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“Lan Zhaaaaaan!” Lan Wangji paused in his steps and gave Wei Wuxian an impassive stare. He was once much easier to read, but now one look could convey a thousand things or nothing at all. Maybe he only reacted exclusively to Wei Wuxian and not Mo Xuanyu? His face was nothing but a piece of fine jade, pretty and cold. But maybe that's what made it more fun, it was a challenge. And Wei Ying was not one to back down from such a thing.
Being in the body of Mo Xuanyu was interesting for a couple of reasons. One, he was one of Jin Guangshan’s many many bastards. Now that was the type of irony Wei Wuxian could appreciate. Two, Mo Xuanyu was well known as a lunatic. This allowed for him to completely throw out social norms without anyone batting an eye. As far as the cultivation world was concerned, he had no face. So this meant Wei Wuxian could do as many outlandish things as he wanted without consequence. Three, Mo Xuanyu is a well known cutsleeve, something many people are disgusted by. Now Wei Wuxian personally didn’t have anything against cutsleeves, but boy was it funny to see peoples reactions to him acting like one.
So of course Wei Wuxian naturally wanted to see how far he could push Lan Wangji. Surely not all of his temper was gone. But what exactly would make him react? He had to remember that he was ‘Mo Xuanyu’ at the moment, not Wei Wuxian. So of course some of his reactions would be different, though if he didn’t know any better he would think that this Mo Xuanyu character had some sort of illicit relationship with one of the twin jades of gusu. How else could he explain the other man’s actions? But there was also the possibility that Lan Wangji had pieced together his identity from one song alone. The chances of that were, however, very slim.
Wei Ying caught up to the man that was now much taller than him. And boy was that unfair! Despite the similarity between the two bodys in looks, Mo Xuanyu was undeniably less intimidating. He wasn’t short, but he was no match for the height of the esteemed Hanguang-Jun who towered over his new form. Mo Xuanyu also possessed a slightly rounder face despite his constant malnourishment. All in all it led to him looking more… cute than scary.
He pouted and used his best pleading look, which was much more effective in this form. Lan Zhan seemed to indulge him more this time around. Not as clean cut as he once was. How interesting. Wei Wuxian clung to his sleeves like a burr and began whining.
“Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan. Lan Zhaaan!” He wound his arms further around the man and buried his face in his clothes. The soothing scent of sandalwood filled his senses. He dropped most of his body weight into Lan Wangji’s side.
“Don’t you think we've been walking for too long? Do you want my legs to fall off!” He dramatically whined, but was unable to ruffle the mighty Hunguang-Jun who was stoic as ever. Lan Wangji peered at him almost expressionless, with a hint of something Wei Wuxian couldn’t quite catch. If he didn't know any better, he would say it was a touch of fondness. But his previous relationship with the man was enough to disabuse that notion… Perhaps he had a fondness for the previous occupant of his body? It would be odd, but it would also explain many of his current out of place actions. Wei Wuxian however couldn’t shake the notion that that wasn't quite it. There was no way he would treat the Yiling patriarch with such familiarity, and it was just as unlikely that he knew the previous occupant in an intimate manner. Mo Xuanyu would have less of a reason to die if that were the case. So that left one option.
It was so obvious that Wei Wuxian wanted to hit himself. The venerated Hanguan-Jun must be a cutsleeve! Truly that was the only option that made most sense! I must have seduced him with my incredible acting skills! Internally Wei Ying preened, he still had it. After all, even though his targets had changed, he was just as capable at flirting as he was in the previous life. With a dramatic sigh he released the oh so noble cultivator and pouted.
“Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan. Lan Zhannnnnn!” Lan Wangji turned away from him and began to walk. Taking a few long steps and then faltering. He looked over his shoulder and promptly destroyed Wei Wuxian’s world view.
“ Wei Ying ” It was said softly but nonetheless leaving no room for argument. With just a name he had shown such a range of emotions that he had not before in the previous two lifetimes combined. It meant everything, but nothing that Wei Wuxian had the capabilities to interpret. How could he? He was not built to understand thirteen plus years of longing and grief, for the only person he had lost in that time was himself.
Wei Wuxian sputtered in disbelief.
“HOW- ehm How long have you known?!” Lan Wangji looked at him and silently motioned to the shoddily made flute at his side. A light of understanding filled his eyes.
“THE WHOLE TIME?!” Lan Wangji nodded and finally approached him.
“As expected of the mighty Hanguang-Jun, but how did you recognize me from one song alone?” Lan Wangji’s eyes softened a touch. He started to speak in a soft but deep voice. “There are only two people in this world that know that song, it was composed by me.” Oh! Oh. He had chosen the ONE song that would compromise his identity AND it had some significance to the man before him. What were the odds?