annoying.”

Wen Qionglin was perfect for moving heavy objects. Even with the patented Lan arm strength, it could be difficult to deal with the debris that had caused an entire river to manifest yao.

Lan Sizhui hummed in agreement, and the two of them fell in step easily.

“You just missed dinner, but I’m pretty sure we can snag some leftovers from the kitchens.” He continued. “It’s past mealtime, but the cooks like you, so I think they’ll be fine with it.”

Everyone with half a brain liked Lan Sizhui. It was why Lan Jingyi was always so smug about his position as Best Friend.

They did manage to score some leftovers, sequestering it off into Lan Sizhui’s room like they had when they were juniors.

Lan Jingyi did his best to fill Lan Sizhui in about everything that had happened while he’d been away. Gossiping was against the rules, but Lan Jingyi knew Lan Sizhui sometimes felt weird missing things and was willing to skirt that line.

He even spoke about his trip to Lanling, though he left out his reaction to Jin Ling, because while they were best friends, but Lan Jingyi didn’t want to share that with anyone. That would be beyond embarrassing.

They spoke as they ate despite the rule forbidding it. Lan Jingyi always felt giddy when Lan Sizhui broke a rule with him. It felt like they were sharing something, a secret only for the two of them.

“-and then Wei-qianbei managed to get an entire class of novices to join him in the rabbit fields, and it was just complete chaos. Shifu couldn’t even be mad because he was the one who asked him to teach their talisman lesson and those kids aced their next test.”

“At least there weren’t any explosions this time.” Lan Sizhui said dryly.

Lan Jingyi grinned. “Of course not. Wei-qianbei times those to piss off the elders and Sect Leader Yao.”

Lan Sizhui laughed, bright and delighted and something warm curled in Lan Jingyi’s chest.

“Well, most of them anyway.” He amended. “You have to admit they’re much more frequent when he’s trying to piss someone off.”

Wei Wuxian didn’t threaten anyone with skeletal armies or an agonizing death anymore. Instead, he made himself as much of a nuisance as possible, and no one could stop him because Lan Wangji would eviscerate anyone who tried to suggest that Wei Wuxian’s experiments were more trouble than they were worth.

“He’s very good at making a point.” Lan Sizhui said, his diplomatic answer thoroughly ruined by the grin he was struggling to contain.

Lan Jingyi’s eyes snagged on his lips and suddenly he couldn’t look away.

His mouth was full and unchapped despite the season, curled into a smile that was so unlike the polite, courteous one he wore in public. Lan Jingyi always felt special, knowing that he was one of the chosen few who got to see the real Lan Sizhui.

He needed to be the calm, ethereal Lan sect heir in front of the rest of the world. But not for his friends. Not for Lan Jingyi.

Lan Sizhui’s lips were so pink, and Lan Jingyi suddenly wanted nothing more than to see if they were as soft as they looked.

“Jingyi?”

He tore his gaze away, face flushing as his mind caught up to the present. Oh gods, he’d probably been staring like a complete idiot.

“Sorry, sorry, just zoned out for a minute.” His voice was embarrassingly strangled, and he wished he could stuff his face in a pillow. “It’s been a busy few weeks.”

Lan Sizhui’s brow furrowed lightly. “You should get more rest. I’m sure someone can cover some of your responsibilities if you’re feeling unwell.”

“It’s fine!” Lan Jingyi insisted. “I can handle everything. I’m doing like, half of what you are.”

“We shouldn’t compare-”

Lan Jingyi snatched up a carrot and chewed loudly. “Don’t worry about it. I’m okay, I promise.”

Lan Sizhui frowned but dropped the subject. “If you need any help, just let me know.”

“I will, I will. That goes for you too, you know. I know I don’t have the same finesse but I can help with sect work if you need. There’s no reason you have to do it alone.”

Some of the tension eased from Lan Sizhui’s shoulders. “We’ll help each other.” He said, and it was not a question.

Lan Jingyi responded anyway. “Of course.”

That had never been in question. It never would be in question.

Even if the world found out about Lan Sizhui’s background and called for his blood, Lan Jingyi would stand beside him. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that Lan Sizhui would do the same.

The rest of their meal continued in a comfortable silence, and it was easy to fall back into their routine ease.

Or, it would have been, if Lan Jingyi’s heart didn’t keep stopping as he noticed countless small features on Lan Sizhui’s face.

A small smear of dirt near his ear.

New freckles from exposure of the intense southern sun.

And always always always, the depth of his kind, earnest eyes.

He jerked his head downwards to avoid staring again, uncomfortably aware of the buzz under his skin.

Why?! I’ve known him for years and years and years, why now?

Because apparently now was the time that Lan Jingyi could barely tear his gaze away from Lan Sizhui’s face.

What is wrong with me?

…

Two of his friends was already mortifying, but it was Ouyang Zizhen who really sealed Lan Jingyi’s fate.

Like with the Jin, Lan Jingyi was often sent for diplomatic relations between the Lan and the Ouyang, though far less often. Ouyang Zizhen was not yet sect leader, and his father was not overly fond of his son’s friends, Lan Jingyi included.

His impression wasn’t helped by the fact that he’d been caught in a storm on the way there, meaning his pale robes were covered in muck and grime, entirely drenched with rainwater.

Still, Ouyang Tao couldn’t outright disrespect him without also insulting the Gusu Lan, so they were both forced to grit their teeth as Lan Jingyi went through the tedious greetings while being soaked to the bone.

“You are, of course, welcome to stay in our guest rooms until your departure.” Ouyang Tao offered graciously, his tone just short of snide.

“Thank you for your hospitality.” Lan Jingyi said, the words bitter on his tongue. He hated diplomacy. “We will begin negotiations in the morning.”

Ouyang Tao nodded. “A servant will show you your way to the guest quarters. There will be guards stationed in the halls for your protection and comfort.”

Ah.

If this wasn’t an obvious ploy to discourage Lan Jingyi from visiting Ouyang Zizhen, he’d be tempted to laugh.

He swallowed the sharp words on his tongue and bowed, as low as required and not an inch more. “Thank you, Ouyang-zongzhu.” His voice wasn’t quiet as smooth as Lan Sizhui’s would have been, but it was close enough.

He was dismissed from the hall.

Lan Jingyi tried to keep his expression pleasant for the servant escorting him. It wasn’t her fault Ouyang Tao was an asshole, and he didn’t want to make trouble or complain. He was already getting water all over the floor, and getting the servants to dislike you was a quick way to be mildly uncomfortable for the rest of your stay.

Finally, he was alone in the guest room.

Lan Jingyi peeled off layers upon layers of robes, twisting as much water as possible out before hanging them up.

He had fresh robes, but only two, which meant he’d be missing three of the layers he normally wore. Hopefully, some of this clothing would be dry by morning.

He began extinguishing candles. It was late and he was exhausted and he just wanted today to be over-

The slightest creak came from the window and Lan Jingyi didn’t stop to think, one hand reaching for his sword while opening his mouth to call for help. If Ouyang Tao was telling the truth than guards should be close enough to-

A large figure slammed into him, covering his mouth and holding his sword hand in an iron grip.

Lan Jingyi was on the edge of fear when his mind finally registered his impromptu guest.

Ouyang Zizhen’s hand engulfed the entire bottom half of his face while the other maintained a strong grip on his wrist. “Shhhh.”

Outside the room, footsteps approached the door, pausing for several moments, as if listening.

They held still, waiting nervously to see if someone would open the door.

Despite their perilous situation, Lan Jingyi’s dumb horny brain could only go. Hands. Big.

Thankfully, no one entered or even called out. Lan Jingyi wouldn’t have been able to lie convincingly enough to dispel suspicion if they had.

The footsteps eventually moved away, leaving Lan Jingyi nothing to focus on but the heat of Ouyang Zizhen against him and his giant, strong hands holding him.

Heat pooled in Lan Jingyi’s gut and he flushed from head to toe.

“Off!” He whispered fiercely, pushing Ouyang Zizhen away in an attempt to retain some of his dignity.

Ouyang Zizhen stepped back. “Sorry.” He murmured. “My dad didn’t want me to see you so I had to come in the window.”

“I noticed!” Lan Jingyi fought to keep his volume down. “Were you trying to give me a heart attack? Or get stabbed?”

If Lan Jingyi had been the slightest bit faster, or Ouyang Zizhen slower, this could have ended very, very badly. He didn’t even want to imagine the uproar if Lan Jingyi skewered the Ouyang sect heir.

“Nothing happened, so let’s not worry.” Ouyang Zizhen stepped forward and Lan Jingyi instinctively went back.

“What are you doing?”

Ouyang Zizhen took another step. “I haven’t seen you in so long and my father is going to do his best to keep us from talking for your entire visit. Can I hug you?”

“I’m still wet.” Lan Jingyi pointed out weakly. He wasn’t, not really, and he wasn’t even sure why he was protesting.

“I don’t mind.” One, two, three big steps and Lan Jingyi was suddenly engulfed in a firm hug.

Physical affection wasn’t something Lan Jingyi was overly used to. The Lan in general weren’t fond of outward displays, preferring to keep those moments private between family. Considering most of Lan Jingyi’s immediate relatives were dead, the majority of physical affection he’d received was from Lan Sizhui, and in more recent years, Wei Wuxian.

The point being he wasn’t used to hugs like this, but he was pretty sure they weren’t supposed to make his mind go blank.

Lan Jingyi was pressed firmly against a broad chest, strong arms wrapping around him. Warmth seeped into his bones, and he realised that Ouyang Zizhen had hooked his chin over the top of Lan Jingyi’s, making him incredibly aware of their height difference.

It was a little too appealing.

Minute shivers wracked his frame, but this time they had nothing to do with the cold.

“Are you okay?” Ouyang Zizhen murmured, squeezing Lan Jingyi even tighter.

It took an embarrassingly long amount of time before Lan Jingyi could muster up a response. “I’m fine.” He croaked.

He felt as though his face were on fire, thankful for once that he was too short for Ouyang Zizhen to see his expression in this position. He needed to salvage this before it became mortifying.

Taking a deep breath, he extracted himself from Ouyang’s Zizhen’s grip. “Can we talk more tomorrow? I’m dead tired and would be a lousy conversation partner right now.”

Ouyang Zizhen grinned. “Past bedtime for little Lan’s?”

Lan Jingyi swatted him, not dignifying that with a response.

Ouyang Zizhen laughed. “Okay, okay. I’ll try to see you during the day, but if not, I’ll be coming through the window again.”

At least this time Lan Jingyi would know not to stab him. “Cool.”

“May the winds blow us in the same direction.” Ouyang Zizhen winked, disappearing out the window.

Lan Jingyi’s stared blankly at the place he’d occupied moments ago, the warmth of his body still lingering.

Ouyang Zizhen had always been bigger than him, but it had never made him feel like that.

No no no no no no no. Not him too. Not all of them.

…

After that, it was as if the floodgates had opened.

He could barely manage to get through a conversation with any of his friends without finding some totally normal thing they did hot! It was very inconvenient for both his heartrate and general sanity.

His friends were only making matters worse. They’d been around more often and had been strangely considerate lately. If it weren’t for his terrible, terrible mind, Lan Jingyi would have thoroughly enjoyed their company, but. Well.

Ouyang Zizhen corrected his posture when they practiced archery together, and the memory the of heat against his back haunted him for the rest of the day.

Jin Ling read a report out loud to ask for advice, and the timber of his voice distracted Lan Jingyi so much he’d barely been able to focus on the actual content.

Lan Sizhui brushed rice off his face after they’d eaten together and he’d nearly knocked his cup and bowl off the table to prevent himself from leaning into his touch.

All of that would have been bad enough, but Lan Jingyi was coming to the horrifying realization that he wasn’t only horny, but that he was craving their affection on top of it all. If it was only sexual, he could have blamed it on hormones and left it at that, but it seemed as though he was doomed.

And his friends just wouldn’t stop!

Jin Ling bought him a small white fox charm that was plain enough to match the rest of his wardrobe, but well crafted enough to be expensive.

Lan Sizhui insisted on combing his unruly hair whenever they both had time, gently working through the tangles and tying it back neatly.

Ouyang Zizhen read adventure books with him, eagerly discussing the content and tracking down more obscure stories to share.

It was all terribly, terribly thoughtful and wonderful and Lan Jingyi hated it. He never wanted it to stop. He felt like a glutton, eagerly taking everything they offered him and still wanting more.

Lan Jingyi wanted so much. Their time, their affection, their hands touching him both innocently and not.

He just.

Wanted.

There were dozens of rules that forbid greed, and for once, Lan Jingyi wished he could follow them.

…

It all came to a head several months later.

They were in Lanling, piled in Jin Ling’s room after hours of tedious meetings. Technically, Ouyang Zizhen, Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi were supposed to be in the guest quarters, but after that many condescending speeches from old men, the only way to stop one of them from causing an inter-sect conflict was to destress together.

Even Lan Sizhui’s placid smile had begun fraying at the edges in a way that Lan Jingyi knew meant danger. Really, it was for the benefit of peace that they piled on Jin Ling’s oversized bed and indulged themselves with snacks.

“If Sect Leader Yao interrupts me one more time, I’m going to punch him.” Ouyang Zizhen said lightly, tossing a peanut into his mouth. “I know he and my dad are friends, but he can’t just try to talk for our sect like that or tell me what my dad would want me to do.”

Ouyang Zizhen had come as a representative of the Baling Ouyang in place of his father, and more than one of the older cultivators had taken the opportunity to try to use his youth against him.

It hadn’t been nearly as bad as what Jin Ling had dealt with after he had first ascended, but it was similar enough that it left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.

“I can attempt to engage him in conversation tomorrow so he does not hover quite so often.” Lan Sizhui offered. “He is always willing to talk to me.”

Lan Jingyi snorted. “Yeah, because you’ve got insider details on Wei Wuxian.”

Jin Ling rolled his eyes. “As if Daiju has a subtle bone in his body.”

Ouyang Zizhen shuffled closer, shrinking the space of the bed and pressing Lan Jingyi against Lan Sizhui. He did his utmost to focus on the conversation and not the firm lines of Lan Sizhui’s body.

“I don’t think you interacting with Sect Leader Yao for an entire day is a good idea.” Lan Jingyi didn’t turn to look at Lan Sizhui because he didn’t want to see how close their faces would be. “I’m pretty sure you’d snap and like, stab him or something.”

Lan Sizhui was one of the kindest, gentlest, most empathetic people Lan Jingyi knew.

He was also terrifying when he was angry and there were entire sub sections of the Jin sect that still wouldn’t look him in the eye.

…Lan Jingyi probably shouldn’t find that as hot as he did.

Ouyang Zizhen laughed, and it was a deep rumbling thing that Lan Jingyi could feel in his toes. “He has a point. I appreciate the offer, but I don’t think the Lan are eager to deal with a diplomatic crisis because their head disciple killed a sect leader.”

Lan Sizhui, tellingly, did not disagree.

“I just wish the aunties would stop trying to invite me to have dinner with their daughters.” Lan Jingyi complained. “It’s like they think going after Sizhui is aiming too high, but I’m attainable enough that they don’t have to go through as much pomp and circumstance or deal with Hanguang-jun.”

The mood in the room shifted, going from lighthearted to something Lan Jingyi wasn’t quite sure he could name.

“What?” He asked, stuffing candy in his mouth and attempting to distract himself from the tension he’d accidently created. “I know you guys get that too, they just have to use more official channels cause you’re sect heirs or sect leader.”

It would be considered super rude and improper if anyone approached the three of them in the more casual way they did Lan Jingyi. He was a member of the inner clan, yes, but just low enough on the totem pole that it was acceptable to forgo official channels. It didn’t help that Lan Jingyi’s parents were conveniently dead and thus could not advocate or get offended on his behalf.

“Have you accepted any?” Jin Ling asked, voice sounding oddly strangled.

Lan Jingyi made a face. “A few times out of curiosity. It was always super awkward and usually the woman wasn’t super keen on being there either. I made a few friends out of it, but I haven’t accepted any in a while.”

Not since he’d become overly aware of his own infatuation with his best friends.

Jin Ling couldn’t seem to decide if he was pleased or irritated, staring intently at the bed.

“Are you jealous, Young Mistress?” Lan Jingyi teased, trying to bring some levity back into the room. “I’m sure you’ll find someone to kiss eventually.”

“What about you?”

It took Lan Jingyi a moment to process the question. “What?”

Lan Sizhui’s eyes seemed to burn right through him. “Would you kiss him?”

Lan Jingyi sat up, panic tangling in his chest. Had he been too obvious? “I don’t-”

“What about Zizhen, or me?” Lan Sizhui continued. “Would you kiss us?”

Lan Jingyi suddenly needed room, needed space. Everything was far too close-they were too close and he couldn’t think. He rolled off the bed, barely catching himself.

“This isn’t a very funny joke.” Lan Jingyi said, hating how unsteady his voice was.

“It’s not a joke.” It was Ouyang Zizhen this time, and he sounded so earnest it hurt.

Lan Jingyi can’t even look at them. “Then what is it?!” he snapped, nerves finally frayed. He’d wanted them so often for so long and they’re just saying these things and he couldn’t do this.

There was rustling and a flash of red robes, and suddenly Ouyang Zizhen was there. His broad shoulders blocked out almost everything else, and he smiled gently.

“Can I?”

Lan Jingyi stared at him, uncomprehending.

Ouyang Zizhen reached forward and cupped his cheek.

Oh.

Oh.

Lan Jingyi nodded.

Kissing Ouyang Zizhen was like stepping into quicksand. Light and tentative at first, but sinking into something deep and inescapable. Lan Jingyi’s hand clutched Ouyang Zizhen’s robe without his permission, just to have something to ground him.

When they finally separated, Ouyang Zizhen pecked his cheek affectionately, a goofy grin one his face.

“Fuck.” A familiar voice cursed softly.

Lan Jingyi abruptly remembered that they weren’t alone, his face flushing as he jerked himself farther away from Ouyang Zizhen.

Jin Ling and Lan Sizhui were watching with distinctly interested expressions that somehow made Lan Jingyi feel even more embarrassed. He almost didn’t notice their hands wrapped together.

Before Lan Jingyi could form much more of a coherent thought, Lan Sizhui gently pushed Jin Ling forward. Ouyang Zizhen allowed himself to be replaced without protest.

The tips of Jin Ling’s ears were red, but he stared down at Lan Jingyi with determination.

A familiar spark of competitiveness flared in his chest, and Lan Jingyi yanked Jin Ling down. There was an undignified moment of incoordination on both of their parts, but then their lips connected and he couldn’t have cared less.

Kissing Jin Ling was like flying on his sword, like the high that came with a well-executed night-hunt. It started hard and fast before gentling into something almost sweet. By the time they pulled apart, Lan Jingyi was panting slightly, taking some pride in the fact that Jin Ling looked equally dishevelled.

And then Lan Sizhui was there, smiling in the way Lan Jingyi knew meant trouble. It was the smile he wore when lying about a prank they’d pulled, or when he was about to trap someone with their own words.

Lan Jingyi tried to breath evenly, something bubbling under his skin as Lan Sizhui’s eyes trailed over him. They lingered on his lips, still moist from kissing Jin Ling.

“Hello,” Lan Sizhui’s hand came up to stroke his cheek.

Lan Jingyi swallowed. “Hi.”

Kissing Lan Sizhui felt like coming home. It was slow and steady, containing just a hint of bite that Lan Sizhui normally kept carefully contained. An embarrassing noise clawed its way out of Lan Jingyi’s throat when they separated, something Lan Sizhui looked delighted about.

It almost distracted him from how Ouyang Zizhen was practically draped over Jin Ling, whose ears were still red but wasn’t protesting in the slightest.

Lan Jingyi attempted to gather his scattered thoughts. “Were you guys already together?”

He’d like to think he would have noticed his best friends courting each other, but he’d completely missed the fact that their attraction was mutual so he wasn’t going to put much stock in his observations.

Ouyang Zizhen made a face. “Yes and no. We’d all talked about it, individually and together, but none of us wanted to really start something without you.”

A tension Lan Jingyi hadn’t realised existed eased from his shoulders. “Oh.”

They wanted him. They had waited for him.

“Sorry for being slow.” He said sheepishly.

Lan Sizhui took his hand and met his gaze with a devastatingly soft look.

“We don’t mind.”

And-

“You’re worth the wait.”