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Jiang Cheng heard it before the alarm was raised—muffled voices in the distance, the tone tense and urgent. Something unexpected was happening in Lotus Pier in the dead of night.
He launched himself out of bed and threw on an outer robe before heading out the door, Zidian sparking to life on his wrist. He ran straight into a disciple who was on his way to summon him.
“What happened? What’s wrong?” Jiang Cheng demanded, not slowing his pace as he headed toward the voices.
The breathless disciple struggled to keep up with him. “We don’t exactly know—but a delegation from Gusu Lan has just arrived asking to see you about an urgent matter. They are in the main courtyard now.”
Jiang Cheng’s heart skipped a beat. What could possibly bring a Lan delegation to Lotus Pier unannounced in the middle of the night? Whatever it was, it had to be bad news. Usually such a visit would only happen if there had been a night-hunting accident or other catastrophe. Had something happened to Wei Wuxian? Or…had something happened to Lan Xichen? He had only just left seclusion a few weeks ago—had something gone wrong?
Jiang Cheng picked up the pace, leaving the disciple scurrying after him.
When he turned the corner into the main courtyard he came to an abrupt halt. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but whatever it was, it wasn’t this.
Jiang Cheng’s brow furrowed as he was faced with the baffling sight of Lan Xichen standing there with a huge smile on his face, looking positively elated, Lan Wangji latched onto his brother’s arm with an iron grip, glaring daggers at Jiang Cheng, and Wei Wuxian standing next to him, arms clasped behind his back and clearly trying not to laugh.
The commotion had awakened half of Lotus Pier, and dozens of disciples and staff lingered around the perimeter of the group, curious to see what was happening.
Before Jiang Cheng had time to ask any questions, Lan Xichen abruptly shook free of Lan Wangji’s grasp, rushed forward and launched himself into Jiang Cheng’s arms, wrapping both arms around his neck and pulling him into a close embrace. “Wanyin!! My heart! My love! I am so happy to see you! I’m here to tell you that I love you with all my heart, and I hope one day to be worthy of your love. Until that time comes, just know that I am devoted to you heart and soul. You are the most magnificent man I have ever met, and I love you with my entire being!”
For a few blissful moments Jiang Cheng’s brain stopped working and his heart fluttered as he stood there completely thunderstruck. His eyes slid closed and he stood frozen to the spot, unable to process what was happening.
Time seemed to stand still as he felt Lan Xichen’s warm arms wrapped around him, the object of his hopeless, one-sided love saying all the words he most wanted to hear. Was he asleep? Was he dreaming? Was this some sort of sweet hallucination that would dissipate like smoke when he opened his eyes?
Lan Xichen tightened his grip on Jiang Cheng and nuzzled his face into his neck, whispering “Wanyin…Wanyin…”
Jiang Cheng’s heart pounded. If this was a dream he never, ever wanted to wake up.
Jiang Cheng’s trance was shattered by loud murmurs erupting all around him. His eyes flew open and darted around to see half the population of Lotus Pier pointing and whispering feverishly amongst themselves at the shocking and unexpected sight of Sect Leader Lan in Jiang Cheng’s arms, pleading for his love.
Jiang Cheng’s gaze settled on Lan Wangji, who had closed his eyes, trembling where he stood, and Wei Wuxian beside him, mouth hanging open and with stars in his eyes.
Jiang Cheng’s expression darkened. Suddenly it was perfectly clear: this wasn’t right. He could never be this lucky. Lan Xichen would never love him. Something was terribly, terribly wrong.
Looking back at Lan Wangji, he tried to remain calm and asked in a low voice “What’s wrong with Zewu-Jun? What happened?”
Lan Wangji opened his eyes. He looked absolutely drained. “There has been an accident. Brother has been cursed. I have already sent a request to Cloud Recesses to send our healers here. They should arrive tomorrow.”
Ah, and there it was. A simple, straightforward explanation for a completely unbelievable situation. Jiang Cheng’s heart sank. A curse. Of course. It had to be something like that.
Lan Xichen released his grip on Jiang Cheng and sank to his knees in front of him, reaching out to hold both of Jiang Cheng’s hands in his. “Wanyin, no matter what anyone says, please believe that I love you, and that I mean what I’m saying to you right now. I want to marry you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You are the only one for me. I would never lie to you, especially about this. I know I’m unworthy, but do you think you could ever accept my love?”
If the Lotus Pier audience was already keyed up at the spectacle playing out before them, it sent them over the edge to see Sect Leader Lan on his knees begging for Jiang Cheng’s heart and his hand in marriage.
Now, everyone at Lotus Pier already knew that Sect Leader Jiang was one hot motherfucker, but who knew he could bring the illustrious Zewu-Jun to his knees, begging?
The murmurs grew louder. No doubt about it: their sect leader was a fucking legend. Some disciples shot triumphant looks at Lan Wangji, who was visibly distraught. Suck on that, Hanguang-Jun!
“Wow,” Wei Wuxian breathed, caught somewhere between amusement and starstruck awe. Lan Wangji shook his head and murmured “No…,” looking as if 20 years had just been taken off his life. Pulling himself together, he said solemnly “Brother, it would be wise to refrain from speaking any further for the time being.”
Still stunned and not quite knowing what to do, Jiang Cheng gently pulled Lan Xichen to his feet and tried, but failed, to extract his hands from his grasp.
Lan Xichen cast an annoyed glance at Lan Wangji. “Wangji, I cannot help the way I feel. I am only speaking the truth about my feelings.”
Lan Wangji was completely unimpressed. “Brother, you are cursed. You do not mean it. You cannot mean it—”
“But I do. Wanyin is a far better man than I am. Wangji, I wouldn’t be out of seclusion right now if it hadn’t been for Wanyin’s support, encouragement and companionship. I might not even be alive right now.”
Lan Wangji opened his mouth to say something but changed his mind when he saw the pained look on his brother’s face.
Lan Xichen continued, “Wanyin pulled me from the depths of my despair—forcibly, at times. His visits and letters were more help to me than you will ever know. I’ve never met anyone so kind, loyal, resolute and strong. I don’t deserve him.”
Jiang Cheng’s heart raced. His brain wasn’t working fast enough to process this chain of events. He had no idea how to respond and stood frozen to the spot.
Lan Wangji looked aghast as Lan Xichen continued, “Not only that, he also happens to be the sexiest man alive by quite some margin. How could I possibly resist—”
Lan Wangji frowned, his eyebrows drawing together. “Brother, really now—”
Lan Xichen scoffed. “Your taste in men has always been…peculiar. Anyway, anyone who can’t see Wanyin’s beauty must be blind.”
The Lotus Pier audience nodded in approval. Zewu-Jun was speaking the truth here.
Wei Wuxian’s eyes blew wide. “P-p-peculiar?!?! Now wait a second—”
“Not now, Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji snapped. Jiang Cheng snorted and rolled his eyes.
But Lan Xichen wasn’t done singing Wanyin’s praises just yet. “One time when Wanyin was visiting me in Cloud Recesses I accidentally caught a glimpse of him as he was emerging from the cold spring.”
Lan Xichen paused to slowly exhale through his nose, as if trying to calm himself. “Wangji, just believe me when I say that if you had seen Wanyin emerging from that spring, cold drops of water cascading over his perfect, nude body, you would have forgotten all about Wei Wuxian and tried to seduce him on the spot. I was scarcely able to hold myself back at that time.”
“BROTHER!” Lan Wangji exclaimed as Wei Wuxian’s jaw dropped.
Now everyone in the courtyard was imagining this scene.
Unable to help himself, Lan Wangji turned a curious gaze to Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng squirmed where he stood as Lan Wangji’s eyes slowly dragged all the way down his body and back up again, as if he were really seeing him for the first time. Jiang Cheng felt his face heat up as he felt Lan Wangji mentally stripping him. By the time Lan Wangji’s eyes met Jiang Cheng’s again the tips of his ears were undeniably, distinctly pink.
Lan Xichen nodded and gave a satisfied smile. “See? I told you so.”
Lan Wangji blinked at Jiang Cheng and tugged uneasily at the hem of his sleeve. For a few loaded seconds that seemed like an eternity, Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji regarded each other in silence, Jiang Cheng unsure what word to assign to his feelings about this unexpected turn of events.
Wei Wuxian watched his husband nervously and released a tense, forced laugh, reaching out to seize Lan Wangji’s arm, jerking him firmly to his side. “Ahahaha…ahhhh…uhhh…Lan Zhan…?”
Lan Wangji cleared his throat lightly, avoiding Wei Wuxian’s gaze. “Putting that matter aside, hearing this from you must be distressing for Sect Leader Jiang. I am sure he does not wish to see you under the influence of a curse declaring such outrageous things to him.”
Lan Xichen looked worried at that remark and turned to face Jiang Cheng. “Wanyin, it would never be my intention to upset you. I just want to tell you how I feel. Is that all right?”
Jiang Cheng winced. “But you are cursed, right? Do you acknowledge that you are cursed?”
Lan Xichen looked sheepish. “I’m afraid I can’t deny it. It’s true. I am definitely cursed. Yes, no doubt about it. I have never been this thoroughly cursed before.”
Seeing confusion and despair wash over Jiang Cheng’s face, Lan Xichen continued, “Yes, I’m cursed. But I don’t mind being cursed. It’s actually a relief to be able to tell you so clearly how I feel about you,” he said, giving Jiang Cheng’s hands a tender squeeze. “Otherwise it might have taken me quite some time to gather the courage.”
Jiang Cheng’s face reddened as everyone stared at them in silence, completely dumbfounded.
“Wanyin, how do you feel about me?” Lan Xichen asked, tone serious.
Jiang Cheng looked Lan Xichen directly in the eyes and paused. A serious question deserved a serious answer.
“My feelings are not important in this situation. What’s important is that we find a way to break this curse and get you back to normal. Until then all I will feel is worry and concern for you.”
Lan Xichen looked crestfallen, but after a few moments nodded slowly. “All right then, I understand. I will respect your feelings on this matter and cooperate with the investigation in any way I can.”
“Thank you. And please don’t worry. I’m sure we can find a way to break this curse soon. Apart from the curse, are you physically hurt in any way? Are you in any pain?”
Lan Xichen shook his head. “No. Actually I feel wonderful.”
Jiang Cheng sighed. “Well, that’s one good thing at least…”
Although he tried his best to hide it, Jiang Cheng was shaken. All of this was far too much to take in all of a sudden.
But in the end it didn’t matter. Lan Xichen was only saying these things because he was cursed. He didn’t really mean them. Jiang Cheng felt stupid to have thought that any of it might be true, even for just a few fleeting moments.
None of this was Lan Xichen’s fault, of course, but it still stung deeply, striking Jiang Cheng where it hurt the most and laying bare his biggest vulnerability. No one ever loved him. No one ever chose him. It was his fate to be alone.
Jiang Cheng’s gaze lingered on Lan Xichen’s large, warm hands that were wrapped around his own. Whatever curse this was, it was cruel—too cruel.
Finally, having composed himself somewhat, Lan Wangji gave a nervous sidelong glance to the crowd assembled. They were completely riveted, taking in every word. “I propose that we discuss this in a more private place.”
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. “A bit late for that, don’t you think?”
Jiang Cheng dispersed the excited crowd with a direct order that they not mention a single word of what they had seen to anyone or risk expulsion from the sect. Again failing to dislodge his hands from Lan Xichen’s iron grip, he led the Lan delegation in the direction of his private quarters, hand in hand with Lan Xichen.
~~~
Out of all the possible scenarios Jiang Cheng had imagined for his first meeting with Lan Xichen after he left seclusion, this had never entered his mind as a possibility. He had thought that maybe they would run into each other at a discussion conference and exchange pleasantries. Or perhaps, considering that they had grown closer during his seclusion, Lan Xichen might even be so kind as to pay him a social visit.
Never in a million years would Jiang Cheng imagine that Lan Xichen would come crashing into Lotus Pier in the middle of the night declaring his undying love for him. Yet here he was, sitting in his private quarters with Lan Xichen beside him, holding his hand as Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji looked on in amazement and despair, respectively.
Jiang Cheng didn’t know where to begin. “So who’s going to tell me what happened?”
Lan Wangji looked profoundly guilty and took a moment to order his thoughts.
“It was a night-hunting accident. As I am sure you have already deduced, brother was hit with some kind of love curse.” Seemingly losing the will to carry on, Lan Wangji looked at Wei Wuxian, who was biting his lip trying to contain his laughter. Wei Wuxian squeezed his husband’s hand as encouragement, and Lan Wangji continued.
“We were pursuing a demon, and during the fight it touched him briefly. We did not realise there was a problem at first. Brother seemed uninjured and continued fighting. We only realised something was…amiss…later, after the demon was dispatched.”
“What happened then?” Jiang Cheng demanded.
Lan Wangji’s eye twitched at the painful recollection. “This was brother’s first night hunt after leaving seclusion. He was out of practice, and the demon had touched him, so when it was all over and we were preparing to return home I asked him how he was feeling…”
Lan Wangji paused, as if forcing himself to find the words, as Wei Wuxian snickered gleefully behind his hand.
Lan Wangji took a deep breath, steeling himself, and continued, “He replied ‘Wangji, I’m so lonely! I miss Wanyin desperately, and I want nothing more than to go see him right now. I haven’t heard from him in weeks! I fear that he may have grown tired of me, or forgotten about me. I need to see him. I need to tell him that I love him, because I don’t think he knows.’”
Lan Wangji looked like he had swallowed poison. “Those words were…unexpected, to say the least. It caused quite a stir amongst the junior disciples present.”
Wei Wuxian couldn’t contain himself anymore and laughed hysterically, rocking back and forth. “Ahh, Jiang Cheng, you should have seen him in that forest, whining sappy things like ‘I want to see Wanyin now! I need to see him now! Being apart from him is too painful! Wanyin! Oh, my Wanyiiiiin! Wanyiiiiiiin!! Hahahaha! He sounded like a cat in heat! Ahahahaha!! The juniors will get at least 5 years’ worth of gossip material out of this!!”
“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji hissed, “This is serious.”
Wei Wuxian waved his hand absentmindedly, trying to stifle his laughter as wiped a tear from his eye. “Okay, okay…”
“For what it’s worth, I meant every word,” Lan Xichen said, smiling and scooting closer to Jiang Cheng.
Lan Wangji had heard just about enough. “Sect Leader Jiang, please summon your healers so they can examine Brother. The Gusu Lan healers will not arrive until sometime tomorrow.”
Jiang Cheng pinched the bridge of his nose and heaved out a sigh. “That won’t be possible. The timing for this could not be worse. All our senior healers are away at the moment. They are investigating an outbreak of illness in a remote village. Only an apprentice healer is here right now, and this is beyond his current abilities.”
Lan Wangji turned pale as he realised there was nothing to do now but wait for the Gusu Lan healers to arrive the following day.
Jiang Cheng shook his head. What a crazy mess this was turning out to be. “Okay everyone, it’s late. Let’s all get some sleep and we can discuss this further in the morning when the Gusu Lan healers arrive. Nothing more can be done right now, and Zewu-Jun is not in any pain, so it can wait until tomorrow. Lan Wangji, do you agree?”
Glancing at his brother, Lan Wangji looked uneasy, but it had indeed been a very long day and everyone could use some rest. Finally, he nodded. “Mn.”
“Okay, good. Wei Wuxian, show Zewu-Jun to the guest quarters, and we will try to find a solution in the morning.”
Wei Wuxian nodded and was about to lead them away when Lan Xichen objected. “But Wanyin, I don’t want to sleep in the guest quarters! I want to sleep with you!”
Jiang Cheng thought Lan Wangji could not look any more distressed at the situation, but he was proven wrong as his mouth hung open in shock and he reached out to grab his brother’s arm. “Brother, restrain yourself!”
But Lan Xichen was undeterred.
“Wanyin, when I say I want to sleep with you, to be honest I mean I want to do things with you that would make Wei Wuxian’s and Wangji’s nightly activities look like quaint, innocent adolescent experimentation.”
Jiang Cheng gaped at these brazen words as Wei Wuxian broke into laughter again, causing Lan Wangji to reach out and slap his hand over his mouth.
“Would you like me to explain my desires in detail?” Lan Xichen asked earnestly.
“No! Please don’t!!” Jiang Cheng exclaimed, though his mind was ablaze with curiosity about what he would say.
Lan Wangji turned bright red, shocked speechless. This was a side of his brother he had certainly never seen and didn’t even know existed.
Lan Xichen looked sullen. “Okay. I’ll tell you some other time. But know this: I would never think to dishonour you by doing anything until you are ready, and we are at least courting, if not betrothed. On this occasion I would be very happy just to sleep beside you.”
“Brother!” Lan Wangji blurted, “This is not appropriate. Please restrain yourself.”
Still struggling to regain his composure, Wei Wuxian spoke up in support of Lan Xichen. “Ahh, Jiang Cheng, I think it might be easiest for everyone if you just let him sleep with you tonight. He’s cursed, after all! Best to indulge him for now. Otherwise he would probably just sneak through your bedroom window and cause another scene. You’d do that, wouldn’t you Xichen-ge?”
Lan Xichen beamed at Jiang Cheng. “Good idea Wei Wuxian! Yes, I would definitely do that.”
Wei Wuxian giggled as Lan Wangji released his grip on his brother’s arm in defeat.
Jiang Cheng covered his face with both hands and groaned. “Oh gods, what is going on? Why? How have I found myself in this situation?”
This was too much for a mere mortal to deal with unexpectedly in the middle of the night. Jiang Cheng was tired and didn’t have the energy to argue.
Casting a shy glance at Lan Xichen, Jiang Cheng murmured “Fine. Just for tonight.”
Lan Wangji shot a cold look at Jiang Cheng. “You had better not let anything happen, do you understand me?”
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. “Lan Wangji, do you really think for a moment that I would take advantage of your brother, who has been cursed? He is my friend. Do you really think I would do that? I know I’m not your favourite person, but do you really think that little of me?”
Lan Wangji raised an eyebrow and remained silent until Wei Wuxian elbowed him sharply in the side. “Nnh…………no.”
Lan Xichen’s lips turned down into a little frown. “Wanyin, are we friends, as you say?”
Jiang Cheng froze at the question. Had he been too presumptuous? Almost dreading to hear the answer, he managed “……Aren’t we?”
Lan Xichen pouted. “I was hoping you’d say I mean more to you than that.”
Jiang Cheng allowed himself to breathe again as Lan Wangji whimpered “Brother, no……”
Jiang Cheng heaved out a sigh. He was reaching his limit. “Okay then, enough drama for one evening. Everyone go to bed now.”
Lan Wangji allowed Wei Wuxian to drag him away but cast a worried glance over his shoulder at his brother, who was still clinging to Jiang Cheng for dear life.
Now alone, Lan Xichen smiled at Jiang Cheng. “Thank you Wanyin. You’ve made me very happy by allowing me to stay by your side.”
Jiang Cheng managed a weak smile as he reflected on how unfair this whole situation was.
Lan Xichen looked like the happiest man in the universe as Jiang Cheng led him to his bedchamber.
~~~
Alone with Lan Xichen in his private bedchamber, Jiang Cheng suddenly found himself becoming increasingly nervous. He would actually be sharing a bed with Lan Xichen tonight.
If he hadn’t been cursed this would have been a dream come true. As it was, Jiang Cheng was just uneasy.
Rather than risk any further uncomfortable discussions, he thought it best to just go straight to bed. So without any further ado, and decidedly avoiding eye contact with Lan Xichen, he whipped off his outer robe, tossed it on a chair and climbed into bed. Patting the side of the bed next to him, he said “Come, Xichen, join me.”
Lan Xichen stood frozen in the middle of the room, eyes wide. “Wanyin is so bold. I like it.”
Jiang Cheng huffed out a little laugh. “Come, it’s late and you are probably more exhausted than you realise. Get some sleep.”
Jiang Cheng closed his eyes to preserve Lan Xichen’s privacy as he disrobed. He tried very, very hard not to imagine what Lan Xichen looked like as he listened to the subtle sounds of multiple layers of clothing being shed.
Eyes still closed, he tensed up as he felt Lan Xichen crawl into bed next to him. Before he could say or do anything, Lan Xichen glomped onto him and enveloped him in a warm embrace.
Growing up around lakes, Jiang Cheng had encountered many water creatures, but he had never before been attacked by an octopus. Lying in his bed with Lan Xichen, Jiang Cheng reflected that right now he had a pretty good idea what it would feel like.
Lan Xichen had plastered himself to Jiang Cheng, arms and legs seemingly snaking around him from all sides. Jiang Cheng tried to shift, but he was held firmly in place. Lan Xichen’s head was nuzzled against Jiang Cheng’s chest, just over his heart.
Jiang Cheng’s eyes fluttered shut as he felt Lan Xichen’s body heat sink into him. It was such a nice feeling, being held by the person you love. Too bad it was all an illusion—nothing but some shitty demon’s curse. It would all be over tomorrow.
Thinking it would be best to head off any further discussion, Jiang Cheng was about to wish Lan Xichen a good night when he whispered “Wanyin, I think I’m going to die of happiness right now.”
Jiang Cheng didn’t think his heart could take any more of these false words. He whispered into the darkness “Shhhh, just go to sleep now Xichen.”
Lan Xichen pressed a kiss to Jiang Cheng’s chest and Jiang Cheng shuddered. “It’s true. It really feels like I’m meant to be in your arms. I’m so happy being with you like this. But it pains me to see that you aren’t happy like I am.”
Jiang Cheng remained silent, not sure what to say to that.
Lan Xichen continued, “Are you horrified, knowing how I feel about you?”
“No, of course not, it’s nothing like that. Xichen, it’s just all untrue. When the curse is lifted you will see that. So please, just bear it a little while longer and you will be back to your usual self soon.”
Lan Xichen squeezed Jiang Cheng tighter. “It isn’t untrue. I have never spoken truer words. I love you, Wanyin.”
“You don’t. Now let’s just get some sleep, okay?” Jiang Cheng said.
Jiang Cheng could handle angry Lan Xichen. He could handle sad Lan Xichen. He could handle apathetic, depressed Lan Xichen. But excited, pining, simping Lan Xichen? This was uncharted territory. He had no idea whatsoever what to do.
Lan Xichen sighed sadly. “I see that no matter what I say, you won’t believe me. But I love you. Just remember that.”
Jiang Cheng’s heart clenched. “Please, please don’t say any more. The more you say now, the more mortified you will be when this curse is lifted. I value our friendship too much to risk making things uncomfortable between us.”
Lan Xichen shook his head against Jiang Cheng’s chest. “I won’t be embarrassed. Well…maybe a little bit. I’m not used to speaking this frankly. But my feelings are sincere.”
Jiang Cheng sighed. “They may be sincere right now, but that’s only because of the curse. You know this. So please, for both of our sakes, just try to hold it in. I’m not trying to be mean to you. I’m just trying to protect you.”
Lan Xichen frowned. “From myself?”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
“I don’t want that.”
Jiang Cheng felt a twinge of guilt. “But as you know, right now you are not yourself. These words are not your words. These feelings are not your feelings. So I promise you this: I will forget about everything you have said while cursed. I will never mention it again, and never hold you to any of your words, so when this is over you can just cast it from your mind and forget it ever happened.”
Lan Xichen paused. “…And if I don’t want to forget?”
“You will. And I will let you. So please don’t worry about it and we’ll get this sorted out tomorrow. For now, let’s try to get some sleep.”
Lan Xichen nuzzled closer against Jiang Cheng’s chest. “…Okay. Goodnight my love.”
“Goodnight Xichen.”
As if Jiang Cheng could sleep in this situation! He stared at the ceiling, secretly relishing the feeling of Lan Xichen warm and solid against him.
Eventually Lan Xichen’s breathing slowed and the tension melted out of his body as exhaustion finally took over and he fell asleep.
Jiang Cheng’s eyes stung with repressed tears at the thought that this situation was a sad, cruel mockery of his most cherished fantasies. He had always dreamt of this—hearing words of love and devotion from Lan Xichen. Talk of a future together. Lan Xichen holding him tenderly, as if he treasured him.
Jiang Cheng closed his eyes and relaxed into Lan Xichen’s warmth. The gentle, rhythmic motion of his breathing helped to calm him, and he decided that he would just try his best to enjoy these fleeting moments of intimacy as best he could.
When he blinked his eyes open the sun was already up and he felt Lan Xichen still warm and pressed against him. Their legs were intertwined, and Lan Xichen’s arms held him securely. It felt wonderful. Jiang Cheng remained still for a few moments, selfishly indulging in a few more moments in Lan Xichen’s arms.
Finally, he whispered “Are you awake?”
Lan Xichen squeezed him gently. “Mn. I’ve been awake for a few hours.”
“How are you feeling? I mean…is the curse still intact?”
“It is.”
Jiang Cheng sighed. So much for hoping it would just fade away overnight.
“Well, we should get up, then. The Lan healers should arrive soon.”
“I’d rather stay in bed with you, Wanyin.”
Jiang Cheng felt his cheeks grow hot. That was a sentence he never thought he would hear Lan Xichen utter.
With some effort Jiang Cheng dislodged himself from Lan Xichen’s grasp and staggered into the middle of the room. Glancing back at the bed he was met with the heart-palpitating sight of Lan Xichen in his bed, his hair down and dishevelled, his thin robe having fallen off one shoulder, exposing an expanse of gorgeously toned chest.
Jiang Cheng stood transfixed for a moment at the sight, brain empty apart from a few shockingly lewd thoughts.
Lan Xichen’s lips curled into a sly smile. “For the first time you’re giving me a little hope, Wanyin.”
Jiang Cheng snapped back to reality and grabbed his robe. “Nonsense. Let’s…ah, get dressed.”
~~~
At breakfast Lan Wangji flew to Lan Xichen’s side. “Brother, has your condition changed since last night?”
Lan Xichen shook his head as Wei Wuxian asked “Xichen-ge, did you get lucky last night?”
“Unfortunately not,” Lan Xichen said despondently, casting a forlorn glance at Jiang Cheng.
Jiang Cheng pretended not to hear him, staring resolutely at the table.
By the time breakfast was finished a team of three Gusu Lan healers arrived, a whole trunk full of scrolls in tow. After Lan Wangji described to them what had happened Lan Xichen was ushered into the infirmary with them and everyone was sent away.
Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng retreated to Jiang Cheng’s private pier to wait for the healers to cure Lan Xichen. Lan Xichen was not in any mortal peril, nor was he in any pain, and the Gusu Lan healers were thought to be amongst the best, so there should not have been much cause for concern, but Jiang Cheng still felt anxious and sick at heart.
As Lan Wangji sat silent and tense and Wei Wuxian chattered about nothing, Jiang Cheng descended into gloomy thoughts.
Jiang Cheng fervently hoped that somehow Lan Xichen’s memory of being cursed would be wiped when the curse was broken.
If he thought it was difficult to withstand a cursed Lan Xichen’s affections, it would be far, far worse to cope with an uncursed and absolutely mortified Lan Xichen.
He would no doubt feel ashamed and embarrassed about his behaviour, and Jiang Cheng doubted that he’d ever be able to look him in the eye again without recalling this unfortunate event. Lan Xichen would, naturally, be as kind and polite as ever, but Jiang Cheng knew for damn sure he would always hold on to that shame and mortification, and that it would ultimately poison their friendship.
What kind of horror would he feel at the recollection of his words of love and admiration? How much would he burn with shame at the memory of holding Jiang Cheng in bed, lips against his chest?
No, there was nothing for it. Things would never be the same between them. The friendship that they had fostered would be effectively ruined. Their easy communication stilted. Warm trust turned into awkward politeness.
Jiang Cheng wouldn’t blame him if he avoided him altogether after this point to maintain a shred of dignity.
Any tiny flicker of hope that he had kept hidden deep in his heart that Lan Xichen might someday return his feelings was well and truly extinguished now.
Jiang Cheng felt sick thinking about it. Holding his head in his hands, he pre-emptively mourned the loss of his relationship with Xichen. It hadn’t even happened yet, but he already felt the sting of rejection, of being left behind.
As twilight settled on the pier the mood in the group shifted. There had been no word from the healers yet. Even a complicated or rare love curse shouldn’t take this long to diagnose and heal. Something was wrong.
They headed back inside and were about to knock on the infirmary door when it was flung open wide. Lan Xichen emerged first and immediately threw his arms around Jiang Cheng’s neck, pulling him into a hug. “Wanyin,” he murmured against Jiang Cheng’s neck, “I’ve missed you today.”
Lan Wangji glared at the healers, who looked on sheepishly. “Apologies, but we, ah…haven’t found the solution yet,” one of them said. “To be honest we aren’t sure what’s going on here. We’ve tried all the usual remedies and nothing seems to work. Musical cures, potions, talismans, energy transfer…none of it has worked.”
Lan Wangji’s eye twitched and his grip on Bichen tightened. The healers started to sweat. “Please don’t worry, Hanguang-Jun. I am sure we will find the solution soon. We will carry out some more research tonight and try again tomorrow.”
Lan Wangji’s jaw clenched. “Please see to it that this curse is lifted tomorrow. Zewu-Jun cannot remain in this state for any longer. Do you understand?”
The healers nodded and scurried away hurriedly.
Lan Xichen looked relieved. “Today was so boring without you, Wanyin. But I’m glad they didn’t break the curse. It means I can spend one more night by your side,” he said, snaking an arm around Jiang Cheng’s waist.
Lan Wangji looked like he wanted to punch a hole through a wall. “Sect Leader Jiang, when will your healers return?”
“It will be at least a few more days. Maybe even a week,” Jiang Cheng said.
Sensing that Lan Wangji’s mood was about to go even further downhill, Wei Wuxian intervened. “Lan Zhan, don’t worry too much, I’m sure it will get sorted out soon. And Xichen-ge is happy. Just look at him.”
Lan Xichen gave Jiang Cheng’s waist a squeeze and beamed at him.
Wei Wuxian pulled Lan Wangji in the direction of the main gate. “Come on, Lan Zhan, let’s go to the night market and get some snacks!”
Lan Wangji reluctantly allowed himself to be ushered out. He found it difficult to deny Wei Ying anything.
Jiang Cheng leaned slightly into Lan Xichen’s touch, feeling almost guilty. It looked like this ordeal was far from over.
~~~
One day turned into two, and two into three. Despite multiple attempts by the Lan healers to break the curse, it remained stubbornly, firmly in place. After the third day Lan Wangji furiously sent the Lan healers packing seeing as they had nothing more to offer, deciding to wait for the Yunmeng Jiang healers to return.
Wei Wuxian kept Lan Wangji from having a complete meltdown by distracting him with sex, day trips and tours of Lotus Pier.
Meanwhile, it was a bittersweet experience for Jiang Cheng.
On one hand, it was an absolute pleasure having Lan Xichen by his side. He shadowed him during many of his daily duties, gave music and swordsmanship lessons to disciples, and slept by his side every night. He even took to wearing the lilac robes of the Yunmeng Jiang sect, which made Jiang Cheng internally scream every time he looked at him.
Every day Lan Xichen told him he loved him and that he was happy to be with him. Every day he held him with tenderness and affection, like a cherished lover.
If it hadn’t been for the curse, this would have been Jiang Cheng’s dream come true. It would have been his ultimate happiness.
Although he knew that it wouldn’t last, he tried to enjoy this limited time they had together. It was better than nothing, he reasoned. This little slice of happiness and love was all he was going to get. He tried to enjoy it, he really did—but with every declaration of love from Xichen, every warm smile, every touch, Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but remember that it was all an illusion, a lie, nothing but the result of a curse. It was all fake, at least on Lan Xichen’s side.
It broke Jiang Cheng’s heart to think about it, but he tried very hard to keep his feelings to himself, to not let Xichen know. He didn’t want to make him feel worse when he finally came back to his senses. So he shoved his feelings down and put on a smile for Xichen, never letting him see how sad he felt. It was the least he could do for him.
~~~
On the seventh day the Yunmeng Jiang healers returned, surprised to see Zewu-Jun clinging to their Sect Leader like his very existence depended on it.
Lan Wangji wasted no time explaining what had happened and pleading for them to help his brother.
The chief healer reassured Lan Wangji and ushered Lan Xichen into the infirmary.
Lan Wangji paced back and forth outside the room. His nerves had been frayed to breaking point over the past week. Jiang Cheng almost felt sorry for him.
“Relax, Lan Wangji. Although Gusu Lan prides itself on the quality of its healers, I can assure you that Yunmeng Jiang’s are better.”
Lan Wangji glared at Jiang Cheng, who just rolled his eyes. “So relax. I am confident that they will break the curse in no time.”
No sooner had those words left his lips than the door to the infirmary swung open and Lan Xichen emerged together with the healer. It had scarcely been ten minutes.
Lan Xichen flew to Jiang Cheng and threw his arms around his neck. “Wanyin, I’m back!”
Lan Wangji raised an eyebrow and turned to Jiang Cheng. “You were just explaining how capable your healers are, but it appears you are mistaken.”
The healer cleared his throat loudly. “Excuse me, Hanguang-Jun, but Zewu-Jun’s curse has been lifted. It was a simple matter, no trouble at all to cure.”
Lan Wangji’s brow furrowed. “The curse has clearly not been lifted. Allow me to demonstrate.”
Lan Wangji turned to Lan Xichen, who was plastered to Jiang Cheng, arms looped around his neck. “Brother, are you in love with Sect Leader Jiang?”
“Yes! I love him desperately,” Lan Xichen replied.
Lan Wangji turned back to the healer with a smug look. “See? Brother is still very much cursed.”
The healer levelled a withering gaze at Lan Wangji. “Hanguang-Jun, please brace yourself for a shock. The curse has, indeed, been broken. It was not a love curse. It was a truth curse.”
Lan Wangji froze in shock, standing there like a cold marble statue. “But…but…he said he…loves…Sect Leader Jiang…he said…he wants to marry him…,” he said in a daze.
“And what’s so unbelievable about that?!” the healer retorted, turning up his chin. “How did it never occur to the Lan healers that Zewu-Jun could actually be in love? Hmph!”
Lan Wangji looked like his soul had left his body. He stood there in shock, opening and closing his mouth silently.
The healer went on, “That’s the reason your healers failed. They misdiagnosed his condition. Of course cures for a love curse would not work on a truth curse! They are entirely different types of curses! Hmph!! I suggest you return to Gusu Lan and tell your healers they need further training!”
And with that the healer turned to Jiang Cheng and Lan Xichen. “I wish you both happiness. I shall take my leave now,” he said before departing.
For a few moments everyone stood as if in a trance as the implications of this revelation sank in.
Everything single thing Lan Xichen had said over the past week was true.
His declarations of love.
His hopes for marriage.
His loneliness and pining.
His feeling that Jiang Cheng was too good for him, that he didn’t deserve him.
His happiness when his beloved Wanyin was near.
His desire…
Jiang Cheng’s heart was pounding out of his chest. This just couldn’t be true. It just couldn’t be possible… He didn’t dare say anything lest he wake from a dream.
Lan Xichen leaned in and whispered to Jiang Cheng, “Now you know the truth. I meant every single thing I said. Wanyin, do I stand any chance with you? Do you think you could ever love me?”
Jiang Cheng gave the only reply he was capable of at that moment, leaning in to close the gap between them, kissing him with feverish desperation. Lan Xichen whimpered as Jiang Cheng’s arms wrapped around him, holding him close.
Wei Wuxian watched them, hands on his hips. “Wow…,” he whispered, before glancing down to the ground. He sighed and turned to go find the healer again.
Lan Wangji had fainted dead away, lying in a crumpled white heap on the floor.