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Chapter Text

Once upon a time. That is how all the best stories start, or so I was told by someone who seemed to have it on very great authority. Who was woven from so many threads of so many tales that he could always pick the best of them. I promised, a lifetime ago now it seems, to one day tell his story and now I shall.

I do not begin with him though but with one who came before him and with another line I am told is well used when beginning a story.

It was a dark and stormy night, many years ago, when the wandering toy maker Cangse Sanren sought refuge from the rain in a small village. She knocked at the door of the first house she came to, asking for shelter for the night, and the widow within took pity upon her and invited her inside. Though her table was humble, she gave her food. Though her clothes were threadbare, she gave her the warmest garments she owned whilst her own dried by the fire. When she offered Cangse Sanren her own bed for the night though, the toy maker declined, thanking the widow for her kindness and promising she would be well enough to sleep beside the fire.

The widow finally agreed to sleep in her own bed and allow her guest to rest by the fire. Cangse Sanren liked nothing more than to sit and watch the fire dance. She saw the faces and the stories in the flames, enjoyed how it played without a care for anyone's opinion. By the light of that dancing fire, she pulled wood and a knife from her bag, the gentle scrape scrape of it along the grain a soothing rhythm throughout the night.

When the widow woke the next morning, the fire was still burning hot, though there was no fuel missing from the pile, and the house smelled warm with the scent of food, though she had little by way of provisions. When she sat at her table she found not only a meal but also a small wooden doll, dressed in fine silks, its painted face sunny and bright. It reminded her of a doll she had had as a child, lost to time as all toys were.

Though the doll was clearly a gift from her guest, the woman herself was nowhere to be seen, the hearth swept clean where she had slept and no other place set for breakfast. The widow lamented the loss of her companion despite their short acquaintance, her life a lonely one with her son away for his work and the village only seeing the occasional passing traveller. It was only when she had eaten the meal left for her and gone to her chores that she heard the sound of laughter from the road outside.

The village was so poor that laughter was a rare sound, even if they made the best of it. Pulled by the curiosity at what had prompted the sound, the widow had stepped outside and nearly wept with joy at the sight that greeted her. Where the children of the village were often sat sadly beside their mothers or playing what games they could devise with sticks and stones, they now danced around the pretty stall that Cangse Sanren had dragged into the village with her. Streamers trailed from their hands, the pitter patter of drums punctuating their laughter as the boys clashed wooden swords and the girls cradled dolls with pretty clothes and soft long hair.

When the widow asked one of the mothers nearby what such toys had cost them, she was heartened to hear that no charge had been made, Cangse Sanren gifting her exquisite toys as a thank you for a kindness shown.

Word soon spread that the famed toy maker was residing in the village, merchants purchasing toys for their children as they passed through. Where before though they would ignore the other street sellers and their meagre wears, Cangse Sanren soon prompted her customers to try some of the other items available from the villagers. Where they had but humble beginnings, the village began to thrive and Cangse Sanren seemed content to reside a while with them and sell her toys from her little painted cart.

The widow was glad for the company, Cangse Sanren keeping her place beside the fire and seeming content for it, paying the widow in kind with her conversation and delicacies purchased from the passing merchants. Though the widow had grown used to the solitude of her life, she did miss having to someone to speak to of an evening, her own son grown and off in the world selling cloth like many other merchants in the land. He sent what money he could back to his mother and visited whenever his path led him towards the village but it was not frequent enough for a woman of advancing years and she longed for the day he would find a place to settle and maybe send for her to join him in her old age.

As the weather grew warmer, Cangse Sanren knew she needed to depart the village, her mind given over to wandering and all the knowledge and excitement it brought. She knew she would miss the small village that had given her shelter though, glad to see it prosper in her wake as she began preparations to leave.

She had walked far in the woods that surrounded them as she collected firewood for her journey, pausing now and then to sketch the trees and the flowers in the small book she carried, studying the magic and the life and the very cleverness in them. She spoke to the spirits that resided in the older trees, learning the secrets they were willing to share, learning the truth of the figures that resided in their discarded branches that they trusted her to pull forth with her whittling knife. She had just added a fine old branch to her collection, knowing within it she would find the shapes of two dolls for twin girls as yet unborn in the village, when she heard the music on the breeze. The notes were light, played on a wind blown instrument, joyful and full of life. Cangse Sanren heard more in it as well, she heard the notes that spoke of journeys to places unknown, to knowledge gained and life experienced. It was a song she knew well in her heart but there was a refrain beneath she had never understood. The trill of the melody sang a song of homecoming, of love and security and an end of a journey.

Though she did not understand the music, it drew her closer all the same, causing her feet to dance against the leaf litter path. As she rounded the corner, the notes began to make sense, though she did not know why the man before her would mean home when she had never met him before. His eyes, as he raised them to meet her gaze, were bright and grey, filled with mischief and the pleasure of the day. He got to his feet, bowing neatly, the flute he had been playing dangling loosely from his hand.

'Good day,' he said, 'Am I in the presence of a spirit of the forest? If I am forgive my manners, I am unworthy to be visited by such a beauty.'

Cangse Sanren had spent a great deal of her life at the mercy of men's supposed charms. A young woman travelling alone would always seem easy prey to those with ill intent but she had always frightened them away with ease or evaded them with tricks they could never understand. The man before her shot her a disarming smile, confident in his own handsome face, but she knew that despite his words, if she were to dismiss his interest, he would bow sincerely and allow her along her way without further harassment. It was that and that alone that had her address him.

'No spirit, I am afraid,' she said, 'Merely a humble toy maker from the village not far off.'

'That village is my home,' said the man, 'I am travelling back after a long time away but I had to pause here in this glade and play my music. I have not met you before when I have returned to my mother's home.'

'I am merely a traveller who passed winter in the care of a dear widow in the village who has been very kind to me,' she said, the quickness of her mind and the cleverness of her heart recognising the familiarity before her, 'Her son is a merchant by the name of Wei Changze which I believe is the name you will answer to.'

'Clever as well as beautiful. Are you sure you're not a forest spirit sent to torment me?'

'I have been called a great many things in my time but the name I offer the world is Cangse Sanren.

And so it was that she returned to the village with the widow's son, her basket tucked beneath his arm as he told her wild tales from the road. She knew many were exaggerated, meant for an audience, but the spirit in them remained, a spirit that spoke of adventure and the willingness to believe that their was always something more to learn.

The widow was delighted at the return of her son, welcoming him home with open arms and stories of how well the village had fared since Cangse Sanren had arrived. It would have been rude for Cangse Sanren to depart on the night of Wei Changze's return and so she stayed at her place beside the fire, listening to his stories, her whittling knife in hand along with a strong piece of wood she had found in the forest of their meeting. As he told his stories, she let her hands move until, as the night grew dark around them and the widow was yawning widely, she held out to him an elegant little boat.

In all of Wei Changze's stories that night, he had never spoken of his childhood but, as he held the boat in his hands, he was certain he must have done for it was the exact replica of the toy he had had as a child. The toy he had lost when his father hand taken him to see his friend at their home beside the lakes. In his hands was the boat that he and his friend Jiang Fengmian had played with between the lotus blooms, filling its tiny deck with with fresh plucked lotus seeds before pushing it to and from one another with the delicious cargo. It had been in the wake of a passing fishing boat that the toy one had been caught by a wave and sent spinning into the deep tangle of lotuses and, though they had tried for several hours until their parents had called them inside, Wei Changze and Jiang Fengmian had never found it again. He had resigned himself to the loss of his favourite toy and, as the years grew and he along with them, his mind had turned to other things but he had always remembered fondly the little wooden boat and the games he had played with it.

Cangse Sanren and his mother had only smiled at his awe; his mother soon producing her own beloved doll that was so similar in every way to the one she had loved as a child long before her son had even been thought of.

In the days that followed, Cangse Sanren put aside her preparations to leave and instead painted the little boat until it was exactly as Wei Changze remembered it. His own tales told at her side as she worked bringing with it a stronger image in her mind and through to the brush in her hands. Stories, she told him, were magical and the more the person loved the story they were telling, the easier it was for her to picture it. Wei Changze did not ask how she knew of the little boat before his stories had started, instead he continued to tell her stories of his childhood every day, long after the little boat was finished and put up on a shelf for him to look at for when he wished to be nostalgic for those long passed days.

He told her stories and Cangse Sanren listened. She listened and made toys for the children and the travelling merchants. She listened until, one day, he asked her to stay forever.

She had always lived on the road. It had been her and her little cart alone for as long as she could remember, always in search of new places, of new ways of life, of new stories but, with Wei Changze she never wanted for stories, even if the true ones gave way to ones he made up. As she looked at her little cart and the road that led from the village, they did not call to her any more and so she stayed.

The day she married the man she had loved from the moment she heard him play in the forest, she gave up her bed beside the fire for a new house they had built together at the end of the village, a house with a shop on the ground floor and a space for them both to share above. People came from near and far to see the strange little shop that sold toys, some they recognised and others they did not, all of them made by a woman who sometimes only asked for a story for payment. Wei Changze gave up his own travels, content to help around the village, turning his hand to whatever was needed in the town or entertaining the travellers who visited them with stories and music, sending them on their way with their own tales of a strange little place that thrived on happiness and wonder.

The years passed and the village grew into a town, every person prospering whether they sold their wares from little carts or store fronts, travellers coming to see if the toy maker could conjure their beloved childhood toy and staying to buy from others who traded there. The children of the village never wanted for toys of their own, Cangse Sanren almost meeting them at the door with just the toy they desired before they had even had the chance to ask for it. She was unfailingly generous and kind to every child, rich or poor, who passed her way. The shop was always filled with laughter and mischief, games and stories hanging in every corner. The adults all saw a playground for their young people but the children themselves, who had their eyes unclouded by the world, saw more. Where the stories spoke of a seafarer's battle with a terrible monster, they smelled the salt and felt the spray. Where they rode on horseback through a fragrant spring day, the flowers took on colours and a life of their own even within the confines of the shop. It was a place where wishes truly came true, save for one.

Though Cangse Sanren and her beloved husband loved every child they met, they longed desperately for one to call their own. Year after year though, the joy of a baby was denied to them and they resigned themselves to always having to say goodbye to the sweet smiling faces at the end of the day. They wished for it desperately though, speaking of their hopes in hushed voices in the deepest part of the night until Wei Changze weaved a story for them in the dark that was theirs and theirs alone. He told the story of a boy, with his father's grey eyes and his mothers sweet smile, a boy who was wild and good and learned to make toys at his mother's knee and to weave stories with his father. A boy who was the magic of the both of them combined.

One year, when the winter came and the travellers were few and far between, Cangse Sanren sat beside her work bench, her materials sparse but enough or so her fingers seemed to believe as she began to fashion a little wooden doll. She sang to herself as she worked, the tune her husband had been playing the day they met, her knife keeping a sweet counterpoint to the melody. For days she worked until the figure became clear. She painted him, dressed him in clothes she sewed by hand though the fashions were a little strange even to her well travelled mind. An elegant little figure and if he had grey eyes and a sweet smile, it was the work of the knife and the brush rather than her own conscious thought.

The village was used to her eccentricities so, when she went to the blacksmith with a design of pieces she needed that she could not name, he made them to her request. The jewellery merchant was similarly happy to part with a little gold and enamel in return for a small trunk of perfectly tiny clothes for his daughter's beloved doll. With her strange requests fulfilled, she returned to her work bench, fashioning cogs into a pattern that clicked and clattered when wound with a little golden key. The enamel she fashioned into panels of black and white check which she set upon a six panelled base of wood and metal. Elegant swirls of gold filigree supported such thin struts of russet wood that looked too flimsy to support the swirling domed top of red and gold but they did so all the same. A pretty frame for the smiling, dancing figure that made her heart sing.

In the base amongst the intricate cogs, she placed a barrel peppered with sharp points that caught on the teeth of a metal comb and played the same soft sweet notes her husband had been playing the day she had met him. As they turned, so did the figurine. Twirling and smiling as the music played. Twirling and smiling with grey eyes and a smile so like hers.

Whenever she worked, she turned the little gold key to let the music play and watched the figurine dance, imagining that he could step off and dance upon the tabletop and twirl upon his toes amongst the debris of her work. Her husband, who had watched the love and care she had put into the doll and his music box, saw the sadness that went hand in hand with the joy of her creation. He saw the longing for a child with grey eyes and a sweet smile and he sent his thoughts into the world night upon night that one day Cangse Sanren would know the joy she had brought to so many others. That her reward for a life bringing smiles to others would be one of her own when she looked down at a true born baby in her arms.

Little did he know that Cangse Sanren had similar thoughts when she watched from the window of their little toy shop to see Wei Changze play at the games the children devised in between the carts where their parents sold their wares or when she found him sat upon a stool in the back of the shop telling stories of his journeys that somehow became embellished with a monster or two. She longed, as she watched him play and teach and take joy in every young life that passed through their lives, that he would know a child of his own who would learn the charm of a tall tale and the magic of a well played tune.

Though their wishes were the same and their dreams were still soft spoken in the night, they neither of them complained or questioned why their joy never came, content to serve the village they had made their home and to ensure every child in it was happy and never went without. Such simple wishes in such kind hearts are often heard by the world and sometimes the world answers.

Cangse Sanren had been a child born of magic, born to bring joy with the gifts that had been given to her. Her journey through the world had left happiness and prosperity in her wake and, one late autumn night, that journey was rewarded.

When the dark of the night had overcome the candles and the chill had called husband and wife to the warmth of their bed, the world and all the magic in it set about its task. If you were to ask a stargazer about that night, he would tell you the heavens seemed to glow a little brighter. If you were to ask a scholar, she would tell you that many texts spoke of a change that could not be described. If you asked those who made it their business to know peace and the understand the world through a greater knowledge of self, they would say that all life and knowledge, in one moment, took a breath.

In one moment, the world was changed.

In one moment, the silent music box turned without its golden key and the little figure danced as he had always danced but it was not that sound that woke Cangse Sanren and Wei Changse from their sleep but, instead, it was the soft mewl of a baby. A baby nestled in blankets of crimson and gold at the foot of their bed.

Though Cangse Sanren had not carried or birthed the child, as Wei Changse picked up the tiny bundle and placed it into his wife's arms, they both knew the baby, the boy who grasped his mother's finger and gazed up at his father with soft, grey eyes, was their own dear son. Though her body had not birthed him, his mother still nourished him and the village never questioned the sudden appearance of the baby in their beloved toy maker's arms. Only the old widow who had first gave her shelter had even commented when she too had first held her new grandson.

'All is right with him here,' she said, her bony fingers stroking the jet black hair that crowned him, 'He is the greatest gift.'

With their dream fulfilled, Cangse Sanren and Wei Changse continued as they had always done but now with a growing son beside them. Wei Ying, as they so named him, grew as all children do and learned at his mother's skirts and his father's knee all there was to know of the world. He learned to whittle and to mould and how to know which toy each person he met loved best from his brilliant mother. From his father he learned the power of a great story and the skill to weave it, charming trader and villager alike with his tales when he was old enough to tell him.

For ten joyous years he grew, a handsome young boy with a quick wit and a playful charm. For ten years he learned and played and brought joy to those who knew him. For ten years the beloved music box played only a handful of times, sat on a shelf, waiting as life continued in the village and in the toy shop Wei Ying played in every day.

As Wei Ying grew so did the village, slowly becoming a town that would appear finally on maps and would welcome merchants and traders and people from all walks of life and all would stop at the toy shop to see if Cangse Sanren could pull the beloved toy of their childhood from thin air before them. With more visitors came prosperity but fortune walks hand in hand with fate and it was not long until sickness came.

The illness was swift and unforgiving. It rushed through the village like a winter storm, finding its way into every nook and cranny and sparing none in its path. The old fell first and Wei Ying felt the first sting of death as his beloved grandmother passed away in his father's arms, even his mother's magic that seemed to form a protective barrier around the toy shop unable to save her. When the doctor fell and no one would come from the outside to help them, Cangse Sanren used her wide knowledge of the world to help those she could. Toys were forgotten in favour of grinding herbs and fixing remedies but, one by one, her patients passed from the world.

Wei Changze, strong and able, spent his days digging the rows of graves, helping those still alive to grieve to take their loved ones to their rest. When the illness came for him though, the only person left who could dig for him was his own beloved wife, back bent and broken with grief but determined all the same.

Wei Ying watched the beautiful, determined woman that had been his mother begin to fade but she did not miss a step with work still to be done. Tending the sick until their passing, easing them into the next life with kindness, gentleness, and a promise that they had been loved. That their life had been a beautiful, necessary part of the world. He watched even as his eyes grew hazy and his head grew hot with fever. He watched as she crossed the room in two long steps to catch him as he fell. He watched as she sat over him and cried as she cooled his brow and cradled his small hands in hers. He watched, unable to tell her how much he loved her, as the dawning horror fell across her face. He watched until he could not keep his eyes open any longer. Her beloved face etched with sorrow, all he knew, until the whispers.

'I have had all these years,' whispered Cangse Sanren's beloved voice, 'I have known many gifts but he is the greatest one. The child of my heart. My joy made flesh. Let him live. Let him know my skills, let him know my magic. Let him be the one to bring joy into the world. Let him live. Let my beloved child live.'

Something cool was pressed into his hand but the rest of his body felt warm. Warm and well and strong again even as sleep overcame him. His heart was heavy though, heavy in the knowledge that he had inherited the world but lost the heart of it. He had life but no love. He had a future but it came with a heavy past.

He woke to the sound of music. The tinkling trill familiar but it took a while to register the sound before he opened his eyes and found the music box with its dancing figure beside him. The figure that looked like his father with his clever grey eyes but the turn of his lips mimicked his mother's smile.

The pain was like fire in his gut. A grief so huge, so profound he could do little but sit and wind the music box over and over again with the key that had been placed in his hand, the music bringing a little comfort and a strange sensation of strength.

It was hunger that pulled him from the bed and down to the toy shop below, a layer of dust over every surface and the once vibrant toys that would whirr and skip and play with him whenever he passed by silent and still. The world outside was broken and grey, as though a great storm not just sickness had swept through the town. Even the ground where he remembered his father digging grave after grave lay flat with no markers to suggest who lay beneath.

Where there had been music and life there was now silence, a gaping hollow that matched the hole in his heart. With slow feet, he returned to the toy shop, setting the little doll upon the music box to dance again as he set a fire in the hearth and gathered those ingredients he recognised to make himself something to eat, knowing his mother would tell him to do so even if it would taste like ash in his mouth. He was sure it had been many days since they had had anything fresh when he had fallen ill, no traders bringing supplies once they heard of the sickness but the cupboards were filled all the same. Filled with foods he liked, ones he knew how to use.

It remained the same for days thereafter, the cupboards always filled and his clothes always clean. If it was not for the fact that he knew he was entirely alone in the world, he would look for another person caring for him. Though he was alone, he did not find himself lonely, the toys that had been his playmates before the sickness slowly waking as he cleaned off the dust and began to talk to them as he had before.

Though the pain of the passing of those he loved was like a wound, it slowly began to heal, leaving only a dull ache that stung if he probed too deep. It was a pain that guided him though, that made him use the skills his parents had taught him and there, amongst the toys that played and danced and spoke to him, he remembered his father's stories and his songs and his fingers remembered his mother's skill.

His first toy was not perfect, one leg a little longer than the others so it walked with a limp. The robes he had made from the scraps of material mismatched and ragged but robes all the same, matching the style of one of the merchants that used to bring rich spices to the town. He loved him as dearly as he loved the toys his mother had made with more skill than he yet possessed and he knew that love would lead to learning, his abilities and his magic growing as he did.

The first time he woke to the sound of noises outside, he thought finally the world beyond had returned to the town but, as he opened the door of the toy shop, he saw the faces he knew, selling the wares he knew. The two sisters selling buns and chestnuts, the widow who weaved baskets, the men with their protective charms and talismans, the bright swathes of cloth surrounding the merchant and his son who travelled far and wide to find the best. His town had awoken as he remembered it once more and he did not think it strange, instead he walked amongst them, all of them speaking to him as though nothing bad had ever passed. When he paused beside the polished mirror, smiling at the girl who sold combs of every style, he saw not the child's face he had once worn but instead someone older, with his father's grey eyes and his mother's teasing mouth.

He returned to the shop, the toys welcoming him as warm and alive as any person he had ever known, the sounds of the townspeople outside comforting and familiar alongside the sound of the music box as it played.

When the music ran down, he took the key from its base, attaching it to a chain and fastening it around his neck, setting the music box on his workbench as he picked up his tools.

The town was alive. People would come and Wei Ying would remind them of the childhoods they had loved. He would learn their stories and the ways of the world beyond and he would share the gifts given to him.

With a song on his lips, he set to his work, more toys to join those who already surrounded him, waiting to take their joy out into the world.

A joy we would find but not until many years had passed and the world had changed more times than even the mountains took count of. On a day when the fate of one little toy bunny named Tuzi and a child called A-Yuan would change the future of so many.

Chapter Text

Neat lines of sleek black cars turned out equally neat nannies and childminders who headed almost in perfect unison to the school gates. The parents seemed similarly drilled, well turned out and looking as though they had come straight from a business deal, some with heads bent over their phones or speaking on them in hushed tones. It was an organised chaos Lan Wangji knew well, reminded of his own childhood when he would leave school to a similar parade. He had been lucky though, never once having to hunt for his mother in the sea of similarly dressed parents. Her bright dresses and sunny smile marking her out from everyone else surrounding them. A style his father had tried to persuade her away from but instead, with the determination she put into everything, she had kept herself and left him.

It had been a strange childhood, living between two homes and two parents, one only focused on the happiness of him and his older brother, whilst the other tried to make war. He hadn't understood that he had been a weapon in that battle, his mother shielding him from it with smiles and stories until he grew old enough to understand the sacrifices she had made to keep them with her whenever she could.

He was sure there were many who would think him strange that he had felt only relief the night a quick and merciless illness took his father from the world.

He was sure there would be just as many who understood him entirely.

The world had been vastly different after the funeral. Though his uncle remained strict, he was fair and kind, ensuring that his brother's widow and his two nephews were cared for and providing a positive connection to their family name. With a safe place to grow, Lan Wangji had found his way in the world, easily following his brother into good school grades and on to his chosen university. Whilst his brother, Lan Xichen, had chosen finance and business, it was the written word that had captured Lan Wangji's attention, the written word and the stories they wove.

With Lan Xichen rising steadily through the corporate ranks, Lan Wangji had penned and published his first novel to modest acclaim before graduation, several more in a variety of genres following quickly behind. Born a pragmatist though, he knew such acclaim was fleeting, ensuring he had a job editing texts for a separate publishing house that specialised in education.

He became glad of the steady income as the years went by and their lives began to change, Lan Wangji's time for writing given over to other pursuits. He joyfully lost sixth months of writing whilst helping his brother prepare for his wedding, another three when they announced their intention to adopt a child two years later and need an extra pair of hands to make sense of all the paperwork and prepare their home. It wasn't long after he found himself an uncle to his new nephew that he happily gave up any hope of writing time, the reason for it waving a small hand from the steps to his classroom door as Lan Wangji reached it.

'Baba!' called the boy, saying a polite farewell to his teacher before hurrying to him.

'There's my little scholar,' said Lan Wangji, picking him up with ease and pressing a kiss to his cheek, 'Did you enjoy your day? Tell me the best part.'

The boy pulled an exaggerated thinking face before he grinned. 'Lunch!'

'Lunch?' said Lan Wangji, 'I send you to school to learn and A-Yuan is more concerned with lunch.'

A-Yuan nodded, 'Baba made me a nice lunch,' he said, 'Tuzi liked it too.'

'Well that is good to know,' said Lan Wangji, 'And where is Tuzi?'

'In my bag,' said A-Yuan, tugging absently on a strand of Lan Wangji's hair that had broken loose from its braid, 'That's where he has to stay when I'm doing my lessons. He-Laoshi says I will get distracted otherwise. I tell him all about my lessons when I have a break though.'

'Perhaps he can start staying at home with me if he is staying in your bag all day,' said Lan Wangji, setting him on his feet, shaking his head fondly as A-Yuan shrugged off his bag and retrieved the soft, grey plush bunny.

'Not yet,' said A-Yuan, cuddling the toy tightly before he replaced the bag on his back and kept the toy in his arms, feathering the blue silk ribbon around its neck, 'I still need him. I miss Jingyi.'

Lan Wangji took hold of his hand, squeezing it gently, 'Six months,' he said, 'Just until Bobo has set up the new office, then they will be home.'

'I wish it was sooner.'

'I know, sweetheart but it will go quickly and we can speak to them on the weekend,' said Lan Wangji, as they began to wind their way through the departing crowds, 'I'm sure he misses you too.'

'He could have stayed with us. I don't mind sharing my room,' said A-Yuan, little legs skipping along beside Lan Wangji with Tuzi swinging from his hand.

'But then Jingyi would have missed his Babas and they would have missed him so much too,' said Lan Wangji, 'Before long, they will all be home with us again.'

A-Yuan sighed, the loss of his playmate and adoptive cousin one he was still struggling to contend with even after several weeks.

There had been much debate as to whether Jingyi should remain behind with Lan Wangji and A-Yuan when both Lan Xichen and his husband had been needed for the expansion of their marketing company's new offices. For a while Lan Wangji had been certain he would have both his own young son and his nephew to care for but he had been unsurprised when the decision was made for Jingyi to accompany his parents, his own love for his son giving him the understanding of how difficult the separation would be otherwise.

The separation was hard on A-Yuan though, Jingyi a constant in his life long before the name of Lan had been, both boys playmates and room mates at the orphanage they had been placed in as toddlers.

He squeezed the small hand in his as A-Yuan's usual chatter grew absent.

'As it is a Friday, would you like to go for ice cream?'

A-Yuan beamed, 'Ice cream? Really?'

'Mn. But no dessert after dinner if we do,' said Lan Wangji, 'Or you'll turn into a bowl of ice cream.'

'Baba! I won't!'

'You will. It's happened before. Children who eat too many sweets turn into sweets and get eaten themselves.'

A-Yuan giggled, 'That's only a story,' he said, 'Like the little girl in your book. You still need to write another story about her.'

'Soon,' said Lan Wangji, 'I have a lot of editing to do and Năinai has needed more help lately.'

'Does she need to go to hospital again?'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'Not until the Tuesday after next and only for the day.'

'She'll be poorly after though,' said A-Yuan, 'Can we make her the soup that makes her feel better?'

'Of course. You can write the grocery list for me and double check we have everything we need.'

A-Yuan smiled brightly, 'He-Laoshi says my writing is very good,' he said, holding up his toy, 'Tuzi and I could write a letter for Năinai to take with her to the hospital so she has something happy to read when she's there.'

'I'm sure she would like that very much,' said Lan Wangji, turning a corner to find the path he intended to take cordoned off, 'What's happening here?'

'Emergency gas works,' said A-Yuan pointing to a small sign on the barrier, 'Road closed. I don't see any police cars or an ambulance, Baba. Where is the emergency?'

'This kind of emergency doesn't need a police car or an ambulance, just an engineer. It means we'll have to find somewhere else for our ice cream though, come over here with me.'

A-Yuan followed, craning his neck from where Lan Wangji halted them beside an empty shop to try and see the engineers beyond the barrier. Lan Wangji smiled at the sight, certain his son would soon be declaring himself a gas engineer in the future until something else new and exciting took his fleeting fancy. He used the distraction to search for another cafe in the vicinity that sold ice cream, one popping up that was only a few extra minutes walk from their location.

'I found somewhere else for ice cream,' he said, returning his phone to his pocket and taking hold of A-Yuan's hand, the bright smile he received in return one of the best gifts fatherhood had given him, 'It's not far.'

'Do they do chocolate ice cream?' said A-Yuan, 'Tuzi only likes chocolate ice cream.'

'I'm sure they do chocolate ice cream,' said Lan Wangji, leading him away from the barrier and towards the road.

He frowned as he realised that the gasworks had prompted the electricity to be isolated as well, the lights for the crossing out of action. Though the road was busy, there were several breaks between cars and drivers were courteous enough, when a few people gathered on the pavement, to pause and allow them to cross.

He brought A-Yuan to a stop a little way back from the edge, tightening his grip on his son's hand.

'We may need to hurry a little when we have a chance to cross but do not run,' he said, 'You do not want to trip.'

'I know Baba,' said A-Yuan, 'I'll be careful.'

The small crowd of pedestrians soon grew, a bus halting to allow them across as the other lane was free from traffic. Lan Wangji led A-Yuan onto the street, his eyes still scanning the road despite the bus having stopped for them. The woman in front of him stopped suddenly, bending down to pick up something she had dropped. He began to manoeuvre A-Yuan around her, his concentration stolen from the road but the shout from the pavement caught his attention.

The car racing towards them was an over priced sports design, one where the driver gave little regard to other road users so long as they could fulfil an image. Lan Wangji scooped A-Yuan up on one arm, hurrying his steps to the other pavement as those around him did the same. He had barely stepped up on it as he felt the rush of the car passing him at speed, several people shouting out in their disbelief at the behaviour along with a few clicks of cameras no doubt documenting the car for its erratic behaviour. Lan Wangji absently hoped the driver would get his comeuppance but his mind was more focused on his son as he set him back on his feet.

'Are you alright?' he said, 'I didn't hurt you did I?'

A-Yuan's bottom lip trembled, his eyes filled with tears as he held up his empty hand. 'I dropped Tuzi.'

The tears that followed were loud and heartbreaking, Lan Wangji quickly picking up his son once more for fear he would search for the beloved toy himself before heading back towards the road, the eyes of several concerned pedestrians turned their way as A-Yuan continued to cry. The road was clear but he could not see the toy anywhere on the street or on the pavement they had run on to.

'Baba! Where is he?'

'I don't know,' said Lan Wangji, 'When did you drop him?'

'When the fast car came and you picked me up,' said A-Yuan, 'I didn't mean to let him go.'

'I know, sweetheart,' said Lan Wangji, resisting the impulse to promise they would find him as fear rose in him that the precious toy had been caught in the wheels of the speeding car and dragged away with it.

A tap on his shoulder startled him, turning to see an older woman with a sadly sympathetic smile holding out a mangled bundle of dirty material to him.

'It was run over and dragged into a puddle,' she said, 'I saw your son drop it.'

A-Yuan's tears only grew in volume as Lan Wangji shifted him in his arms in order to free a hand to take the soaked, ripped remains of his son's toy.

'Thank you for retrieving it,' he said, knowing with only a single glance that it was well beyond repair.

'Your Baba can get you a new toy, little one,' she said, 'No need to cry.'

The words were meant in sympathy but they did nothing to calm the child in Lan Wangji's arms, A-Yuan trembling so violently he feared he would drop him as the woman offered him one last sympathetic smile before heading off to her own tasks.

'Baba! Baba, fix him! Please!' cried A-Yuan.

'I don't know that I can,' said Lan Wangji, 'Tuzi is very badly damaged. Let's get somewhere quieter and I can take a look. I'll need to set you down.'

A-Yuan went reluctantly to his feet, his face red and scrunched as he rubbed his fists against his eyes before reaching out for Tuzi. 'Can I see him?'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'He's very dirty and has been all over the road,' he said, 'I don't want you to get sick from it if he's been through anything nasty.'

A-Yuan sniffed but nodded, taking Lan Wangji's free hand as he led them away from the road. The quiet tears that followed were worse than the loud sobs, they were the tears A-Yuan had shed when he had first come to live with Lan Wangji from the orphanage and his room had seemed too large and too quiet, they were the tears that had followed the announcement that Jingyi would go with Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue halfway across the country for six whole months. They were the tears Lan Wangji mirrored in his own bed when the hospital told them there was another set back, another infection, another tumour for his mother to bear despite all that she had fought through before.

'When we find somewhere to sit down, I will see what can be done,' he said, ignoring the sticky, cold sensation of the bedraggled remains in his hand.

The ice cream parlour was forgotten, Lan Wangji instead opting for the first open cafe they passed, busy with the afternoon rush but there were a handful of tables available. It was one of those places that could feel so easily forced, the quaint mismatch of furniture and crockery one he had seen countless times, but the space felt more natural, as though he were walking into a place he knew well rather than somewhere he had been forced into by circumstance.

He sat A-Yuan down, crouching before him as set the remains of the toy at his feet. 'Are you sure you didn't get hurt?'

A-Yuan shook his head. 'But Tuzi did. Baba, can you fix him?'

Lan Wangji looked down at the sad mess before him, certain not every part had made it back to them. 'I really don't know,' he said, 'I won't make any promises.'

'Someone looks sad. Can I help at all?'

Lan Wangji looked up at the woman next to them, notepad in hand and a soft smile on her face, her presence calming the fresh tears that had come to A-Yuan's eyes.

'Apologies,' he said, getting to his feet, 'My son is upset. There was an accident on the road.'

'He's not injured is he? Can I call anyone?' said the woman.

'He's not hurt.'

'Tuzi is hurt,' said A-Yuan, 'Tuzi is badly hurt.'

'Tuzi?' said the woman.

'A toy,' said Lan Wangji, watching the worry ease slightly, 'A-Yuan's favourite toy. An impolite driver ran it over and it's badly damaged.'

'Oh poor thing,' said the woman, her eyes falling to the mess at Lan Wangji's feet, 'My A-Ling would be the same if his toy was damaged. Can I help at all?'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'No thank you. We just needed a moment,' he said, 'May we have a menu? I think something sweet might help.'

'I'm not hungry, Baba,' said A-Yuan, 'I want to cuddle Tuzi. Can you fix him?'

'I really don't know,' said Lan Wangji, 'We'll have to see when we get home but I cannot promise anything.'

'A-Yuan?' said the woman, sitting down at the table, 'May I call you A-Yuan?'

He nodded, wiping his eyes.

'Why don't you go and have a look at the cakes on the stand by the counter? Pick whatever you like.'

A-Yuan hesitated for a moment before he slid out of his chair, bottom lip wobbling as he looked down at Tuzi before he headed to the counter.

'Some things are better said when the child isn't nearby,' said the woman, waving Lan Wangji into the seat opposite her and handing him a wrapped sanitizing wipe from her apron pocket, 'I'm Jiang Yanli, by the way, and this is my cafe. You're welcome to stay as long as you like until your son feels better.'

'Lan Wangji,' he said, in reply, wiping the remnants of whatever Tuzi had been dragged through from his hands, 'And thank you but I think feeling better might take a while. He was very devoted to his toy.'

'It's a sorry sight,' said Jiang Yanli, 'I didn't want to say this in front of A-Yuan as I didn't know what you wanted to do. Goodness knows some of my son's toys are so threadbare and filthy from him playing with them, I'd happily find an excuse to be rid of them but I think Tuzi is much more than a toy.'

'My son is adopted,' said Lan Wangji, 'Tuzi was all he had left from his old life, his parents. He has had it for so long and is very attached to it. I believe I will be in for a difficult few weeks.'

'I know someone who could help you,' said Jiang Yanli, 'There's a toy shop owner just a short walk from here. A bit eccentric but magic as anything. I'm sure if anyone can fix dear Tuzi then he can. He keeps odd hours and lives above the shop so I'm sure he'd still be able to accommodate you if you went along after you've finished here.'

'I'm willing to try anything,' said Lan Wangji, looking over to wear A-Yuan was silently studying the many cakes behind the glass, the bounce that would normally be evident heartbreakingly absent, 'If you think he can help, we will make enquiries.'

'He goes by the name Wei Wuxian,' said Jiang Yanli, 'I'll give you directions when you're done here. Let A-Yuan have whatever he likes, and you as well, it's on the house.'

'There's really no need,' said Lan Wangji.

'I want to see you both leave with at least something close to a smile. There is a charity donation point that goes to the local hospital if you really want to offer something though.'

Lan Wangji nodded, glancing at the counter to see the terminal sat beside a small information poster. 'Then I will do that. Thank you for your assistance.'

'Least I could do,' said Jiang Yanli, 'Why don't you pick out a cake as well. You look like you need cheering up too.'

Sugar and the easy ambience of the cafe along with the promise of visiting the toy shop owner to see what could be done for Tuzi seemed to settle A-Yuan enough that he was able to smile a little and talk about his day at school as he and Lan Wangji shared two small cakes between them. The tea Jiang Yanli had insisted Lan Wangji try complemented both perfectly and A-Yuan had declared his own small glass of fruit juice the most delicious he ever tasted. Though fate had not been particular kind to them that afternoon, he was glad they had stumbled upon such a pleasant place and he knew they would visit again hopefully under better circumstances.

When they had finished and it came time for them to leave, Lan Wangji tried to insist on paying once more only for Jiang Yanli to shake his head and point him towards the charity terminal for the hospital. The insignia was all too familiar but he did not begrudge them the donation as it beeped in recognition of the payment, knowing it would continue to go to the difficult and crucial work they undertook.

'Let me know how you get on,' said Jiang Yanli by way of farewell, 'I'm sure Tuzi will be right as rain in a few days.'

Lan Wangji could only hope she was right, Tuzi now tucked away in a plastic bag usually reserved for bringing home wet or paint covered clothes from school that had been stored in A-Yuan's bag. It made for a sorry sight, the toy badly ripped, stained with muck and oil, one of the glossy black eyes completely missing and Lan Wangji was certain not all the material had made it either. If the toy shop owner could not offer even a shred of hope, Lan Wangji knew a sleepless night plus many more to follow would be in his future.

He followed the directions he had been given, certain for a moment that he had missed a turning as he found nothing but a brick wall between two modern looking office buildings. The sound of voices beyond the wall though caught his attention, the small opening almost hidden and the sign directing people towards it chipped and faded to the point that the words were illegible. Lan Wangji frowned at the sight, looking down at his son's small hand in his and wondering whether to lead him to somewhere so unkempt but he had detected no deceit or dishonesty in Jiang Yanli's words. A glance at A-Yuan's still pale, sad face made the decision for him though and he led him through the small opening despite his misgivings.

The sight that greeted him was arresting and a world away from what he expected. Where he had thought to find a narrow alleyway with perhaps one or two small shops, he instead found a wide thoroughfare, lined with buildings and stalls. Where moments before he had been surrounded by glass and concrete, he now was in the comfort of more traditional buildings and he wondered if he had found one of the small pockets of the old city that had withstood the march of time and industry.

'Baba!' cried A-Yuan, 'It's so different. Why doesn't it look like the rest of the city?'

'Some places are under preservation orders,' said Lan Wangji, 'A lot of the city would have looked like this years ago.'

'Can we explore?'

'Not today,' said Lan Wangji, 'We need to get home soon or Năinai will worry. We can come back another day. We need to find the toy seller and see if he can help Tuzi.'

They made their way through the street, vendors calling out to them, offering their wares. He could not remember a time when he had seen someone trading bolts of material from a wooden cart, or hand carved musical instruments. The smell of both sweet and savoury foods were tempting despite having only just eaten, fresh and aromatic as they carried from open braziers and into the air.

He had to tug A-Yuan away from several of the stalls as they proved too tempting, the traders laughing good naturedly before turning their attention to other customers who passed them by. He had nearly given up on the hope of finding the toy seller Jiang Yanli had mentioned as they reached the end of the stalls with no sign of a single toy in sight. He was about to break the news to his son and bear the disappointment when he saw the small shop front set behind the last of the stalls, the windows a little grimy but illuminated with a soft light and bearing several handmade wooden toys.

The building was old, a relic from a bygone age that had been patched and updated over the years until it was such a mismatch of styles and materials Lan Wangji was unsure how it had remained under the preservation order that seemed to have protected the odd little corner of the city from the march of the developers.

'Baba! Look at the toys! I like the boat. It looks real.'

Lan Wangji looked closer at the neatly carved sail boat in the window, the detail intricate to the finest point and he hoped, if the creator was as diligent in all his work, he may be able to assist in the repairs of A-Yuan's beloved toy.

'That must have taken a lot of work and patience.'

'Like when I work really hard on my writing and it's really neat.'

'That's right,' said Lan Wangji, 'The more time you give a project, the better it will be. Shall we see if anyone is in?'

A-Yuan nodded, his face at least a little more hopeful than it had been.

The door opened easily, catching a bell that rang out into the depths of the shop. Whilst the front had made it appear small, it widened beyond the door, rows upon rows of toys of every kind with no packaging or logos to be seen. He wondered how long it had been since he had walked into a shop that didn't immediately assault you with links and codes to online platforms, screens playing videos on loop and music pounding whether you wished to listen to it or not. It was refreshing. Lan Wangji certain he could hear the settling of the building around him like a breath as A-Yuan headed to the nearest shelf, hands fidgeting at his sides in an attempt not to grab the toys before him.

'Baba! They're all beautiful.'

'Do not touch,' Lan Wangji reminded him, 'Let's see if we can find the owner.'

They made their way down the neat rows, several areas set up for various games, unattended but free to be played with it seemed. He wondered at how the building would sound filled with children, certain the weekends would be the sweetest kind of pandemonium. As they passed a small library, he wondered if his own few children's books were amongst the collection but resisted the urge to look, the pain of finding them tucked behind many a more recent bestseller in other shops always demoralising.

They soon reached a counter, populated with half finished projects and a small workspace behind, the tools stored without any visible logic but he was sure it was clear to the owner. The man in question though was nowhere to be seen and Lan Wangji wondered at the security of the place if it was left so easily unattended. A small bell sat next to a closed ledger and a top hat decorated with a bright red ribbon and a sleek black feather that shone in the light of the shop. Lan Wangji picked up the bell, ringing it gently as he called out.

'Hello? We're looking for Wei Wuxian. The lady at the cafe nearby directed us here.'

There was the sound of movement from above them and Lan Wangji stepped back, looking up at the small mezzanine that was mostly shrouded by a heavy curtain save for the small opening by a corkscrew stair that ended a little way away from the counter.

'Who's there?'

The voice was old, cracking a little as it accompanied the sound of someone almost dragging themselves across the floor.

'My name is Lan Wangji. My son's toy is damaged and we were told you could help.'

'I am rather adept at toys,' came the response, 'Be patient, Lan Wangji, I am an old man and infirm. It may take me some time to get down the stairs.'

'We can come up to you,' said Lan Wangji, the stairs before him looking treacherous even for the young and able, 'Do not trouble yourself.'

'Nonsense, nonsense. I should move about. Good for the blood and I nap too much. I'm a lazy thing. A slug in a blanket.'

A-Yuan giggled at the words and Lan Wangji hushed him gently.

'Now then. Stairs.'

A figure appeared in the gap in the curtains above, wrapped in a heavy looking blanket with his head covered like a cowl. Lan Wangji wanted to warn him to put aside the covers as he took one wobbly step onto the first rung of the staircase but there was no time for the words to pass his lips as the man tumbled, blankets flying off in several directions as he fell down the winding stairs. Instead, he only had a moment to cry out in alarm and attempt to turn A-Yuan from the sight, certain an man of advanced age would have numerous serious injuries after such a fall.

The sound of laughter was jarring as the man reached the bottom of the stairs, A-Yuan wrestling himself out of Lan Wangji's grip at the sound in time to see not an old man but a young one, a similar age to Lan Wangji, smiling as he rolled onto his feet and shook himself with a wide grin.

'Well, that took years off me,' he said, his voice losing any trace of the crackle of before as he bowed, 'Wei Wuxian, at your service.'

'That was so cool!' exclaimed A-Yuan, 'Didn't it hurt?'

'Not in the least,' said Wei Wuxian, tugging at the red lapels of his black tail coat to straighten it, 'And rolling is quicker than walking.'

'But more dangerous,' said Lan Wangji, 'You could have injured yourself.'

Wei Wuxian grinned, leaning conspiratorially down to A-Yuan, 'I think I frightened your Baba,' he said, 'And unsurprising as I am not properly dressed.'

He stepped quickly passed them both, sweeping the top hat from the table and twirling it onto his head before he hopped up to sit in its former place, balancing one booted foot against his knee.

'Much better,' he said, 'Now. You said something about a broken toy.'

Lan Wangji frowned, part of him wanting to do nothing more than to leave the shop and the strange man who inhabited it with as much haste as possible but A-Yuan was already tugging the bag containing Tuzi from his hands and passing it to Wei Wuxian.

'He got run over,' said A-Yuan, 'Can you fix him, please?'

The urge to pull his son away fled as the strange energy of Wei Wuxian dissipated to something gentle and patient as he worked the remains of the stuffed toy from the makeshift packaging.

'Oh you have been through the wars. You poor thing,' he said, turning it over in his hands, 'Injured in action protecting his boy. A worthy toy. I can help him.'

The words were strange but A-Yuan beamed all the same.

'You can fix him?'

Wei Wuxian nodded, hopping down from the counter and laying Tuzi gently down on it before he crouched before A-Yuan.

'You will need to leave him with me for a few days if you can bear it but I can fix him,' said Wei Wuxian, 'With any injury though, he might not be exactly as you remember but the heart inside him will be the same. He loves you very much to protect you like he did today.'

'The car was scary,' said A-Yuan, 'Tuzi chases away scary things. He always has. He's my best friend, just like Jingyi is. He makes the night not so dark and takes good care of me. I love him and I want him back.'

'He is a loyal toy,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And let's hope the scary car gets a horrible puncture or a complete engine failure which means it can't be driven again. I don't know why people need anything other than their own two feet anyway. Will you trust me to fix Tuzi for you?'

A-Yuan nodded. 'He likes a story before bedtime. Baba and I read to him.'

'Well I'll be sure to do the same so he is not too homesick. You will be able to come and collect him in three days.'

'Ok,' said A-Yuan, 'Baba, we can get Tuzi in three days.'

Lan Wangji had long lamented that it was the fate of a parent to often disappoint his child with the reality of the world, the logistics of Tuzi's repair needing to be discussed before he agreed to anything involving the strange man before him.

Wei Wuxian looked up, his grey eyes sparkling with mischief but also something like understanding as he smiled at Lan Wangji before returning his attention to A-Yuan, ruffling his hair gently.

'Why don't you go and have a look around the shop,' he said, 'I think your Baba wants to talk about the business side of things before he agrees to let me take care of Tuzi.'

A-Yuan frowned, turning wide brown eyes to Lan Wangji. 'Baba, please let him fix Tuzi. I can miss him for three days if I need to.'

'There are still other things to discuss, A-Yuan,' he said, 'Go and look around for a while but do not go too far.'

A-Yuan frowned but nodded all the same, leaving them both and heading into the labyrinth of toys.

Wei Wuxian stood, his smile apologetic as he regarded Lan Wangji. 'I am sorry if my entrance startled you,' he said, 'You both looked too serious.'

Lan Wangji frowned, 'Throwing yourself down the stairs is not a good example to set a child,' he said, 'I would think someone in your line of work would understand that.'

'I'm a toy maker, not a parent,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And he's a sensible kid. I don't think you have anything to worry about.'

'And you knew that at a glance?' said Lan Wangji.

'I can tell a lot of things at a glance, Lan Wangji. I can tell you are desperate for your son to have his toy back in one piece because it means the world to him and the comfort it gives him means the world to you too. Others would use that to push up the price but a good toy deserves an honest repair. All I will ask for is the cost of materials, little more I am sure than Yanli-Jiejie asked you to pay for one or two of her delicious cakes.'

'The toy is barely recognisable,' said Lan Wangji, 'I fear A-Yuan will be upset if it does not look like it once did.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'Every good warrior needs a scar, it shows he protected someone,' he said, 'I cannot promise Tuzi will not show some signs of his trauma but I promise I can get him as close as possible to how he once looked. Trust me, Lan Wangji. I know you don't want to but I promise, when it comes to toys, you won't find anyone with my skill. Trust me to bring Tuzi back to you and A-Yuan.'

Lan Wangji hesitated before he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small card holder. As he pulled one from inside he noted how many still remained, the days long passed when he was handing his card to those who recognised him from the dust jackets of his books and wanted to discuss rights and talks and everything else that came with success.

'My number,' he said, handing it to Wei Wuxian, 'I would like to see the toy before A-Yuan does. I do not want him to be upset. If you could send me a picture.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, holding the card between his fingers before vanishing it with a magician's flourish.

'I will have to ask Yanli-Jiejie to assist,' he said, 'I'm afraid I have not falling prey to one of those funny boxes with every detail of my life kept in them that others like to carry. Would you mind if I asked her to send it the images to you?'

Lan Wangji wanted to ask how he managed a business without the aid of a phone but another glance around the shop with its lack of media stilled the question and he nodded. 'That would be acceptable. Do you need payment in advance?'

Wei Wuxian shook his head. 'In Tuzi I think I have something infinitely more valuable than a deposit and I promise I will take very good care of him.'

'Please see that you do, that toy...'

'I can see how much he is adored by the both of you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'He will be in the best company here and I will have him back where he belongs as soon as I can.'

'Thank you,' said Lan Wangji, 'A-Yuan will struggle without him but I think he will be comforted to know he is being taken care of. I should get him home. He will be hungry soon.'

Wei Wuxian nodded, 'If I find I will be more than three days I will let you know.'

Lan Wangji could hear A-Yuan chatting away to himself in the aisle, mimicking the voices of whatever toy he had found to interest him. He knew the cake he had eaten would not sustain him for much longer, childish appetite leading to childish tantrums if it wasn't sated, and his mother would soon be missing them if they were much later in returning home. As it was though, he found it hard to tear his eyes from the man before him.

From the top hat and tail coat, to the leather riding boots with acres of crimson silk in between, he was a world away from anything Lan Wangji had ever known before and yet there was a strange familiarity that made the outlandishness feel like something comfortable.

'Baba! Look at this! It moves!'

A-Yuan's voice pulled his attention from the man before him, ignoring the quirk of Wei Wuxian's eyebrow and the amused curve of his lips, as he turned and headed down the aisle towards his son.

'Baba! The car moves by itself. Look,' said A-Yuan pointing to a small metal worked car that trundled along a painted road, turning at the end before it trundled back again.

'I imagine it works with magnets,' said Lan Wangji.

'Or magic,' came Wei Wuxian's voice near his ear, 'Which do you think it is, A-Yuan?'

'Magic,' said A-Yuan with all the certainty of a child, 'Definitely magic.'

'Magic it is then,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And now it is time for me to work mine, my fine gentlemen. I will see you in three days.'

'See you in three days,' said A-Yuan brightly, 'Can I play with some more of the toys when I come?'

'That's what they're for,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I look forward to seeing you both again.'

The farewells were brief after, the market outside a little busier with early evening patrons, a marked difference to the quiet of the toy shop. As they made their way back to the entrance of the alley, Lan Wangji could not help but glance back at the shop, seeing the light dim in the windows downstairs only to illuminate in the ones on the floor above. They soon illuminated a figure in the window, top hat set aside once more as he sat hunched at his work.

With a reminder of the shadow theatre he had once seen in his youth, Lan Wangji could not help the small smile that came to his lips. Hoping that the strange man in his strange shop could make good on his promise to recover the toy he was sure A-Yuan would soon remember to miss once the strangeness of the day was at an end.

Chapter Text

The sound of laughter met Lan Wangji and A-Yuan as he pushed open the front door, ushering the child inside ahead of him.

'Năinai!' called A-Yuan, 'Năinai we're home.'

'For a moment I thought it was burglars,' came the reply.

'Burglars don't have keys, Năinai,' said A-Yuan, hurrying out of his shoes and into a pair of slippers, hanging his bag and coat on the rack.

'Silly me. Come here and give me a kiss. I began to think you weren't coming home.'

Lan Wangji watched fondly as A-Yuan hurried down the hallway to the open door, chattering away as soon as he was through it with all that had befallen them that day. He was a little more sedate in his own pace as he changed his shoes and hung up his coat, unsurprised to see his mother's care assistant slip out as A-Yuan remained distracted.

'How was today?' he asked seeing the slight hesitance on the face of the woman before him, 'Mianmian?'

'She's tired,' she replied, 'She tries to do too much. It's great she wants to be up and about but she needs to rest too. I had to stop some of the exercises midway though today because her muscles are so fatigued.'

Lan Wangji frowned, 'I have tried to tell her to slow down but she won't hear it,' he said, 'Ever since the doctor insisted we bring home the wheelchair she's pushed herself too hard to prove she doesn't need it.'

'I have a lot of patients who are the same,' said Mianmian, keeping her voice low despite A-Yuan keeping up an endless stream of chatter in the next room, 'And I understand it. The fear of the loss of independence, especially in someone who is used to managing alone, is always hard to balance. Just try to get her to rest a little more if you can. She'll only hasten the inevitable if she pushes herself too hard and hurts herself.'

'I'll try,' said Lan Wangji, 'But she's stubborn.'

'She's already told me off,' said Mianmian with a smile, 'If I'm half as fierce as her one day.'

'A terrifying thought,' said Lan Wangji earning a soft punch to his arm in retaliation, 'I think you're fierce enough as it is. Did she give you the updated times for her treatments? I've booked to work from home for the first three days so I will be here to assist if necessary.'

Mianmian nodded, taking his arm and leading him a little further from the open door. 'She brought up stopping treatment again,' she said, 'I told her she needed to discuss it with you and the doctor and didn't give her my opinion one way or the other. She was very adamant about it.'

Lan Wangji sighed, 'We've had similar discussions recently. We had agreed to do one more and see how she was after and then make a decision but the closer we get to a session, the more against it she becomes. I hate how ill it makes her but the alternative...'

'I know,' said Mianmian gently, 'But she knows her body and the outcome if she stops treatment. If she does become certain that she wants to stop further medical intervention, I've put together an example palliative care plan we can go through. Unless there are complications or her wishes change, we can manage it here, where she feels comfortable.'

'I'll talk to her,' said Lan Wangji, 'But it would be good to know what she can expect. The more information she has, the better.'

'It's never an easy choice,' said Mianmian, 'But she's the one who needs to make it. If you need to talk, I'm here, or I can direct you to the right people. Grief doesn't just start when a life ends. Even before that, it's ok to ask for help if you need it.'

'Thank you. I'm alright for now, I think, but it would be good to have some contacts. Someone for A-Yuan and Jingyi too. They've already dealt with enough in their life.'

'I'll put a list together,' said Mianmian.

They both turned as they heard feet reach the open doorway behind them, seeing A-Yuan with his arms folded and an amused look on his face.

'Năinai says she knows you're gossiping about her,' he said, 'And you should stop lurking in hallways or people will think you're up to something.'

'Maybe we are,' said Mianmian, setting a comforting hand on Lan Wangji's arm briefly before they both headed to the open door and into the comfortable living room, 'A diamond heist maybe.'

'What's a diamond heist?' said A-Yuan, 'Is it fun?'

'Mianmian I can see managing to pull off a heist but your Baba would confess and turn himself in before he'd even done anything wrong. I'll go in his place.'

Mianmian laughed, 'I can see the news headline now. Li Xuanji and Luo Qingyang, lady thieves with only the aid of surgical gloves and metres of sterile bandages.'

Li Xuanji laughed brightly, eyes sparkling despite the darkening beneath them from the fatigue of the day. 'We'd be legends,' she said, 'Will you stay for dinner, Mianmian?'

'Thank you but not tonight,' she replied, 'My babysitter is only booked until seven and I have to grab some groceries before I head home. I will see you on Monday though. Keep up the exercises but gently. I've told Lan Wangji you're doing too much so he and A-Yuan need to pamper you a bit this weekend.'

'I'll take care of Năinai,' said A-Yuan, 'I can read her a story and we can play the quiet board games.'

'I prefer the noisy ones,' said Li Xuanji, sharing an indulgent smile with her grandson, 'Especially when they make your Baba do his grumpy face.'

'Now see what you've started,' said Lan Wangji, 'These two bully me.'

'Well someone has to,' said Mianmian, 'It saves me time. I'd better get going and let you get on with your evening. I'll see myself out.'

It was a sense of familiarity in hearing Mianmian readying to leave in the hallway once their goodbyes had been said, a rhythm they had all fallen into in the twelve months she had been a regular part of their routine. It grounded Lan Wangji a little after the strangeness of the day but he knew the unease that had accompanied him since he had first encountered Wei Wuxian still registered on his face as his mother gave him a calculating look.

'A-Yuan tells me you've had an interesting day,' she said, easing her grandson onto her lap despite his size, 'But that Tuzi will be well again because you've left him with a wizard.'

'Mn. We'll see how much money he magics out of me when he hands me his invoice at the end,' said Lan Wangji, 'I don't think I've ever met such a character.'

'I think he sounds fascinating,' said Li Xuanji, 'A-Yuan says he's very pretty. Would you agree?'

'Mama!'

'What?' she said with feigned innocence, 'I'm curious.'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'He dresses like one of the men in those ridiculous English dramas you like.'

Li Xuanji chuckled, 'That didn't answer the question, A-Zhan,' she said, tickling A-Yuan until he giggled, 'Did Baba think this wizard was pretty, A-Yuan?'

A-Yuan grinned, leaning into whisper in his grandmother's ear, 'He did the scowly face and the low voice talking.'

Li Xuanji laughed, 'Well the jury is out for the moment then,' she said, 'Watch them carefully next time and tell me more.'

'I will,' promised A-Yuan before his stomach grumbled loudly, 'Baba, can we have dinner soon? I'm hungry.'

Lan Wangji smiled at the pleading brown eyes soon turned to him, 'Then I had better feed you,' he said, 'Do you want to help or are you going to stay with Năinai?'

'Stay with Năinai,' said A-Yuan, 'I still have to tell her about the magic toys. Baba thought they were magnets but the wizard said they were magic.'

With A-Yuan happily chattering away with the events of the day, Lan Wangji quickly changed and set about preparing their evening meal. He forced his thoughts away from his conversation with Mianmian when he was alone in the kitchen, not wanting to upset himself or cause his family concern. He tried instead to focus on his editing work, setting the latest piece up on his phone and allowing the text to voice application read it back to him to give him an idea of how many typos he would need to fix along with the general flow of the work even if it was through a tinny, mechanical voice.

However hard he tried though, his mind wandered to the strange street and the toy shop at the end of it. It had felt like stepping out of time, even the noise of the city that was a constant in all things had seemed muted. It felt like the quiet of his uncle's home, set away from the modern world in a village that had protected the more traditional values the much of time had lost. Part of him always hated leaving whenever they visited, despite his uncle's strictness even when they were grown. The pace and the peace both speaking to Lan Wangji in a way the city never did. He was glad such a place had managed to protect itself from the glass and metal that made up everything else, even if it did feel strange to walk through it.

The strangeness though was nothing compared to the toy shop, something ancient and almost watchful in the rows of wooden shelves and the shadowed corners. Though he had seen no sign of technology he began to wonder if Wei Wuxian had had some form of surveillance set up, the feeling of being watched so strong when they had stepped inside and it would be wise for any business owner with such portable commodities as toys to have such as system, especially when disinclined to be present on the shop floor during opening hours.

He tried in vain not to think of the strange man and his all too knowing smile and eyes. He had felt vulnerable in his presence, as though there was nothing he could say that Wei Wuxian would not already know. The vulnerability had not felt threatening though, the man clearly putting on an act for his customers but in no way dangerous with it, instead it had felt frighteningly homely, certain Wei Wuxian would tease him as surely as his own mother did. Still, his example to A-Yuan left much to be desired and Lan Wangji feared still his son's disappointment if Tuzi was not repaired how he hoped he would be when they met with him again.

He blushed despite being alone with his own thoughts as his treacherous mind returned to the soft grey eyes and teasing smile. He knew his mother had seen straight through him when he refused to answer her question about Wei Wuxian's looks. Though he had not given thought in recent years to a relationship, nor held any notable encounters to compare him with, Wei Wuxian's face and build were the archetype that Lan Wangji had always found most desirable in a partner.

He shook away the thought and the foolishness of it as his eyes fell on the row upon row of pill bottles on the shelf above the herd rack. His mother's pills, the ones that kept her alive and as pain free as possible. Set high enough out of A-Yuan's reach due how deadly they could be in the wrong hands. Some he had had to have training to measure and administer. Ones he would be responsible for until the illness that wracked her frail body finally stole her from him. A relationship was the last thing he should be thinking on, least of all based on the temptation of a meeting that had lasted no more than half an hour with a man who was too wildly inappropriate and liable to bring little but chaos in his wake. His son had already borne so much change and more was coming that could not be stopped, he could not even think of bringing another variable into the mix.

The sobering thought was enough to pull his focus back to the task at hand and he was soon calling his family to the table to eat, the conversation thankfully focused on simpler things involving A-Yuan's day at school and his tasks for the weekend.

Despite the comfortable quiet of the evening, as the hour grew later, Lan Wangji could not help but notice his son's fidgeting. When A-Yuan was home, regardless of what he was doing, Tuzi was always at his side but especially in the evening. It had always been one of the best tells of how tired he was. First Tuzi's blue ribbon would be feathered through A-Yuan's fingers, then his soft ear would be gently pressed against his lips. The biggest tell though that A-Yuan needed his bed was when Tuzi would be pressed to his cheek as he sucked his thumb, an action that made him look far younger than a child of nearly seven. It was a habit Lan Wangji had tried to gently coax him away from, especially since his adult teeth had come in, but now, seeing him sat on the sofa and unsure what to do with his hands in Tuzi's absence, he wished for nothing more than the familiar sight before bedtime.

He knew it would only get worse when he tried to put A-Yuan to bed but he knew as well that the more tired he allowed his son to get, the worse missing Tuzi would be for him.

'A-Yuan,' he said as he watched him fidget with his hands once more, 'Time for bed.'

The sheer horror on his son's face when he was usually such a good child when it came to his bed time felt like a knife to Lan Wangji's heart.

'Baba, I...'

'He's safe. Tuzi is safe,' said Lan Wangji, 'Just a couple of nights. You'll be alright.'

A-Yuan's bottom lip trembled before he sat up a little straighter and nodded, 'Just tonight and tomorrow night?'

'And perhaps one more,' said Lan Wangji, 'Tuzi should be fixed by Monday.'

'I know it isn't the same, darling,' said Li Xuanji, 'But you can cuddle one of your other toys and know that Tuzi is being looked after.'

'They won't be right,' said A-Yuan, tears breaking loose and tumbling down his cheeks, 'They won't be right. I want Tuzi! Baba, please go and get Tuzi. I don't want him to be in the shop. He'll be scared. He'll be scared without me. He's never gone to sleep without me in years and years. He'll be so scared. I don't want him to be scared.'

Lan Wangji swept him quickly into his arms, rocking him as he had done when he was small and had first come to live with him. When his new life became all too much and all A-Yuan could do was cry.

'He won't be scared,' he said, 'Wei Wuxian will take care of him. The other toys will take care of him. You said it was magic so they must be able to look after him.'

'But you said they were magnets. Just magnets making the toys move.'

Lan Wangji sighed, stroking his hair, 'That's because I'm old and foolish,' he said, 'I'm sure it was magic and Wei Wuxian knows his shop best. I am sure Tuzi isn't scared or lonely and I know he would not want you to be sad.'

'I can't go to sleep without him.'

'It might feel that way but you will be able to sleep,' said Lan Wangji, 'And, if you can't, you can come and snuggle in with me. I'm not as cosy as Tuzi though.'

A-Yuan's tears quieted a little, his fingers feathering his father's hair. 'I'm scared Baba. I don't like being without him.'

'Nothing can hurt you here, baby,' said Lan Wangji, 'Didn't I promise you that the day you came to live with us. You are so safe.'

'Baba and I are only ever down here or in our bedrooms at night time, A-Yuan,' said Li Xuanji, 'If you need us, you only need to call for us.'

A-Yuan sighed, 'I just want him home.'

'He'll be home soon. Three days. Just three days. I know you can do it,' said Lan Wangji, 'Think how proud Tuzi will be when he hears how brave you've been. I know A-Yuan can be brave.'

'I can be brave,' said A-Yuan, his voice trembling, 'I can be brave.'

'And you can cuddle up with me if you need to,' said Lan Wangji, 'Are you ready to try for bed?'

A-Yuan nodded even if the conviction didn't meet his eyes, slipping off Lan Wangji's lap and heading to hug his grandmother goodnight before he headed up the stairs. Lan Wangji would normally leave him to ready himself and head up when he called out for him to read his bedtime story and settle him for the night but he followed close behind, straightening A-Yuan's bedroom a little as he waited for him to finish in the bathroom.

When he was washed, dressed and snuggled beneath the covers, Lan Wangji balanced the book they had been reading together on his lap as A-Yuan seemed determined to hold on to his hand where he would otherwise cuddle Tuzi. He had almost reached the end of the story when A-Yuan finally fell asleep and it was only many night's practice that allowed Lan Wangji to extricate himself from the vice-like grip without waking him. He tucked the covers a little tighter around him, leaving on the night light that A-Yuan hadn't needed for over a year but hoping its glow would alleviate a little of the worry brought on by his absent toy.

He picked his way carefully down the stairs, pausing at the bottom to listen out for any sound of waking and only turning back to the living room when nothing came.

'Did he settle?' said Li Xuanji, her own eyes heavy in the light from the lamp as she marked her page and closed her book.

'Mn. It took longer than usual but he was tired,' said Lan Wangji, 'I think it will be harder if he wakes in the night though.'

'If he is restless, I can help sitting up with him.'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'You need your sleep too, Mama,' he said, 'And I can manage. I have nothing pressing scheduled for the next few days.'

He saw the stubborn glint in her eye but no further argument came, the two of them settling into a familiar companionable silence as Li Xuanji read and Lan Wangji stared at the empty page of a notebook, the stories that had once flowed so easily onto the page long since absent.

There had been nights when he had stayed up writing until the sunrise. Epic, fantastical tales that he had longed to know the ending of and so wrote and wrote until he reached it. The publishers had warred over him, both his books snapped up with huge advances and good royalties for several years after. He had even revised many stories he had written as a child, his mother quickly offering to illustrate them when she realised his intent and he had loved seeing their work side by side on the page.

Life had chased away so much of his creativity though. Where he had once dreamt of weaving bedtime stories for his son from his own head, he now read from books that others had written. He wondered if it was a talent that would ever return or if that rush of creativity in his youth had run the well dry, leaving him with the memory of success and a career updating punctuation and fixing typos in other people's work.

'You're starting to look far too much like your Shushu when you frown, A-Zhan. It ages you. Stop looking so glum. The stories will come back. You just have a lot going on right now.'

Lan Wangji sighed, setting his notebook aside and turning to find his mother watching him with a gentle smile. With the smallest movement she beckoned him over and he went as easily as he had done when he was A-Yuan's age, kneeling at her feet and laying his head in her lap as she gently stroked his hair.

'This has affected you nearly as much as it has A-Yuan,' she said, 'Talk to me, sweetheart.'

Lan Wangji was silent, putting his thoughts of the day into order before he finally spoke. 'That toy meant everything to him and he's needed it so much more since Huan-Ge and Da-Ge took Jingyi away with them. If I had just come home like we normally did then this wouldn't have happened. He'd be happy.'

Li Xuanji hummed softly, leaning over him, long black hair mingling with his as she pressed a kiss to his head. 'My baby. This isn't your fault. An accident is an accident. You shouldn't feel bad because you changed your routine in the hope of doing something nice for A-Yuan. It has been hard on everyone since the boys went away but they will be home soon.'

'His parents gave him that toy. It's all he has of them. If Wei Wuxian cannot fix it...'

'I am sure he is more than capable if he has offered to,' said Li Xuanji, 'He works with toys and with children, he would not set one up for such a disappointment. I am sure Tuzi will be back in A-Yuan's hands in three days as promised and all will be right in his little world again. This is more than Tuzi though, isn't it? I know what Mianmian was speaking to you about. She and I had a similar conversation earlier. She can help you be prepared.'

'I don't want to think about it.'

'But you must, sweetheart,' said Li Xuanji, 'I'll do this treatment like I promised but I feel ill from that more than I do from my unwelcome visitor now. This treatment will see me through until the boys are home and then...I'm tired, A-Zhan. I'm so tired.'

Lan Wangji raised his head, seeing the dark circles beneath her eyes, the delicate bones of her neck and face that were far more pronounced than ever.

'Forgive me for being selfish,' he said, 'But it's a horrible thing to have to think about and I don't know where to begin.'

'Which is why you should talk more with Mianmian,' said Li Xuanji, 'You pay her for her help and that doesn't just mean her making me comfortable. She has some good resources on hand that will allow you to prepare for everything. There's no shame in talking to someone if you need to, especially with A-Huan away. Don't bottle things up. It isn't good for you.'

Lan Wangji blinked back the tears that came to his eyes as she cradled her face in his hand. 'Even now you're the one taking care of me when it should be the other way around.'

'I gave you life, A-Zhan. It is my job to care for you and you do so much more than you realise for me in return. Just promise me you will speak to Mianmian. I know it isn't a nice subject but the more you know and the more resources you have on hand to help you through it, the better and easier it will be. This is coming. We can't say exactly when but this is coming and I need you to be ready.'

Lan Wangji nodded. 'Not tonight though. Today has been enough.'

'I'll agree with you there,' said Li Xuanji, stifling a yawn with the back of her hand, 'I think I will head up to bed.'

Lan Wangji nodded, getting to his feet and helping her to hers, tucking her hand into his elbow as he helped her to the stairs.

'Usually you are telling me off for not using the wheelchair,' said Li Xuanji.

'Not tonight,' said Lan Wangji again, 'You know better than everyone tonight and if you want to walk, then you can walk. As for the stairs though...'

He laughed as Li Xuanji stifled as yelp as he swept her into his arms as they reached the bottom of the stairs.

'A-Zhan! Your poor back. We have a stairlift for a reason.'

'Mn. For A-Yuan to play on most of the time, it seems,' he said, 'And my back is fine. I thought you liked being treated like a princess.'

Li Xuanji shook her head, 'I have an impossible son,' she said, hooking her arms securely around his neck as he began to climb the stairs.

He made no mention that she felt lighter than A-Yuan in his arms, her naturally slim body growing reed-like since the illness and its punishing treatment had taken hold. It took no effort at all to carry her up the stairs and into her room, sitting her down opposite the ornate dressing table he had often sat beside when he was small, watching his already beautiful mother turn herself into something glorious before the glass. He could still see the same beauty in her as their eyes met in the mirror, the same sparkling eyes and sure smile that had been the constants in the tumult of his life.

'I'll only be a moment,' he said, squeezing her shoulders gently before heading to the small en-suite bathroom.

Mianmian, as ever, had left everything tidy and in its place, Lan Wangji always having appreciated her diligence in leaving the house just as organised as Lan Wangji and his mother liked it. The usual lotion and a fresh soft towel were waiting beside the elegant ceramic bowl his mother had chosen months before, refusing anything plastic or medical looking in an effort to remove them all from the reality of the situation they were in.

Lan Wangji let the tap run until the water came through pleasantly warm, filling the bowl before carrying it and the other necessities back into the room with him.

He met his mother's gaze once more in the mirror, seeing her hastily push aside whatever thoughts had been plaguing her in his absence but he knew she saw the worry in him all the same, a brighter smile coming to her lips with a small laugh at being caught.

'Do you need to talk to someone too?' he said, setting the bowl on the dresser, 'I'm going to force you to take your own advice.'

'I am speaking to a counsellor at the hospital next week. It's already arranged,' said Li Xuanji, 'And despite our previous difficulties, your Shushu has been a valuable help. I'll call him tomorrow and burden him with my woes.'

'I am sure he will have many of his own complaints to share,' said Lan Wangji, his fingers coming to rest against her temples, 'Ready?'

Li Xuanji nodded and Lan Wangji gently lifted away the long, silky wig, setting it carefully on the mannequin head on the dressing table.

'I wish, in its infinite wisdom, that the universe had not sought to give me such a pointy skull if it was going to render me hairless too,' said Li Xuanji, rubbing her hand over the smooth skin and soft patches of hair on her head, 'I look like a pencil.'

Lan Wangji laughed softly, 'An artist who looks like a pencil,' he said, 'Fitting. Are there any sore points today?'

Li Xuanji shook her head, 'It's not so bad when the weather is a little cooler.'

'Good,' said Lan Wangji, 'Still best to wear a scarf over the weekend though. Give yourself a rest.'

Li Xuanji laughed, 'Which one of us is the parent?'

'You take care of me and I take care of you,' said Lan Wangji, meeting her eyes in the mirror.

Their nightly routine was well practised; Lan Wangji helping his mother care for the skin that was left sensitive and delicate by her treatment before he prepared her nightly medication as she readied herself for bed in the bathroom. Though she did not always need his help, it had become a comforting routine whether it was necessary or not, several quiet moments at the end of every day that felt precious even in their repetitiveness.

When Li Xuanji settled herself into bed, Lan Wangji headed to his own. There were some nights he would return to his study downstairs to try and work but he knew the words would not come that night and instead readied himself for bed and reached for a book once he was warm beneath the covers.

He had barely passed the first page when he heard the familiar pad of feet coming to a stop beside the door.

He looked up with a smile, tugging the covers open beside him as A-Yuan shuffled over to the bed, sleepy and warm but seeking comfort all the same. He set aside his book and turned off the lamp as his lay down beside his son, ensuring the covers were wrapped warmly around them both.

'Baba,' said A-Yuan after several moments of quiet, 'Do you think Tuzi is really alright?'

'I'm sure he is,' said Lan Wangji, 'Wei Wuxian is magic after all.'

'He is you know,' said A-Yuan, 'He is magic, Baba.'

'Then you know Tuzi is safe with him,' said Lan Wangji, pressing a kiss to his son's head, 'Go to sleep.'

A-Yuan soon tucked himself close to his side, his fingers feathering his hair as they usually did Tuzi's blue ribbon, his breathing soon growing deep and even as he fell back to sleep. Lan Wangji took a moment to breathe in the scent of his hair, remembering the first night A-Yuan had curled up to sleep with him. The first night he had ever called him Baba.

As he let his own eyes fall closed, he didn't shake away the image of grey eyes and a teasing smile that fell across his mind, keeping them with him as he too answered the pull of sleep.

Chapter Text

It had not been the easiest of weekends. A-Yuan had been restless even in Lan Wangji's bed, waking several times in the night with tears of upset and frustration that only grew worse with the lack of rest. During the day, when he would usually be happily playing and helping around the house, he was morose and snappish, refusing to settle to anything even with Lan Wangji or Li Xuanji trying to entertain him.

For the first time since A-Yuan had become his son, Lan Wangji found himself longing for the school day to begin. Feeling stretched thin with lack of sleep and the effort of offering as much understanding as he could to his distraught child. He could only hope that he would hear from Wei Wuxian that Tuzi had been fixed and could be collected after school had finished, bringing back the usual harmony the house enjoyed.

He had left his son doing a fine impression of a starfish across his bed, deeply asleep despite having been sobbing in Lan Wangji's arms not two hours before. Too used to rising first in order to prepare breakfast and his mother's medication, Lan Wangji had been unable to fall back to sleep despite his tiredness. With the night still refusing the relinquish to the day, he prepared breakfast for them all and a lunch for A-Yuan, almost by muscle memory alone.

He had only put the television on for background noise, worried the silence and his tiredness would be a dangerous pairing; the chatter of the presenters on the early morning magazine show enough to keep his mind present. When the local news began to play, he turned his attention to it a little more, the stories nothing unusual for a city of their size and he had almost tuned it out once more when the traffic report began to play, talking about a major backlog on one of the main artery roads that led across the bridge. At first he thought only to be grateful that they were close enough to walk to A-Yuan's school rather than drive in but then the image of the car causing the traffic jam came on the screen and he paused to listen more intently as he recognised it as the one that had nearly run them down days before.

'...the driver claims his car was in perfect working order prior to reaching the centre of the bridge where he came to a halt across both carriageways, making it difficult for emergency vehicles to reach the site and commence recovery. It was later discovered that the man had no insurance and his license had been suspended for other motoring offences. He has been taken into police custody whilst recovery teams attempt to reopen the bridge. Expect further delays for several more hours and plan your journey accordingly.

Lan Wangji felt no small sense of satisfaction settle in him that the driver who had caused so much harm and could have done far more with his carelessness would be held accountable for his actions by unlucky chance. He sympathised with the other drivers though as the camera panned on to the tailbacks either side of the bridge that would no doubt be making the surrounding roads impassable too.

The programme moved on to an autumn fashion segment, Lan Wangji turning his attention back to the morning, hearing the familiar whirr of the stairlift before the equally familiar sound of his son's laughter as Li Xuanji let him ride it down the stairs first. By the time both arrived in the kitchen, the sun was filling the room and Lan Wangji was placing the final dishes on the table, tiredness washed away as his arms were filled with the sleep warm body of his son.

'Baba. Năinai let me ride the lift first to make sure it was working properly.'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'The lift that was only serviced two weeks ago,' he said, seeing his mother's unrepentant smile, 'I suppose we should be careful with Năinai and always make sure.'

'I wore the seatbelt,' said A-Yuan, before he whispered, 'Năinai didn't.'

'It wrinkles my dress,' said Li Xuanji, smoothing out the front of her dressing gown with a laugh, 'You're up early.'

'Mn. I had a wriggling octopus in my bed and couldn't get back to sleep.'

'I don't wriggle, Baba,' said A-Yuan, pulling out Li Xuanji's chair for her, 'Don't forget to take your medicine, Năinai.'

'I shan't with young Lan-yisheng in the house,' said Li Xuanji, sitting down and frowning at the selection laid out before her, 'I swear they add more just so I rattle and they know when I'm coming.'

'You should get squishy ones like me,' said A-Yuan, picking up the children's vitamin supplement from his own plate and chewing it, 'They do orange ones if you don't like strawberry.'

'Perhaps Năinai can suggest it at her next appointment,' said Lan Wangji, sitting down with them and helping A-Yuan to ready his plate.

'Have you heard about Tuzi yet, Baba?'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'And I doubt I will until later,' he said, 'Hopefully I will know by the time it comes to fetch you from school.'

'Can we go to the toy shop after school? I want to show Năinai.'

'I don't know if...'

'I think that sounds like a wonderful idea,' said Li Xuanji, an eyebrow raised in challenge to her son as she waited for his argument, 'The doctors are always on at me to get some fresh air and Mianmian only comes in the morning. I can come with Baba to meet you from school and then you can take me to meet this magician of yours.'

Lan Wangji knew better than to argue with the woman before him, her stubbornness inherent but also hard learned over years of fighting for herself and for her sons. It was her stubbornness that had shielded them from their father's destructive influences, that had given them as normal a childhood as it had been possible for them to have with all that was being played out around them. It had given her the strength to work two or three jobs at a time and still find time to read him and his brother a bedtime story every night and make them breakfast every morning. It was the strength that had helped her fight the disease raging through her twice and to do so again even with the end unavoidable.

Lan Wangji knew he was proud to possess even a little of the strength the woman before him had.

'That's settled then,' he said, before turning his attention back to his son, 'Eat. You have to get ready for school soon.'

At least the prospect, if not the promise, of being reunited with his toy improved A-Yuan's mood and Lan Wangji was able to get him to school with the minimal amount of fuss. When his mother's illness had taken hold, he had rearranged his working hours around A-Yuan's schooling, his job luckily one that could be done from any location and at any time of the day. Mondays had fast become a day where Lan Wangji worked from home and he was glad for the promised peace of his study rather than the chatter of an office after the weekend.

Mianmian was already at the house by the time he returned, the familiar chatter of her and his mother echoing down the stairs from the spare room where Lan Wangji had installed all that was needed for his mother's therapy sessions. He called up to them, receiving greetings in return, before heading into his own office, closing the door behind him and basking in the quiet that soon surrounded him.

The book lined room was airy and bright, the windows facing out onto the garden that was beginning to turn with the coming autumn. The drawing of Tuzi that was taped to one of the shelves, beneath an empty vase and a picture of Li Xuanji and Lan Qiren that A-Yuan had taken on their last visit, reminded him to leave his phone turned up rather and in view rather than tucked away in his drawer when he worked, not wanting to miss the notification that the toy was finally ready to be collected.

The text he had been tasked to edit was engaging at least with just enough errors to keep him interested and focused whilst not vexing him too much with the levels of incompetence he was sometimes treated to. It meant the morning passed quickly, Mianmian popping in briefly to say her goodbyes after finishing her morning, followed an hour or so later by his mother persuading him to have lunch with her.

Though he checked his phone on several occasions, there was no message from Wei Wuxian or Jiang Yanli as his intermediary and he began to worry that he would be collecting A-Yuan from school without news on Tuzi.

He had not got as far as asking his mother to send him a message from the next room to check his phone was working but it was a close thing when his phone finally beeped with a number that wasn't in his contacts list.

Lan Wangji, this is Jiang Yanli. A-Xian asked me to send you some pictures of Tuzi and to ask you to come round this afternoon at your convenience.

Several images followed, the scattered workbench at the back of Wei Wuxian's shop in the background but it was Tuzi's image that amazed Lan Wangji. The toy was almost perfect to the finest detail, any damage from the accident invisible in the pictures Jiang Yanli had sent him.

A-Xian asked if you had more of the blue ribbon that Tuzi was wearing around his neck as he could not find the shade to match.

Lan Wangji felt an odd sort of disquietude settle over him at the words. The ribbon. The blue silk ribbon that A-Yuan had tied around Tuzi's neck, tongue poking out of the corner of his mouth in concentration as he had tried to fasten the bow perfectly. Lan Wangji had cut the length of the ribbon from one he had worn in his hair the day he had met A-Yuan in the children's home for the first time and known, without a moment's hesitation, that they were meant to be father and son. When A-Yuan had felt comfortable enough to sit close with Lan Wangji, his fingers had taken to feathering the ribbon as gently as he did Tuzi's ear. He hadn't asked for it but Lan Wangji had offered it all the same. A ribbon from his new Baba to tie around the beloved toy A-Yuan's parents had given him before fate had stolen them too soon. He had kept the other half in the top drawer of his desk, in the envelope that had held the confirmation that he had been accepted to adopt his son.

How had Wei Wuxian known that the precious ribbon had not been part of the original design of the toy or to request another length of it with such certainty that Lan Wangji would have it? He shook his head, certain that the toy maker had looked up the original toy and seen it had come without a ribbon and made the assumption that Lan Wangji might have procured it later.

He opened his desk drawer, pulling out the envelope that had been worn a little thin in places where Lan Wangji had checked and double checked it so many times in the intervening days between its receipt and A-Yuan finally coming home with him, certain he had dreamed the happiness it had brought with it. The ribbon inside was pristine, the opposite half to what had been around Tuzi's neck for so long, and he folded it neatly, slipping it into his pocket before sending a message back to Jiang Yanli.

Thank you for the images. Please inform Wei Wuxian that we will come to the shop after school finishes this afternoon. I anticipate we will arrive around half past four.

The smiling face emoji he received in return placed an answering one on his, remembering the kindness of the woman who had assisted them when he felt his young son would never be happy again. He remembered his mother's wish to accompany them and wondered if she would also enjoy a visit to the small cafe that he and A-Yuan had not had the chance to fully enjoy on their last visit. He shook away the thought though, the visit to the toy shop no doubt adding at least an hour onto their day and A-Yuan had not slept well all weekend, Lan Wangji wanting to get him back to a more structured routine as quickly as he could.

He turned back to his work but his thoughts kept shifting to the toy shop and the intriguing, infuriating man it contained. Their meeting had been brief and businesslike the last time they had met, Lan Wangji more focused on doing something to ease A-Yuan's heartbreak, but he had been curious about the shop and how it worked. The sensations he had felt both in the street and in the shop itself had been alien but also familiar in a way he could not describe. The knowing grey eyes had felt too clever, too knowing, making Wei Wuxian feel far older than his appearance or antics would own. Closer to the crackling old man who had tumbled down the stairs before revealing the handsome young face he truly wore.

He realised he had been staring absently at the screen, the words making little sense to him as he got lost in his own thoughts. Though it was a few minutes earlier than he would usually finish to collect A-Yuan, he marked his place on the document and saved it before closing down his computer. He ran a hand over his face, the tiredness of the weekend hanging heavily around him though he knew, in truth it went deeper than a few restless nights with A-Yuan. His body and soul had been tired since he had sat beside his mother in the doctor's office and the words cancer, metastatic, and three year median survival rate had been uttered two and a half years beforehand.

He pushed away from the desk, getting to his feet and smoothing the creases in the thin blue jumper, wondering if he should change into something more appropriate. He almost laughed at the images his mind provided as being more appropriate, pocketing his phone alongside the ribbon as he left his study as he spared a glance to the drawing of Tuzi on the bookcase and hoping it would not be too long before the real thing was back in his son's arms.

'...It's just here, Năinai. You have to go behind the wall. There's lots of stalls and people selling things and it smells like a party and everyone smiles and...'

'A-Yuan. Năinai is going to see it in a few seconds and you are going to be worn out before we reach the toy shop,' said Lan Wangji, glad the passageway to the street the toy shop stood on wasn't too narrow for his mother's wheelchair as he negotiated it through.

'He's just excited,' said Li Xuanji, 'As am I. This is a good adventure.'

'I'll ask him to do magic for you,' said A-Yuan, 'The toys move by magic.'

'I can't wait to see it,' said Li Xuanji as they emerged onto the street with its plethora of colourful stalls, 'Oh! Its beautiful. I've never...we've lived here so long and I never knew this place existed. We must have walked past it a hundred times. We used to walk down the road to get to your swimming lessons, do you remember, A-Zhan?'

'I suppose we never thought to look this way and it's not easy to see from the main road,' said Lan Wangji, keeping an eye on A-Yuan as he ran ahead of them a little, flitting from stall to stall.

The traders were kind, chatting happily to A-Yuan as he approached them, some of them catching Lan Wangji's eye with a smile. There was no pressure in their sales technique, those other customers surrounding the stalls able to peruse and chat without any forceful sales patter that was all too apparent elsewhere. It felt as though they were just happy to have customers to talk to rather than any pressing need to sell and Lan Wangji hoped many would be open once they had finished in the toy shop.

Though A-Yuan's curiosity drew him to the stalls, he did not waste much time in reaching the door of the toy shop, the windows illuminated and the display changed, this time filled with many colourful marionettes, each sporting traditional dress from several different countries. As they drew closer, Lan Wangji heard the faint, tinkling music from the small music box set beside the puppets, shaped like a map of the planets that rotated as it played. As they watched, the marionettes began to dance of their own accord to the music, their movements a little jerky from the strings that held them up but perfectly in time for the tune.

A-Yuan took hold of his grandmother's hand as she pointed out the different costumes and the countries they came from, the both of them laughing at some of the silly positions the marionettes were manipulated into. Lan Wangji tried to peer beyond the glass to find the mechanism that connected them all, too many puppets for Wei Wuxian to be controlling alone and no doubt relying on some sort of mechanical aide, especially if the puppets continued their dance all day.

As the music came to an end, the marionettes all paused and bowed to their audience before returning to their lifeless state, suspended by the strings.

'That was great,' said A-Yuan, 'Come on Năinai, come inside.'

A-Yuan had just reached for the door when it opened, the boy stepping back as a mother and daughter stepped out, the daughter clutching a brown paper bag that had several colourful streamers trailing from it. It was the mother though that gave Lan Wangji pause, a little older than he was but clutching a brown teddy bear to her chest as though it were the most precious thing in the world to her. Her face a mix of surprise and relief as they disappeared amongst the colourful stalls.

'I do believe that is young Lan Yuan in my doorway. Come in, come in. I have someone who is very excited to see you again. I'm very glad you made it. I heard there was some terrible trouble with traffic this morning.'

Wei Wuxian's voice echoed through the open doorway, beckoning A-Yuan inside who went without a moment's hesitation. Lan Wangji followed, glad the doorway did not have any sort of lip to navigate with the wheelchair, the interior brighter than it had been when they had arrived three days before. Several of the toys were animated, the car rolling back and forth as it had done before, but Lan Wangji's attention was equally caught by the cannon shooting at a large fort, scattering bricks and dust in its wake. Great wooden birds flapped above their heads on strings, cawing with rough mechanical voices. A little woodcutter, moved to and from his log pile, carrying one over and placing it down before taking up his axe and chopping it in two, the neat pieces disappearing into the mechanism below as he returned for another piece of wood.

The largest addition to the room though was a train track that wound over several surfaces, disappearing into the walls. Models of mountains, tunnels, stations, villages and fields were set beside the tracks, lights shining in the buildings and a little ski lift carried tiny wooden figures up the snow covered mountain that reached a good half metre above Lan Wangji's head.

'This place is wonderful,' said Li Xuanji, 'I've never seen anything like it.'

'Lan Wangji,' said Wei Wuxian as he rounded a set of shelves, top hat and tail coat glittering in the light from the toys, 'I didn't realise you were a father of two.'

A-Yuan laughed brightly, 'That's my Năinai!' he said, 'Isn't she pretty?'

'Ah it is never wise for a man to speak on a lady's appearance, especially before they are properly introduced, but I cannot claim wisdom so, yes, A-Yuan, she is indeed pretty,' said Wei Wuxian, sweeping the hat from his head as he bowed low, 'My name is Wei Wuxian and I am pleased to meet you.'

'Li Xuanji,' she replied with a smile, 'A-Zhan and A-Yuan have told me a lot about you.'

'A-Zhan?' said Wei Wuxian before he smiled brightly, 'So Lan Wangji must be your author name then. What else are you hiding from me, Lan Zhan?'

The name was jarring to hear spoken aloud but Lan Wangji could not say it was unwelcome, the sounds tripping playfully but gently from Wei Wuxian's lips, the small smile that followed carrying a little shyness as though asking permission for its use.

'I have concealed nothing,' said Lan Wangji, 'I use Lan Wangji professionally and am used to offering that name when asked. You have made some changes to the shop.'

'Keeps me out of mischief,' said Wei Wuxian with a smile, before he beckoned them deeper between the shelves, 'Come, everything is ready for you.'

A table was laid out in waiting just in front of the desk that separated the room from Wei Wuxian's workshop, this time curtained off rather than the haphazard spread of tools being on display. The train track bisected it, Wei Wuxian waving a hand so one of the bridges from the shelving to the table opened to allow him and A-Yuan to pass through to the chairs on the other side, closing again once they were through.

Lan Wangji frowned as he realised the table was set for four, not having mentioned to either Wei Wuxian at their last visit or to Jiang Yanli that he would be bringing his mother with him but a place was set for her all the same. Li Xuanji waved away his help as she rose from the wheelchair, her steps a little hesitant but balanced as she took a seat in the chair opposite her grandson, leaving Lan Wangji to sit before Wei Wuxian once he had moved the wheelchair safely to one side.

Wei Wuxian clapped his hands together, rubbing them together as he smiled. 'Now then,' he said, 'To business. I think you left me with someone very special when you last came to see me, didn't you A-Yuan?'

'Tuzi,' said A-Yuan softly, his eyes bright with excitement, 'Baba said you fixed him.'

Wei Wuxian nodded. 'I did,' he said, sharing a bright smile with the boy next to him as A-Yuan beamed, 'He was very brave and he told me how much he loved you and wanted to come back to you. I can't promise he will be exactly like he was before but he said he felt like his old self so I am sure you will love him just the same. He's a very special toy, isn't he?'

A-Yuan nodded, 'He's my best friend,' he said, 'I love him.'

'I want to show you someone very special too,' said Wei Wuxian, picking up a doll from the table that Lan Wangji had assumed was an abandoned project.

The small wooden doll was shorter than Wei Wuxian's forearm, face carved and painted with the eyes a little off centre and a mouth too large for its face. One leg hung lower than the other beneath the off white linen clothes, robes of sorts but designed without much knowledge of garment making, the stitching visible and the material fraying where it was unfinished.

'I called him Mo Xuanyu,' said Wei Wuxian, setting the doll in A-Yuan's hands, 'And he is the first toy I ever made when I was not much bigger than you. He's not perfect but he is still my favourite. He has kept me company here for a very long time. He took care of me when there was no one else, protected me when I was afraid. He's listened to all my hopes and my dreams and he has promised to always make the journey with me. Xuanyu is to me, what Tuzi is to you. A special toy. The special toy. The one who will always be there. The one you will always remember even when you are older and grown up and the magic feels a little bit dimmer.'

'He's beautiful,' said A-Yuan, stroking a finger down the doll's face, 'He feels like you feel. He's safe and funny and good.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'He's going to help us today,' he said, 'He's going to bring Tuzi back to you but he needs a little bit of magic to help him along. Do you think you can help me with that?'

'But I'm not magic,' said A-Yuan, 'I'm just normal.'

'Everyone is magic,' said Wei Wuxian, 'You are magic, you're Năinai is magic, even your Baba is magic. Where do you think all his words and stories come from? Everyone can do magic. They just have to believe. So you believe, Lan Yuan, and let's bring Tuzi home to you.'

'What do I need to do?'

'Tell Xuanyu all the things that make Tuzi real,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And then he can go and get him for you.'

A-Yuan looked hesitantly down at the doll in his hands and Lan Wangji was a breath away from telling him that he did not have to speak to it before his small voice cut him off.

'He feels softer when I'm sad or tired,' whispered A-Yuan to the doll, 'He smells like me and Baba and Năinai and our house. His eyes are sparkly when the nightlight is on. He always feels warm. He reminds me that my Mama and my other Baba loved me lots and lots and didn't want to go away. He loves me and takes care of me when I'm scared. He makes me be brave. Is...is that enough?'

'More than enough,' said Wei Wuxian, his smile soft as he lay a hand on A-Yuan's head before he lifted the doll from his hands, 'Xuanyu has more than enough I think. Shall we ask him to fetch Tuzi?'

'Yes please,' said A-Yuan, a small gasp escaping him as he looked away down the train track.

Lan Wangji turned his head in the same direction as he heard the fluting whistle and the soft chugging of a steam engine, the red train rolling towards them with steam billowing from its stack. It gleamed in the light of the room, looking almost freshly painted as it ground to a halt on the table between them, two small open carriages behind it.

A-Yuan clapped his hands in delight. 'It stopped all by itself!'

'For just long enough for Xuanyu to get on board and go to fetch Tuzi,' said Wei Wuxian, setting the doll in the open carriage, sitting him upright, 'Give it a little push.'

A-Yuan pressed a finger against the back of the train which gave a small whistle before it headed off down the track, disappearing into one of the many tunnels in the shelves.

'What happens now?' said A-Yuan.

'Now you make a wish,' said Wei Wuxian, 'So that all the things you told me that made Tuzi real are restored to him. Can you do that for me?'

A-Yuan nodded.

'Good boy. Now close your eyes and count to three.'

Lan Wangji felt his mother's hand slip into his as A-Yuan screwed his eyes shut tightly, lips moving silently in his wish. He spared a look at her, her smile soft and loving but with the tinge of sadness that never seemed to leave her. He knew she gathered moments like treasures, always fearing that it might be her last chance to witness them. Though Wei Wuxian's display seemed entirely unnecessary, Lan Wangji saw the joy it brought to both his son and his mother, and was grateful for it all the same.

As he looked once more at the toy maker himself though, he could not miss the joy in his face as well. Though he seemed peculiar in his ways, his passion for his work and the delight it gave shone through. His smile nearly as bright as A-Yuan's as he watched the little boy count slowly to three.

The steam train whistle heralded its return, the doll of Mo Xuanyu sat in the first carriage and the familiar stuffed rabbit in the carriage behind.

'Open your eyes, A-Yuan,' said Wei Wuxian as the train came to a halt before them.

A-Yuan hesitated for only a moment before he opened his eyes, his bottom lip trembling as he reached for his beloved toy. His fingers brushed gently down one floppy ear before he caught it up and hugged it fiercely to him.

'Tuzi!' he cried, 'Tuzi! Tuzi! Tuzi! I got you back.'

The tears that fell were joyful ones but Lan Wangji could not help the answering ones in his own eyes. He smiled, mouthing a silent thank you as Wei Wuxian looked his way, receiving a genuine smile in return that lacked any of the usual cheek or tease and Lan Wangji would be lying if it did not add another layer of attraction to the already handsome face.

'Baba! Năinai! Look! He's all better, ' said A-Yuan, pressing his face into Tuzi's plush fur, 'He smells right and he looks right and he's so warm.'

'I promised I would put him right for you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'A more noble toy I have never met. He has told me a great deal about you and your adventures. You need to concentrate more in your maths lessons.'

It was an easy guess, more than one child struggling with mathematics at A-Yuan's age but the fact that it was the one subject that his teacher always had concerns over sent a small shiver up Lan Wangji's spine before he shook it away.

'I hope Tuzi hasn't been telling all our secrets,' said Li Xuanji, 'May I look at him, A-Yuan?'

He quickly passed the toy over to his grandmother, smiling as she pressed a kiss between the floppy ears.

'Thank you for coming back to us, Tuzi,' she said, 'I'm sure you enjoyed your adventure in this wonderful shop though. It is good to have him in one piece again.'

'He's not quite complete though,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I believe Yanli-Jiejie asked you to bring a ribbon along, Lan Zhan. Would you like to take it out of your pocket?'

The same shiver raced up Lan Wangji's spine as he reached into his pocket and retrieved the ribbon from within, holding it between his fingers as though it were some talisman against the uncanny ability of the man before him.

'Baba's ribbon,' said A-Yuan, 'He gave Tuzi a bow when I came to live with him. Something from my new Baba to show how much he loved me. Can you tie him a new bow, Baba? Please?'

Lan Wangji nodded, taking Tuzi from his mother's hands, the weight of it achingly familiar as he turned it over and over, searching for signs that it had been mended. He could have almost assumed it was a brand new toy were it not for the familiar wear on Tuzi's ear where A-Yuan fussed it, or the thin line of blue marker on one foot where A-Yuan had been careless with his pens. The only sign of any repair were a couple of larger stitches down one seam that felt almost deliberate to show a repair had been done, unnecessary to actually hold the material together.

He set Tuzi down on the tabletop, smoothing the ribbon between his fingers before wrapping it carefully around his neck and tying it in a bow.

'There,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Now he is perfect.'

'Can I have him, Baba?' said A-Yuan, holding his hands out for the toy and cuddling him tightly as Lan Wangji passed him over, 'He says thank you for fixing him.'

'He is very welcome. I think Xuanyu liked having some new company,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Perhaps he has something else for us. Would you like to send the train off again, A-Yuan?'

A-Yuan pushed the train again, watching it chug away into the depths of the shop.

'You certainly have an interesting shop here,' said Li Xuanji, 'I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. I was saying to A-Zhan as we came in that we've lived here for so many years and never knew this place was here.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'Tucked away here, we avoid too many people bothering us,' he said, 'We like our ways and how things are without anyone telling us the world has changed so we should. I believe those that need us though, find us in their own time. This place is special. It always has been.'

'Have you always worked here?' said Li Xuanji.

Wei Wuxian nodded, 'I was born upstairs and learned my craft from the moment I could stand,' he said, 'My parents had this place before it came to me.'

'Have they retired?'

Wei Wuxian shook his head with a sad smile, 'They died a very long time ago, longer than I think I can remember in fact,' he said, waving away any apology, 'Look at what they gave me though. What better place to live and to belong than here with all the wonder and magic that only toys can bring. Ah, here we are.'

The train pulled onto the table once more, this time with extra carriages bearing a steaming pot of tea and several delicate looking cakes that looked similar to those in Jiang Yanli's shop.

'It isn't often that I entertain but I would be delighted if you would join me before you head home,' he said, 'If tea isn't to your liking, I could find something stronger.'

'I'm afraid A-Zhan and I are driving,' said Li Xuanji, pointing to the wheelchair tucked away to the side and receiving a peal of brilliant laughter from Wei Wuxian in return that seemed to brighten the lights in the shop around them.

'Well then, tea it is,' said Wei Wuxian, 'So long as Lan Zhan wishes to join us too.'

It felt odd to be taking tea with someone he had only engaged for a service he was yet to pay for but Lan Wangji gladly nodded his acceptance along side his family, helping to remove things from the train before it puffed away from the table once more.

The conversation was light as they ate and drank, Wei Wuxian entertaining them with several slight of hand tricks that had A-Yuan wide eyed with amazement and even Lan Wangji struggling to explain several of the tricks he performed at close quarters. A-Yuan finished eating quicker than the rest of them, fidgeting at the table before asking permission to explore the shop which was quickly granted.

It was not long before Li Xuanji rose to join her grandson, waving away any assistance as she followed the sound of his voice between the shelves. Turning back briefly to offer her son a teasing smile that made her appear far younger as she disappeared amongst the toys.

Lan Wangji wanted to make an excuse to follow them but politeness and the weight of Wei Wuxian's gaze kept him in place, feeling vulnerable but equally unthreatened in the presence of the man who seemed to know them far more than a few mere hours of acquaintance would usually allow.

'I read some of your stories,' said Wei Wuxian after several long beats of silence, 'You are a great storyteller, Lan Zhan. I wonder why you find it so necessary to see magnets where you should see magic.'

Lan Wangji sighed, 'Because there are a lot more magnets in the world than there is magic,' he said, 'In a place like this, maybe that rule is changed but out there...'

'The great out there,' said Wei Wuxian, 'It's an enigma to me. Here is my reality. This shop, this street. All mine. I find it suits me quite well.'

'You fit in, certainly,' said Lan Wangji, trying to bite back the question he wanted to ask but his curiosity won out, 'Which stories did you read?'

'A few of the shorter ones. The Little Girl Who Stole the Wind was my favourite, I bet it's A-Yuan's too.'

Lan Wangji nodded with a smile, 'It is,' he said, 'He could quote it word for word within three months of coming home with me.'

'You understood magic once, I think, to write something like that,' said Wei Wuxian, 'To dream of someone capturing the power of the wind only to realise how much joy that has been stolen from the world with it gone. You understood the spirit of childhood once.'

'I was a much younger man when I wrote it,' said Lan Wangji, 'A lot has changed.'

He dared not look over his shoulder in search of this mother and son, his stories exchanged for time for them both.

'The one about the boy who discovers he's a robot was...moving,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Though I prefer clockwork to electronics. Perhaps you could write a story about a boy who was made out of wood and cogs and a mother's wish.'

Lan Wangji heard the strange melancholy in Wei Wuxian's voice but any question was chased away as A-Yuan's giggle echoed through the shop, followed by the sound of birds chirping.

'He's found the music boxes,' said Wei Wuxian with a smile, 'I had to teach myself how to make those. My mother only ever made one.'

'The one in the window was very pretty,' said Lan Wangji, 'The mechanism must have taken you forever.'

Wei Wuxian grinned, 'Or moments, if it was magic,' he said before he laughed, 'I won't ask you to decide which.'

'Well mechanics or not, you certainly managed a little magic today,' said Lan Wangji, 'Thank you for fixing Tuzi. A-Yuan has been lost without him. How much do I owe you?'

Wei Wuxian shook his head, 'I cannot put a price on something like that,' he said, 'Tuzi is too special and it is payment enough to see him reunited with a family such as yours. There's no further charge.'

'Nonsense,' said Lan Wangji, 'A repair like that...'

'Was a welcome challenge to my skills,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And I have enjoyed meeting you all because of it. If you wish to pay me then remember it as a kindness and pay it forward to someone in need. I have no need for your money, Lan Zhan, but there are so many people in need of help. Take care of them instead.'

'I will,' promised Lan Wangji, 'Though I too cannot put a price on what you've done for us. It is hard to know where to begin in repaying it in kind to others.'

'You'll know the people in need when you meet them,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I'm sure of it.'

'Come and sit down, Năinai.'

Lan Wangji got to his feet as he heard the concern in his son's voice, hurrying over as they appeared with Li Xuanji holding onto the shelving a little as she walked.

'I'm fine,' she said, 'I just stood up a little quickly from where we were looking at the music boxes. I'll be fine in a moment.'

'We should get you home,' said Lan Wangji.

'I'm fine, A-Zhan,' she said, 'Don't fuss. I'm not made of glass.'

Lan Wangji wanted to argue the contrary but the stubbornness in her voice stopped him as he guided her back to the chair.

'Take a drink,' said Wei Wuxian, pouring the tea once more, 'It's still hot and should make you feel a little better. Can I get you anything else?'

Li Xuanji took his hand once he had set the cup in front of her. 'I'm fine, but thank you.'

'Can you fix Năinai like you fixed Tuzi?' said A-Yuan.

Wei Wuxian shook his head, covering Li Xuanji's hand with his free one, 'If only I had such skill,' he said, 'I would in a moment but I'm afraid I must disappoint you, A-Yuan.'

'Can you try? Please?'

'I'm sorry,' said Wei Wuxian before he smiled, 'But perhaps there is something else I can do?'

The whistle of the train came a moment later, trundling back towards the table with another doll sat beside Mo Xuanyu in the carriage. With a delicate porcelain face, dressed in old-fashioned clothes, it was a beautiful doll, one Lan Wangji felt as though he had seen before but he could not call to memory where.

A photograph. A little girl with the doll on her lap.

His mother's gasp startled him, her face delighted as she plucked the doll from the train the moment it came to a stop, cradling it in her arms.

'Su Su,' she said, 'She's just like my Su Su. I had her when I was small but she broke. How did you know?'

'Didn't A-Yuan tell you I was magic?' said Wei Wuxian with a wink, 'And all lost toys have a place here but I think Su Su should go home with you.'

Li Xuanji's smile and widened gaze almost rivalled her grandson's as she looked between the doll and the toy maker before her. 'I couldn't possibly, she...'

'Deserves to be loved,' said Wei Wuxian, 'She's meant to be yours.'

'Thank you,' said Li Xuanji, stroking the doll's long black hair, 'She's as beautiful as she was then.'

'Everything loved is beautiful,' said Wei Wuxian, turning his teasing gaze to Lan Wangji once more, 'What do you think, Lan Zhan? Should I send Xuanyu round on the train again and see if there is anything there for you.'

Lan Wangji smiled, shaking his head, frightened that, if he said yes, the strangeness of the day and the shop that surrounded him would be more than he could rationalise.

'I doubt there is anything for me.'

'Hmm? Not yet,' said Wei Wuxian, 'You have to believe in magic for it to work after all.'

'Baba does believe in magic, he's just forgotten,' said A-Yuan, before he yawned widely, covering his mouth with his hand.

Lan Wangji laid a hand gently on his head, 'I think it's time for us to head home.'

A-Yuan shook his head, 'I'm not tired, Baba,' he said, ruining the statement with another yawn.

'I think Tuzi would like very much to see his house again,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And you are welcome to come and visit again whenever you wish.'

The words placated A-Yuan enough that Lan Wangji was able to persuade him towards the door, glad he was willing to leave without an argument as he saw the fatigue that had etched lines at the corners of his mother's eyes despite her smile.

'Are you alright?' he said, laying a hand on her shoulder as she settled into the wheelchair he brought over to her.

'I'm fine. It's been a wonderful afternoon,' said Li Xuanji, 'And A-Yuan is smiling.'

Lan Wangji followed her gaze to where Wei Wuxian stood with A-Yuan by the door, the two of them bent over one of the shelves that held a toy theatre with several sinister looking monsters being vanquished by a white clad warrior.

As though he had sensed the scrutiny, Wei Wuxian raised his gaze to them, his smile once more genuine and soft rather than the mischievous once that accompanied his tricks. It made Lan Wangji want to know more about the man behind the performance, to know the gentler, more vulnerable side hidden beneath the outlandish clothes and magic tricks.

He shook off the thought as he heard the sharp intake of breath from his mother, seeing her hand press against her chest where it often pained her, knowing he had more pressing things to focus on than a brief attraction.

'Let's get you home,' he said, pushing her towards the door.

The goodbyes were brief, the three of them heading back through the throng of colourful stalls. They were almost at the entry way to the main road when Lan Wangji looked back, seeing Wei Wuxian chatting with one of the traders, their smiles easy and friendly, and a little of the sense that they were leaving him without company faded.

'An interesting man,' said Li Xuanji, 'Quite the character.'

'Mn,' said Lan Wangji, avoiding her gaze but hearing her laugh all the same.

'Ah Su Su, look at his face. I never thought I'd see it,' said Li Xuanji, 'We'll have to make sure we bring A-Zhan back to visit his favourite toy maker soon.'

'Mama!'

'What?' she said, with a laugh, 'I got muddled. I meant A-Yuan.'

'Mn,' said Lan Wangji, turning away as Wei Wuxian looked their way and waved, 'We will have to bring A-Yuan back soon.'

Chapter Text

The rain was incessant, pounding the roads and pavements with abandon and seeming intent on soaking everyone to the skin. The sky had been dark for most of the day, the occasional rumble of thunder threatening further storms and little chance of the weather letting up.

Though Lan Wangji preferred to walk when he picked up his son from school, the traffic always a nightmare especially at that time of day, with his mother in the hospital for her treatment session and needing to be collected not long after A-Yuan's day ended, it made more sense for Lan Wangji to drive than to rush. That it offered a reprieve from the weather was a bonus.

Still, as he left the car in the large car park a little way from the school, he knew he would not avoid getting wet as the umbrella he carried managed to only keep his head and shoulders dry as the wind sought to drive the rain at him headlong. At first he did not hear the ringing of his phone over the pounding of the rain against the pavement but, as the familiar tune met his ear, he ducked beneath the relative cover of a shop awning to retrieve it, frowning as the hospital number flashed up on the screen.

'Hello?' he said as he answered it.

'Lan Wangji. It's Xiao Xingchen. Sorry to call, I know it's time for the school run.'

'It's no issue,' said Lan Wangji, biting back the worry that rose in him at his mother's consultant calling him, 'Is something wrong?'

'Nothing to worry about,' said Xiao Xingchen, 'But your mother's treatment was delayed when we had to replace her line and she isn't quite ready to head home yet. I would like to keep her here for another couple of hours, just to make sure everything is as it should be.'

'What time should I come by?'

'I think it best if I call you,' said Xiao Xingchen, 'I don't think we will need to admit her over night and she's very insistent she doesn't want to be but I want her levels to be a little more stable before I release her back to you. I have updated Luo Qingyang with the details at your mother's request so she can assist you better tomorrow.'

'I'll wait to hear from you then,' said Lan Wangji, 'Thank you for updating me.'

'You're welcome,' said Xiao Xingchen, 'And try not to worry. It's just a minor delay.'

'I'll try,' said Lan Wangji, 'I will see you later.'

He returned his phone to his pocket, hurrying back into the ran with a quickened step to ensure he reached A-Yuan on time. There had been treatment delays and days when his mother had not responded as quickly before but, with the conversations they had been having and her worsening health, he could not help the worry that assailed him at the thought of it. He knew A-Yuan would worry too, both Lan Wangji and Li Xuanji keeping some of the realities of her condition away from him but they didn't sugar coat it either. Li Xuanji was dying and it would be a disservice to the boy they both fiercely loved to give him any hope otherwise. He knew there would be a day when the medicine she received would stop working.

He thought of returning home to await the doctor's call but he knew neither of them would easily settle. His mind fell on the toy shop, only a short walk from the school and close enough to where he had parked that it would not delay them much when he got the call from the hospital but he shook the notion away. The strangeness of Wei Wuxian was not something Lan Wangji was sure would mix well with his own vulnerability and he did not want to let his frustration out on someone who was just being himself, regardless of how ridiculous it seemed to Lan Wangji at times. Jiang Yanli's small cafe though was safe, a small treat for A-Yuan and a dry place to wait until Li Xuanji was released from the hospital and back into their care.

With half a plan, he joined the group of miserable looking parents and carers waiting for their children, huddled between dark umbrellas. A-Yuan was thankfully one of the first of his class to leave, hurrying to Lan Wangji with his raincoat buttoned up almost to his nose.

'I don't like the rain, Baba!' he said, by way of greeting, 'We've had to stay inside all day.'

'Be grateful that you're dry,' said Lan Wangji, taking his hand, 'We should get out of it before that changes.'

'I did a picture for Năinai in my art class today to make her feel better,' said A-Yuan, 'I hope the letter Tuzi and I wrote her to keep her company. We can make the special soup for her when we get her home.'

'A-Yuan,' said Lan Wangji, leading him towards the gate, 'Năinai isn't ready to come home just yet so we need to wait a while before we go and collect her. It's nothing to worry about but things got delayed and she's not feeling well enough to come home just yet.'

A-Yuan's lip trembled a little as he looked up at him, 'Is she coming home?'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'Yes but just a bit later than planned. I'm waiting for Xiao-yisheng to call me. There's no need to worry.'

A-Yuan nodded before he pressed his face against his father's arm. 'I don't like it when she's at the hospital,' he said, 'I don't want to see the wires.'

'There won't be any wires when we go to pick her up,' said Lan Wangji, 'Xiao-yisheng will call before you know it and we'll go and pick her up. Would you like to go home first? I was going to take you for a cake but we can go home if you prefer.'

A-Yuan shook his head, 'Tuzi wants to go to the cafe. He says it isn't right at home without Năinai.'

'Then we'll take Tuzi to the cafe,' said Lan Wangji, 'Let's hurry so none of us get too wet.'

The rain had chased away any passing trade so the cafe was a little quieter when they reached it than it had been the last time they had visited. The windows were steamed up by the temperature change, making it feel like a soft bubble in the midst of the rain. At first, Lan Wangji did not see the familiar figure sat beside the counter, more focused on ensuring his umbrella didn't leave a puddle on the floor as he wrapped it and left it in the stand by the door but A-Yuan's happy shout caught his attention.

'You're here!'

Wei Wuxian's smile was bright as he saw them both, his attire far too outlandish for such a place and yet he seemed entirely at home despite the few stares that were levelled at him. Jiang Yanli smiling with him as he waved over to them.

'If it isn't Lan Yuan!' he said, clapping gloved hands together, those and a thin red scarf the only concession given to the chill of the day, 'Did you come to see Yanli-Jiejie on this horrible, grey day too?'

'Baba brought me because Năinai is at the hospital,' said A-Yuan, running over to him, 'We're waiting to go and pick her up.'

'I hope everything is alright,' said Wei Wuxian, looking up in question at Lan Wangji before turning back to A-Yuan when he nodded in response, 'Well, Yanli-Jiejie's cakes are enough to cheer anyone up.'

'I'm sure they're nothing special,' said Jiang Yanli, 'But if they make people smile, then I'm happy. Welcome back A-Yuan, Lan Wangji. A-Xian told me he had sent Tuzi home safe to you.'

'Look at him,' said A-Yuan, wrestling his bag off his shoulder and pulling Tuzi from inside before handing him to Jiang Yanli, 'He is just like he was before.'

'I never doubted A-Xian's skill,' she said, turning over the toy bunny in her hands, 'He is a lovely toy. I'm very glad we were able to help you both. What can I get you?'

'Can you make whatever it is to take away?' said Wei Wuxian, 'If A-Yuan and Lan Zhan have time, I have something I'd like to show them at home.'

Jiang Yanli nodded, turning back to Lan Wangji, 'I'm happy to wrap anything if you want to take it with you.'

Lan Wangji wanted to refuse, the toy shop feeling like the worst place he could find himself in but it also felt like the most comforting place as well, remembering his mother's smiles and the calmness that had seemed to envelope them all when they had sat taking tea with Wei Wuxian.

'Why don't you have a look at what you would like, A-Yuan?' he found himself saying, 'And we can go to the toy shop if you would like to.'

A-Yuan nodded, face almost pressed to the glass as he looked over the cakes and treats inside.

'I do not know how long we will have,' said Lan Wangji, turning his attention to Wei Wuxian as Jiang Yanli began explaining the different flavours and choices to A-Yuan, 'We are waiting on a call from the hospital to let us know she is ready to come home.'

'Any time is enough,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I have wondered all week how you have all been getting on. I trust Su Su has settled in well and Tuzi is happy to be home.'

Lan Wangji resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the words, instead calling to mind his son's smiles as he played with Tuzi and his mother's fond happiness whenever she picked up the doll she had sat with pride of place on her dresser.

'They are both very much at home,' he said, 'Mama took the doll with her to her appointment this morning. It brings her a lot of comfort.'

'I'm glad,' said Wei Wuxian with a smile, lowering his voice for Lan Wangji alone, 'I do hope she is alright.'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'The start of her treatment was delayed and she's not quite well enough to come home. It takes its toll on her.'

'She's a strong woman,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I knew that from the moment I met her.'

'Stronger than many,' said Lan Wangji, 'But I wish she did not have to be.'

A warm hand settled on top of his. 'Her son is very strong too,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And I wish he did not always have to be. Come rest for a little while.'

The soft, genuine words were a world away from what Lan Wangji had come to expect from the man before him but they settled around him like a blanket. They came with the memory of the blankets he would hide under as a child at his father's house, a safe, warm cocoon against the coldness of the parent who had no concept of love. A place of safety in the turmoil surrounding him.

'Thank you,' he said, 'It would be nice to have a distraction for a while.'

A-Yuan had soon chosen his treat, Lan Wangji selecting the same before adding another for Wei Wuxian, the smile on the other man's face reward enough as he paid for the order.

As Jiang Yanli was wrapping their items, ready to take with them to the shop, the door opened once more to admit a scowling young man and a child of no more than three who waddled a little in his bright yellow rain boots.

'Mama! It wet!' said the little boy, 'Xian-Jiujiu come play with me?'

Wei Wuxian quickly picked up the child who laughed as he tickled him, 'I can't stay today, A-Ling,' he said, 'But Mama can bring you to the shop when she has some time and I will make some new toys for you. Would you like to meet my friends? This is Lan Wangji, he writes books for little children, I will buy you a copy and read them to you. His son is Lan Yuan, he's the little boy I told you about whose toy bunny was poorly.'

'And Xian-Jiujiu fixed it,' said A-Ling, 'Bunny better now?'

'He's all better,' said A-Yuan, holding Tuzi up so the boy could see, 'He's my best friend.'

A-Ling regarded the toy before he blinked and set his head on Wei Wuxian's shoulder, 'Tired.'

'You weren't tired two minutes ago when you were screaming in the car,' said the man who had accompanied him inside, 'And now you're cuddling that rascal after refusing to hold my hand.'

'He knows quality when he sees it,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Now stop being a grump otherwise my new friends will think poorly of you. This is Jiang Cheng, made of everything left over after his Jiejie was made perfect.'

'A-Xian, be nice,' said Jiang Yanli, 'The children shouldn't see you bickering. They don't know that it's only play.'

Wei Wuxian grinned before he whispered in A-Ling's ear. 'Go cuddle your grumpy Jiujiu,' he said, 'You and I can play another day.'

A-Ling waddled back over to Jiang Cheng as Wei Wuxian set him on his feet, holding his arms up to be lifted.

'Love you, Jiujiu.'

Jiang Cheng frowned but there was the barest hint of a smile on his lips. 'You're lucky I love you too,' he said, his eyes widening a little as he looked at Wei Wuxian once more, 'How long have you been away from the shop?'

Wei Wuxian glanced at the clock before he grimaced, 'A while,' he said, quickly twisting his hair into a tail behind him, 'We'd better get moving. I need to show Lan Zhan and A-Yuan my latest design anyway. A-Ling, take care of your Mama and Jiujiu and be good until your Baba gets home.'

'I will,' said A-Ling, snuggling into Jiang Cheng once more, 'Bye bye.'

'We'll see you soon,' said Jiang Yanli, passing Lan Wangji the bag containing their order, 'See that A-Xian gets back safely for me?'

It was an odd request, Wei Wuxian similar in age to them and seemingly more than capable of taking care of himself despite his outlandish attire, but Lan Wangji found himself nodding all the same as he heard the genuine concern in Jiang Yanli's voice.

'Thank you,' she said, 'I hope we get to meet again soon. A-Xian, I'll come by in the morning.'

Wei Wuxian nodded, 'Goodnight then. Jiang Cheng, don't be a stranger. Since you got that job of yours, I don't see you.'

'You see me plenty,' said Jiang Cheng, before he sighed, 'Saturday. I'll come by on Saturday.'

'I'll hunt you down if you don't.'

'Don't leave the shop just to be foolish,' said Jiang Cheng, 'Hit the road, gremlin.'

Wei Wuxian saluted him playfully before he turned his infectious smile on Lan Wangji once more, 'Lan Zhan, A-Yuan, are you ready?'

'Yes!' said A-Yuan, 'Tuzi is too.'

'How could I forget Tuzi?' said Wei Wuxian, 'He is our most honoured guest. Shall we?'

A-Yuan's enthusiastic goodbye made up for Lan Wangji's tamer one, his head aching a little in confusion at the exchange he had witnessed between Wei Wuxian and the two siblings, certain he would say they were related were it not for the differing family name.

As he followed Wei Wuxian out into the rain, he drew A-Yuan close beneath the umbrella, keeping him and the bag containing the food dry. Wei Wuxian's own umbrella was black, easily passing as similar to those carried by everyone else but the material was wrong, not appearing in the least bit waterproof and yet it kept off the rain all the same.

He watched him as they made the short journey to the alleyway, searching for a limp or some outward sign that he was ill or injured. Anything that would have given Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli cause for concern. His step was light and steady, skipping occasionally to miss the puddles, nothing to give a reason to their worry and Lan Wangji knew it would be out of place for him to ask when no information had been offered to him.

As they slipped into the alleyway, Lan Wangji worried that the rain would soon get worse as the sky above them darkened. Even the usually busy stalls were abandoned, showing their age and wear without the usual colourful decorations and wares strewn across them by the traders. He could not blame them for shutting up shop early, the alley deserted with the weather driving most people home or into buildings that offered shelter rather than an open market. Even the toy shop looked drab and tired in the rain, devoid of life even more so than it had been when Lan Wangji and A-Yuan had first walked through the colourful pageantry in the hope of the famed toy maker within.

The door was ajar when they reached it and Lan Wangji tightened his grip on A-Yuan's hand, looking for any sign of an intruder, but Wei Wuxian seemed calm as he pushed it open fully and stepped inside.

At first, he thought it was a bell over the door that sounded but the gentle tinkling continued to accompany them as they moved through the store. The lights came on and grew brighter as they headed towards the back of the shop, illuminating the shelves and the toys that sat there. It was as though the shop itself took a breath, warming and welcoming them. As they reached the back of the shop, another light began to glow above the workbench, illuminating the small music box that glittered and twinkled as it played and turned.

'Wow!' said A-Yuan, loosing Lan Wangji's hand and heading to the counter, 'It's pretty. It looks like you.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'My Mama made it,' he said, 'This and Xuanyu are my two favourite things in the shop. I love to hear it play. It's the music my Baba wrote. He was a wonderful musician.'

'I love it,' said A-Yuan, 'It makes me happy.'

'I'm glad,' said Wei Wuxian, taking the key from the base of the music box, a long chain hanging from it that he fastened around his neck.

The twist he had fastened his hair into came loose as he did so, several strands seeming to glitter silver in the light before Lan Wangji blinked and they appeared black once more. He took off the top hat, setting it beside the music box before he turned to them both with a wide smile.

'Now then, you are my captive audience and I have something to show you but first, let me make us something to drink to go with those delicious cakes Yanli-Jiejie made.'

A-Yuan frowned as he looked around the shop, 'The train has gone. How will we get our drinks?'

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'I will just have to do it the normal way,' he said, 'Go and sit at the table and I'll be with you in a moment.'

As Wei Wuxian headed for the stairs to the floor above, Lan Wangji turned in search of the table, finding it set in another part of the room near a wall that was clear of shelves and toys. He could hear Wei Wuxian whistling from above, the tune the same as the one the music box had played, sweet and lilting but tinged with a sadness that felt achingly familiar. Despite his smiles, Lan Wangji could see the pain on Wei Wuxian's face whenever he spoke of his parents, the look similar to one Lan Wangji caught too often in the mirror when the reality of what lay before them with his mother's illness fell over him.

'I wonder what he wants to show us,' said A-Yuan, his eyes alight with excitement, 'I bet it's amazing.'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'Remember though, we can only stay until the hospital calls. We can't keep Năinai waiting. She will want to get home as soon as she can to rest.'

A-Yuan nodded, 'Will she be poorly again?'

'Yes,' said Lan Wangji, the time for sugar coating anything long passed for them both, 'It will be a few days but Mianmian will be visiting and I will be home to help her. I'm sure she will want you to read to her. That always makes her feel better.'

'I will read her one or your stories,' said A-Yuan, 'One of the funny ones.'

It was not long before they heard the rattle of a tray and Wei Wuxian's whistle growing closer, a haphazard collection of crockery and several selections for their drinks balanced in a way that seemed to defy gravity. Wei Wuxian did not seem to notice the burden though, his step light as he leapt the last two steps without anything falling and heading over to them with a smile.

'I brought Xuanyu to sit with Tuzi as well,' he said as he set the tray on the table, removing the doll from beneath the crockery, 'He has missed his friend.'

'Tuzi has missed him to,' said A-Yuan, quickly settling the stuffed rabbit beside the doll as Wei Wuxian set everything out on the table.

Food and a warm drink settled something in Lan Wangji and he allowed himself to relax a little as they talked amiably over their treats, A-Yuan punctuating the conversation with small asides for Tuzi and Mo Xuanyu, the latter making Wei Wuxian smile with a softness that only heightened his handsome features. Lan Wangji was glad of the low light as he caught himself studying him on more than one occasion, lost on the soft sweep of a dark eyebrow or the teasing beauty mark beneath his lip, certain his ears were pink with embarrassment even if he had not been caught. He was not the only one staring though, he realised, occasionally catching a look of quiet study and a small smile on Wei Wuxian's face whenever he was turned to him. Though the practical, sensible part of him rebelled, wanting to escape any sort of scrutiny, another, more distant part of him settled the thought, allowing it to be a brief, pleasant moment of mutual attraction even if it had no future, certain their paths would diverge as time wore on.

'Well then,' said Wei Wuxian as he collected their empty cups and plates onto the tray, 'I wanted to show you something, if you still have time.'

Lan Wangji took his phone from his pocket, checking the screen despite already knowing there would be no missed call, the volume turned up and the ringtone specifically set for the hospital so he knew to always answer it if they called unexpectedly.

'We have time,' he said, 'But please do not go to too much trouble as we may need to leave without much notice.'

Wei Wuxian smiled with a wave of his hand, 'It's no trouble,' he said, 'A-Yuan, why don't you take Tuzi and Xuanyu and sit with your Baba. I'll need a bit of space.'

As Wei Wuxian left the table with the tray, A-Yuan collected up the toys and made his way to Lan Wangji, climbing into his lap and settling Mo Xuanyu on the table whilst he kept Tuzi cradled close.

'I'm excited,' he said, 'I wonder what it is.'

'We will see,' said Lan Wangji, shifting his weight on his lap until he was comfortable, 'You are getting heavy for your poor old Baba.'

'Baba!' giggled A-Yuan, 'You're not old.'

Lan Wangji smiled, pressing a kiss to his hair and biting back the answer he wanted to give that he felt far older than his years. Instead he contented himself with holding onto his son, breathing in the scent of him that was always comforting and warm as he listened to Wei Wuxian bustle about the shop, clanking and whistling as he prepared whatever project he wanted to show them.

The squeaking turn of a wheel preceded his return, the man wrangling a trolley bearing a large lantern whilst balancing a thin screen made from paper on top of it, his top hat once more in place and an impish expression on his face that promised a show.

'It's shameful how long this has taken me to perfect, given that it is such simple principle, but I think I have it,' he said, rolling the trolley to a stop.

He picked up the screen, leaning awkwardly over the table to hang it on the wall, pulling back and nudging it a little to straighten it before he seemed satisfied with his work and set about heaving the lantern from the trolley onto the table.

'Simple shadows are one thing,' said Wei Wuxian as he scooted it this way and that, 'But to get a crispness and clarity for true art needs precision. It's been a fun challenge.'

The commentary about refining glass and prisms and the right kind of candle to give the right kind of light and something about chatting to the bees continued as Wei Wuxian set up the lantern, his voice rhythmic despite the pace given to it by his enthusiasm.

The strike of a match almost startled Lan Wangji out of the strange haze his mind had fallen into, lulled by A-Yuan's warmth, the low light, and Wei Wuxian's constant chatter. The sharp, sweet tang of beeswax and the acrid burn of smoke carried like extra notes to a symphony as a warm, pale yellow light bathed the tabletop and the screen before them.

'It won't frighten you if I make the room a little darker, will it, A-Yuan?' asked Wei Wuxian, blowing out the glowing flame on the long match, the smoke curling a little around his features and making him all the more strange than his outlandish clothes already made him.

A-Yuan shook his head, 'I'm fine,' he said, 'I don't even need my night light on all the time any more.'

Wei Wuxian smiled softly, 'I bet it's a nice night light though,' he said, a click of his fingers dimming the lights in the room and leaving Lan Wangji to absently wonder again at the skill of the electrician who had wired up the shop so as too conceal even the slightest hint of it from view.

'Now, what do you think this is for, A-Yuan?' he said, taking a seat opposite them and steepling his fingers in front of his face.

'Shadow puppets!' said A-Yuan, 'We did them in school.'

'You will be an expert then,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Why don't you show me one?'

Lan Wangji kept hold of his son's waist as he leaned from his lap and into the light, obscuring some of it with his body as he held up his index and middle finger to form ears and the rest of his hand in a circle to make a face, the simple shadow of a rabbit appearing on the screen Wei Wuxian had set up.

'A bunny! Like Tuzi!' said A-Yuan sitting back on Lan Wangji's lap.

'I can see the resemblance,' said Wei Wuxian, holding up his own gloved hands in the light casting dark shadows upon the screen, 'But he deserves a body and some legs so he can run around with all the other toys.'

The shapes he moved his hands into were so simple but the image on the screen took life, a rabbit that held still for only a moment before hopping towards the shadows to the sound of A-Yuan's laughter. Several more creatures followed, each one so simplistic in the movement of Wei Wuxian's hands but beautifully accurate on the screen. A-Yuan was soon calling out challenge after challenge, giggling at both the successes and the failures whilst lending a hand or two to add a tail or a tusk to whatever creature he had asked for. Even Lan Wangji found a soft laugh leaving him now and then as Wei Wuxian made a show of twisting his hands into whatever position was needed, bemoaning old bones when the shape grew more complicated.

'Do a huge millipede!' cried A-Yuan with a shriek of delight as Wei Wuxian made the shadow of the tarantula he had made run towards him.

'How many hands do you think I have?' he said with a laugh, 'I'd have to call for reinforcements. We don't always need hands for things though and I have yet to show you what I wanted to. I will need to seek permission though, as I am in lofty company, to be the storyteller for the evening.'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'I am an author, not a storyteller. You do not need my permission.'

'I would respectfully disagree,' said Wei Wuxian, 'But for now...'

Wei Wuxian swept from his seat to stand behind the lantern, pulling several items from the trolley to set before the flame.

'Watch the screen.'

Lan Wangji and A-Yuan turned their attention to the screen on the wall, a frame that mimicked the shape of the toy shop soon appearing, a gap in the centre like a stage waiting for its actors. The room seemed to grow quieter around them, waiting for the story to begin. It was a feeling Lan Wangji knew well, one that had made him fall in love with stories as a child and that used to accompany him whenever his pen was poised over the page, waiting for the tale to spill from his mind in ink.

'Once upon a time,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Isn't that how all the best stories start? And this is the best story I know. It was a dark and stormy night, so very many years ago when Cangse Sanren pulled her colourful toy cart into the village...'

Soon puppets of every character appeared in the shadows to dance as Wei Wuxian weaved his tale. The story was beautiful, melancholy, soft in the dimness of the room and the sweet smell of the candle. Soon the shadows became real in his head, such perfect images of the beautiful young toy maker and her handsome suitor, the carts so like those that lined the road outside the shop. Lan Wangji could swear he could even hear the music box playing as Cangse Sanren poured all her wishes into the doll that turned upon its filigree stand.

Toys, alive and playing amongst the shelves filled his head, sharing the games of a young boy with grey eyes and a teasing smile. Magic lived in every corner, waiting with promise to bring to life every whim, every thought of the child who made the magic stronger with every new wish he made.

Lan Wangji did not know when his eyes had fallen shut, the story and the softness of the room speaking to the heavy fatigue in his body and his heart and carrying both away long enough to allow him to doze. It was the soft sound of his son's voice that roused him, the lantern dark and instead the lights illuminating the room once more. A-Yuan sat in a chair beside Wei Wuxian, reading from a book the man held for him, Li Xuanji's familiar drawings on the front cover.

'...The Dragon's Nest was not a mountain to be climbed lightly, the weather known to change without any warning. Within moments, the sun that had beating down for the entire day could change to freezing rain and fog that meant you could see little more than two inches from your nose. The Emperor had only followed the path a handful of times in his long reign, preferring to send his soldiers to bring the Dragon Mistress to the court. Drag would be a better word as she had never come willingly. The insub...insubo...'

'Insubordination,' said Wei Wuxian, gently, 'It's a difficult word.'

His senses finally came to him and Lan Wangji rubbed a hand over his face, chasing away the lingering sleep that hung on him.

'I'm sorry. I must have...'

'Sleeping beauty awakes,' said Wei Wuxian, earning a giggle from A-Yuan, 'We thought you'd sleep until dawn.'

'Dawn?' said Lan Wangji, hating that his mind was still struggling for coherency before several thoughts hit him at once, his hand flying to his pocket and pulling out his phone, checking for any messages that he had missed.

'It hasn't rung,' said Wei Wuxian, 'We would have let you know.'

'I shouldn't have fallen asleep,' said Lan Wangji, 'I...'

'Looked as if you needed it,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I should be offended that my story was dull but stories are meant to be peaceful things and I'm glad if it helped you rest. A-Yuan has been a very good boy and done his homework. He was hungry so I made him something to eat.'

'It was soup, Baba. It was spicy but tasty,' said A-Yuan, 'There's some left if you're hungry too. I was reading one of your stories. Xian-Gege has lots of your books.'

'I'll admit to having previously only owned one but Yanli-Jiejie was king enough to purchase some additional titles for me,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Perhaps, one day, I will be bold enough to ask their illustrious author to sign them for me. A collector's piece.'

'Hardly,' said Lan Wangji, frowning at the time on his phone, 'It's late. I should...'

'Feel free,' said Wei Wuxian, 'A-Yuan and I can entertain ourselves for a while longer.'

'Xian-Gege, look,' said A-Yuan as Lan Wangji got to his feet to find a more private place in the shop, 'Năinai drew all the pictures for Baba's books. She is the best artist.'

'She is very talented,' said Wei Wuxian, his voice warm and coaxing, encouraging A-Yuan to share his enthusiasm, 'I love how she's made the dragon scales so shiny.'

A-Yuan's voice was light and happy as he began describing some of the drawings and the ways Li Xuanji had taught him to achieve certain effects. The bright, beautiful memories were ones he hoped A-Yuan would always carry with him, to take out and look at like precious things when the woman who made them was no longer with them.

When he was a suitable distance from his son, he called the familiar number and was grateful that the wait was not too long until he was connected, the nurse who answered quickly putting him on hold so she could consult the doctor. Though Xiao Xingchen had become almost a friend over the years he had been treating Li Xuanji, in Lan Wangji's head he remained 'the doctor' with all the foreboding that seemed to accompany the title.

'Lan Wangji,' came the familiar voice as the hold music ceased, 'Apologies for not calling. I know it's late.'

'Is everything alright?' said Lan Wangji, forcing his hand to release the strangle hold it had taken on the base of his jacket, the material already creased from his grip.

Xiao Xingchen sighed, 'She is stubborn as a mule and I say that with the greatest respect,' he said, 'I would prefer to admit her, she's not as strong as I would like her to be, but I do not have grounds to insist upon it when she is adamant she is going home. I know, as well, that you have the knowledge and equipment to support her at home. She told me Luo Qingyang was attending for extra hours over the next few days as well.'

Lan Wangji knew only too well how stubborn his mother could be, certain she had given them all a hard time when anything against her preferred wishes was suggested.

'We will be able to take care of her,' he said, 'When can I come to collect her?'

'Whenever you're ready,' said Xiao Xingchen, 'We're just finishing up.'

'I'm on my way,' said Lan Wangji, 'We'll be about twenty minutes.'

'Pull up at the entrance. I'll make sure you have clearance. I don't want anyone getting wet.'

'Thank you. I have A-Yuan with me so it will make things easier.'

'We'll see you soon then,' said Xiao Xingchen.

Lan Wangji ended the call, pocketing his phone as the lively chatter between Wei Wuxian and A-Yuan faded back in around him. For a moment he even contemplated leaving A-Yuan in the happy, comforting setting of the toy shop but it fled as soon as it came, Wei Wuxian a welcome distraction but also still only a stranger. As he returned to them though, he knew his son did not see a stranger but a playmate, the two of them giggling as Wei Wuxian made something appear and disappear in his hands.

'A-Yuan,' called Lan Wangji, loathed to break the spell, 'Năinai is ready for us.'

'Can we make her soup when we get home?' said A-Yuan, 'Xian-Gege, can I have the recipe for the spicy soup?'

'I will write it down for you to collect next time you come to visit me,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I'm always here.'

The last words were directed more to Lan Wangji than A-Yuan, Wei Wuxian's smile soft and understanding and Lan Wangji found himself chasing back the mist in his eyes as he nodded his thanks at both the promise and the afternoon they had spent together.

'I am sorry our visit has been cut short,' he said, ushering A-Yuan towards his discarded bag and coat, 'It has been a very welcome reprieve.'

'That's my job,' said Wei Wuxian with a familiar showman's flourish, 'And my delight too. You've been wonderful company.'

'I fell asleep,' said Lan Wangji.

'And looked very handsome doing it,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I hope you feel a little more rested.'

Lan Wangji nodded but he knew the lie didn't wash with the man before him, the sympathetic look of understanding misting his eyes once until A-Yuan bustled back to them.

'Xian-Gege, kiss Tuzi goodbye and make sure you look after Mo Xuanyu, he wants to play with the paint pots tonight.'

'Ah, then maybe I will create a dragon to rival your wonderful Năinai,' said Wei Wuxian, pressing a kiss between Tuzi's soft ears, 'Make sure you take care of your Năinai and your Baba. Be a good boy.'

'I will,' promised A-Yuan, 'Thank you for dinner and for helping me with my homework.'

'You're welcome,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I hope I will see you again soon.'

'We'll bring Năinai when she feels better,' said A-Yuan, 'She's poorly for a few days after she has the medicine at the hospital.'

'Whenever she feels well enough, she'll be very welcome,' said Wei Wuxian.

Lan Wangji could feel A-Yuan's reluctance as he took his hand, the two of them making their way to the door with Wei Wuxian behind.

The weather outside was dim and wet, a world away from the warmth of the toy shop, the faint glow of the lights spilling out onto the street beyond and Lan Wangji longed to carry a little of it with them.

'The door here is always open,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Whenever it is needed.'

'Thank you,' said Lan Wangji, stepping out of the door and opening his umbrella, remembering the dark, rainy night from Wei Wuxian's story, wondering if the stones beneath his feet were those Cangse Sanren had walked upon with her colourful toy cart.

With a final farewell, he and A-Yuan stepped into the rain, looking back to see Wei Wuxian waiting inside the door, leaning against the frame with his feet crossed at the ankle. He raised a hand with a smile, the glow of the lights seeming to dance with his small wave before Lan Wangji and A-Yuan took the turn from the alley and the toy shop dropped from sight.

Chapter Text

Li Xuanji's face was grey and fitful, even in sleep. Too small and frail in the expanse of her bed. She had told Lan Wangji to head to bed hours before, still worried about his health even as she suffered but he had disobeyed despite promising to do so as soon as she was asleep.

He had wanted nothing more, when he had pulled up at the hospital to collect her, than to tell her to allow herself to be admitted; the woman Xiao Xingchen and one of the staff nurses had helped into his car only a shadow of the mother he knew. He had whispered to her, not wanting A-Yuan to overhear him all but beg to submit herself to the hospital's care, but she had refused in similar hushed tones, her voice fearful when she had said she doubted she would ever leave again if she allowed herself to be admitted.

The drive home had been silent save for Li Xuanji's slightly laboured breaths. Lan Wangji hated that A-Yuan had long since learned when to fill the silence with chatter and when it would do more harm than good, the child's face solemn in the rear view mirror and a world away from the delighted joy he had worn in the toy shop. Lan Wangji had not felt prepared for the lessons his mother's illness had taught him and he worried that a child as young as A-Yuan would forever carry the mark of what they were living through. In the harsh spill of the street lights, he made a note in his own mind to find some form of counselling for the child, if only in the hope of saving him from a future where the strongest memories of his grandmother would be pain and hospitals and suffering.

The strange silence followed them into the house, A-Yuan taking care of himself as Lan Wangji turned his attention to his mother as he settled her into bed. He found himself infinitely grateful that Wei Wuxian had fed A-Yuan during Lan Wangji's impromptu nap, meaning he did not need to hurry between the kitchen and his mother even if he felt guilty for leaving his young son to ready himself for bed alone. A-Yuan had been quiet and almost reluctant on the threshold of Li Xuanji's room, Tuzi clutched tightly to his chest as his bottom lip trembled with the threat of tears before he forced them back and said a soft goodnight. Lan Wangji had left his mother only briefly to tuck his son into his bed, the traditional bedtime story sacrificed even as the guilt of it tore at Lan Wangji's gut.

Li Xuanji had tried to insist she did not need anyone to sit with her but the after effects of her treatment had made a lie of her words and Lan Wangji had stayed at her side late into the night, his own fatigue forced away in the effort to care for her.

Even with Li Xuanji sleeping and unlikely to wake before morning, he could not bring himself to leave her side, fearing that she would slip away from them if he was not there to watch her breathe. He knew the days ahead would be difficult for all of them, even with Mianmian coming in more to help them. He knew as well that talk would turn again to Li Xuanji wanting to halt any further treatment, for her care to move only to easing her pain as she neared her death. They had been told long before that there was no hope of her making a recovery, that any treatment given would only prolong rather than save her life but that, one day, the treatment would become harder to bear than the disease. As he looked down at the frail, shivering form in the bed before him, Lan Wangji knew they had reached that time; that the treatment prolonging his mother's life was stealing the quality of what remained.

He was not sure when he fell asleep; waking to darkness and pain in his neck and back from where he had been slumped over the bed. Shaking fingers stroked his hair, rhythmic and gentle, the touch familiar and comforting even as reality made him ache.

'A-Zhan. Go to bed, my baby. I'm fine here.'

He raised his head, dislodging the gentle hand and letting his eyes adjust to the gloom. 'I didn't want to leave you,' he said, 'I want to be able to hear you.'

'You need to rest,' said Li Xuanji, 'You have work tomorrow.'

'I'll be fine,' he said, 'I won't sleep anyway.'

'You should still try,' said Li Xuanji, 'Come up and lie beside me. At least then you won't hurt yourself.'

'I don't want to hurt you,' said Lan Wangji, 'You need rest.'

'I need to know you're alright if I'm to rest. I need you close to me.'

Thin hands tugged his, little power in them but Lan Wangji went to them all the same. In the dark, laid on his back with his eyes on the ceiling, he tried to shake away the image of her frailty but the slight catch to her breathing and the all too familiar scent of antiseptic and medicine meant he found little escape.

'A-Zhan,' said Li Xuanji, 'Tell me a story. Tell me one of your stories.'

Lan Wangji sighed, 'You know them all too well if you want them to distract you.'

'I want the comfort of your voice and the familiarity of the story. Tell me the one about the magical clock in the museum.'

Lan Wangji let his eyes fall shut, all his stories easy to bring to mind but it had been a long time since he had narrated one. His words to Wei Wuxian earlier that evening had been true. Whilst he was an author he was no storyteller but, as he recalled the dance of the shadows in the flame of Wei Wuxian's lantern, his own characters began to take shape.

'In the old museum there was a clock that had ticked its last tock many years before. Unlike the modern utilitarian time pieces that Bai Qian saw every day, this was ornate, gilded, a golden box intricately designed with elegant hands. A work of art rather than a clock. A relic of a long forgotten time preserved behind glass, a thing to be glanced at, maybe admired for a few moments before it is passed by and forgotten...'

His mother was asleep before the story reached its end but Lan Wangji continued it all the same, the familiarity of it comforting in the retelling, keeping the negative thoughts from his head as he recalled paragraph after paragraph. It lulled him to sleep, uncertain if he actually reached the last sentences, the dreams that came filled with flame and sugar and toys dancing down the firefly lit aisles of the toy shop. He wanted to cling to the dreams even as the first sliver of dawn hit his eyes, the curtains open where he forgot to draw them the night before.

In an effort not to wake the woman sleeping beside him, he slipped from the bed and closed them, double checking Li Xuanji was comfortably asleep before he headed to his own room. His clothes from the day before were horribly creased and even the shower did little to alleviate the pain he had wrought on his back and neck being crunched beside her bedside for half the night.

A-Yuan was stirring as Lan Wangji left his room, washed and dressed for the day, and he soon had his arms filled with the clinging, sleep warm body of his son. It took longer than usual to reassure him that Li Xuanji was resting and not suffering too much, A-Yuan knowing the ups and downs of her treatment well enough to notice when there was a change. The quietness over breakfast was painful, A-Yuan's eyes moving to the door every few minutes as though expecting either Li Xuanji to appear or something worse given the worry he wore. The arrival of Mianmian seemed to lessen his worry a bit, especially when she did not linger on any pleasantries and instead made her way to her patient's room and the day that awaited them.

Li Xuanji was awake and sitting up in bed by the time A-Yuan was dressed and ready to leave for school. Lan Wangji was not sure if his son saw the strain around his grandmother's eyes, the woman holding back the tremors and pain the position caused her long enough to bid him a good day, but he hugged her gently all the same before gently picking Su Su from the dresser and setting it beside her on the bed.

It was a small gesture, one that would do nothing to ease the aftermath of the treatment, but Li Xuanji brightened at it all the same, pressing a kiss to A-Yuan's forehead before Lan Wangji led him from the room and out into the morning for their walk to school.

Reassurances that Lan Wangji or Mianmian would be with Li Xuanji throughout the day settled A-Yuan enough that he headed into school without any tears but Lan Wangji made sure to advise his teacher of the situation in case the worries from the morning and the night before made themselves known in the classroom. He hurried home once A-Yuan was safely inside the school, knowing Mianmian was more than capable but wanting to be there all the same, if only to ease the worry that ate at him as it did his son.

He found Mianmian sat in the chair beside the bed, making notes in a book balanced on her lap, as Li Xuanji slept. She touched a finger to her lips as she saw him before leaving the chair and joining him at the door, a warm hand coming to rest on his back as she guided him away from the room.

'I don't want to wake her, she's only just fallen asleep,' she said, her voice still a whisper despite the distance, 'She hasn't managed to eat anything but she's had some water and a little tonic to keep her strength up. The nausea is worse than it has been before and she's complaining of feeling cold. There's no fever so I don't think we need to worry about an infection but additional checks won't hurt. I wish she'd let them admit her.'

'She was worried she would not come out again if they did,' said Lan Wangji, 'I tried to persuade her last night but she refused.'

'I know one of the other patients she was being treated with was admitted after their last round and she passed not long after,' said Mianmian, 'Though it is not always the case, I can understand the fear and she is very adamant she does not want to die in the hospital. Has she spoken to you about refusing further treatment?'

'Not since we've come home but she slept for most of it,' he said, 'Has she...'

Mianmian nodded, 'She wants you to phone your brother later so she can talk to the both of you at once,' she said, 'I'm sure she will tell you that herself when she wakes.'

Lan Wangji let his eyes fall shut, chasing away the tears that wanted to fall. 'I don't want that conversation.'

'I know,' said Mianmian, 'But you knew it was coming and she has the right to choose. I will be here every step of the way.'

Lan Wangji nodded, knowing his companion would see the tears he could not shake but finding little in him to care. 'I need to arrange something for A-Yuan,' he said, 'A counsellor. I can't support him on my own. I don't know what to say. I want to reassure him but I cannot tell him it will be alright. I can't...'

'I will write down some recommendations,' said Mianmian, her hand a welcome grounding pressure against his arm, 'There are play therapies and art groups that would be suitable for his age group alongside one to one counselling and support. It would help to let him know that he has trusted adults other than you that he can talk to. Don't make grief or anger or any other emotion taboo. He needs to know he's safe to be sad but that it's alright to be happy and laugh as well. So much harm comes from children believing they have to always be sad when something sad happens. That laughter is somehow wrong. Can I recommend some people for you as well?'

Lan Wangji felt his gut twist at the thought of trying to put his thoughts into words for a stranger but nodded again all the same. 'I don't know that I am ready but I should be prepared,' he said, 'Please make A-Yuan the priority though. I will advise my brother to do the same for Jingyi.'

'I can make enquiries to see if anyone can recommend counsellors near to them,' said Mianmian, 'Do you want to talk anything over now? Things won't change for a while unless we get any unexpected complications but it easier to face these things with information.'

'Not today,' said Lan Wangji, 'I need...I said I would work and the focus will help.'

Mianmian smiled, 'Then don't let me keep you,' she said, 'I'll come and fetch you when she wakes.'

The thank you caught behind his teeth but he knew she understood all the same, her hand squeezing once more against his arm before she turned back to the room and her patient. He lingered a short while on the landing, wanting to follow but knowing he would be of little use but his study felt too far away from his mother's bedside. As he forced himself to move, he headed to the stairs and back to the ground floor. Though the study felt unappealing, the living room and its proximity to the stairs felt a safer space to be in and he quickly retrieved his laptop from his desk before settling himself in one of the sturdier chairs, certain Mianmian would scold him if she found him working in a position that could do him any damage.

The work was thankfully engaging, keeping him focused but still allowing him to glance up on occasion if only to stare at the door until the foolishness washed over him and he went back to his screen. It was nearing the time he usually took his lunch when Mianmian finally appeared, quickly assuring him that Li Xuanji was awake and sitting up in bed, asking for a light meal to be brought to her. Lan Wangji soon abandoned his work in favour of the kitchen, cooking for the three of them as had become his habit whenever Mianmian came for extra hours to help with his mother's care.

The rest of the afternoon was split between his work and sitting beside his mother's bed whenever Mianmian was due a break or lending a helping hand when it was needed. Though it was a joy to see a little strength returning to Li Xuanji, he knew the conversation he was yet to have with her still loomed and his body felt heavy with it, wanting to freeze time so that no words that brought with it an ending could be spoken. He knew she would not broach the subject until later that evening, when Mianmian had returned to her family and A-Yuan was tucked safely in his bed.

The walk to fetch A-Yuan from school felt like a test of endurance, each step a hardship, the end to the last day of peace he was certain his soul would have, the last time he could allow himself to think 'maybe, just maybe'. A-Yuan would come home, Mianmian would leave, they would share as normal an evening as they could until A-Yuan was in bed and then Lan Wangji would be forced to face the world he never wanted to see. He was almost tempted to head to the toy shop, to find a loose stitch in Tuzi that needed Wei Wuxian's personal attention, but he knew even the strange timelessness of the shop could do little to halt its true passing.

He kept his words and his manner light once A-Yuan was with him, assuring him that Li Xuanji was feeling a little better and would no doubt be looking forward to hearing all about his day at school. It was an act he had perfected since he had first needed to reassure his young son that the complicated words and terrifying side affects would help his grandmother, a play of positivity he was sure A-Yuan had long since seen through but humoured his father in believing even when they both knew the truth was very different. Though the words were well practised, they sounded hollow to Lan Wangji's own ears, like words spoken beneath the water and turned into nonsense. Still, he did all he could to keep the all consuming flood at bay. Stealing one more day of innocence for his child.

It was with trepidation that he made his way to his mother's room once Mianmian had headed for home and A-Yuan was snuggled with Tuzi in his bed, blissfully unaware of the conversation yet to come. He had already arranged a call time with his brother, leaving out too much detail but knowing that Lan Xichen was more than aware of his mother's appointment dates, always waiting to be called rather than to call them to give them the space they needed to focus on Li Xuanji's recovery. Lan Wangji knew it was self preservation as well, Lan Xichen having struggled to accept the realities of his mother's illness even though the prospects had long since been clear. He was not ashamed to admit the hurt he sometimes felt that his older brother had so easily taken the first excuse he could to escape the daily reminders that surrounded Lan Wangji but, at the same time, he did not wish to see him suffer and understood that he too was grieving the future denied to them.

'A-Zhan,' said Li Xuanji, holding out a hand to him as he entered her room, 'My baby you look so pale. Come and sit.'

Lan Wangji did as he was told, her hand feeling too small and delicate in his larger one as he perched himself on the edge of the mattress.

'I'm sorry,' she said, squeezing his fingers, 'I know...'

'Don't be,' he said, horror rising in his gut that she should ever feel required to apologise, 'You have the right to choose this, you have always had the right to choose this and I...don't apologise for it. I should be the one who is sorry for being like this.'

Li Xuanji shook her head, 'No sorrys from you either,' she said, 'I know how hard this is for you. Mianmian and I have talked a lot about this over the last few months. You are going to be angry and hurt and feel like you are being cheated. I feel the same way. This isn't what any of us wanted but I...A-Zhan, I don't want to feel like this any more. I don't want to look in the mirror and see someone I don't know because the medicine that's keeping me here is stealing all the best bits of me as the price for it. I know I won't get much stronger but at least...I would take two days of joy over two decades of carrying this weight in me. My body is a prison and I want to be free. I don't want to go but I don't want to stay like this either.'

'I know,' said Lan Wangji, 'And I understand. It's just...'

'I know,' echoed Li Xuanji, 'Either way though, I don't have long. They didn't say anything yesterday but I know the treatment isn't as effective as it once was. If I am dying, then I am dying. Prolonging it with chemicals and pain for all of us is not going to change that now.'

'I hate this,' said Lan Wangji, loosing his hold on her to press the heels of his hands against his eyes and the tears that threatened there, knowing if he let them flow it would take too long to stem them again, 'I hate that you have to make this choice.'

'But at least I have a choice,' said Li Xuanji, 'And I am making it with the full understanding of what is to come. It is not going to be easy but at least I can focus on reducing my pain and enjoying what I can of the time I have left rather than hurting myself in the fight. It will be alright, A-Zhan. I'm not going anywhere yet.'

'You'd better not,' said Lan Wangji, removing his hands from his eyes, 'We have so much left to do.'

'Then stop looking at me as though I am made of glass and realise that this body might be weak but I'm strong. We will take the time we have and make the very best of it.'

'Mama,' said Lan Wangji, at a loss for anything else, smiling at the hands that cradled his face with all the strength and care he remembered from his childhood.

'We are going to be brave, A-Zhan, and we are going to get through this.'

They were the words she had spoken when days with his father had felt insurmountable. When Lan Wangji felt as though he was being crushed under the pain and the fear that came from the man who should have valued and protected him. Li Xuanji had always been the light, a tower of strength even when the days felt like they would overwhelm them. He knew how hard it had been for her but she had never let her sons see the struggle. He knew it was his turn to do the same.

'We should call Huan-Ge,' he said, 'He'll be waiting and worrying.'

Li Xuanji nodded, 'A video call,' she said, 'I want to be able to see his face. I wish he was here. He feels too far away.'

'He is only ever a plane ride away,' said Lan Wangji, 'And I am sure he will come home as soon as he can especially now. I will see if we can arrange something, take the boys somewhere special.'

'That would be nice,' said Li Xuanji, arranging them both in the frame of the screen as Lan Wangji made what he was sure would be the first of many difficult calls to his brother so many miles away.

The afternoon was bright and warm, autumn not quite having chased off the last of summer. It made their walk home from school a happy one, A-Yuan chattering about one of his latest projects with Tuzi swinging from his hand as they made their way along the familiar streets to home. Lan Wangji was glad for the normality of it, the reminder that the day to day tasks he had to perform were still there even though the world felt a little twisted up.

Since his mother had made the decision to have no further treatment to slow the progress of her illness and instead opted for at home palliative treatment and pain management, Lan Wangji was certain he had not paused for breath. There had been calls to his brother and his uncle and a few of Li Xuanji's friends she had wanted to share the news with. There had been doctors visits and meetings with Mianmian and the local nursing team. Equipment had been ordered that wasn't needed right away but could prove to be at any future date and Li Xuanji had made it clear she would rather be prepared than have to concede to hospital treatment if they did not have what was needed.

It had been practical, factual, long paragraphs of what ifs, and more organisation than Lan Wangji had ever known, putting even the mountains of paperwork he had had to complete to adopt A-Yuan to shame. He had been glad for the focus though, things to do taking him far away from the things to feel that he wasn't ready to address yet. He had made sure that A-Yuan had the chance to do so though, the play therapist Mianmian had recommended having already come to the house to meet them all in advance of his sessions as well as visiting the school to discuss various points with A-Yuan's teachers in preparation of what might change in his behaviour in the classroom. A-Yuan had liked her at least but Lan Wangji knew they still had a difficult journey ahead of them.

As they turned onto their own street, he felt A-Yuan's pace slow a little beside him. When in Li Xuanji's presence, A-Yuan was his normal, bubbly self but in the few moments before or after he was with her there came a heaviness to him that nothing could chase away. Lan Wangji squeezed his hand, pulling them to a halt and crouching down until he was eye level with him, cupping his cheek in his hand.

'It's alright,' he said, 'She's doing well today. Same as yesterday. She'll be up and about and she'll want to hear all about your day. Give Tuzi a squeeze before we go in if you need to.'

A-Yuan hugged the toy tightly to him, whispering in its ear before he held it out to Lan Wangji. 'Tuzi thinks you need a hug to. You need someone to hug you, Baba.'

'I have you and Tuzi to hug me,' said Lan Wangji wrapping them both in his arms, 'What more could I need?'

A-Yuan pressed a kiss to his cheek. 'I love you, Baba,' he said, 'I'm ready to go in now.'

Lan Wangji covered any emotion that wanted to escape him by making a show of getting to his feet again, pretending to have to heave himself up against A-Yuan's shoulder even if he put no pressure on it as he rose. He kept a tight hold of his hand as they headed up the driveway to the house, Mianmian's car still parked beside Lan Wangji's as she waited for him to come home to take over from her.

It was the laughter that had him opening the door a little faster and hurrying inside. It was not unusual for them to hear Mianmian and Li Xuanji laughing together but the tones joining them were deeper and so familiar that Lan Wangji's heart leapt at the sound.

'Bobo!' cried A-Yuan as he kicked off his shoes and rounded the door at a run, 'Jingyi!'

The ecstatic cries of the two young boys at being reunited drowned out all other sounds as Lan Wangji took off his shoes at only a slightly more sedate pace. He had barely entered the room when he found himself pulled into a fierce hug, the familiar strength of his older brother surrounding him entirely.

'Huan-Ge,' he breathed, 'You're here.'

'I came as soon as I could,' said Lan Xichen, 'I'm sorry it wasn't sooner but it was difficult to get away.'

'That you're here at all is wonderful,' said Lan Wangji, reluctant to let him go but his young nephew would soon want for attention and he had no desire to be rude when Mianmian was still in the house either, 'You look well.'

'You look...'

Lan Wangji sighed, 'I know,' he said, 'It's fine.'

Lan Xichen's brow was creased in concern but he clearly thought better of pushing especially as both A-Yuan and Jingyi bundled close to them.

'Baba! Jingyi says he's staying here tonight,' said A-Yuan, 'Can he sleep in my room? Please? I promise we'll go to sleep and be good.'

Lan Wangji frowned but nodded all the same, 'Alright but it is a school night so I do not want you up late,' he said, 'Homework now and then you boys can play.'

'You have homework from your tutor as well,' said Lan Xichen, ruffling Jingyi's hair, 'And we promised Baba you would keep up with things here if you came with me. Why don't you and A-Yuan settle down and get to work. Sooner it's done, the sooner you can play.'

Matching grins and enthusiastic nods preceded the two boys hurrying to the dining room table, the clatter of books and pencil cases following before chatter broke out once more.

'Bribery might be in order,' said Lan Xichen as he returned to the sofa, with Lan Wangji following behind, 'I didn't think about the disruption we'd cause.'

'A little disruption now and then harms no one,' said Li Xuanji, 'It will do them good to see each other. They have a very special bond.'

'I can't believe how much Jingyi has grown,' said Mianmian, 'It's only been two months and he's a giant next to A-Yuan.'

'He shot up a couple of weeks after we got there,' said Lan Xichen, 'Ended up having to buy him so many new clothes. I brought the old ones with me. I thought they might fit A-Yuan.'

'He is always growing so anything that fits would be appreciated,' said Lan Wangji, 'He'll like that they were Jingyi's.'

'I'd better get going. Leave you all to your evening,' said Mianmian getting to her feet, and turning to Li Xuanji, 'Keep the new vitamin tonic up for a few days and see how you find it. If we need to review it, I'll make an appointment with the nutritionist.'

'Can I tell him it tastes like something I'd scrape off my shoe?' said Li Xuanji with a grimace, 'Sugar did not help.'

'It's medicine, Mama, it doesn't have to taste good to do you good,' said Lan Xichen.

'I'll make you swallow a spoonful and then you'll change your tune,' said Li Xuanji, 'But then again, do you still drink those rotten green shake things whenever you're at the gym?'

'Do not let my husband hear you call them rotten,' said Lan Xichen, 'It's an acquired taste.'

Li Xuanji laughed, her eyes bright as she regarded her eldest son. 'My ridiculous boy, never change.'

Lan Wangji saw Mianmian to the door once she had said goodbye to everyone, glad when she had nothing contrary to the happy picture he had come home to to report. He knew the even keel they had reached would not last but he refused to dwell on any future changes when his mother looked relaxed and happy with both her sons and grandsons with her.

The evening was relaxed, the boys tiring not long after dinner despite their initial excitement, both slowly melting into the couch cushions and each other until their eyelids began to droop. Even Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji rousing them enough to get them washed and into pyjamas for the night did little to ease their sleepiness, the two of them falling fast asleep in A-Yuan's bed before Lan Wangji had even finished a page of the story he was reading to them.

'We toyed with the idea of me coming alone,' said Lan Xichen, as they left the bedroom and closed the door behind them, 'But I thought it would be good for them to see one another.'

'A-Yuan has missed Jingyi,' said Lan Wangji, 'I'm glad you decided to bring him. When did you decide to come? Did you arrange it with Mama?'

Lan Xichen shook his head, 'I didn't want to get her hopes up in case anything came up with work and we couldn't make it,' he said, 'Even now it's only a flying visit. I need to be back by the weekend.'

'Can't you work from here?' said Lan Wangji, 'I can go into the office and you can use my study. I'm sure we can get Jingyi back into the school if we explain the situation. They've already been so good with A-Yuan.'

Lan Xichen shook his head, 'I can't do what we need to do remotely. Things are at such a critical stage, I shouldn't really be away from the office even now but I had to come down to talk to you and Mama about this palliative thing.'

'There's not really a lot more to be said than what was included in my email,' said Lan Wangji, 'I'm sure Xiao-Yisheng will be happy to meet with you if you need any of the terminology clarifying. I've got rather used to it so I forget it's not in laymen's terms.'

'I'm not concerned about all the medical jargon,' said Lan Xichen, 'I just want to know why she's giving up so soon. Why you're letting her give up so soon?'

'Giving up?' said Lan Wangji, 'She's not giving up.'

'She's stopping the treatment that is keeping her alive.'

'That's not...' began Lan Wangji before taking hold of his brother's wrist and leading him into his bedroom, pushing the door to in the hope that no one else would hear them speaking, 'Do not let her hear you say that. Don't question her choice in this.'

'One of us has to,' said Lan Xichen, 'This is too soon. There are alternative treatments. I've been looking into some promising avenues.'

'Snake oil,' said Lan Wangji, 'Huan-Ge, the doctors here are some of the best and even they agreed that ending treatment will allow Mama a better quality of life for the last however many months she has. She is dying. It is too late for alternatives.'

'You're not even willing to try?'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'No, I'm not. It's not my decision anyway,' he said, 'I want her to live. I want her to see A-Yuan and Jingyi grow up but that is not going to happen. She's lucky if she sees the Spring. Yes, the treatment might give her a little longer but each time it costs her more and more. She's so ill afterwards and it hurts her. This way, we control the pain and let nature do the rest.'

'You're too close to this, A-Zhan,' said Lan Xichen, 'Seeing it day in and day out. You think you know what's best.'

'I know better than you do, hundreds of miles away because of some business venture,' snapped Lan Wangji, sighing as his brother physically recoiled as though struck, 'I'm sorry but you don't know the half of what she goes through. I do. I hate that she has made this decision but I understand it and she needs us behind her completely.'

'She is too young to die,' said Lan Xichen, 'She needs to fight.'

'She has been in too many fights in her life,' said Lan Wangji, 'She deserves to rest. I will not make this any harder on her than it already is and I will not let you do so either.'

'I only want to talk to her,' said Lan Xichen, 'Give her options she hasn't considered.'

'She has considered all she needs to. You need to support the choice she has made and not push any other agenda. I won't let you pressure her into changing her mind.'

'So you're the only one who gets a say in this?' said Lan Xichen, 'What about my opinion? Shushu is devastated that neither of us were consulted. Why do you get to have a say and we don't?'

'I haven't had a say in anything. It is her choice,' said Lan Wangji, 'She is of sound mind. She knows more about this than any of us. She has sought professional opinion and consultation. She knows what she is doing.'

'You're taking the easy way out of this.'

He knew his brother regretted the words the moment they left his mouth and was certain he would regret the ones he replied with but he let them fly all the same.

'Easy? Easy was running away, halfway across the country because you can't cope with this so you left me to instead.'

'That isn't fair, A-Zhan.'

'None of this is fair,' said Lan Wangji, 'Not a single moment of this is fair and I am sick of it all. I am tired and I am broken and I do not need you flying in and trying to make things right out of some sense of guilt because you left. Don't you dare try to convince Mama to do anything than what she has already decided to do. You do not have the right to and you do not have the right to tell me that we are taking the easy way out of this.'

The room felt stifling, the metallic tang of medicine and disinfectant lingering on every surface, hitting the back of his throat where it burned. He did not want to fight, all his strength focused on just keeping himself upright it seemed, but he knew his brother would not be easily convinced to drop his own agenda regardless of what Lan Wangji said.

The house felt paper thin, the walls buckling under the strain surrounding them all and Lan Wangji was afraid to tear it pieces if he stayed a moment longer.

'Where are you going?' said Lan Xichen as Lan Wangji headed for the door.

'For a walk,' he said, 'I can't...do not pressure Mama whilst I'm gone. We can talk again in the morning.'

'A-Zhan. A-Zhan don't go running out of here at this time of night. Where on earth will you go walking that isn't dangerous?'

'I'm not a child,' said Lan Wangji, 'And I'll go where I please. Just make sure the boys don't wake up and help Mama with her medicine if she needs it without bringing up anything about her treatment.'

'A-Zhan!' said Lan Xichen, his voice a whisper in the hope of not waking the boys as he followed him to the stairs, 'Just stay. I'll drop it. I'll...'

Lan Wangji moved quickly down the stairs, pulling on his shoes and coat before he wrenched open the front door even as his mother's concerned voice called out to him.

He did not know where he was going but he was grateful for the darkness that swallowed him as he left the house and the pain within it behind him.

Chapter Text

He hadn't planned to head to the alleyway and the strange shop it contained. When Lan Wangji had left home he had only intended to be gone long enough to allow his anger to cool, to allow himself to face his brother with a clear head and a clearer argument against Lan Xichen's plan to try to convince their mother to change her mind about her treatment. As he had walked, though, his thoughts had begun to spiral on and on, too many for him to keep track of as he trudged along the darkened pavements with no destination in mind.

He only realised where he had walked to when the faint notes of a flute met his ears, the tune light and playful, one to dance to. He looked up, seeing the empty stalls bathed in the moonlight, before his eyes fell on the dancing puppets outside of the toy shop. He could not see the mechanism that made them dance, the jerky, awkward movements still rhythmic, perfectly in time with the music Wei Wuxian played.

The man himself was sat on a simple wooden stool, top hat and tail coat replaced by a warm woollen shawl, his hair tumbling free around his shoulders with the strands dancing in the breeze. The flute at his lips was jet black, decorated with a red charm that glittered. Lan Wangji almost laughed at himself as he thought he looked like some ancient trickster from a story book than a simple man enjoying to quiet of the evening.

The puppets dropped to the floor as though their strings had been cut as the music stopped, Wei Wuxian's voice its own melody as it replaced it.

'Lan Zhan?' he called, 'Why are you hiding all the way over there?'

The time for disappearing unnoticed had long passed but Lan Wangji could not find the words to say what had truly drawn him to the alleyway and the shop beyond.

'I was out running an errand and I heard the music,' he said, 'I was curious.'

'Curious, indeed,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And did the discovery of only me and a select group of my more individual friends disappoint you?'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'I am only sorry I intruded upon your evening,' he said, 'Forgive me. I should be on my...'

'Lan Zhan,' called Wei Wuxian, cutting off his excuse to leave, 'If my siren song drew you in, it is only right that I offer compensation for distracting you from your task.'

'Truly, there's no need.'

'Lan Zhan,' said Wei Wuxian gently, 'You look tired and cold. Come inside for a while. I will worry if I let you leave now. Can your errand not wait for half an hour?'

Lan Wangji knew he could say no, head back out into the evening and his solitary walk but he could not bring the words to his lips. His eyes strayed to the warm glow of the lights from the toy shop, certain it had been dark moments before, the promise of them welcoming and comforting in a way nothing else felt.

Despite the distance between them and the dim moonlight, Wei Wuxian nodded as he caught his eye as though Lan Wangji had answered him somehow, picking up his fallen puppets and carrying them into the waiting toy shop. Lan Wangji followed, passing the quiet stalls that looked less broken down than they had the night they had sheltered from the rain in the toy shop whilst waiting for Li Xuanji to be released from hospital. He knew he could not stay long, his family no doubt already worried about him, but the toy shop was warm as he stepped inside and followed Wei Wuxian to the back, fragrant with the scent of wood shavings and paint.

The workbench at the back was open, what appeared to be a toy barn halfway under construction with several horses appearing from the lumps of wood they were being carved from. Lan Wangji felt a small smile tug at his lips at the skill of it, the horses so precise they looked as though they would leap from the wood themselves at any given moment.

'These are wonderful,' he said, 'They look real.'

'All toys are real,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Any child will tell you that.'

Lan Wangji sighed, running a finger over the head of one of the carvings, 'It should be such a magical time, being a child, and yet...' he said, 'Forgive me.'

Wei Wuxian set the puppets down on the bench as gently as he would a child, arranging them until they were lying neatly. 'You keep asking for my forgiveness but you have yet to have wronged me in any way.'

Soft, grey eyes studied Lan Wangji's as he met them, understanding in their depths that was far more than just passing compassion.

'I...' he began, words failing him as his thoughts swirled in his head once more.

Wei Wuxian's hand was warm against his arm even through the sleeve of his coat. 'You do not have to say anything if you do not want to,' he said, 'Come upstairs and let me make you something to warm you up.'

Lan Wangji felt the chill his unplanned walk had brought as Wei Wuxian's warm hand left him, following him to the stairs the toy maker had so spectacularly tumbled down on the day of their meeting. His footsteps sounded too loud to his ears as they followed Wei Wuxian's, the steps a little uneven in their tread as though they had been run up and down hundreds upon on hundreds of times.

Wei Wuxian drew aside the curtain at the top of the stairs, revealing the modest room beyond, as littered with toys and the tools for making them as the workroom below was.

'I do not often have company,' said Wei Wuxian, 'You will need to forgive the mess.'

'Now who is asking for forgiveness without having wronged me in any way?' said Lan Wangji, earning himself a lopsided smile from the toy maker as he hastily cleared an overstuffed armchair that looked as though it had been rescued from a skip and patched with whatever was to hand.

'Ah, I forget that words are your skill and therefore your weapon,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Please sit. I promise there are no splinters, they like to find their way to my bed to prod me when there is a toy that wishes to be finished before I sleep. Would you like tea or I can dig out something stronger?'

'Tea is fine,' said Lan Wangji, 'I do not drink alcohol. I have an allergy and it affects me swiftly. I would not like to burden you with the foolishness that follows.'

Wei Wuxian grinned, 'I enjoy foolishness but perhaps another time,' he said, 'Let us stay on a safer course this evening.'

Lan Wangji was not sure he had ever seen water boiled over an open fire but the large black kettle did not take long to start singing once Wei Wuxian had swung it over the flames and soon a warm cup was pressed into his hands, the fragrant steam already calming before the warmth of the drink itself sought out all the chilled places in him and soothed them. Wei Wuxian waved off any protests as he settled cross legged on the floor before him when the lack of another chair became apparent, cup held in one hand as he propped his other elbow against his knee and rested his cheek on his fist.

'Do you want to talk about what errand brought you to my door or would you prefer to talk of nonsense to take your mind off it?'

Lan Wangji looked down at the swirling liquid in his cup, allowing himself a moment to put his warring thoughts into order. 'My brother is visiting,' he said, finally, 'We quarrelled.'

'I'm sorry,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I don't have any blood relations but Yanli-Jiejie and Jiang Cheng are as dear as siblings to me. Jiang Cheng and I argue often but I imagine over more trivial things.'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'Mama has decided to stop receiving treatment to prolong her life. It makes her unwell and the benefit of it...she wishes to enjoy the time she has remaining. It is her choice to make and I understand why she is making it. My brother...'

'It's ok,' said Wei Wuxian, 'You do not need to tell me more if you do not wish to.'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'I'm alright,' he said, ignoring the catch in his voice that made a lie of his words, 'My brother does not agree with Mama's choice. He wishes to persuade her to continue the treatment and I fear...I do not want her to do anything because she feels obliged to for either of us. I want her to have her freedom, to enjoy what remains of her life and I...I hate that this is a choice any of us have to discuss...'

He pressed his free hand over his eyes, failing to stem the tears that fell. He didn't look up as he head the sound of booted feet stepping towards him, nor did he resist as the cup was gently taken from his hand and a small square of material given to replace it.

'I am sorry, Lan Zhan,' said Wei Wuxian, his voice holding none of the playfulness Lan Wangji knew well, 'This cannot be an easy situation for any of you.'

Lan Wangji removed his hand, wiping his eyes with the crisp, clean handkerchief Wei Wuxian had given him. 'The worst part is I almost want to agree with my brother. I want...she should live. I'm not ready. I shouldn't have to be ready but this isn't about me and I feel wretched that part of me is so angry with her for choosing this even though I know...I know why, I understand why but still...'

'You are allowed to be angry,' said Wei Wuxian, crouching beside the chair, 'When my parents died, when I found myself alone in this world, I was angry. I was angry they didn't stay with me even though it was beyond them to do so. I was angry they hadn't taken me with them. I was angry that A-Niang...I don't remember what really happened but I was sick and then I wasn't but she was gone. She was gone and I was on my own. Nothing prepares you for the day you find yourself an orphan, doesn't matter how old you are.'

'I'm sorry,' said Lan Wangji, 'I don't want to bring up bad memories for you.'

'No need for sorry,' said Wei Wuxian, 'It took me a long time to see it but they're still here with me. They are in this shop, in the toys I make, in the music I play. They are always with me but it took me a long time to understand that.'

'I can't bear to think of a world where she's not with us,' said Lan Wangji, 'Even now I hope that someone will call, tell us they got it wrong, that she will be fine but I know it's impossible. I know we will be lucky if we have her for the turn of the year and I should make every moment count but the end, what's coming, paralyses me and I feel like everything is so dark.'

'Death's shadow is a long one,' said Wei Wuxian, his eyes growing distant, 'I remember it. I remember seeing it coming and knowing there was nothing to be done. It fell upon us so quickly. At least...no those aren't the words I want. There's no at least. I will not say you are lucky to have the time you have because I know you could have a day or a thousand years and it wouldn't lessen the pain at the end. I do not know what to say to you. I make toys. I am not capable of advising you on how you should feel.'

Lan Wangji longed for the foolishness, for the giddy smiles and playful tones he knew well rather than the quietness of the man knelt beside him. 'Just talking helps.'

'Perhaps with someone more qualified than me,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Jiang Cheng sees someone. He told me it helps to talk things through with someone who is trained to advise him. Perhaps there is someone you can talk to like that.'

'There are many,' said Lan Wangji, 'I have a counsellor for A-Yuan already and they are wonderful with him but I cannot bring myself to do the same. I can't talk to some stranger who is paid to nod and comfort and then forget about me when the next client comes in. I know I am probably doing a disservice to many in saying such but talking to anyone about this is agonising.'

'You are talking to me,' said Wei Wuxian with a gentle smile.

'You are my friend.'

The words had left his lips without consideration but the truth of them settled in Lan Wangji's bones like a balm to the aches he had carried for so long. Though their acquaintance had been brief and begun in a more unusual way than most, Wei Wuxian had proved himself a friend time and again with the care he had shown to those Lan Wangji loved.

'I am glad of it,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I have so few people I can call friend. My shop is often a transient place and the faces I meet do not linger. I am glad that perhaps I will not have to consign your face to memory alone.'

'I promise I don't turn up on my friend's doorsteps without warning as a habit,' said Lan Wangji.

'I wouldn't mind if you did. I enjoy the company.'

'I have turned up unannounced and cried,' said Lan Wangji, 'I do not think I am qualified to be referred to as company.'

'You are allowed to turn up unannounced and cry whenever you need to.'

'You may regret those words in the months to come.'

Wei Wuxian shook his head, 'No, I won't,' he said, 'This place, it has always been a sanctuary of sorts, there when it is needed the most. If you need me, if you need a place to rest, then we are here for you.'

'Thank you. For some reason, I feel more at ease here than I do elsewhere.'

'You remember what it is to be a child and the infinite possibility that came with,' said Wei Wuxian, 'In this place, a little of those dreams, that belief, still exists. Here, everything is still possible even when it might not be in the world beyond.'

Lan Wangji let his eyes drift around the loft, Wei Wuxian's home a simple one that was contrary to the persona he had met in his previous visits. The loft suited better the man before him, without the trappings of his toy maker facade.

A bed was pushed into one corner, the blankets homespun and patched. On the dresser beside it sat the music box and its dancing figurine, glittering in the low light. Lan Wangji smiled as he saw a copy of one of his books laid beside it, the page marked only halfway through and he wondered if Wei Wuxian had reached the part where the young man realised he was the reincarnation of one of the gods of old. The desk was covered with tools; an aged, handturned sewing machine settled in one corner next to bolts of material that varied from fine silks to simpler calico. Wood shavings littered the floor beneath and their were flecks of dried paint even on the legs of the desk. The small kitchen had little more than a wood-fire stove, the fireplace open with the pot for hot water hung over and Lan Wangji wondered why Wei Wuxian had gone to such lengths to wire his shop in such a way that it was invisible and yet kept his home so simply.

He gave it little thought though, turning his attention back to his friend.

'I wish I had a place like this to retreat to when I was younger,' he said, 'I could have lost myself for hours in the shelves downstairs.'

'You're still allowed to,' said Wei Wuxian, 'You aren't required to forget what is it to be a child just because you're grown.'

'There are a great many parts of my childhood that I would prefer to forget,' said Lan Wangji, 'My childhood home was not always a happy one despite Mama's efforts. That's why all this feels worse. When he died, I thought we would finally be free of it all. We were for about a year. I remember everything was better. Mama was happy. We were happy. Even Shushu was different. I thought, at last, we would be happy forever. I remember Shushu telling me it was just a simple procedure the first time Mama went into the hospital, a small operation to cut out a little lump that wasn't dangerous. The first few weren't dangerous and then they were. By the time I was eighteen she had beaten the cancer once. When I was twenty, it came back but she fought it off again. Then...I will never forget the day they said the only treatment they could give her would be to prolong rather than save her life. She deserved a future after how hard she fought for me and Huan-Ge, she deserved to enjoy her life and grow old. She should have had the chance to see her grandsons grow up. If I could take it from her, if I could take her place then I would. She deserves to live.'

'I have met her once and I know she would disagree with any thought of you taking her place,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I can understand why you are angry though. Sometimes the world feels so inexplicably cruel. I can also understand why your brother wants her to keep trying, even if her choice goes otherwise.'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'Part of me agrees with him too and I hated it when I realised it. She spent years being told what to do, this choice must be hers,' he said, 'In my heart I know Huan-Ge is just as hurt as I am and he wants the same things I do. He wants her to live but he doesn't see what it does to her. I was cruel to him earlier, accused him of running away. I'm angry that he left me alone to deal with everything. He could have stayed but I understand why he didn't. Given the chance, I would run to. I would take A-Yuan and run so I could pretend it wasn't happening but I can't because she needs me and I love her too much to let her do this alone.'

Wei Wuxian's warm hand took his, squeezing gently, 'Your thoughts must be tied in knots,' he said, 'And I cannot advise you as to what to do. When my family died, I was too young and it was too quick for me to have such thoughts. I think though, you all need to take this time to be very honest with one another and to allow those emotions to flow. Nothing should be kept taboo, it will only come out in the worst way possible otherwise.'

Lan Wangji managed a short laugh, 'I say as much to A-Yuan.'

'It's easier advice to give than to take.'

'Very true,' said Lan Wangji, rubbing his free hand over his face, 'I don't know how to fix this.'

'Go home to your family and talk to them,' said Wei Wuxian, 'All of you just need to talk, to put everything out on the table and work from there, even if it hurts. I know for a fact that you'll get through it as a team if you try. Let your brother say his piece if he needs to. I do not see a certain Li Xuanji being easily persuaded off the path she has already chosen. She's a stubborn one.'

'More than you can know,' said Lan Wangji, 'There are mountains more moveable.'

'Well then,' said Wei Wuxian, 'She knows her mind and her choices but she's your mother and will want to know how both her sons feel. You've been with her, you understand. Your brother, whether he ran away or not, has not had the same experiences. He will come to understand and then you can all move forward together. If you wish to distract A-Yuan whilst you talk, I have many toys suitable for such conversations.'

'His cousin has come to visit as well,' said Lan Wangji, 'And together they are a whirlwind.'

'So am I, giving the chance,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I will wind them up and let them spin around the shop like a top and then give them back to you when they are exhausted.'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'I might just take you up on the offer then,' he said, looking down at their joined hands and letting the comfort of the touch seep into his bones once more, 'Thank you, Wei Wuxian, for being here tonight.'

'Wei Ying,' said the man before him, 'My name is Wei Ying. Wei Wuxian...well, that's a story for another day.'

'Wei Ying,' repeated Lan Wangji, a strange smile settling on Wei Wuxian's face as he spoke it, his eyes bright as he met them.

'It is a long time since I heard it spoken,' he said, 'I forgot how it sounded.'

'If you would prefer I still call you...'

'No,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Please call me Wei Ying. I would like for you to call me Wei Ying.'

'Then I will,' said Lan Wangji, feeling the heat in his cheeks at the brilliant smile he received in return.

The silence that surrounded them was comfortable, the noises of the city beyond silenced by the alley that separated them from the main road. It was the thought of the city though that reminded Lan Wangji that, whilst he was taking comfort with his friend, his brother remained at home, no doubt with the sting of Lan Wangji's words still hanging over him.

'Wei Ying,' he said, breaking the precious silence, 'I should go home. They're waiting.'

'Of course,' said Wei Wuxian, letting go of his hand, 'Just remember I am here if I am needed. I would prefer you come here than go wondering about on errands again. Perhaps I shall play my flute every night just to conjure you. It's funny...'

'What is funny?' said Lan Wangji as Wei Wuxian trailed off.

'Nothing,' he said, 'Yet another story for another time. I must practice the telling of it when I am in the presence of such a prestigious author.'

'Formerly prestigious,' said Lan Wangji, getting to his feet as Wei Wuxian rose to his, 'I haven't written anything of note in several years.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'That does not lessen the talent displayed in your previous stories and I am sure you will write again one day. You never know, maybe something here will spark your interest. One day, I think you will believe in magic again, just as your son does.'

Lan Wangji paused as they reached the top of the stairs, even the descent to the shop floor feeling abhorrent when it meant he had to leave the quiet sanctuary he had found in Wei Wuxian's home.

'Here, maybe, I could allow myself to believe anything is possible,' he said, 'Outside is far too real. The world is too cruel for magic to exist in it.'

'Then we will begin with the shop and go from there,' said Wei Wuxian, taking several steps down before turning back to him, 'Would you prefer to walk down or shall I teach you how to tumble?'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'I fear I am not agile enough for anything other than walking and A-Yuan would be angry with me if he caught me doing what I told him not to,' he said, catching the look that passed over Wei Wuxian's face, 'You are not teaching A-Yuan.'

'I didn't say a word,' he replied with a laugh, 'We'll walk for now then.'

Lan Wangji followed him down the stairs, fingers skimming the bannister to keep his balance as it curved. The toy shop below was quiet and the lights low, sleeping or so it felt as they passed through the shelves. The door though seemed to loom as though it was alive, a beckoning portal to the outside world that Lan Wangji was unsure he wanted to pass through.

'I am always here,' said Wei Wuxian as though reading his thoughts, 'This place is never closed to you.'

'Thank you,' said Lan Wangji, as they reached the door, 'I do not know what will happen when I get home but I will bring A-Yuan on Saturday and Mama if she feels well enough. I do not know what Huan-Ge's plans are whilst he is here. If we have an evening spare...'

'Bring whoever you wish to, whenever you wish to,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Are you ready?'

'No,' said Lan Wangji, 'But they'll be worried and we have things we need to talk about.'

'Just be honest and you will not go wrong,' said Wei Wuxian, 'You are going home to people who love you. Let me walk you to the end of the alleyway.'

They were quiet as they passed between the empty stalls, the alleyway feeling longer than it usually did but the shop was the same distance away when they finally reached the small gap that led back to the street.

'Can I trust that you'll go straight home and not go wandering the streets for another wayward toy maker to tempt you away from the path?'

'You can trust me,' said Lan Wangji, drawing his coat tighter around him, 'It's too chilly to stay out long.'

'You should dress better for your next moonlight flit,' said Wei Wuxian, taking hold of the collar and drawing it closed, blocking out the chill and allowing Lan Wangji's body to warm.

For a moment, the moonlight glittered silver in the unbound hair of the man before him before he shook it back and the illusion faded.

'Straight home, Lan Zhan. I will see you soon.'

Lan Wangji wanted to linger but he knew he had to tear himself away from the sanctuary he had found if he wanted to mend what had passed between him and his brother and find a way for them to all move forward. It felt like stepping into traffic though as he said his final goodbye and passed through the gap back onto the main road, the noise and smell of the city that never seemed to rest assaulting him after the peace of the toy shop. He resisted the urge to turn back, turning his feet towards home, grateful that his coat kept out the worst of the chill as he realised just how late the hour had reached, time meaningless in Wei Wuxian's home.

The lights were still on at the house when he reached it, the curtain moving as he approached and he was unsurprised that the front door was open before he had even reached it.

'Didi,' said Lan Xichen, pulling him into an unexpected hug the moment he was in reach, 'Where did you go? We've been so worried. I'm sorry. I should have...'

'Let's do this inside,' said Lan Wangji, gently breaking the embrace, 'And I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have lost my temper.'

Lan Xichen smiled sadly, 'I shouldn't have lost mine either,' he said, ushering him inside and helping him out of his coat, 'Have you been walking all this time?'

'I went to see Wei Ying,' said Lan Wangji, 'Wei Wuxian, the toy maker who fixed Tuzi for A-Yuan. We talked. He helped put things in perspective.'

'I spoke to Mama,' said Lan Xichen, 'I know you asked me not to but she knew we'd quarrelled and wouldn't let me out of telling her what had happened. I've been left in little doubt that her choices are her own.'

'We must both remember that as things go on,' said Lan Wangji, 'I'm sorry if I worried you both.'

'You can come in here and apologise to your mama properly,' came the voice from the living room, 'Though I can't say I'm upset that you went to see that handsome young man. You didn't need to come home so early you know.'

Lan Wangji tried and failed to scowl at the laugh his brother tried to hide behind a hand. 'At least she's not too upset with me.'

'She's not deaf either, young man, get in here and let's all talk,' called Li Xuanji, 'I'll have you both on your best behaviour.'

Lan Wangji knew it would still not be the easiest conversation but it was one he felt safe to have as his brother's hand came to rest on his shoulder as they both made their way into the living room where their mother was waiting.

Chapter Text

The sun was beginning to set as they entered the alleyway, lending an extra glitter to the colourful stalls and the people selling their wares. The rich smells mingled with the joyful voices, customers and sellers laughing and calling to one another, children's faces sticky with sweets whilst the adults warmed chilly hands on paper packets holding hot steamed buns.

A-Yuan was soon dragging Jingyi to the nearest stall, the two boys choosing excitement over upset even though Jingyi was due to leave with Lan Xichen the next morning as work called them back to their temporary home. Lan Wangji kept a more sedate pace as he manoeuvred Li Xuanji's wheelchair through the crowds, Lan Xichen hovering a little awkwardly beside him, unsure if he should be offering to help despite Lan Wangji having insisted on several occasions that he could manage.

It had not been the easiest of visits, even after Li Xuanji had left both her sons in little doubt that her decisions were very much her own and unlikely to be changed by anything they or anyone else said. Lan Xichen's guilt at his absence often manifested itself in a over zealous need to prove his presence in the house, upsetting the routine Lan Wangji and Li Xuanji had established between themselves. Lan Wangji equally felt all too much the younger sibling once again, constantly having to justify his choices and his actions as Lan Xichen questioned them until he snapped that his own house followed its own rules. Despite the upset though, they had made the most of the few days they had had together, knowing that the time remaining was finite and that petty squabbles meant nothing in comparison to the connection they shared.

A-Yuan had been reluctant to go to school but had done so once he realised that Jingyi would be equally employed with work from his tutor, Li Xuanji strict with him even when he tried to weasel out of it, and happy to oversee it as Lan Xichen worked from the dining room table, leaving Lan Wangji the use of his own study. The evenings though were their own, spent in conversation and games until either the boys or Li Xuanji tired. The toy shop and the magical tales A-Yuan told of it remained a treat for their final evening though and Lan Wangji was sure the days had dragged for the children as they had done for him, longing for the strange peace of Wei Wuxian's small part of the world.

'I'm surprised this place isn't better known,' said Lan Xichen, 'I wonder...'

'A-Huan,' said Li Xuanji, tapping his arm, 'This is an evening out, not a business opportunity.'

'I'm only saying...'

'You have enough work on at the moment. This place is fine as it is. I wouldn't want to see it overrun. It feels nice to stumble upon it.'

'Or be directed here to get a toy fixed,' said Lan Wangji, as he watched A-Yuan hold Tuzi up to one of the vendors.

'I'm sure you would have stumbled upon us one day anyway. Those who need us always do.'

Lan Wangji couldn't help but smile at the familiar voice next to his ear, turning to face the man behind him, meeting once more the toy maker with his top hat even if the tail coat had been replaced by a long, tailored coat better suited to the cold.

'Wei Ying,' he said, 'We were just coming to see you.'

'And miss all this?' said Wei Wuxian, 'Out here is much more interesting. Especially when I see new people accompanying my favourite trio.'

Wei Wuxian was every inch the eccentric toy maker Lan Wangji had met several weeks before, his movements fluid and spritely, adding to the otherworldliness his attire already gave him. He made a show of bowing to Li Xuanji as he greeted her warmly before he turned to Lan Xichen with a tease in his eyes.

'Lan Zhan, my dear, I think you have had me fooled about your belief in magic,' he said, 'For you have brought me an almost identical copy of you.'

'I am not sure if he should be flattered you think him four years younger than he is or that I should be offended you think me four years older than I am,' said Lan Wangji, 'Allow me to introduce my brother, Lan Xichen. Huan-Ge, this is Wei Wuxian.'

'I'm pleased to meet you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And I wouldn't worry about who looks older or who looks younger. I've lost track of the number of centuries I have been alive so a year or so here or there shouldn't matter to anyone.'

Lan Xichen laughed at the strange words but smiled all the same, 'Centuries? You must have seen quite a few changes.'

'And not all for the good,' said Wei Wuxian, stepping back until he was beside Lan Wangji once more, 'But one thing that has never altered is the good company deserves good food and it appears our A-Yuan and his companion have caught sight of the sweets. Shall we join them?'

'I think that's an excellent idea,' said Li Xuanji, 'The smells are too tempting to resist.'

'Well, we try our best,' said Wei Wuxian.

Lan Wangji carefully manoeuvred his mother's chair across the stone floor, Wei Wuxian walking a little ahead of them and clearing the path to make the job an easier one.

'My dear?' said Li Xuanji, a gentle tease in her tone.

'I heard that too,' said Lan Xichen, 'I thought the pair of you just talked when you visited last.'

'Stop it, the both of you,' said Lan Wangji, feeling his cheeks heat despite the chilly night air, the words having struck something strange within him when they had been spoken and leaving a warmth to settle once they had washed through.

Twin laughs answered him, increasing a little as Wei Wuxian turned back to them all briefly with a smile before he hurried his steps to the two boys. He had soon swept A-Yuan up into a warm hug, talking between him and Tuzi that A-Yuan held up to him before he greeted Jingyi with the same warmth and friendliness. As he set A-Yuan down on his feet, he pointed out the various treats, some of them confections that neither of the boys had encountered before.

'...I would suggest you get one of each and swap halfway through, then you both get some of it,' said Wei Wuxian as the others came into earshot, 'But you must ask permission from your parents first.'

Two beaming, begging faces turned to Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen. Li Xuanji laughing at the chorus of 'please Baba' that was directed at both of her sons followed by the cries of triumph as permission was given.

'You bought dinner, I'll get these,' said Lan Wangji, waving his brother down as he reached for his pocket.

'No need,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Friends and family discount applied.'

The woman serving behind the cart nodded to him with a smile, handing the boys their choices of treats before she waved a hand over the cart before her.

'Not just for children,' she said, 'Please, anything you like.'

Lan Wangji wanted to refuse but he had no desire to insult the vendor's generosity, or Wei Wuxian's if he was silently compensating them for the sweets. His indecision prompted Wei Wuxian to reach for one of the paper wrapped delicacies, crossing to him and pressing it into his hand.

'I think this will be one you will like,' he said, his action prompting Li Xuanji and Lan Xichen to choose their own.

Lan Wangji peeled back the wrappings, the bun inside fragrant and sticky with sugar. Wei Wuxian smiled before he returned to the vendor, choosing a small bag for himself, tossing one of the lotus seeds inside into the air and catching it easily in his mouth to the joyous reaction of A-Yuan and Jingyi. Part of Lan Wangji wanted to remind them not to attempt such things themselves but he forced away the words, trusting they were sensible enough not to mimic the behaviour.

He took an absent bite of the bun in his hand, the flavour sweet but with a tartness that complimented it perfectly, the flavours ones he would prefer over the more sugary confections that the children had chosen. He met Wei Wuxian's gaze, the small smile he responded with so similar to the ones Lan Wangji had seen the the small loft above the shop, genuine and true and devoid of any act.

Wei Wuxian deftly directed the children's attention to Li Xuanji and Lan Xichen, the four of them content to share bites of each other's treats, as he made his way back to Lan Wangji's side.

'Was I right?' he asked, 'I think it was the best choice for you amongst them all, more complex than pure sugar.'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'It would be something I would choose,' he said, 'How did you know?'

'Magic,' said Wei Wuxian with a grin.

Lan Wangji shook his head with a smile, 'Maybe.'

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'Maybe, he says. Are you thawing Lan Zhan? Perhaps I will have you believing magic can exist. How do you think this all comes to be otherwise?'

'You're a clever man,' said Lan Wangji, 'Very much the showman. As for the food, you have seen my choices at Jiang Yanli's cafe and no doubt noticed my preferences when we came to collect Tuzi.'

'Ah Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan,' said Wei Wuxian with a sigh, 'Won't you let it just be magic tonight? What more do you need? You have moonlight and the market and me. What more magic do you need?'

Lan Wangji looked over to where the children were finishing their sweets, balling the wrappers tightly and pressing them into Lan Xichen's hand before heading towards another vendor who sold colourful paper decorations that fluttered and twirled in the small breeze. Though there had been tears during their visit, both boys coming to understand a little more of what awaited their grandmother, there was nothing but smiles from them since they had entered the alley.

'For tonight, I will let it be magic.'

Wei Wuxian beamed, nudging his shoulder with his, 'I'll take it,' he said, 'Do you have to go soon or can everyone come inside to play a while?'

'I do not think we will be permitted to leave until A-Yuan has shown off the shop. He has told Jingyi all the stories. You are quite the celebrity in our home at the moment for what you did for Tuzi.'

'I was glad to do so,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And to be immortalised in a child's memory is a very special gift.'

They finished the last of the sweets before Wei Wuxian ushered them towards the toy shop. The lights were bright and welcoming as they stepped inside, coats hung on the hatstand Lan Wangji had not noticed beside the entrance before but gave little thought to as they headed deeper into the shop. A-Yuan and Jingyi were soon all but racing between the aisles, keen to take in everything and unable to settle to just one thing, Wei Wuxian only adding to the madness as he pointed out various new toys or tempted them with a trick or two.

Li Xuanji waved her sons away as she wheeled herself towards the corner littered with pillows and a large comfortable chair, books lining several shelves and piled precariously on the floor. She eased herself from the wheelchair and onto the chair, slipping off her shoes to curl her feet beneath her as she reached for the nearest book. It was a picture of contentment, raising her head on occasion to sneak a glance at her two grandsons before she returned to her book.

'I can see why A-Yuan likes it here,' said Lan Xichen, 'I don't know that we'll ever get them out.'

'Wei Ying knows we can't stay too long, not with Mama needing to rest,' said Lan Wangji, 'Though I think A-Yuan and Jingyi might tire him enough that he'll be begging us to leave even sooner.'

Lan Xichen laughed as another exuberant shout went up from the two boys, both of them wrestling into costumes pulled from the trunk that Wei Wuxian had flung open in the space that had once housed the table and projector Lan Wangji had fallen asleep beside. The man himself was soon settled cross-legged on the floor, directing whatever mischief was being enacted before him by the children.

'If I was a betting man, I'd take the odds on them wearing out before he does. They've had sugar and he looks like a bit of a night owl,' said Lan Xichen, 'I've never met anyone so curious. Definitely not someone I would have pictured you making friends with.'

'He has been kind to us,' said Lan Wangji, 'He has made Mama and A-Yuan smile.'

'Not to mention he is rather handsome,' said Lan Xichen, grinning at the look Lan Wangji shot him.

'I hadn't noticed.'

'Liar,' said Lan Xichen, before his smile gentled, 'You're allowed, you know. There's no harm in liking someone, especially when A-Yuan is already fond of him.'

'Huan-Ge!' said Lan Wangji, 'We've met a handful of times. He's nice and a welcome distraction for Mama and A-Yuan. I am sure, when the novelty of this place wears off, he will be someone we remember in passing.'

Lan Xichen made a noise that sounded nothing like an agreement with his words before he pointed to the chess set that was laid out nearby. 'We haven't played since school,' he said, 'Have you improved at all?'

'We have played since school and I beat you several times,' said Lan Wangji sitting down behind the row of black pieces, 'And to prove it, I'll allow you the advantage.'

Lan Xichen smiled, sitting opposite him and picking up the ornate carved pieces, all of them fantastical creatures rather than the more traditional style. 'I remember once, when you started telling stories, that you once said the world was a game of chess between the gods of old.'

'Perhaps it is,' said Lan Wangji, 'Or it's just a series of chances that sometimes feel like manipulation. Some days, I don't know which thought I prefer.'

'Maybe we'll change the future for someone here,' said Lan Xichen, picking up a pawn and placing it on a new space on the board, 'Your move.'

The first game was evenly matched but Lan Xichen took the victory, soon agreeing to another match and then another when Lan Wangji took the second. Though the toy shop was filled with distractions, it seemed they soon became a bigger one. Li Xuanji was the first to join them, books abandoned in favour of playing referee for her two sons despite having little practical knowledge of the game that had been Lan Qiren's preferred pastime.

Lan Xichen's opening move and Lan Wangji's counter of the third game had only just passed when the two boys came over to the table, both of them becoming cheerleaders for their respective fathers, Wei Wuxian soon following to whip up some good natured banter between them. Though the toy maker changed move to move in who he was supporting, he soon positioned himself behind Lan Wangji's shoulder, his presence warm and familiar, as though he had sat with them through many-a game.

'You're a devious one, aren't you?' said Wei Wuxian as Lan Wangji effortlessly took his brother's rook, the trap laid several moves before and Lan Xichen suitably distracted by the diversion set the opposite side of the board.

'Huan-Ge didn't study our Shushu's lessons nearly as closely,' said Lan Wangji, 'I have been felled by the move myself on several occasions and made a complete study of the play.'

'It's too long since I've played,' said Lan Xichen, with a sigh, 'I should have seen that coming. Shushu used to pull that move on me all the time.'

Wei Wuxian eyed the board, his gaze quick and calculating. ' There are moves left on both sides,' he said, 'It is too early in the story to tell whether good or evil will triumph.'

'Who is good and who is evil in the story?' said Lan Wangji.

Wei Wuxian struggled, 'My dear storyteller,' he said, 'Do you remember nothing from history? Who is good and who is wicked is decided by the person telling the tale. Usually the victor.'

'Very true,' said Lan Wangji, returning his attention to the board.

Lan Xichen rallied and, for a few moves, Lan Wangji thought he might find himself two to one down on the final score but the game soon went his way again. In three moves, dramatically narrated by A-Yuan and Jingyi, Lan Wangji soon had Lan Xichen's King in check, checkmate following quickly behind.

'And the young usurper triumphs over the old guard,' said Wei Wuxian with a clap of his hands.

'What a shame my kingdom consists of spreadsheets and campaign presentations,' said Lan Xichen, 'Shushu would tell me off for a few of the points I conceded.'

'I am sure he would find errors with my play as well,' said Lan Wangji, turning to face the man behind him, 'Thank you for the loan of the board for the evening, Wei Ying.'

'You are welcome to come and play whenever you like,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And when I have observed you both enough and learned all your tricks, I will swoop in and claim a victory of my own.'

'Ah, and who would you be then in the battle of good versus evil?' said Lan Xichen.

'The puppet master,' said Lan Wangji, 'Allow the forces to wear each other out and then steal the victory from under them.'

'Lan Zhan! You wound me,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I am but a humble purveyor of toys. I desire no more of a kingdom than the one I have built here.'

'And what a kingdom it is,' said Li Xuanji, quickly stifling a yawn behind her hand.

Lan Wangji pulled back his sleeve, looking down at his watch, surprised that several hours had passed since they had entered the shop. 'I did not realise how late it was,' he said, 'I'm sorry, Mama, you must be tired.'

'I've had a wonderful evening,' said Li Xuanji, 'It has been wonderful to have this time together.'

'We should get home though,' said Lan Xichen, 'You need to rest and Jingyi and I have an early flight in the morning.'

'Can't we stay, Baba?' said Jingyi, 'I promise to do my school work every day and I can stay in A-Yuan's room. I'll be good.'

'It's not a question of being good, sweetheart,' said Lan Xichen, drawing Jingyi onto his knee, 'Baba is missing us and we need to go home to him.'

'But here is home,' said Jingyi, 'Not the other place. Can't Baba come back here?'

'Soon,' said Lan Xichen, 'We will all come and visit again soon and we'll be home for good one day but, for now, we have to say goodnight and be on our way so we can fly in the morning. We'll come again soon.'

'Năinai,' said Jingyi, 'Tell Baba that I can stay with you and Shushu and A-Yuan.'

Li Xuanji folded his small hand in hers, 'You can come back to see me very soon,' she said, 'But I need you to make sure Baba gets back safely. Can you do that for me? I want you to call me when you land tomorrow and tell me that you've made sure he behaved himself on the plane. I need you to give your other Baba a kiss from me as well and a big hug.'

Jingyi nodded, his bottom lip trembling with the threat of tears but he kept them back all the same. 'Can we come back here when I visit?'

'You're always welcome,' said Wei Wuxian, 'There's plenty left for you all to explore.'

The words seemed to placate Jingyi enough that he turned and hugged Lan Xichen before hopping down off his lap.

With tears averted, the children were persuaded back into their coats and to the door, Lan Xichen taking over manoeuvring Li Xuanji's wheelchair, his smile less than subtle as he herded the children ahead of them before forcing Lan Wangji to walk behind where Wei Wuxian followed them. The embarrassment at the obvious move rushed hot through him but Wei Wuxian's smile, as he dared to catch his eye, was warm and friendly. The same comforting look Lan Wangji saw whenever the toy maker was put aside and the true person beneath was revealed.

'You have a wonderful family, Lan Zhan,' he said as they followed them to the door, 'Please bring them by whenever you can.'

'I will be along with A-Yuan tomorrow,' said Lan Wangji, 'I have already promised him and it will take his mind off Jingyi and Huan-Ge leaving again. We were going to have lunch at the cafe beforehand if you have time to join us.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'I would love to join you,' he said, 'Though I can't be away from the shop for too long.'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'I imagine the weekends are busier than other days,' he said, 'Is twelve o'clock suitable for you?'

'Wonderful.'

As they reached the open door, they saw Lan Xichen leave Li Xuanji and the two boys chatting to one of the street vendors, hurrying back over to them with a smile.

'I can take the others home, A-Zhan, if you want to stay a little longer,' he said, 'It's no trouble.'

Lan Wangji fought against the blush and the temptation his brother's words brought, the sanctuary of the toy shop promising to chase away the worry he had of being alone in caring for their mother once again.

'Mama will need help,' he said, 'And I need to be up early to take you to the airport in the morning.'

'We can arrange a taxi,' said Lan Xichen.

Lan Wangji shook his head. Though the temptation of Wei Wuxian's easy company was difficult to resist, Lan Wangji knew making a habit of visiting too often would only lead to hurt when A-Yuan either tired of the toy shop or they found themselves overstaying their welcome.

'I cannot expect you to get a taxi,' he said, 'And you will struggle at that time in the morning without booking further in advance. We have imposed on Wei Ying's time enough this evening anyway.'

'You are never an imposition,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I have told you before, I enjoy the company. You should be with your family tonight though. I've been here for many years and will be here for many more to come so you can visit any time. For now though, thank you both for a wonderful evening. I hope I will get to see many more epic battles across the board in times to come.'

'We should bring Shushu to visit,' said Lan Xichen, 'Then you will see a real match.'

'I look forward to the day you do so,' said Wei Wuxian with a playful bow.

Lan Xichen smiled before he turned back with a call of farewell, returning to those that waited for them below.

Lan Wangji paused a moment on the threshold, wanting nothing more than to change his mind and stay but the uncertainty that settled in his kept the words behind his lips.

'Tomorrow,' said Wei Wuxian gently, 'Goodnight, Lan Zhan.'

'Goodnight, Wei Ying, and thank you.'

'No need for thank you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I am just glad you all feel comfortable here. Go. They're waiting for you.'

Stepping over the threshold of the toy shop felt like a far greater distance than a single stride, reminding Lan Wangji that a world still existed beyond. A world where his brother would be living once again in another province and his mother's health would slowly decline. He knew the truth had been the same within the walls of the shop but the timelessness brought with it a peace he missed whenever he was not there.

'Tomorrow, my dear Lan Zhan,' said Wei Wuxian behind him, 'Tomorrow and whenever you need me.'

'Tomorrow,' he echoed, hand twitching at his side in a want to reach out to him before another hand stilled it.

'Come on Baba,' said A-Yuan tugging on his hand, 'Năinai said she will make us hot chocolate with marshmallows in it before bedtime and she told Bobo it was allowed because she's in charge.'

Wei Wuxian laughed brightly, 'Your Năinai is perfect,' he said, 'And hot chocolate sounds wonderful. Take your Baba home and make sure he has too many marshmallows.'

'Do you want to come, Xian-Gege?' said A-Yuan, 'You can sleepover in my room if you want.'

'I cannot leave the shop for that long,' said Wei Wuxian, 'But thank you for the invite.'

'Why can't you leave the shop?' said A-Yuan.

'Because it needs me and I need it,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And the toys would get lonely with no one to take care of them.'

'I don't want them to be sad,' said A-Yuan, 'Maybe we can come here for a sleepover one night instead.'

'Maybe,' said Wei Wuxian, 'But home for you now. The hot chocolate is waiting.'

'Come on Baba,' said A-Yuan, his attention once more on the treat that awaited them back home.

Lan Wangji spared a final glance at Wei Wuxian before allowing himself to be pulled along by his over eager son to where his family was waiting.

Wei Wuxian waved them off, his smile bright before he was approached by one of the vendors, the two of them soon speaking animatedly over something she held in her hands. Lan Wangji looked back several times as they made their way through the crowd, his hands holding on to Jingyi and A-Yuan as Lan Xichen helped Li Xuanji to the alleyway. As they finally reached the exit to the street, Lan Wangji looked back to find him watching them all with a fond smile, eyes bright even in the dim moonlight.

Lan Wangji smiled and waved, looking forward to the next day when he would return with A-Yuan to visit again.

The journey home was short and quiet, the boys gradually tiring and falling asleep where they were nestled side by side in the back seat, A-Yuan leaning against Lan Xichen's shoulder where he had squeezed in beside them to allow Li Xuanji the comfort of the front. His brother's eyes were trained on his phone, a small smile on his lips one he had only ever worn for his husband and Lan Wangji knew it would do him good to return to his side, even if it meant he and Jingyi leaving again.

Nie Mingjue had long been a childhood friend to both of them but Lan Wangji had seen the particular affection Lan Xichen had shared with him long before he had any understanding of the true nature of their relationship. He had longed for the bond they shared, to have someone to rely upon entirely and to offer support to in return. Though he had celebrated their relationship, he had also known a twinge of jealousy and worry that such a life wasn't part of the hand fate had dealt him, wondering if it would indeed be him and A-Yuan alone in the world when Li Xuanji was finally called to leave them.

He pulled his thoughts away as Wei Wuxian's soft smile came to mind. Though he would not deny that he enjoyed the toy maker's company or that he was one of the most attractive people in his acquaintance, Lan Wangji knew that it was little beyond fascination and the ease of speaking to someone who did not know them as intimately as life long friends that drew him to him. He had become a safe port in the storm when Lan Wangji needed one, a person who could listen without judgement because of how little he knew them.

He ignored the sick feeling in his stomach as his thoughts reduced their relationship to one of necessity, knowing he could not allow anything deeper to develop when his world was so close to changing forever.

'A-Zhan, my baby, are you alright?' said Li Xuanji, her voice low from beside him, 'Your knuckles are white.'

Lan Wangji loosened his grip on the steering wheel a little, turning to her with a small smile before returning his attention to the road.

'I'm fine,' he said, 'Lost in thought. I wasn't expecting it to be such a long night.'

'You could have stayed with Wei Wuxian if you wanted to,' said Li Xuanji, 'A-Huan and I could have managed.'

'We had imposed for too long.'

Li Xuanji laughed, 'I don't think that young man would ever think you an imposition, my dear storyteller.'

The words, echoed from Wei Wuxian's, brought a fresh blush to Lan Wangji's cheeks.

'Mama!'

'What? He's handsome and apparently single...'

'We are not having this conversation.'

'You look good together.'

'Stop it,' said Lan Wangji, 'He's not...he's a friend and I'm...not now. Any sort of relationship right now isn't a good idea. We have a lot ahead of us.'

'A-Zhan...'

'Shushu, are we nearly home?' said Jingyi from the back, 'I need a wee.'

'Nearly home,' said Lan Wangji, glad for the distraction, 'Can you hold on?'

'Yeah but I'm running when we get there or the front garden is getting watered,' said Jingyi, earning a snort from Lan Xichen.

'He learned that from his Baba,' he said, 'Such an uncouth pair.'

'Wouldn't have them any other way,' said Li Xuanji turning in her chair to smile at her eldest son before asking to see his more recent pictures of his husband.

When the chaos of arriving back at the house, Jingyi breaking several land speed records in his race to the nearest bathroom, had abated and the children were finally asleep despite the hot chocolate induced high, Lan Wangji was glad for the peace of the living room and the quiet that had settled between him, his mother and brother. He had expected the teasing or encouragement to pursue a closer relationship with Wei Wuxian to continue but Li Xuanji had clearly quieted Lan Xichen on the subject if her pointed cough had been anything to go by when Lan Xichen had gone to speak when Lan Wangji had joined them.

He was glad of the reprieve and the chance it gave them to just be together though, knowing it would be weeks, if not months before his brother was back with them again. He did not allow his thoughts to linger on how easily it could be the last time they shared such a simple thing. He wanted to curse fate, to rage against the twists that had brought them to such a place but he knew it would be no use, the universe governed by checks and balances that had no rhyme or reason.

His thoughts drifted back to his brother's words about fate being a game of chess between the old gods, to Wei Wuxian's about the winner deciding who was good or who was evil. He wondered what move had crossed his mother's path with his father, what had given her the ill-health she suffered with just when her freedom had been granted. He wondered which hand had thrown Tuzi beneath the wheels of a car and turned them towards Wei Wuxian.

It felt like a static shock. A frisson of energy up his spine and he was on his feet before he realised it, the startled faces of his mother and brother the only thing giving him pause for a second before he headed to the door.

'I have to write,' he said, 'I'll...'

'Go,' said Li Xuanji with a smile as he spared a final glance to her and Lan Xichen, 'Go on.'

He took no more persuasion, leaving them in the living room as he raced to his study. He all but threw himself into his chair, foot tapping anxiously against the leg of his desk as he waited for the computer to turn on. As he opened a new document though, he allowed himself a moment to breathe, to allow the words that felt like a car crash in his mind turn into something easier to allow through to his fingers.

He did not allow himself to worry about how long it had been since he had placed anything original upon the page, instead letting the story tell itself as he began to type.

They draw up to the Table, one they have sat at countless times over countless centuries. This is their meeting place, where they are drawn so often, a space designed for them so simply with a table and two chairs. They have no need for anything else.

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji stifled a yawn behind his hand as he looked down at the menu the waitress handed to him, the words blurring a little on the page after a night of staring at a screen.

He had written and rewritten until the early hours before he had felt the unfamiliar satisfaction of a story well told had rushed through his veins. He had nowhere to send it, the market for short stories a difficult one, but he felt pride in it nonetheless. Though it was not destined for a publisher, Lan Wangji printed it all the same, folding it neatly before placing it inside an envelope. For a moment he had considered just placing it in his drawer but, as he picked up a pen, he found himself writing Wei Ying's name on the front before leaving it on his desk.

He has slept for only a few hours before his alarm had woken him in preparation for taking his brother and nephew to the airport, the process thankfully not a frantic one but it was still wrought with emotion, especially when A-Yuan and Jingyi had refused to leave one another and then broken down in tears when their fathers had had to almost physically part them to allow Lan Xichen and Jingyi to get into the car. Jingyi had wailed and kicked the back of Lan Wangji's chair until Lan Xichen had asked his brother to stop long enough for him to climb into the back seat, finally calming his son enough that he wasn't at risk of causing a crash.

The child had exhausted himself by the time they reached the airport, pressing a snuffly, tear-stained kiss to Lan Wangji's cheek in farewell before leaving for the gate clinging to Lan Xichen's hand. The walk back to the car had felt strange and Lan Wangji had taken several moments just sitting, knuckles turning white as he gripped the steering wheel without even starting the engine, his mind trying to force him to acknowledge the fact that every future meeting with his brother and nephew would be another step on the path to their mother's death even as he tried to force the thought away.

He ensured he was calm enough to safely drive before he left the airport car park, driving in silence when neither music or the chatter of the car radio offered him any distraction from his own thoughts.

He knew his mother's death was not completely imminent, her health and stamina still as high as it could be, but he knew that the slightest thing could change that. Even a cold could do untold damage to her fragile body and hasten the inevitable path they were on. He had to force his thoughts from withdrawing A-Yuan from school, from refusing to attend the office when he was needed in, from ensuring all who entered the house somehow existed in a bubble that meant no germ could accompany them. He knew it was an impossibility, a life his mother would not want for herself or for them. A-Yuan needed school and his friends there, Lan Wangji had responsibilities that could not be pushed aside, and Li Xuanji wanted to experience the world when she could and allow those around her to experience it to.

By the time he reached home, he had settled himself enough that he was as certain as he could be that little more than tiredness and the general sadness of his brother and nephew leaving them again was apparent on his face. He knew his mother saw through it though almost as soon as he entered the dining room where she and A-Yuan were sharing breakfast, a place set for Lan Wangji alongside them. She kept her silence as they ate, A-Yuan blissfully ignorant of his father's turmoil even if the child himself was a little subdued over the loss of his playmate, but her eyes held her worry and the promise of questions to come.

When A-Yuan excused himself to wash and dress for the day, Lan Wangji picked up the remnants of their breakfast and headed into the kitchen. The water had only just finished running into the washing up bowl when a warm hand pressed to his back and he took little prompting to curl into the hug that was offered to him. He remembered when Li Xuanji had been the taller one, when Lan Wangji had held tight around her waist and buried his face in the warm softness of her stomach, her hand cradling his head and making him feel safe despite what was going on around him. She had been a fortress, strength and softness and fearlessness in sweet smelling skirts. It was only when he was older that he had discovered how much of an act that strength had been at times, how she had shielded him and his brother from so much to keep them from suffering too.

He wanted to be able to do the same. He wanted to protect the small, slim, frail woman in his arms. To hide his own pain if only to keep her from suffering more than she already had to. She was a mother though and so, however hard he tried, she knew him and broke him and became once more the fortress he needed against the world even when he wanted the roles to reverse.

'It's alright,' she said, her arms slight but strong as she held him, 'It's going to be alright. There's time yet. A-Huan will come back. We'll have time together again.'

'It was so hard not to beg him to stay,' said Lan Wangji, 'He should be with us.'

'A-Huan's path is different,' said Li Xuanji, 'And, right now, he needs to be where he is. I hope we will see him more frequently but right now he and Jingyi need to be with Nie Mingjue. He needs the chance to take comfort in his family. He has a lot to come to terms with.'

'He should be with you,' said Lan Wangji, 'They all should.'

'Silly boy, they're always with me however far away they are,' said Li Xuanji, 'A-Huan and I have talked a lot these last few days and now he needs time to reflect. You and he are very different men and you will both face this in your own way.'

Lan Wangji sighed, 'I feel like my family is falling apart.'

'Something this strong can never fall apart, whatever distance there is between us. Even when that distance isn't something easily crossed, this family will still be together.'

'I don't want there to be any more distance,' said Lan Wangji, 'I don't want there to be that distance.'

'Neither do I,' said Li Xuanji, 'But it is an inevitability so we instead have a choice to make. We can mourn the time left or we can celebrate it. I know what I'm choosing.'

'Only you can be an optimist when it comes to death,' said Lan Wangji, feeling the small laugh that escaped her, 'How do you do it?'

'Because I'm damned if anything is getting the better of me,' said Li Xuanji, 'If I'm going, then I'm going out in style. Are you alright?'

Lan Wangji nodded but caught his mother's frown as he moved back from her embrace. 'I'll be fine,' he said, 'I'm tired and that's not helping. I stayed up too late writing.'

Li Xuanji smiled, 'Whilst I should tell you sleep is important, it's good to see you working again.'

'It's not much,' said Lan Wangji, 'Nothing of note but it felt good to get something out after so long. The chess game with Huan-Ge and something Wei Ying said inspired it.'

'I knew he'd be good for you. He brings out the best in you,' said Li Xuanji, 'What time is your date today?'

'It's not a date,' said Lan Wangji, ignoring the teasing smile on her face, 'It's lunch. A-Yuan will be there.'

'And?'

'Mama!' said Lan Wangji, 'Why are you intent on Wei Ying and I being any more than passing acquaintances?'

'Because he's handsome, funny and very much your type,' said Li Xuanji, 'And I think you would like him to be more than a passing acquaintance. He likes you.'

'He's friendly,' said Lan Wangji, 'I don't think...He's not...'

'Mmm?'

'I barely know him,' said Lan Wangji, 'He's...We have nothing in common. A man like Wei Ying would get bored with someone like me.'

'Someone like you? Do not say such things about my beloved son please. Besides,I think you'd compliment each other perfectly,' said Li Xuanji, 'But for now, be friends and then see what comes after. What time are you seeing him?'

'Just after midday,' said Lan Wangji, 'Do you want to come with us?'

Li Xuanji shook her head, 'I need some quiet after having the boys around,' she said, 'Lovely as it has been, they wear me out.'

'Do you need us to stay home? If you're tired...'

'I will be fine,' said Li Xuanji, 'I feel fine. I intend to do some painting and maybe take a nap. You and A-Yuan should go and enjoy your day. He needs a distraction and so do you.'

'Call me if you need me.'

'You know I will,' said Li Xuanji, 'Now go and get ready. I can handle the washing up.'

He would normally have argued with her but he saw the stubborn glint in her eyes that promised he would lose and so he had soon found himself washed and dressed and ready for a day out with his son.

The walk in had been pleasant, chasing away some of his tiredness in the late autumn warmth. He was sure though that it was the anticipation of Wei Wuxian's arrival that kept the fatigue of the morning from overwhelming him, certain he would otherwise be face down on the menu before him rather than deciding what to eat.

'Baba, when will Xian-Gege be here?'

Lan Wangji checked his watch as A-Yuan pouted over the menu before him. 'We said twelve o'clock and it is five minutes to,' he said, 'I'm sure he will be here.'

'I hope we get to do something fun today,' said A-Yuan, 'Tuzi says there are so many great things in the shop that we haven't seen yet and that Xian-Gege can make anything you want to play with.'

'I am sure Tuzi has a great many stories,' said Lan Wangji, 'And I also have no doubt that Wei Ying will have something exciting waiting for you.'

'And you,' said A-Yuan, 'He likes you. Năinai said.'

'Năinai...'

Lan Wangji's words were cut off as the bell above the door rang softly over the low hum of conversation, ignored by the rest of the customers but both he and A-Yuan looked towards the sound to be greeted by Wei Wuxian's bright smile. His top hat and tail coat were outlandish amongst the regular clothes of all the other patrons but they still seemed to work even outside of the toy shop, worn without shame or care for the opinions of others.

Lan Wangji stood, tiredness lifting, as A-Yuan hurried to Wei Wuxian's side, hugging him tightly as the toy maker bent down to him. The words they shared were brief and too quiet for Lan Wangji to hear but soon A-Yuan was tugging Wei Wuxian over to the table by his hand.

'I was asking Baba when you would be here and he said twelve and now you're here,' said A-Yuan.

'I was not about to be late for lunch with two of my favourite people,' said Wei Wuxian, sitting down at the table with them, 'I hope you weren't waiting long.'

'We arrived only a few minutes ago,' said Lan Wangji, 'We haven't ordered anything yet. I informed the waitress that we were waiting for another. It appears Jiang Yanli is not in today.'

'Away visiting her husband's family,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Jiang Cheng stopped by this morning and told me. She has good staff on hand though so everything should be as you already know it.'

'I have no doubt she will have left everything in capable hands,' said Lan Wangji, 'Shall we order?'

It felt normal to eat with Wei Wuxian, to sit beside him in his tail coat with his hat hanging from the back of the chair, as though it was something they did regularly rather than their meetings being limited to chance encounters or visits to the toy shop. A-Yuan beamed with delight whenever Wei Wuxian listened intently to his tales of school, his adventures with Jingyi, and anything else that crossed his young mind to speak of. Whatever upset that child had felt at the departure of his uncle and cousin seemed to melt away and Lan Wangji was reminded once more of the resilience of his son despite his youth.

Whenever A-Yuan was more focused on eating than chatting, Lan Wangji found himself the subject of Wei Wuxian's attention instead. He wondered just how many of his books Wei Wuxian had tracked down as he spoke of some of the more obscure stories he had written in his time and just how long he had spent reading them when he was sure running a business should take more time than Wei Wuxian seemed to give it. Often, his hand moved to his coat pocket where the short story he had written the night before sat within its envelope. He hadn't given much though to why he had brought it with him but he knew, in his heart, that he had wanted to share it with the man beside him even before he had written it.

The first hour or so of their meeting was pleasant, Wei Wuxian bright and gregarious but, as the time grew longer, the toy maker seemed to dim a little, his responses shorter and without the bright laughter that usually hung on every word. Even A-Yuan was unable to engage him as well as he had before and a nasty voice in the back of Lan Wangji's mind began to tell him that the shine of their new found acquaintance was beginning to dim for Wei Wuxian. As he studied him though he realised it was more of a tiredness, a heaviness in his spirit that quieted the usually playful man. He watched him flinch as another table rose from their meal, chairs scraping on the floor, the sound distracting him enough that it took several attempts from Lan Wangji to re-engage him.

Lan Wangji's thoughts turned to the shop and the alleyway outside it. Though the alleyway was usually a riot of colour and sound, the toy shop itself was peaceful, set to Wei Wuxian's own rules. A singular man in his manner and dress who seemed to spurn the more common practices of the world, it was little surprise to Lan Wangji, as the thought came to him, that being surrounded too much by the noise of modernity might press heavily on nerves unused to it.

'A-Yuan,' he said, 'I am sure Wei Ying would like to get back to the shop soon. Are you finished with your food?'

A-Yuan smiled, 'All done,' he said, 'It was nice. Xian-Gege, did you like your lunch?'

'I always like coming here,' said Wei Wuxian, his eyes brightening a little even if his voice still held a tiredness to it, 'Though I don't always have such lovely company. Are you coming back to the shop for a while?'

'If that is alright,' said Lan Wangji, 'If you have work to attend to, we would not want to intrude.'

Wei Wuxian's smile brightened, 'Nothing is more pressing than two of my favourite people.'

Lan Wangji pushed down the answering flutter in his chest, instead getting to his feet and heading to the counter to pay. He turned back as he heard A-Yuan's giggle, the boy peeking out from beneath Wei Wuxian's top hat that was several sizes too big for his head. The plan to return to the shop seemed to have rejuvenated the toy maker a little and Lan Wangji knew he would ensure, should they have any further meetings, that he picked a space a little more peaceful for them.

With their meal paid for, he returned to his son and Wei Wuxian, the boy soon happily walking between them both and swinging both their hands as they navigated the busy street back to the alleyway. They were not far off the opening when Wei Wuxian stumbled, catching himself on a nearby lamppost as he loosed A-Yuan's hand in an effort not to topple him as well. Lan Wangji hurried to him, taking hold of his arm as he let go of the lamppost still wobbling a little before he got his feet under him.

'Are you alright?' he said, not letting go of his arm even as Wei Wuxian straightened.

'I'm fine,' said Wei Wuxian, his cheeks pink but his face otherwise grey as though much of his colour had been drained from him, 'I'll be fine.'

Lan Wangji wanted to ask more, wondering if it was some medical condition that brought on the sudden imbalance in someone who seemed to have almost inhuman control over his body, but Wei Wuxian's tone stilled any questions.

'Xian-Gege, did I pull you over?' said A-Yuan, 'Baba says sometimes I pull his hand to hard.'

Wei Wuxian shook his head, 'It wasn't you, A-Yuan,' he said, 'Just my silly old body and gravity having a disagreement.'

A-Yuan giggled, 'You're silly,' he said, 'You're not old.'

Wei Wuxian's smile was wry with a strange sadness in it that Lan Wangji couldn't place.

'Oh I'm older than you think,' he said, before he shook off whatever had come over him, 'Come on, nearly there. I promise not to trip over my own feet again.'

They continued their journey, A-Yuan skipping a little further ahead, Tuzi retrieved from his bag to swing from his hand, occasionally being lifted up to be shown whatever sight had caught A-Yuan's eye. Lan Wangji stayed close to Wei Wuxian's side, hand hovering a little between them in the wish to steady his friend even as he did not seem to need it.

They alleyway was a welcome sight, the familiar stalls bright and welcoming, most of them now recognising Lan Wangji and A-Yuan and greeting them as warmly as they did Wei Wuxian. The familiar cobbled street brought a quickness to Wei Wuxian's feet and he soon left Lan Wangji's side, passing A-Yuan as he headed to the shop and pushed open the door without the need of a key. He was already out of sight when Lan Wangji and A-Yuan stepped inside, his voice echoing from the back of the room.

'...Well now I know it wasn't wound tight enough. No matter though.'

'Wei Ying?'

'Sorry! Sorry,' came the call from the back, 'I just needed to check something. Come through, I'm by the workshop.'

Lan Wangji followed A-Yuan through the shelves of toys until they reached the back where Wei Wuxian sat cross legged on top of his workbench, the doll he called Mo Xuanyu settled across his lap and the music box tinkling with the last few notes of music before it wound down completely.

'I just have to make a small adjustment as someone's bolt has come loose in his shoulder and then we can have some fun,' said Wei Wuxian, producing a small tool from his pocket and shifting aside the roughly sewn outfit the doll wore to expose a neat wooden joint that made up its shoulder. The bolt hole was tiny, the work of a master craftsman despite Wei Wuxian having told them before that he had made the doll as a child, and Wei Wuxian soon tightened whatever was loose with quick hands.

'Now then,' he said, righting the doll's clothes, 'Don't go getting yourself into any more predicaments. You're not as young as you used to be. He's nearly as much of a menace as Tuzi is.'

A-Yuan laughed, 'Tuzi isn't a menace,' he said, 'He's very good and sits quietly.'

'So it was just here that he was bouncing around and causing all sorts of mischief when I fixed him.'

'He was happy to be fixed,' said A-Yuan, 'That's why he did lots of jumping around.'

'As bunnies should do,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And as should little boys. It's a nice day, shall we go to the park?'

'The nearest park is several miles away,' said Lan Wangji, his concern over Wei Wuxian's stumble coming back to the fore.

'I know a place a little closer to home,' said Wei Wuxian with a playful wink, 'Xuanyu could do with the fresh air too, he's always cooped up in here. Follow me.'

He waved a hand with a familiar flourish before hopping down from the table with the doll in his hands. Lan Wangji expected him to lead them back to the front door but instead he headed to the stairs and the living space above. A-Yuan hesitated only a second before following, Tuzi bumping up the stairs behind him, with Lan Wangji bringing up the rear with the thought that they would only be heading back down them again in moments should Wei Wuxian only be collecting something.

The space was as he remembered it from his impromptu visit several nights before, the bed haphazardly made with patchwork blankets, wood shavings littering the floor and tools strewn across every available surface. In the corner, near the fireplace though, there stood a door he had not noticed before. A curtain was swept back beside it and Lan Wangji could only make the assumption that it had been covered when he had visited, his attention much more on his own sorrow and his strange friend than the room surrounding them.

'Now then,' said Wei Wuxian, as he led them to the door, 'A park. I imagine there should be trees, a few little paths, some flowers...'

'And a pond,' said A-Yuan, 'With ducks.'

'Now we're talking,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I think we have all of that. Shall we?'

He opened the door, waving them beyond it with a flourish. A-Yuan shot through without any thought, feet hammering as he hurried down what sounded like wooden stairs beyond. Lan Wangji followed, expecting the find the promised park but instead he stepped out onto a staircase that led into a stone courtyard. Beyond though, was not the buildings he was certain should reside behind the toy shop but instead the promise of openness, an openness A-Yuan had discovered beyond the gate at the end of the courtyard if his gasp was anything to go by.

'Baba! Xian-Gege! It's beautiful.'

A warm hand came to rest against Lan Wangji's back, Wei Wuxian's voice soft next to his ear.

'Let's go, Lan Zhan. It already meets with A-Yuan's approval.'

Lan Wangji headed down the stairs, Wei Wuxian close behind him, a A-Yuan bounced on his toes by the gate. Any words he had intended to greet his son with died on his lips as he caught sight of the park beyond the gate, green and bright and littered with trees in every colour of autumn.

'This is...'

'Magic,' said A-Yuan, grabbing his hand, 'Come on Baba!'

He heard Wei Wuxian's chuckle behind as he was pulled onto the neat stone paths that meandered through the grass. It took several moments for A-Yuan to slow his pace enough for Lan Wangji to take in his surroundings, turning back to the smiling man behind him with a confused expression of his own.

'I have grown up here and never known a park in this part of the city,' he said, 'I must have lost my bearings in the alleyway, we should have been in the financial district if my directions are right.'

'A slightly different direction,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And this park is somewhat exclusive to those in the know shall we say.'

'It's wonderful,' said Lan Wangji, as A-Yuan loosed his hand and hurried to one of the larger trees, 'Mind the roots, A-Yuan.'

'He'll be fine,' said Wei Wuxian, 'It's safe.'

'You underestimate his ability to find trouble,' said Lan Wangji, 'But he's sensible.'

'He's a credit to you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'There's a bench over by the pond. We can sit and let him hunt for tadpoles.'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'A little late in the year for tadpoles.'

'We'll see,' said Wei Wuxian, the free hand not holding the Xuanyu doll, coming to rest once more against the small of Lan Wangji's back as he guided them onwards.

They hadn't gone far when he heard the soft quacking of ducks, the sun glinting off the still water of the reed lined pond. The promised bench was set a little way back from the water's edge, vacant as though waiting for them, sheltered beneath a large willow that swayed handsomely in the breeze.

'I will have to bring Mama here,' said Lan Wangji, 'She would love to paint something like this.'

'She is welcome as you are, always,' said Wei Wuxian, 'A-Yuan?'

The child turned, his eyes bright and his smile wide before he hurried back to them, taking hold of the doll Wei Wuxian held out to him.

'Why don't you take Xuanyu with you and go and see what you can see in the pond,' he said, 'Careful at the edge though. If you fall in I'll have to whip you up some new clothes to go home in and I don't think I have it in me for complex haberdashery at this time of day.'

'I'll be careful,' said A-Yuan, before he turned to Lan Wangji, 'Is it ok, Baba?'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'Just stay where I can see you.'

'I will,' said A-Yuan before he bounded off towards the pond, the ducks quacking happily at his approach and milling towards the edge in the hope of food.

'Shall we sit?' said Wei Wuxian, 'You can see most of the pond from there so you won't lose sight of him.'

The bench offered the promised view and Lan Wangji smiled at the sight of A-Yuan sitting Tuzi and Xuanyu neatly side but side and talking to them before he stepped a little closer to the water's edge and peered into the depths, pointing out what he found there.

'You've got a good one there, Lan Zhan,' said Wei Wuxian, taking off his top hat and setting it on the arm of the bench, turning so he was facing him a little better.

'He has always been a good child,' said Lan Wangji, pulling his attention from his son to regard the man beside him.

Several strands of silver hair danced amongst the black in the light breeze and Lan Wangji wondered at the words Wei Wuxian often spoke of being older than he appeared. He was certain there could only be a few years between them but Wei Wuxian's manner and the way he spoke sometimes made him seem older, even if he played as easily as a child.

'I imagine you meet a lot of children in your line of work,' he said.

'Nature of the beast,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Some come and go, others linger a little longer. There are some who come and take what they need, others come and learn what they need and sometimes that includes their adults too. Children are special, so curious and excited by the world. Everything is possible in their heads. I hope that, in some part, I help them keep that spark with them longer than the world wants them to.'

'I hope A-Yuan keeps it for as long as possible, even with everything that is happening,' said Lan Wangji, 'I try not to keep too much from him but I don't want to frighten him either. It is hard enough that he knows Mama will die.'

'But what a life they are living now,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Though their time is finite, they are making the best of it. I did not get a chance to ask last night but how did things go with your brother? You seemed to be getting along fine but I know appearances can be deceptive.'

'We're fine,' said Lan Wangji, 'We talked, Mama as well, after I returned from being with you the other evening. Your advice was right. We talked, some of it hurt, but we have an understanding. It is hard for him, it has always been hard for him. He had a lot more time supporting Mama when he was younger and he protected me a lot too. It is hard for him to step back when I am more involved. Whilst I have lived with the reality of Mama's illness, he has not. Even when he lived here, he and Nie Mingjue had there own home for many years, I have always lived with Mama and seen everything first hand. She left us both in no doubt of her thoughts and feelings though and neither of us are fool enough to disrespect that.'

'I'm glad you found a place you can move forward from,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I was worried about you. The world seemed so very heavy for you that night.'

'You helped to relieve some of it,' said Lan Wangji, 'Thank you. I didn't realise how much I needed to talk to someone about it.'

'You're welcome. I hope I can always be there when you need me. You and A-Yuan. You seem lighter today though, there's something different about you.'

'I...' began Lan Wangji, before he reached into his pocket and retrieved the envelope in there, 'I wrote last night. It's the first time in ages I have begun something and completed it. It felt good, even if it isn't much. It was the chess game and you saying about good and evil being chosen by the victors that inspired it.'

'I inspired a story?' said Wei Wuxian, 'Can I read it?'

'It's not...'

'Ah ah!' said Wei Wuxian as he took the envelope Lan Wangji held out to him, 'If you say it's not very good or something similar, you may cloud my opinion and I want to read it and decide my own. Go play with your boy whilst I read, Lan Zhan. I'll call you back when I'm done.'

Taking no offence at the dismissal, even if he was waved away with a copy of his own story, Lan Wangji got to his feet and headed down to the pond where A-Yuan was poking about amongst the reeds.

'Baba look, tadpoles,' he said, 'They're really wriggly. I didn't touch them because I didn't want to give them an ouch but they're so cute. I didn't think tadpoles came out in autumn.'

'They shouldn't do,' said Lan Wangji crouching beside him, 'But I suppose it is a little warmer today, maybe things got confused.'

'Why did Xian-Gege not come down with you?'

'He's reading my new story,' said Lan Wangji, watching the little black tadpoles flit through the water.

'Xuanyu says Xian-Gege likes your books and reads them bedtime stories from them all the time,' said A-Yuan, 'He says that Xian-Gege talks about you a lot.'

'I wonder if Xuanyu hasn't been talking to Năinai,' said Lan Wangji, wondering just what his mother had been weaving into A-Yuan's head if the child was hinting at more existing between him and Wei Wuxian than had been spoken.

'I will have to ask him,' said A-Yuan seriously, 'He and Tuzi are trying to decide which of the reeds is biggest. I think there are bigger ones at the other side of the pond but I said we couldn't go that far to check because you might not be able to see me.'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'Well done for thinking of that,' he said, 'We can go around now if you would like.'

'Let me get Tuzi and Xuanyu. I don't want to leave them on their own,' said A-Yuan heading over to the toys and scooping them up gently, 'Baba, Xuanyu says you're nearly as pretty as Năinai is.'

Lan Wangji laughed, 'Tell Xuanyu that he's very kind,' he said, 'Especially when I'm lasting on less than five hours sleep.'

'Baba you're so silly,' said A-Yuan, 'He can hear you. You don't have to ask me to tell him.'

Lan Wangji remembered when he gave such life to his own toys, inventing games and conversations in the relative safety of his bedroom. On days when his father had been particularly difficult, they had been his friends and confidantes. He was sure, in some ways, they had felt almost real to him and that he had spoken to them in the same way A-Yuan spoke to Tuzi and now Xuanyu. He dragged his mind away from one in particular, the bruise in his heart feeling a little too fresh even after so many years, instead focusing on his son as he pointed out the things he spotted along the edge of the pond as they walked around it.

The reeds at the far end were indeed taller than the others and Lan Wangji was glad A-Yuan had had the good sense to not venture there alone, certain he would have lost sight of him behind them. He soon had his hands full of the toys though as A-Yuan headed towards to tallest to measure them against his own height before popping the head of one of the bulrushes so the seeds could fly free on the breeze.

Both toys felt warm from where A-Yuan had been holding them, Tuzi's plush fur familiar after many nights of him being held between Lan Wangji and A-Yuan whenever the child stole into bed beside him. He was surprised at the warmth Xuanyu carried as well though, certain their was little but wood and metal beneath the rough sewn clothes he wore.

Lan Wangji took a moment to study the doll, truly the work of a less experienced hand than Wei Wuxian possessed now, but no less painstakingly executed for it. The limbs were uneven, one leg especially shorter than the other and the face was simple in its execution, the face painted pale and the lips red to a point where it could almost be mistaken for make up. There was a sweetness to the doll, a calmness that seemed to emanate from it that spoke of love. He smiled at the sight, knowing the affection that had made the doll in his hands had carried through to the toys Wei Wuxian still made or mended.

A-Yuan was blowing rush seeds from his fingers when they heard footsteps approaching, Wei Wuxian catching several of them in his fingers as they danced around him.

'Xian-Gege! I think they're fairies in disguise,' he said, 'They're so pretty.'

'I've never encountered fairies here before but you never know, especially if they are in disguise,' said Wei Wuxian, 'You will have to come back and study them some more.'

'I'd like that,' said A-Yuan, breaking open another bulrush and giggling at the seeds that burst forth, chasing them away from the waters edge to where Wei Wuxian stood and then beyond.

'Makes me tired just watching him,' said Wei Wuxian before he waved the printed story in his hand, 'Just a little thing you said. Short but wonderful. I hope you write more stories soon. I am a captive audience. I have one criticism though.'

'Oh?' said Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian's grin taking away any potential sting.

'It didn't start with once upon a time and all the best stories start with once upon a time.'

'I'll bear that in mind in the future,' said Lan Wangji, 'I don't think I've ever started a story with once upon a time.'

'You started my bedtime stories that way when you used to make them up,' said A-Yuan, returning to them and taking hold of Wei Wuxian's hand, 'Baba used to always make up my bedtime stories.'

'My Mama used to make up stories for me too,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And I sometimes tell the toys bedtime stories.'

'I know,' said A-Yuan, 'Xuanyu told me. You read them Baba's stories too.'

'Well they are very good stories,' said Wei Wuxian.

'Can you tell us a story now, Xian-Gege?'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'I am not to most qualified here to tell stories.'

'You have judged my story,' said Lan Wangji, 'Allow me to return the favour.'

'Alright then,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Come sit. It's dry.'

A-Yuan was soon settled beside the toy maker, Lan Wangji soon joining them, passing Tuzi and Xuanyu back into A-Yuan's care as he sat down on the grass.

Wei Wuxian rested an elbow on his knee, check resting against his fist as he regarded them both.

'The story I have is short and it's about a park very similar to this one,' he said, 'Once upon a time there was a boy who grew up in a small village surrounded by woods and fields. He spent a lot of time playing amongst them and some became like friends to him. He knew the laughter of the brook and the old voice of the ancient trees. As the years passed though, the village turned into a town and then a city and the woods and fields were replaced by concrete and glass. The boy, now a man, forgot the colour of the leaves in autumn, the scent of the fresh grass. He forgot the laughter of the brook and the old voice of the trees until, one day, a little boy and a little girl stumbled into his little corner of the city. They had become lost and separated from their parents in search of a park so the man gave them shelter until their parents could find them. In return, he asked the girl, who was the oldest of the two, to tell him about a park. She told him of the trees and the pond with the ducks that quacked in the hope of food. She told him about the rushes and the reeds and the seeds that spilled from them. She told of tadpoles and birdsong and butterflies and the smell of grass and the sound of the wind in the tress and the man remembered. He remembered all those magical places he had not seen in so very many years and, for a brief moment in time, he felt like he returned there and could conjure them to mind whenever he felt homesick for his childhood.'

Lan Wangji heard the soft catch in his friend's voice even A-Yuan clapped happily at the end of the tale. He met the endless grey eyes, the smile accompanying them the soft, genuine one that was a world away from the toy maker's wild smile but just as much a part of him even if it was reserved for a select few.

'Wei Ying must no longer say he is unqualified to tell a story in front of me,' he said.

'I am but a humble amateur,' said Wei Wuxian, 'But I am happy to share stories with people who are important to me.'

'I am keen to hear more if they are as beautiful,' said Lan Wangji.

'Butterflies!' cried A-Yuan, breaking the softness of the moment as he hurried to his feet with the toys in his arms to follow the pair of butterflies that flew around them then off towards the trees.

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'Sometimes things can be a little unexpected,' he said, getting to his feet, 'Shall we follow him, he already has a head start?'

Lan Wangji took the hand offered to him to pull himself up, 'He won't go too far,' he said, 'We don't need to rush.'

'Well then,' said Wei Wuxian loosing Lan Wangji's hand only to take hold of his elbow, 'Let's keep a more civilised pace.'

A-Yuan's bright laughter led them onwards, never heading too far from their sight as they walked through the softening light that promised a beautiful sunset.

Chapter Text

The happy squeak was Lan Wangji's first indication that the long watched for car had finally turned into the driveway, A-Yuan pinging from his place beside the living room window and heading to the front door coming a close second.

'Baba! Năinai! He's here!'

'I think he might be here,' said Li Xuanji with a smile as she got to her feet and headed to the mirror above the mantle, fixing the fall of her wig.

'You look fine, Mama,' said Lan Wangji, 'Beautiful as always.'

'He'll worry if he sees me looking ill,' said Li Xuanji, 'I don't want him to worry. I want this to be a nice visit.'

'It will be,' said Lan Wangji, folding her hand into the crook of his arm as they followed A-Yuan to the door, 'He isn't ignorant of what's happening and I doubt he will want you making yourself uncomfortable for his sake.'

'Give me a couple of days,' said Li Xuanji, 'I have some foolish pride still.'

'You're allowed and it's not foolish,' said Lan Wangji, as A-Yuan opened the door and rushed out onto the driveway.

'Shugong! Shugong! I waited all morning for you,' cried A-Yuan as he ran towards the man approaching, quickly swept up into his arms as he reached him.

'You have become a giant since last I saw you. What has your Baba been feeding you?'

'I'm sure you will say it is too many sweets,' said Lan Wangji with a fond smile as Lan Qiren set A-Yuan back on his feet and made a show of rubbing his back before taking his hand and letting him lead him to the house.

'Not my A-Yuan,' said Lan Qiren, 'He's a good boy who eats all his vegetables.'

'I still don't like beetroot,' grumbled A-Yuan, as they stepped inside, 'I'll get your slippers for you.'

'And when did you last fetch my slippers for me?' said Lan Wangji, ruffling his hair as he passed him on the way to the shoe rack before he pressed a kiss to his uncle's cheek, 'It's good to see you Shushu.'

'It is good to finally have the time to visit,' said Lan Qiren, 'You look well and strong. You can fetch my cases from the car.'

'I was about to offer to,' said Lan Wangji, taking the keys that were held out to him and pulling on his own outdoor shoes as Lan Qiren turned to greet Li Xuanji before A-Yuan made a fine attempt at toppling him over in the guise of helping him out of his shoes and into his slippers.

He smiled as he stepped out onto the drive, Lan Qiren's car new but almost identical to his previous one, his uncle having found a brand he liked and choosing to stick with it for as long he could. In his youth, he had thought it an odd quirk but, as he had grown older and found that he too sometimes enjoyed familiarity over surprise, it had become something charming. The car had sleek, neat lines and was reliable. It suited his uncle.

He quickly retrieved the bags, similarly neat and matching, labelled with his destination despite the cases only moving from his home to the car. Lan Wangji smiled as he realised the luggage was embossed with the logo of Lan Qiren's architectural firm, an image Lan Wangji remembered from his childhood that always meant a mild reprieve from his father's temper.

He shook off the memory, checking the car was locked before heading into the house with the bags. He heard the voices from the living room as he toed off his shoes and shuffled back into his slippers, A-Yuan chattering animatedly and no doubt bringing Lan Qiren up to speed on all events at the speed of light. He was sure Wei Wuxian's name would be mentioned and that his mother would make enough of the right noises to prick his uncle's interest in Lan Wangji's perceived love life. He refused to give any thought to the warm sensation that settled in his gut at the prospect of it being discussed rather than the reluctance that had resided there before.

'A-Zhan,' called Lan Qiren, 'Those plans you wanted are in the front pocket of my briefcase. Don't worry about taking the cases upstairs for now.'

He left the larger suitcase at the bottom of the stairs before carrying the briefcase into the living room, handing it to his uncle rather than rummaging inside.

'What plans are these?' said Li Xuanji, handing Lan Wangji a cup from the tray beside her.

'Plans of the city,' said Lan Qiren, retrieving them from his briefcase, 'I hoped for a moment that he had finally come to his senses and intended to follow me into architecture after all but instead it seems to have something to do with this toy maker of A-Yuan's.'

'Not just A-Yuan's,' said Li Xuanji, 'A-Zhan is fond of him too.'

'And he likes Baba,' said A-Yuan, 'What do you need plans for Xian-Gege for?'

'I was curious about something,' said Lan Wangji as Lan Qiren handed him the plans, 'When we went to the park at the back of the shop the other week, I was sure it should have been the financial district behind but I can't work out where I lost my bearings. I have never known a park in that part of the city.'

'I did not make a complete study,' said Lan Qiren, 'But I fear you will not find what you're looking for.'

Lan Wangji sat down and opened the plans, scanning the neat lines of streets and buildings. It took him a moment to find the road he wanted, tracing from the location of Jiang Yanli's cafe and down to the entrance to the alley way. It took him two attempts to find the opening, nondescript and unmarked as it was, and even then he was unsure if it was in fact the right alley when the space it led to was little more than a courtyard smaller than his own garden.

Even if the proportions of the space were wrong, there was no sign of a shop, only the back of the other buildings and no area even close to park was visible within at least one or two kilometres.

'This can't be right,' said Lan Wangji, 'How old are these plans?'

'Under a year,' said Lan Qiren, 'A colleague of mine was part of a development nearby and had to submit drawings of the locality to ensure everything was in keeping with the current buildings.'

'But the alley and the shop...' said Lan Wangji, 'A-Yuan and I went to a park with Wei Ying. How can it not be on here?'

'Because it was magic, Baba,' said A-Yuan, 'Xian-Gege made it.'

'Magic?' said Lan Qiren with a small laugh, 'I'm sure there is a logical explanation.'

'There is,' said Li Xuanji, 'Wei Wuxian is a magician.'

'Trust you to encourage him,' said Lan Qiren, any sting taken from his words by the fondness in his tone, 'Are you certain you are looking in the right place, A-Zhan?'

'Well I was,' said Lan Wangji, 'But now I'm not so certain. We leave Jiang Yanli's cafe, follow the road and the alleyway is there.'

'You said the toy shop was tucked away and old when we last spoke,' said Lan Qiren, 'Could this Wei Wuxian be not just an eccentric but a wealthy one? You would be surprised the number of times I have had to rethink a development because we've stumbled onto land that appeared to be unused only to find out it had been delisted or concealed by people with more money than sense. Wei Wuxian could have concealed his land from public plans.'

The thought was far fetched, Wei Wuxian perhaps able to mask the alleyway and the shop but there was no way he could hide an area the size of the park from any plans, public or otherwise, without such a huge amount of money it would make him perhaps the richest person in the country.

'He lives simply,' said Lan Wangji, 'I do not think anyone would choose to conceal such a huge amount of land and then live in a room above a shop.'

'Stranger things have happened,' said Lan Qiren, 'If he is your friend, or more, does it really matter?'

'Does or more mean Baba and Xian-Gege are best friends?' said A-Yuan, 'Jingyi is my best friend even if he lives far away. Shugong, did you know that Bobo and Jingyi came to visit Năinai and Jingyi slept in my room and it was fun. One night, we stayed up until nearly nine o'clock and it was so good but I was tired the next day so Baba says I can't do it often.'

Lan Wangji was glad that the attention was taken off him as A-Yuan launched into another story of his time with his cousin, monopolising the attention of both Li Xuanji and Lan Qiren. He watched the scene with a fondness, glad that his son did not miss out on having a positive grandfather figure, Lan Qiren more than capable of stepping into the role that Lan Wangji's real father could never have filled. The plans in his hands could almost be forgotten but Wei Wuxian seemed to never be far from his mind, even when he tried not to think of him, his curiosity as to how such a vast park had been concealed piqued.

As the evening progressed with his family around him, warm and happy despite the ever present spectre of Li Xuanji's illness, the plans and their meaning were left abandoned on the small table beside his chair. His attention only returned to them as A-Yuan and then Li Xuanji went to their beds, both more easily tired than he and Lan Qiren were. He had grown used to sitting in companionable silence with his uncle, Lan Qiren always a quiet, stoic, gentle presence in his life, the complete antithesis of Lan Wangji's father who had always been active and quick to anger, his voice the first to be raised even at the slightest inconvenience. The quiet though allowed his mind to wander and he soon found himself picking up the plans to review them once more.

'This man must mean a great deal to you,' said Lan Qiren, 'You are not looking at those like someone trying to work out the puzzle of land.'

Lan Wangji sighed, his fingers grazing over the space where the toy shop should have been, 'He is a puzzle.'

'One you wish to solve?'

'To understand,' said Lan Wangji, 'He has...there is no need for him to be as kind as he has been to us. Fixing Tuzi without any charge I could maybe see as merely a generosity, a challenge he enjoyed in the effort to repair something so damaged. Since though he has gone out of his way to care for Mama, for A-Yuan, for me. When Huan-Ge came and we had our disagreement, I didn't intend to go to the shop but, when I found myself there, Wei Ying made it seem like I could just sit there talking all night and never be an inconvenience to him. He barely knows me.'

'Perhaps he wishes to,' said Lan Qiren, 'Maybe he has as many questions about you as you do about him. You can look at maps and make suppositions forever and a day but if you want to know this man, you need to talk to him. Don't regret time spent wondering, you'll waste a lot of years doing that. If you like this man, get on with it.'

Lan Wangji huffed out a small laugh, 'Is this the same as the famous talk you gave Huan-Ge before he finally asked Da-Ge out?'

'I was fed up of the boy making doe eyes every time Nie Mingjue so much as breathed,' said Lan Qiren, 'Do not put me in the same position with this Wei Wuxian of yours. I'm old and grumpy, I will only deal with foolish hormones when it is A-Yuan and Jingyi's turn to experience them, not from a man who should have left them behind years ago. I will want to meet him and give my approval of course as the most senior man of our family.'

'Your Shushu is still alive.'

'And senile and deaf as a rock,' said Lan Qiren, 'He is not qualified.'

'One should not disrespect his elders,' said Lan Wangji.

'He threw his walking stick at me when I last visited him,' said Lan Qiren, 'And it hit me.'

'Will you throw a walking stick at me when you need one?'

'If you continue to be as fluffy headed about people as you are about this Wei Wuxian then I will do so,' said Lan Qiren, 'Do you have plans tomorrow night?'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'With Mama unwell I don't plan much in advance. Is there something you would like to do?'

'Help Xuanji to take care of A-Yuan whilst you go and talk to Wei Wuxian rather than sighing over some plans,' said Lan Qiren, 'She and I made a good team raising you and your brother so I have no doubt we are more than qualified to take care of such a sweet boy with no issue at all.'

'He'll beg you for sweets and want to stay up past his bedtime.'

'A-Zhan!'

Lan Wangji sighed, 'Fine. I'll go to the toy shop tomorrow evening,' he said, 'But we'll have to tell A-Yuan something else or he will get upset and then he will really be a pain for you.'

'I'm sure we can think of something,' said Lan Qiren, 'And then you can get some of these questions answered.'

'What if I scare him away?' said Lan Wangji, 'Everything around him feels...delicate. It feels like when I was younger and walked into the room where Mama was painting and I tripped and ruined it.'

'Yet Xuanji didn't scold you for it and nothing was beyond repair between you. The painting, I recall, turned out to be better when she repainted it anyway.'

'It's not the same,' said Lan Wangji, 'With Wei Ying...'

'You are afraid,' said Lan Qiren, 'And I understand why. Your entire adult life has been filled with Xuanji's illness and taking care of others. I cannot recall when you last did anything for yourself alone.'

'To bring someone new into our lives right now feels irresponsible.'

'And yet he is already in your life and bringing you joy,' said Lan Qiren, his face turning a little wistful as he turned his attention to the clock on the mantle, 'Time is fickle and cruel, A-Zhan, and brings with it many regrets. My life has been successful, I am comfortable in my working life and will retire securely when the time comes. My health is good. I have many varied and pleasant acquaintances. I should call myself content but yet I have so very many regrets, some I can put to words, others that I cannot or will not. I do not want you to be where I am one day and look back on Wei Wuxian with regret, not when I can see what he already means to you.'

Lan Wangji got to his feet, crossing the short distance between them and bending to press a kiss to the crown of his uncle's head.

'I'm going to put the kettle on,' he said, 'Are you staying up a little longer?'

'Mn,' said Lan Qiren, 'A little longer.'

Lan Wangji did not know if they would talk or if they would just sit in companionable silence but he was glad of his uncle's presence all the same, the man more of a father to him than the man whose blood he carried had ever been.

'I'll be back in a moment,' he said, heading towards the kitchen, looking back in time to see the small, soft smile on Lan Qiren's face as he settled a little more comfortably in his chair.

It felt odd to be walking along the now familiar path to the toy shop without A-Yuan in tow, the frantic bustle of the streets almost too quiet despite its roar without his son chattering along beside him. He would not have enjoyed the rain though, chilly and heavy, testing the umbrella Lan Wangji carried to shield himself from the worst of it. He had been lucky that a sports lesson at school had worn A-Yuan out enough that he was ready for his bed almost as soon as they had finished dinner, begging Lan Qiren for a story as he always did when he was visiting and allowing Lan Wangji some time to ready himself to head out.

He refused to acknowledge just how long he had stood in front of the mirror, certain his hair was working against him as it failed to sit neatly in the braid he had fastened it into. His mother's look had been knowing though when they had joined Lan Qiren in A-Yuan's bedroom to bid the child goodnight, her delicate fingers plucking loose several strands to frame his face before patting his cheek with an indulgent smile.

A-Yuan had not pressed for why his father was dressed for the evening, sinking quickly into dreams with Tuzi tucked close beneath his chin, fingers feathering the well worn ear. The beloved toy had been the catalyst for so much, for so many hopes and so many doubts that Lan Wangji could not name.

As he looked down at the street plan in his hands, he counted off the buildings and the turnings, hoping he had read it incorrectly and had missed the turning for the alleyway but everything matched as he reached the familiar, dim pathway. He tucked the plans away in his coat pocket, looking up in an attempt to see the buildings that rose behind the toy shop but the evening was too dark and the rain too heavy to make out the shapes. The lights in the toy shop were welcoming though, bright and beckoning as he made his way through the silent alleyway, the stalls empty and still and looking down trodden in the rain.

The door was cracked open a little and Lan Wangji paused on the threshold to shake out his umbrella and fold it, slipping it into a plastic covering to avoid it dripping onto the toy shop floor. He knocked on the door before pushing it open when there was no answer, Wei Wuxian the kind of person to lose himself in a task and be ignorant of the world around him.

'You need to be more careful! You should know what you're risking and it's unnecessary. You shouldn't show off so much.'

The sound of a raised voice Lan Wangji recognised but could not place nearly had him calling out for Wei Wuxian until the man himself responded.

'I wasn't in danger, Jiang Cheng. You don't need to be so over protective. I've been doing this for years, I know what I'm doing.'

'You've told us before that it's getting more difficult,' said Jiang Cheng, their voices echoing from the room above the shop along with the sound of pacing footsteps, 'And A-Ling is not going to remember any of it. He's too young. You don't have to do so much.'

'He will remember, even if he doesn't remember the details,' said Wei Wuxian, 'They don't matter anyway.'

'Then why do something so elaborate and injure yourself?' said Jiang Cheng, 'It's foolish. I am not going to be picking up the pieces when you do something so reckless it costs you more than you can afford.'

'Don't talk to me like I'm a child!' snapped Wei Wuxian, 'You have no right to do so. I have been doing this...'

'For more years than I can count,' parroted Jiang Cheng, 'How often will you pull that line in the thought that it actually gives anything credit? Look at your hair and your hands, you're a mess and you're going to get hurt. I'm going to tell Jiejie they need to leave you in peace for a while and you need to stop entertaining every waif and stray who comes by as well. That Lan Wangji and his boy...'

'Wei Ying?' Lan Wangji called out, hoping his tone was not too sharp as he wondered just what Jiang Cheng would have had to say about him and his son should he have continued.

'Lan Zhan? Is that you?'

Wei Wuxian's voice was the preface to the sound of him hurrying across the floorboards above as Lan Wangji made his way to the stairs.

'Wei Wuxian, you...'

There was a small fizz and a pop before Jiang Cheng's words cut off with a yelp, Wei Wuxian's laughter following quickly behind.

'You promised you wouldn't keep doing that,' said Jiang Cheng.

'I changed my mind,' said Wei Wuxian before he appeared at the top of the stairs, his face bright with a smile, 'My dear story teller! I wasn't expecting you but I'm delighted to see you. Jiang Cheng was just leaving.'

'Was I now?' said Jiang Cheng, trailing behind him.

'You were,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Because you are being a brute and Lan Zhan is much nicer company.'

'If I am interrupting, I can return another time,' said Lan Wangji, silently promising himself he would not do so until he was assured that he was not leaving Wei Wuxian to the other man's apparent temper as Jiang Cheng glared at him from the bottom of the stairs.

'No, please stay,' said Wei Wuxian crossing the short distance and bouncing on his toes as he reached him, 'I have been wanting to see you. Jiang Cheng is being a butt-head so he can go.'

Jiang Cheng spluttered. 'Did you just call me a butt-head like you were five years old?'

'I did because you're acting like you're five years old and it seems appropriate,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Go home, Jiang Cheng, and come back again when you're agreeable.'

'You're an idiot,' said Jiang Cheng, leaving the stairs and heading towards the door, deliberately elbowing Wei Wuxian as he passed him, 'And a butt-head.'

Wei Wuxian laughed but the lines around his eyes looked tight and more pronounced as he reached out to squeeze Lan Wangji's hand.

'Let me see this one off,' he said, 'And then we can talk about whatever you need to talk about. I can see the questions between your eyebrows.'

Lan Wangji held back his response, his hand flexing in want of the brief touch it had received as Wei Wuxian let go and followed Jiang Cheng to the front of the shop, voices carrying back to him as they spoke.

'Do not go upsetting Jiejie with this,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I know they have struggled to find someone for A-Ling so if I can help, then I should help. She does enough for me.'

'She won't want you to overdo it,' said Jiang Cheng, 'It's been...'

'I know my limits, Jiang Cheng,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Trust me, I know them.'

'Promise me you will be careful,' said Jiang Cheng, his tone softening, 'In all things. I'm not far if you need me. Do you still have your key to the cafe?'

'Yes and I will let myself in and phone if I ever do need you but look at me, Jiang Cheng, I'm fine. Nothing a good rest won't solve.'

'Don't be up too late then,' said Jiang Cheng, 'Even if your favourite is here.'

'Leave or I'll turn you into a wind up toy with cymbals to clash rather than a mouth to run,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Come see me in a few days and don't upset Jiejie.'

'I won't upset Jiejie. Have a good night but if it's a really good night, I don't want to here about it.'

'Thirty seconds from becoming a wind up toy!'

'I'm going,' said Jiang Cheng, the door closing a little harder than necessary finally announcing his exit.

Lan Wangji pressed the backs of his hands to his cheeks, Jiang Cheng's words and the images they invoked bringing a stinging blush to his cheeks.

'I'm sorry about him,' said Wei Wuxian, the colour high in his own face as he returned to him, 'He's always been a nightmare. Foot in mouth disease contracted at birth I think. I'm sorry if he embarrassed you, I haven't said anything to make him think we might be more than friends but I didn't want to say you're here so often because of your Mama.'

The words felt like the point of a knife beneath his ribs, his presence reduced to a necessity it seemed for the purpose of distracting himself and his family from his mother's impending death. He forced a smile to his lips though as he sought to assuage the concern on Wei Wuxian's face.

'I'm not embarrassed,' he said, 'I did turn up unannounced. If you have had a long day or are unwell though, I can go.'

'No, please stay,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I'm so glad to see you and being with you is no hardship. How much did you hear of Jiang Cheng's ranting?'

'I did not mean to eavesdrop,' said Lan Wangji, 'But I heard him say you shouldn't take any risks as A-Ling would not remember it.'

Wei Wuxian sighed, 'He worries too much. Jiejie was let down by her babysitter today so she asked me to care for A-Ling. I made some things for him and he wore me out a little. I'm fine now. I think Jiang Cheng was more upset that they came to me first rather than him but he was working and he's further from the shop. He gets like that sometimes. The louder he shouts, the more he loves you. It's not the best way to be but it's his way and I know he cares and he worries. I'm fine though, I promise. Let's go upstairs.'

'I heard him mention A-Yuan and I,' said Lan Wangji as Wei Wuxian herded him towards the stairs, 'I do not want us to cause issues between you all. You seem very close with him and his sister.'

'They are like my family...they are my family I suppose now there's no one else left,' said Wei Wuxian, 'But you and A-Yuan aren't causing issues so don't let him make you think that you are. I love having you come over. I didn't realise just how much I needed a friend until you came along. Your company will never be anything less than a gift to me. But enough about me tonight, have you been moonlight flitting again, my dear Lan Zhan? Who have you quarrelled with now to bring you to my door?'

'I haven't quarrelled,' said Lan Wangji as he reached the floor that made up Wei Wuxian's private home, 'I just...'

The door he had missed when last he had been alone with his friend was covered with the curtain, hiding it from view but reminding him of the purpose of his visit. The plans felt as though they were burning in his pocket, questions wanting to be asked but it was the sight of the additional chair set opposite the single one that had been there before that quieted them. Before Wei Wuxian's home had been made for one person, visitors seeming to be kept downstairs if their several visits for tea had been anything to go by. The sound of Jiang Cheng's pacing when they had been arguing suggested that he had not been one to sit in the chair and the needle like point that had stuck sharply beneath his ribs when Wei Wuxian had implied Lan Wangji's visits were only due to Li Xuanji, turned into something softer and yet ten times more devastating as he wondered if the chair was there for him.

'Just what, Lan Zhan?'

Lan Wangji smiled, the plans, door and everything else suddenly feeling inconsequential as he turned to meet the familiar brilliant smile.

'I just wanted to stop by and see you.'

Wei Wuxian's smile brightened, waving Lan Wangji into the new chair, 'Well, as you can see, I was hoping you would. I thought it only right that I have a place for company now I'm so keen to have it. Have you brought me another story to share?'

'Not today,' said Lan Wangji, 'But soon, I hope.'

'How about, while we wait, you tell me a Lan Zhan story then, there's plenty about you I don't know.'

'I could say the same for you,' said Lan Wangji, sitting down as Wei Wuxian busied himself in the small area that passed for a kitchen.

'A trade then. A story of Lan Zhan for a story of Wei Ying. How does that sound?'

'I think it sounds like a fair deal,' said Lan Wangji, contentment settling in him as he watched his friend, the comfort of the chair and the growing familiarity of the surroundings chasing away all thoughts of plans and doors and leaving him in good company.

It was late when he returned home, certain he could have stayed until dawn talking of things of little importance but that meant a great deal with Wei Wuxian. The stories they shared descended mainly into mere anecdotes of their loved ones, each story bringing a smile but all tinged by the experiences of loss and regret that lived with them both. He was sure no counsellor on Mianmian's list could compare with the ease in which he found himself talking to Wei Wuxian, chairs set close to one another and their voices low in the candlelight of the loft. It was all he could do on several occasions not to take hold of the hand that brushed his to convey comfort when their talk turned a little darker, wanting to lace his fingers with Wei Wuxian's and not let go. He knew it was too soon though, his feelings uncertain and tentative even if he was beginning to believe them to be reciprocated.

As he entered the house, he found the living room lit only by a single lamp beside the sofa where Lan Qiren and Li Xuanji sat side by side with an old photo album set between them, their voices quiet to keep from disturbing A-Yuan.

They both looked up in neat unison as Lan Wangji knocked softly on the living room door, reminding him of many times when his father had passed and Lan Qiren had come to reforge their bond with their bloodline, his support for Li Xuanji a breath of fresh air after so long.

'How did it go?' said Lan Qiren, an eyebrow raised in amused question, 'Did you find out about the land behind the shop?'

'I didn't ask,' said Lan Wangji, watching the smile pass between his mother and uncle, certain his cheeks were pink even in the dim light.

'Why not, my baby?' said Li Xuanji.

'I didn't need to. I'm heading to bed.'

'You'll have to invite Wei Wuxian for dinner soon,' said Li Xuanji, 'I've found some adorable pictures he just has to see.'

'Mama! Those photo albums will be under lock and key.'

'Don't talk back to your elders,' said Lan Qiren, 'The one in the bath tub is particularly...'

'You two are awful when you're together,' said Lan Wangji, 'Can't you torture Huan-Ge?'

'We did and Nie Mingjue still married him,' said Li Xuanji, 'So we've got one for one so far.'

'I'm going to bed,' said Lan Wangji, unable to resist the smile as the pair on the sofa before him shared a laugh, 'I'll leave you to cackle. Goodnight.'

Twin goodnights followed him as he headed to the stairs, the image of his mother, bright and joyful, one he would cherish but he felt no guilt when another face replaced it. Wei Wuxian's smile the one to carry him to his dreams.

Chapter Text

'Teeth, hair, uniform, go.'

Lan Wangji smiled as A-Yuan scooted from the breakfast table with a cheeky salute and headed upstairs to ready himself for school. He collected up the plates, pausing only to pour Li Xuanji another cup of her preferred morning coffee, before continuing to the sink with them. He looked back over his shoulder at her, smiling as she wrapped her hands around the cup and breathed in the fragrant steam. He reached into his pocket for his phone as discreetly as he could, capturing the unposed image, wanting to be able to remember such simple things as his mother at her morning coffee when he could no longer experience it in person.

The click of the camera roused Li Xuanji from her contemplation of her cup and she turned to him with an eyebrow raised.

'You could have warned me,' she said, 'I'm still in my pyjamas.'

'You look better in your pyjamas than most people do dressed up,' said Lan Wangji.

'Flatterer,' said Li Xuanji, 'With Qiren here last week and now you, I am at risk of developing an insufferable ego. You all spoil me.'

'You deserve to be spoiled,' said Lan Wangji, returning his phone to his pocket before he turned his attention to the dishes, 'Are you sure you're happy to be home alone today? I can ask Mianmian to pop in.'

'She has other clients today,' said Li Xuanji, 'And I have my phone and the button if I need it.'

'I've told work I need to be away in time to pick A-Yuan up from school so they've skewed the agenda towards my projects for the morning,' said Lan Wangji, 'A few of the other editors complained but those who know our situation are being supportive.'

'I can fetch A-Yuan from school if it is causing you issues,' said Li Xuanji, 'It might take me a while longer to get there but I can manage.'

'You are not doing yourself damage on my account,' said Lan Wangji, 'My work does not need me to keep a nine to five schedule.'

Li Xuanji sighed, 'Sometimes I feel like such a burden to you all.'

'Don't say that,' said Lan Wangji, 'You have never been nor will you ever be a burden. I am a single father, I have always ensured my work was flexible because of that. That it allows me to care for you now is a bonus, not a cause.'

'You're too good.'

'You raised me,' said Lan Wangji, smiling as she laughed before he turned back to the dishes.

The normal sounds of a school morning surrounded him, bringing comfort in their familiarity. The clink of the plates as he washed them, Li Xuanji turning the pages of a magazine, A-Yuan's feet on the floorboards above as he readied himself for school. It was a scene that no one would ever write great epics about and yet, he knew it was far more precious than some of the more notable memories they shared.

As he set the last dish in the rack to dry, his phone beeped with an email notification from his pocket and he hastily dried his hands, half expecting the find another change to his meeting agenda as he opened his phone only to frown as he saw a notification from A-Yuan's school.

'What's wrong, A-Zhan?' said Li Xuanji as he rubbed a hand over his face with a sigh.

'A water pipe has burst,' he said, 'The school cannot open today.'

'Oh that's unfortunate. He'll be out for a few days unless they can get to it and fix it quickly.'

'Today is the problem,' said Lan Wangji, 'He'll have to bring a book and some paper so he can draw. He should be able to keep quiet for most of the meeting...'

'He can stay home with me,' said Li Xuanji, holding up a hand as Lan Wangji made to argue, 'No buts from you either. I know you are trying to take care of me. I know you want me to conserve my energy and not put me under any stress but A-Yuan is my grandson and I am here to take care of him when you can't be.'

Lan Wangji looked to argue but then nodded, 'I will only be on the end of a phone if it gets too much. I can make him a lunch before I go.'

'There's no need, we'll manage,' said Li Xuanji, 'Go up and get ready for your meeting and, whilst you're there, tell him to dress in something comfier than his uniform so he can hang out with his Năinai all day.'

'Are you sure you...'

'A-Zhan! Go!'

He saw the steal in her eyes and knew it would be foolish to argue with her further, her will an immovable force when she wanted it to be.

He tapped out an acknowledgement of the email as he headed to the stairs, pausing at A-Yuan's room to pass on the message and laughing at the grin he received in response as his son made short work of wrestling himself out of his uniform and into comfier clothes. He almost envied him as he fastened a tie around his neck and pulled his hair back into a tight neat bun before heading back downstairs to collect his laptop and bag before heading out for work.

The meeting at least diverted most of his attention from worrying whether or not his mother was coping with taking care of A-Yuan. Though he knew she was more than capable on her good days of caring for him and that A-Yuan was by no means a trying child, he worried that her determination would one day push her beyond what she was capable of. It did not succeed however in distracting his thoughts from another path they had began to frequently head down.

It seemed, whenever he closed his eyes, his mind was filled with the teasing smile of Wei Wuxian. He had long since stopped denying to himself that he found the toy maker attractive, even in the cold light of day, his comfort in their growing friendship moving seamlessly into the wish for something more. In the day, he thought of smiles and laughter but, in the night, his often found himself waking, heart racing with the phantom taste of a kiss upon his lips. He could only hope that the teasing looks and tender touches that had become more and more common from Wei Wuxian meant as much as he hoped they did.

He was glad that the voice that pulled him from his musings over Wei Wuxian's laugh was only to call them to a lunch break, certain he had missed a good ten minutes of whatever conversation had been going on before him. He left his seat as the others around the table did, hoping he had not looked too distracted as he headed out of the door and towards the small cafeteria on the ground floor of the building. Several of his colleagues joined him in the elevator, all with heads bent over their phones and tapping out responses to messages. He reached for his own, seeing several message notifications from Li Xuanji on the screen and hurrying to open them, breath leaving him in a rush as he realised that nothing was wrong.

Taking A-Yuan to the toy shop. We're bored. No fussing, I'll be fine.

The next message came with a photo attached and he smiled at the sight of A-Yuan and Wei Wuxian sat side by side and smiling at Wei Wuxian's workbench, Tuzi and Mo Xuanyu sat in front of them.

With your handsome favourite. He says to say he misses you being here too.

Lan Wangji smiled at the words, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks at the words and wondering just how much interfering his mother was planning on doing when left unsupervised with Wei Wuxian.

Several other photos followed, candid snaps of Wei Wuxian clearly teaching A-Yuan something, hands holding his as he guided a tool over a block of wood. Lan Wangji resisted the urge to press a hand to his heart at the sight, the strange twist beneath his ribs warm and sweet as he wanted nothing more than to leap through the phone and join the pair before him.

The last photo was of Wei Wuxian, A-Yuan and Li Xuanli, the latter clearly making use of the several hours Nie Huaisang had spent teaching her how to take a selfie when he had last visited Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen before their move. He was grateful for the lessons, the picture of the three of them smiling together beautifully caught in the light of the toy shop.

'Cute picture. Sorry, I didn't mean to peek.'

The words startled him from his study of the image, his colleague, Qin Su, looking embarrassed at her own words as he looked up at her.

'Mama has taken A-Yuan out for the day as his school is closed,' he said, taking pity on her and knowing it was often too tempting to notice a screen close to you, 'Our friend makes toys and A-Yuan loves his shop.'

Qin Su smiled as Lan Wangji turned the photo towards her, 'She looks well. I'm glad she's doing ok.'

'She does look well,' said Lan Wangji, exiting the lift as it reached the ground floor, 'And she's doing great at the moment.'

'Your friend has a lovely smile,' said Qin Su, 'Where is his toy shop? I would love to get my niece something nice for her birthday.'

'I will have to draw you a map,' said Lan Wangji, his mind flashing back to the plans still sitting in his desk draw with their unanswered questions, 'It's not all that easy to find. I'll send it over to you.'

'Thanks,' she said, 'I'm going to run out and get some proper coffee, do you want anything?'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'I'll be fine.'

She left with a wave and Lan Wangji turned his attention back to his phone as he got into the queue for the cafeteria, typing a message back to his mother.

If you are still there at 3pm, I will come and pick you up.

He wanted to say more, to pass greetings on to Wei Wuxian but he could not find the right words. Instead, he saved the picture of the three of them to his phone and then to his lock screen, certain his mother would raise an eyebrow if she caught sight of it but knowing it would be worth it for the happiness that settled in him at the sight of their faces.

The rest of his afternoon passed swiftly, talk turning away from his editing projects but still engaging enough even if his mind still did occasionally wonder to the toy shop. As he took his leave at the agreed time, leaving the others to their work, he checked his phone, glad to see a simple, short message from his mother on the screen.

We will still be here at 3.

The journey to the toy shop felt far longer than it should be, Lan Wangji certain the universe was somehow conspiring against him in his efforts to shake off his work day and find his family. He gave little thought to the fact that the word family seemed to easily encompass Wei Wuxian as well, sparing a glance down at his phone and the lock screen as he turned onto the familiar street and hurried his pace to the alleyway.

The stalls were surprisingly empty, the alleyway usually buzzing well into the evening, but not a single trader was present as he walked towards the toy shop. The door was closed but unlocked and he stepped inside with a familiar ease but he paused as nothing but silence met him.

'Mama? A-Yuan? Wei Ying?' he called but no answer came from the quiet shelves surrounding them.

He reached for his phone, double checking that he had not missed another message from Li Xuanji but only the smiling faces of the three of them looked back at him.

'Mama?'

He made his way to the back of the shop, the workbench abandoned with the tools and the block of wood Wei Wuxian and A-Yuan had been working with in the pictures left haphazardly as though abandoned in a hurry. It was the sight of his mother's wheelchair at the base of the winding staircase though that had the panic rising in his throat.

His hands trembled as he navigated to his mother's number, hearing the familiar ringtone from the floor above and hurrying up the stairs only to find her bag and her and A-Yuan's coats on a chair.

The sound of a door opening was the only thing that stilled his feet from racing to the hospital, his mind throwing up images of his mother taking ill and Wei Wuxian rushing out with her without thinking to call or take her bag with them. The laughter that followed calmed him a little further, his breath leaving him in a rush as A-Yuan barrelled through the door to the courtyard with Mo Xuanyu, Tuzi and the doll Wei Wuxian had given to Li Xuanji in his arms. His mother and Wei Wuxian followed not far behind, Li Xuanji holding onto his arm but walking with little difficulty despite the steps she had had to come up to reach the door.

'Baba!' called A-Yuan, 'You came!'

The toys were set down on the chair before A-Yuan crashed into his legs, skinny arms squeezing around his waist as he beamed up at him.

'Xian-Gege took us out and it was so fun. There were horses and chickens and a big grumpy pig that rolled about in the mud. Năinai even rode a horse and Su Su and Mo Xuanyu got chased by the chickens and we had to rescue them. Tuzi stayed with me so he was safe.'

The words were breathless and rushed, pouring out of A-Yuan with all the excitement that lit up his eyes. Any questions Lan Wangji had fled at the sight, glad that not only were his initial fears unfounded but that both his son and his mother looked bright and happy.

'Sounds like a wonderful time,' he said, patting his hair before he crouched down to him, 'It looks like you did a fine job of taking care of Năinai.'

'Xian-Gege helped,' said A-Yuan, 'He is good at looking after people. Can we stay a little longer?'

'Well that isn't up to me?' said Lan Wangji, getting to his feet, ignoring the heat in his ears as he met Wei Wuxian's soft gaze, 'Wei Ying may have other things he needs to do.'

'When three of my favourite people are with me, there is nothing more pressing to attend to,' said Wei Wuxian, 'So long as Xuanji-Jiejie feels well enough to stay a little longer.'

'I'm right as rain,' said Li Xuanji, the hand still on his arm squeezing gently, 'And I wouldn't want to deny you and A-Zhan some time together now he's here. A-Yuan, come and help me on the stairs.'

Lan Wangji barely bit back the groan that wanted to leave him at the look she shot him, fearing just what she had decided to say to Wei Wuxian when there had been no one there capable of deflecting her. He dared not look at Wei Wuxian, as Li Xuanji collected A-Yuan from his side and the pair of them headed to the stairs, the sharp fingernail she dug into his ribs as she moved passed him leaving him in little doubt of her expectations.

He finally found the bravery to raise his gaze as she and A-Yuan disappeared down the stairs, Wei Wuxian's smile teasing but sympathetic as he crossed the short distance between them.

'My apologies,' said Lan Wangji, 'I think when Mama went for her last surgery, they removed her subtlety along with everything else.'

'Subtlety is vastly overrated,' said Wei Wuxian, his cheeks pink as he rubbed absently at the back of his neck, 'I've been instructed that I'm to talk to you as well.'

'If she is pushing too much, I will tell her to stop,' said Lan Wangji, 'I'm sorry if she has embarrassed you.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'Didn't we have the same conversation about Jiang Cheng the other day,' he said, 'I'm not embarrassed. I'm flattered that she thinks you being happy could have something to do with me. I suppose the question is, do you think you being happy could have something to do with me?'

The words were hopeful, quiet, lacking any of the usual teasing or bravado and it gave Lan Wangji the courage to reach out and capture Wei Wuxian's work rough fingers with his own.

'Yes. I think it could have a lot to do with you,' he said, 'But can we go slow, get to know each other more. With Mama and A-Yuan...'

'I don't want to disrupt anything,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And I'd rather go slow and get to keep you if things work out. Time is something I have plenty of and I would like to spend it with you, however that gets to look. Since the day you and A-Yuan first came here, you have both begun to mean everything to me. I never thought...'

'Wei Ying?' said Lan Wangji, tightening his grip on his hand as an emotion too complicated for him to understand.

'I never thought this would be for me,' said Wei Ying, 'That I would meet someone like you, my dear storyteller.'

'I have thought the same until I met you,' said Lan Wangji, 'Though I would never wish A-Yuan upset, I am glad that Tuzi gave us the chance to meet. I did not think, when we came looking for your help, that this is where we would find ourselves.'

'Oh I don't know. You caught my eye the moment you walked through my door.'

The familiar teasing grin broke a little of the atmosphere that had surrounded them but the reprieve was a welcome one, Lan Wangji certain neither of them wished to tumble too fast and risk damaging the fragile newness of their understanding.

'Was that before or after you tumbled down the stairs and terrified me?'

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'Maybe I'll tell you one day,' he said, 'Lan Zhan, are we really doing this? I worry that I'm going to find myself dreaming.'

'I promise this is real,' said Lan Wangji, 'If it was a dream, this is not what I would have chosen to wear.'

'I think you look smart, if a little severe,' said Wei Wuxian, fingers tracing the length of his tie, 'I hope work wasn't too dull.'

Lan Wangji bit back the answer that most of the duller parts of the meeting had been filled with thoughts of him, certain he was not quite ready to deal with the outcome of such a confession especially when Wei Wuxian's fingers seemed to be idling longer than necessary on the pale blue silk.

'We got a lot done and they were happy with my work,' said Lan Wangji, 'My part in the project is done so I have only got a few short pieces to work on for the next couple of weeks.'

'More time for writing your own stories?' said Wei Wuxian hand leaving his tie to capture his fingers once more, 'More time here?'

'I would like that. There is something about this place that makes finding the stories easier again.'

'Magic, maybe?' said Wei Wuxian with a familiar teasing grin.

'Something like that,' said Lan Wangji, 'If I am to believe in it anywhere, then this is the place.'

Wei Wuxian's smile grew soft, a small shiver running through him as he tightened his grip on Lan Wangji's hand.

'My dear storyteller, believing in magic here is the best place that you ever could. Lan Zhan...'

'Baba! Are you and Xian-Gege coming down?'

'A-Yuan, hush sweetheart.'

The voices downstairs chased away the moment, Wei Wuxian laughing brightly as Lan Wangji shook his head at the words.

'I don't know who is worse,' he said, 'A-Yuan for interrupting or Mama for trying to get him not to.'

'It's natural for him to want his Baba. He's missed you all day,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Let's go down to them. You will need to do another of your moonlight flits if you wish to be alone with me.'

'Maybe not by moonlight,' said Lan Wangji, 'Mama has physical therapy in the morning with Mianmian. If A-Yuan is back in school, I could come by if I wouldn't be in the way.'

'You could never be in the way,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And if A-Yuan isn't in school, bring him by with you to play. You can daylight flit another time if needs be. Either way, I get to spend time with two of my favourite people. Come on, let's go down, I am sure the elder of the party awaiting us wants to run those calculating eyes of hers over us to find out if we have fulfilled her wishes.'

Despite the words, Wei Wuxian did not step away from him and Lan Wangji felt a boldness settle in him, leaning forward just enough to press a kiss his companion's cheek.

'I think we have for now,' he said, his own cheeks heating as he saw the blush on Wei Wuxian's face, that was quickly caught into a bright smile.

'My dear storyteller is always full of surprises. Getting to know you better will fast become my favourite pastime I think.'

The gentle tug on his hand took Lan Wangji to the chair where A-Yuan had left the collection of toys, Wei Wuxian retrieving Mo Xuanyu whilst Lan Wangji collected Tuzi and his mother's doll, Su Su. He paused a moment as he realised the collection didn't match the number of people present, a hollowness in his arms despite the toys he carried, one missing to bring the number to four.

'Lan Zhan?' said Wei Wuxian, 'Are you alright?'

He turned to him, seeing the doll Wei Wuxian had made as a child held delicately in his arms, the toy maker who had returned Tuzi to something beloved rather than a pile of torn and dirty fabric that it had been. Lan Wangji could have almost sworn it was magic the day he was returned to them, the restoration too perfect, but he could never deny Wei Wuxian's skill. There were things though that went beyond the skill of a chisel and needle.

'I'm fine,' he said, tightening his arms around the two toys to lessen the missing piece, 'Let's go down.'

He saw the question on Wei Wuxian's face but he gave no voice to it, following Lan Wangji as he headed to the stairs, the soft voices of A-Yuan and Li Xuanji welcoming them from where they had settled within Wei Wuxian's small library.

They soon joined them on the comfortable cushions that littered the carpet, A-Yuan quickly retrieving Tuzi from his father's arms before snuggling back into Li Xuanji's side and returning his attention to the book she was reading him. Lan Wangji wanted to say they had a copy at home, that Wei Wuxian had other books they could read there that were not Lan Wangji's own. He could not bring a voice to the words though, not as A-Yuan traced the illustrations made in Li Xuanji's own hand upon the page whilst his mother's voice brought the characters to life. Not as Wei Wuxian leaned into his side, head resting on Lan Wangji's shoulder as he too listened to the story being told.

Not as Li Xuanji looked up and caught sight of them, her smile lighting her face before she returned her attention to the page and continued to read to them all.

The day had worn A-Yuan out, the excitement of a day off school along with an unplanned trip to the toy shop having him asleep before his head hit the pillow, Tuzi tucked close under his chin as he gave way to his dreams.

Lan Wangji had lost hours watching the boy sleep since the day he had first come home with him. The first nights had been from fear and disbelief, fear that something awful would happen if he was not watching him every moment of the day and disbelief that he had found such completion in becoming a father, knowing his life would be forever changed and grateful for it. When the initial worry and wonder had died down, it had already become habit to stand in the doorway and watch him breathe, wondering what dreams were in his head and if the wishes he made in them were something Lan Wangji could make come true. Watching him had been a balm when Li Xuanji's cancer had returned, this time with its fatal diagnosis, a proof of the future even when everything felt shrouded in the coming of death.

Now, as he leaned against the door frame, another thought came to him as he watched A-Yuan snuggle deeper into his pillows. In his mind's eye, he saw Wei Wuxian perched on the side of the bed, dressed as he had been when Lan Wangji had visited him unannounced rather than in all of his toy maker trappings. As he thought on the image more though, the scene changed from A-Yuan's familiar bedroom to the small loft above the toy shop, the bed the simple patchwork covered one rather than one with superhero covers and several more cuddly toys set at the footboard. He shook off the thought, knowing there was a long road ahead before he could ever entertain the notion of Wei Wuxian being such a close part of their lives but he knew the hope that settled in him would carry him through the early days of their relationship.

He tore himself away from the door frame as A-Yuan snuffled and turned over, his back towards him as he settled once more. A cough from his mother's room hurried him to the opposite door, pausing only to knock briefly, her call to enter choked and weak.

'Mama? Are you alright?'

'Don't fuss,' she said, waving her hand, 'I sprayed a little too much of that lavender thing A-Huan bought me and it caught in my throat. I'm fine. Could you pass me my water?'

Lan Wangji retrieved the cup, steadying her hand as he passed it to her. Li Xuanji sipped delicately at the water before setting it back down, her voice still a little raspy as she spoke.

'I know only to use it sparingly now,' she said, before she raised her hands to her head, 'Would you help me take this off, please?'

Lan Wangji gently took the long heavy wig from her head, wanting to ask her to try something a little shorter in style to lessen the weight but knowing it would fall on deaf ears, the wig as close as they could get to how her hair had looked before chemotherapy had robbed her of it. He ran a brush gently through the strands to neaten it before passing it back to her.

'Is A-Yuan sleeping?' said Li Xuanji, carefully pinning the wig onto its stand, the veins on her hands stark through her skin

'Out like a light,' said Lan Wangji, moving to his customary place to help her ready for bed, 'I didn't even get to the end of the story.'

'He had a lot of fun today. Wei Wuxian made everything wonderful,' said Li Xuanji covering a yawn with her hand, 'It was real magic.'

'It makes sense that he keeps a few animals,' said Lan Wangji, 'He barely sells anything whenever we visit so he has to feed himself somehow. I'm surprised we didn't hear them when he took us to the park if they're nearby. I hope you didn't have to walk too far to get there.'

Li Xuanji sighed, 'A-Zhan. There was no distance. It was magic. When will you let yourself believe what's right in front of you?'

Lan Wangji reached for the prepared pill box, seeing the slight tremor in his mother's hands that would make it difficult for her to retrieve them herself. 'I'll believe it when I see it.'

'I wish you would see it,' said Li Xuanji, 'You need something more in your life.'

'I am content with what I have,' said Lan Wangji, 'And Wei Ying and I have an understanding. I am looking forward to getting to know him better.'

'I know you two will be good together,' said Li Xuanji before she flinched, closing her eyes tightly.

'Mama?' said Lan Wangji, moving around so he could crouch before her, 'What's wrong?'

'I'm fine,' said Li Xuanji, 'I've just done too much. It's not...the pain is a little sharper than usual.'

'Do you need a doctor?'

She shook her head, 'A doctor is the last thing I need. I just need to rest.'

'You should have stayed home today,' said Lan Wangji, 'I knew it would be too much for you.'

'Taking care of my grandson is not too much for me,' snapped Li Xuanji, 'I am not spending what is left of my life cooped up in this house. I will take the pain for more chances like today. I am not dying yet. I refuse to die yet. It's night time. I'm tired. Don't make this more than it is.'

The words were sharp but Lan Wangji bore the hurt of them silently, hearing the frustration and the fear beneath that his mother hid as best she could until they spilled forth without warning.

'I'm sorry, A-Zhan.'

'Don't be sorry,' he said, taking hold of her hands in his, 'Never be sorry.'

'I didn't meant to shout. I'm just...'

'I know,' he said, 'I know, Mama.'

'I want to enjoy the time I have left. I don't want this to make me a prisoner before I have to be. At the shop, it's chased away. I feel like me when I'm there.'

'Now I have passed over my last project, I can ask for a leave of absence for a while,' said Lan Wangji, 'A week or so and then see how we go. They are wholly understanding and I do not think I would have any difficulty. If you wish to do things then I can be there and help you if you need it. I respect that you want to be as independent as you can be but I don't want you to hurt yourself.'

Li Xuanji shook her head, 'I'll be fine. I just need some rest today,' she said, 'Besides, you should save some time for...after. A-Yuan will need you more than I do. Your free time should be spent with him and Wei Wuxian.'

'I want to be there for you too,' said Lan Wangji, 'And Wei Ying understands that things need to progress slowly between us. I made a promise to see this to the end with you and I'm not giving that up just because I've met someone.'

Li Xuanji cradled his cheek in her hand. 'I want you to spend time with him and I don't want to stand in the way. You deserve to be happy.'

'I am happy, just as things are. Wei Ying said today that we have time and he's right, we have plenty of time. You don't. Horrible as that is. Mama, we don't have forever and I don't want to regret the time we have. I'll call work in the morning and then you can use and abuse me to fetch you all over town to do whatever you want to do.'

'Then we'll be going to that toy shop a great deal and you, my darling boy, are going to start to learn things that are right in front of your nose,' said Li Xuanji, 'Am I forgiven for snapping at you?'

'There is nothing to forgive,' said Lan Wangji, 'Let's get you to bed. Do you want me to cancel Mianmian tomorrow?'

Li Xuanji shook her head, 'No. I should do my exercises and I have some things to discuss with her. Nothing to worry about. The doctors warned me things would begin to progress and I have a few new symptoms I want to make her aware of.'

Lan Wangji nodded, swallowing down the worry that followed her words but knowing it was seen all the same as she pressed a kiss to his forehead.

'I'm still here and I'm still fighting,' she said, 'We have time yet, A-Zhan.'

He screwed his eyes shut against the tears that wanted to fall, failing as he felt soft fingers wipe them away.

'I hate this. I hate all of this. It's not fair.'

He knew the words were pointless against the power of the disease stealing his mother but he let them forth all the same, the urge to stand and scream almost too much to bear as her small, slim hands did their best to bring him comfort.

'I know, my baby, I know,' said Li Xuanji, pulling him close to cradle his head in her lap, 'It's alright. You're always so strong but you don't have to be. It's alright.'

'I hate feeling so useless,' said Lan Wangji, 'I just want to make it go away.'

'Nothing can do that,' said Li Xuanji, 'But we're here now. I'm here, my baby.'

Lan Wangji didn't answer, letting the warm cocoon of her around him chase away a little of the pain that had taken hold. It was only when his back began to ache that he raised his head, meeting the rueful smile of his mother as she brushed away the remnants of his tears. The kiss to his brow was such a familiar touch, one he remembered from when he had been far younger than A-Yuan. It always brought comfort and promise and reminded him of the strength of the woman before him even when he felt helpless.

'We'll be ok,' said Li Xuanji, 'You'll be ok.'

'I'll call work tomorrow, take some time off,' said Lan Wangji, 'Then we can make some plans.'

'If you insist,' said Li Xuanji, 'But I have Mianmian here all morning so do as you promised and go and visit Wei Wuxian once you have dropped A-Yuan to school. If school is still closed, you two can go a play. Spending time with Wei Wuxian will do you the world of good.'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'He is a good listener,' he said, 'And he makes me feel better.'

'You really like him, don't you?'

'I really am beginning to,' said Lan Wangji, 'He is...he is Wei Ying and I look forward to the moments I can be with him.'

'He's very fond of you too,' said Li Xuanji, 'He said you were the most beautiful man he had ever met.'

'I dread to think how much you needled him today without me there.'

Li Xuanji smiled, 'I just gave you both a nudge in the right direction,' she said, covering a yawn once more, 'I need to sleep. Help me with my pills and then I'll be fine. You look like you need to go to bed and dream of handsome toy makers.'

'Just one handsome toy maker, maybe,' said Lan Wangji rising to his feet and turning back to his task of helping his mother to her bed.

The metallic click of cogs kept a steady rhythm as Lan Wangji tapped his pen against his lips in counterpoint, the story before him only the bare bones of a plot but more than he had achieved since his last burst of inspiration had pulled a story from his head. He looked up at Wei Wuxian, top hat and tailcoat set aside, perched on a stool beside the workbench, tongue stuck between his teeth as he tried to manoeuvre the smallest cog he held with a pair of tweezers into the complex set up before him. He waited until the piece was in place and a smile had replaced the concentration on Wei Wuxian's face before he set aside his notebook and got to his feet.

'How is it coming?' he said, as Wei Wuxian smiled brightly at his approach.

'Hard to say but the pieces seem to be fitting and moving as they should,' said Wei Wuxian, filing through the collection of cogs in the tray beside him, 'I still need to write a tune to go with it.'

'Do you have anything in mind?'

Wei Wuxian shook his head, 'Not yet but it will come when it's ready,' he said, 'Do you have a new story for me yet?'

'The bare scratch of one but it's more than I manage at home. There is something about this place that inspires me.'

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'Well if it is romantic then I hope I might be the inspiration or is that far too forward to say?'

'If the story calls for a top hat wearing hero, I will let you know,' said Lan Wangji, as work rough fingers took hold of his, 'Can you take a break from that? I'll have to go before too long to fetch A-Yuan from school.'

'Can you come back with him afterwards?' said Wei Wuxian, getting to his feet and following Lan Wangji to the stairs, the pair of them climbing up to the loft and the comfier chairs that awaited them there, 'It's been a few days since I saw him last.'

'Not tonight but I can bring him by tomorrow,' said Lan Wangji, 'Mianmian has been with Mama most of the day but she will need me home this evening. She's not had a good week and I don't want to leave her on her own.'

'I'm sorry she hasn't improved,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I wish I could help.'

'Mianmian said she will experience ups and downs,' said Lan Wangji, 'But it's been nearly a fortnight of downs. Whatever we try, she can't get her energy levels up. They're changing her medication today so hopefully that might help alleviate some of the worst of it. I should bring her here tomorrow, she finds this place healing and it can be calm enough for her.'

'She's always welcome,' said Wei Wuxian, moving their chairs until they were side by side rather than opposite one another, 'And if it means I get to have you all for a while then I am happy.'

Lan Wangji looked down at the hand that took hold of his, rubbing a thumb along the soft skin of the back of it.

'You are always unfailingly kind to us.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'I enjoy the company of the three of you but I must admit, I now have an ulterior motive. Seeing as your Mama wants to match make us and I think A-Yuan likes me enough, I like it only right that I get to look at my handsome story teller as often as possible and hope that he likes looking at me just as much.'

'I do,' said Lan Wangji, 'And I was hoping...'

'Lan Zhan?'

'Come to dinner with me. Just you and me. A proper date.'

Wei Wuxian looked down at their joined hands, taking a breath before he smiled, hesitant but determined.

'Alright,' he said, 'Yes. I'll go to dinner with you. Yes, Lan Zhan.'

The bright laugh that left him made Lan Wangji's heart speed up a little in his chest and he gave in the urge to raise Wei Wuxian's hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of it.

'Is Friday too soon?' he said, 'I can get a babysitter for A-Yuan so I don't have to worry about Mama.'

'I'll need to check that Jiang Cheng is free to watch the shop for me,' said Wei Wuxian, 'He'll grumble but I can't remember when he last had a date so he can't really complain.'

'It would be the evening. I would need to get A-Yuan settled so I could pick you up around six or seven so you could close the shop rather than have someone watch it.'

'I would still need him,' said Wei Wuxian, 'For security. There are things that need attention.'

Lan Wangji frowned, 'If it is easier, I could bring food here and we...'

'No,' said Wei Wuxian quickly, 'No. I want to go out. I've never...I've never been on a date before and I want to do it properly. I want to go out with you. Wherever you want.'

Lan Wangji laughed at the excitement in Wei Wuxian's words, 'Easy. Take a breath. You are like A-Yuan whenever I tell him we are coming here.'

Wei Wuxian's face grew soft as he tightened his grip on Lan Wangji's hand, 'I never thought I would get to have this. I never thought someone like you would come along and want to stay,' he said, the colour high in his cheeks, 'Sorry. I don't want to frighten you off.'

'Don't be sorry,' said Lan Wangji, 'You won't frighten me off. I feel the same. When I adopted A-Yuan, I knew my chances of finding a partner would be reduced. I knew I would have to be careful and that I would always have to put him first. When Mama got sick again, I just assumed it would always be just her, me and him at least for a good few years, that my life would be too much for someone new and then you came along and everything changed. I know you understand that Mama needs me right now and that A-Yuan comes first. I feel safe with you and there are so few people I can say that to.'

Wei Wuxian raised there joined hands to his cheek, the soft curve of it warm against the back of Lan Wangji's hand, 'I want you to always feel safe with me,' he said, 'To feel safe here. I am your friend before anything else.'

The shrill ringing from Lan Wangji's phone pulled a soft curse from his lips and a laugh from Wei Wuxian's.

'My alarm, sorry,' said Lan Wangji, 'A reminder though that A-Yuan does come first and that I need to fetch him from school.'

'Will you come by tomorrow?' said Wei Wuxian, 'All of you? I can set up the shadow theatre, something quiet if Xuanji-Jiejie is still feeling tired. She can nod off whilst I'm telling a tale, I won't be offended. Maybe I could tell one of yours.'

'You're free to do as you please with them,' said Lan Wangji as they headed back down the stairs, 'You give so much more to them than I ever could.'

'Silly, they're your words,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I'm just saying them back to you.'

'You bring something to them that they've felt like they've been missing for so long. Perhaps it's because I know them so well. They feel stale whenever I look back over them.'

'You've forgotten the magic in them,' said Wei Wuxian, picking up his bag and handing it to him as Lan Wangji pulled on his coat, 'Luckily, I can help you there.'

'If anyone can it's you. I wish I could stay longer.'

'You have special people waiting for you.'

'And one I am reluctant to leave,' said Lan Wangji, 'If Mama wasn't so tired I'd invite you to dinner at ours tonight but she'd want some notice to put herself together for company and she needs her rest.'

'Another day then,' said Wei Wuxian, 'It's not like I'm going anywhere but you should be. A-Yuan is waiting for you.'

It felt natural for Lan Wangji to lean in close enough to press a lingering kiss to his cheek, the shocked gasp dragging him quickly back to his senses but he felt no embarrassment as he saw Wei Wuxian's smile.

'My dear storyteller is full of surprises.'

'You inspire me,' said Lan Wangji, delighting in the laugh that followed his words, 'I wish I didn't have to go.'

'I'll see you tomorrow,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And we have our date to look forward to. You must tell me how two certain people react when you tell them though I imagine I may hear the squeal from here.'

'From Mama especially,' said Lan Wangji, 'I hope perhaps that it will help her to feel a little better. I'm worried for her.'

'She's strong,' said Wei Wuxian, thumbs running over the backs of Lan Wangji's hands where he held them, 'She'll be alright. You said they were changing her medicine, hopefully that will help.'

'I hope so,' said Lan Wangji with a sigh, 'I have to go or I'll be running the last part of the journey to school. A-Yuan worries if I'm late.'

He kept hold of Wei Wuxian's hand as they headed to the door, the alleyway beyond vibrant and loud, the stalls busy with passing trade, several people wearing the same awed expression Lan Wangji knew he had worn when he had first taken in the scene. Several people headed towards the toy shop as he departed it, turning back to see Wei Wuxian once more in top hat and tailcoat and wondering for a moment where he had stashed both to have put them on so quickly before the crowd swallowed the sight and Lan Wangji hurried his steps to the alleyway entrance.

Though he thankfully did not have to run to make it to the school, he reached the entrance just as the bell announced the end of the day. It was not long before his son was at his side, one hand holding Lan Wangji's whilst he swung Tuzi in the other, chattering happily about his day and his lessons before bemoaning the homework they had been set.

It was a normal walk home from school, one they did on countless occasions, the evening cool but pleasant as talk turned from A-Yuan's day to questions about Wei Wuxian and the toy shop, with requests to visit again as soon as they could. Though there was nothing out of the ordinary, Lan Wangji could feel the odd sensation of worry curling beneath his skin, making him extra cautious as they crossed the street or tightening his hold on A-Yuan's hand as strangers walked too close.

He was certain the anxiety was based on the changes in their lives, his mother a world away from her usual self whilst Lan Wangji navigated not just a new relationship for himself but for all of them, Wei Wuxian having to fit more than one role if he was truly to become a part of their family. He still could not imagine the toy maker in the house they shared, nor could he imagine he and A-Yuan living in the loft above the toy shop, the image making him shiver as he realised it would only be a reality once his mother had passed from the world.

He had talked himself down from whatever was worrying him by the time they reached their road, allowing A-Yuan to skip ahead of him towards the house, smiling as he waved to their elderly neighbour several doors down who often sat in front of his window to watch the world go by. He made a note in his head to make sure to drop around as the days grew colder to make sure the heating was working properly ready for the coming months, the neighbour having confided long ago to having no family close to help.

He caught up to A-Yuan at their own house, the boy carefully walking the slim border tiles as though he was on a tightrope as he waited for him.

'I wonder if Xian-Gege could make a circus,' he said as Lan Wangji reached him, 'With acrobats and elephants. It would be alright if they were pretend toy elephants wouldn't it, Baba? I know it's cruel to keep real elephants in a circus.'

'I am sure that it would be fine if they were pretend elephants,' said Lan Wangji, 'You will have to ask Xian-Gege when we see him again. Perhaps he has a flea circus?'

'A flea circus!' cried A-Yuan in disgust, 'Doesn't that make you itch?'

Lan Wangji laughed as he pulled his keys from his pocket and unlocked the door, 'There aren't any real fleas,' he said, 'It's done with tricks. I'm sure Xian-Gege can...'

Time became a strange nebulous thing as his mind tried to process the scene behind the door, the upturned wheelchair blocking everything but the spill of dark hair and a slim arm that lay at the bottom of the stairs. He wasn't sure if it was a scream or a whimper that left his lips as he rushed to his mother's side, strength born of desperation flinging the wheelchair aside with a crash against the wall before he was on his knees beside her.

'A-Yuan!' he said, fingers desperately seeking a pulse as Li Xuanji lay motionless, his free hand pulling his phone from his pocket and tossing it towards his wide eyed son, 'Remember how I taught you to call an ambulance? You need to do it for me now.'

Chapter Text

'Is Năinai dying?'

A-Yuan's small, terrified voice was as loud as a shout against Lan Wangji's shoulder, cutting through his own swirling thoughts as he tightened his arms around him. His legs ached with the fatigue of having his son sat on him for so long, the boy's weight much increased from when he had routinely sat on his father's knee for several hours at a time, but he found a solace in it, certain A-Yuan was all that was keeping him from shattering into pieces.

'No, sweetheart,' he said, 'Not today. She is very poorly though.'

'What's wrong with her?' said A-Yuan, shifting against Lan Wangji and reminding him of the hard plastic hospital chair he was sitting on.

'The paramedics think she fell. They won't know what was injured until the doctors have assessed her.'

'Can we see her?' said A-Yuan, 'I can take Tuzi to her to cuddle.'

Lan Wangji blinked back the tears that misted his eyes, 'We can't see her yet. The doctors will come and get us when they have news for us.'

'I just want to see her,' said A-Yuan, 'It's been a long time and I was so scared.'

Lan Wangji pressed a kiss to his temple, 'I know but you did beautifully,' he said, 'You were so calm when I told you to call the ambulance.'

'I remembered what you taught me. I was still scared, even though the lady on the phone was nice,' said A-Yuan, 'I didn't like them putting the wires on Năinai or going in the ambulance. I didn't have a seat belt.'

The innocence in the remark brought a small smile to Lan Wangji's face. 'Only you would think about your seatbelt in a moment like that.'

'He-Laoshi says we should always be safe in a car.'

'He-Laoshi is quite right,' said Lan Wangji, as A-Yuan fidgeted once more.

'My legs are going to sleep,' said the boy, wriggling off his lap, 'Why are the doctor's taking so long?'

'Because they need to make sure they know all that is wrong with Năinai and start treating her. Do you want me to call Shugong and ask him to come and get you? I should call him anyway, and Bobo.'

A-Yuan shook his head, 'I want to stay with you and Năinai.'

Lan Wangji saw the threat of tears in the wide eyes before him and quickly caught A-Yuan's hand in his. 'You can stay but if you change your mind, let me know.'

'Lan Wangji?'

He turned at the sound of a familiar voice, his mother's usual consultant, Xiao Xingchen hurrying towards them.

'I got a call from a colleague to tell me one of my patients was here,' he said, 'I came up as soon as I could. What happened?'

Lan Wangji got to his feet, A-Yuan quickly attaching himself to his side and burying his face in his hip.

'The paramedics think Mama fell,' said Lan Wangji, 'I think she might have been trying to transfer from the wheelchair to the stairlift but I'm not certain. I haven't had any more information since we got here. She was still unconscious in the ambulance.'

'Let me see what I can find out for you,' he said, 'I'll be back in a moment.'

'Thank you,' said Lan Wangji, 'Even just an idea would make things easier. I haven't called my brother yet as I don't have enough information to give him.'

'Leave it with me,' said Xiao Xingchen, heading to the doors that separated the waiting room from the treatment rooms beyond.

'Can we take Năinai home when we know what's wrong?' said A-Yuan, his voice muffled against Lan Wangji's shirt, 'She doesn't like hospitals, she wants to be at home.'

'I don't know,' said Lan Wangji, 'She made need to stay in for a while. Until the doctors know what is wrong, she's safer here.'

'But she will come home?'

'I hope so,' said Lan Wangji, wrapping an arm around his shoulders, 'I hope so, sweetheart.'

Though their wait before Xiao Xingchen had appeared had been long, it seemed longer once the promise of information had been made and it was all Lan Wangji could do to stay in his seat rather than pace a hole in the floor. Parenthood had taught him a great deal about patience but it was taking all of his will not to snap at A-Yuan's questions when they were repeated over and over again. His son was frightened, bored, tired, and hungry, a mix that would not have boded well in any situation, least not when Lan Wangji's own emotions threatened to bubble over at the slightest provocation. Even the hands clutching at his sleeve in the effort to catch his attention felt all consuming, leaving him wanting to flay off his own skin in the effort to lessen the contact.

His own stomach growled noisily, the usual time for their supper long passed, but the thought of anything from one of the ancient looking vending machines felt like an invitation to be joining him mother the other side of the doors to be treated for food poisoning. He was sure, food poisoning or not, that little would want to stay down anyway, something with vicious claws already having taken up residence in his gut the moment he had seen his mother unconscious on the floor.

'Lan Wangji? Come through.'

Xiao Xingchen's voice cut through his thoughts, the door open to the treatment rooms beyond.

He took hold of A-Yuan's hand once he had collected the coats, the boy hugging Tuzi close as he pressed into Lan Wangji's side, almost tripping him several times as they made their way to where the doctor was waiting.

'I was thinking A-Yuan would like to go to the playroom in the children's section whilst the grown ups talk,' said Xiao Xingchen, indicating to the young nurse stood beside him, 'My colleague here can take him.'

A-Yuan's fingers were vice like as they gripped on to Lan Wangji's shirt. 'I want to stay with you, Baba.'

Though the doctor did not speak, his eyes spoke volumes, the conversation before them one not suitable for young children to hear in a clinical fashion.

'A-Yuan,' said Lan Wangji, crouching down to meet his gaze, 'I have a lot to talk about with the doctors and some of the words will be hard for you to understand and I need to be able to concentrate on them whilst they talk to me. Go and play for a little while. If Năinai can have visitors then we can see her. I will be as quick as I can.'

'Don't let them let Năinai die,' said A-Yuan, 'You need to make sure they make her better.'

'I promise to do everything I can,' said Lan Wangji, 'But you need to go and play for a while.'

'Can I just sit and cuddle Tuzi?' said A-Yuan, 'I don't want to play.'

'Is this Tuzi?' said the nurse, 'He looks like a nice toy.'

'He's not a toy, he's real,' said A-Yuan, 'Baba, can't I stay with you? I won't get in the way.'

'Not right now,' said Lan Wangji, pressing a kiss to his forehead as he saw the tears pool in his eyes, 'But I will not be long and then I will come and get you. If you want to sit and cuddle Tuzi, you can do. Squeeze him tight and he'll help you feel better.'

'Who are you going to squeeze to make you feel better?' said A-Yuan.

Lan Wangji smiled as best he could, 'You, when I come and get you. Be a good boy for me and go with the nurse. As soon as I'm done, I'll come and find you.'

A-Yuan took a deep breath, pulling his shoulders back as best he could as he nodded, 'Alright but don't be too long,' he said before he turned to the nurse, 'I'll come with you now.'

Lan Wangji stood as A-Yuan took the nurse's hand and followed her to the promised playroom.

'It's less than two minutes walk away,' said Xiao Xingchen, 'And I can call them immediately if needed. There are always two members of staff in there at all times so he will be well looked after.'

'I don't doubt it,' said Lan Wangji as he followed him in the opposite direction, 'Thank you for arranging things for him.'

'Well I know you have said before that you are open with him about everything that is going on but I would imagine you like control of the information too.'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'I try to phrase things in an age appropriate fashion,' he said as they reached an office and Xiao Xingchen waved him inside and into a chair next to the desk, taking one opposite himself, 'What is happening with Mama?'

Xiao Xingchen quickly brought up a screen bearing his mother's name and the details of her treatment.

'I have spoken with the doctor treating her but you are welcome to speak to her as well if you need any further information,' he said, 'I will try to keep things in laymen's terms as best I can but please stop me if you need me to explain anything in more detail. Acutely, she appears to have fallen when transferring from her wheelchair to the stairlift. She has not regained consciousness to a point where we can ask her though she is responding well to treatment. They are keeping her sedated to ease her pain right now. She has several hairline fractures in her left elbow joint as well as a more substantial break in the ulna. There has been a dislocation to the wrist joint. All in all it speaks of her instinctively trying to save herself when she fell which tells us that she was conscious at the time of the fall rather than that she fell due to becoming unconscious. Her bones have been made more delicate by her treatment as you know so it is not uncommon for patients in her situation to have injuries like this even with a shorter fall from seated. She has some bruising to the side of her face which would correlate with you finding her unconscious but scans show that there is only a mild concussion and no serious head trauma. She will need to be monitored for several days here though to be on the safe side, again tissues and such are much more delicate after such prolonged treatment with chemotherapy.'

Lan Wangji nodded, fingers aching as he balled his hands into fists against his legs, 'How long was she lying there? If we had come home sooner...'

Xiao Xingchen shook his head, 'Do not beat yourself up about this,' he said, 'Though we don't have an exact timeline, you probably arrived not long after she fell. I understand from the visiting notes that Luo Qingyang was with her until three thirty which leaves only an hour's window before we received your emergency call.'

'I should have been with her,' said Lan Wangji, 'She's not been well.'

'And I know how stubborn she is and she no doubt would have told you she was fine if you had other things to attend to,' said Xiao Xingchen, 'Her arm will take time to heal and I will not speak in certainties as we still want to keep her under observation for a few days but, from the information available, she will recover from her injuries with time.'

Lan Wangji frowned as he heard the unspoken but in the doctor's voice. 'There is something else, isn't there?'

'Yes. As a precaution due to the factors of the fall and knowledge of her past treatments, the doctors completed a body scan to rule out any internal bleeding. I need to do some further investigation but there are some new shadows that were not on previous scans,' said Xiao Xingchen, turning the screen towards him, using a pen to point so several dark spots on the image, 'Around the base of the lungs and here, the liver. I cannot say for certain without further tests but in all likelihood, now that treatment has stopped, the cancer is spreading. We knew it would, I head lengthy discussions with your mother about the progression of the illness if she stopped her treatment as she wished to. This is a natural progression but I had hoped we had a little longer until I saw it to this extent.'

'How long...how long does she have?' said Lan Wangji, hating the catch in his voice, 'Can it be reversed?'

Xiao Xingchen shook his head, 'No reversal,' he said, 'And we could restart treatment if your mother wished for it but it would buy a month, maybe two on top of what we can expect. She seemed very determined when she decided to stop her treatment that she would not go back on to it. As for the prognosis, without any medical interference that is not considered palliative, I would make an estimate of three or four months, six with some luck. Of course, over that time, her condition will continue to degenerate. If she is still wishing to live at home, I would suggest looking at your care options. If the spread continues, she will begin to lose faculties as the organs are affected. I will be able to advise further when I have run more tests.'

It was news he had been expecting, taking it upon himself from the moment his mother had been diagnosed and the condition listed as terminal to research and study what her experiences would be, how the illness and its symptoms would progress. He already had lists of companies who provided live in care, other spaces that taught him how to do it himself. He knew, as soon as Li Xuanji had decided to stop all further treatment, that the cancer would spread, that it would seek organ after organ to overcome and destroy, that gradually her ability to care for herself would diminish. He had studied the decline in black and white but it would not be the same as the black and white on the screen before him, the dark shadows of the cancer slowly consuming her body without mercy.

'I know this news is hard to hear,' said Xiao Xingchen, 'You can prepare in every way possible and this never gets easier. I am sorry, Lan Wangji. Rest assured though that we will continue to do all we can to help your mother live as she wishes to and make her as comfortable as possible. Though I know it is no comfort, we are all with you. Any questions, at any time, the team here will be on hand.'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'Thank you. Can I see her? I need to see her.'

'Give me a moment,' said Xiao Xingchen, reaching for the phone beside him.

Lan Wangji allowed the conversation to wash over him, his only interest being a yes or no response to whether he could see his mother. He flexed his fingers, aching and tight from where he had had his hands clenched so tightly, the pain as he stretched them as far as they would go grounding him a little. His head pounded, eyes gritty with tears he refused to allow to fall, knowing of all of them he had to remain strong at least until A-Yuan was home and in his bed, away from the sight of his father screaming into his pillow in the hope of silencing his pain a little. He would have to call his brother, his uncle. He knew there were several friends of his mothers that she would want told as well.

'She's still sedated,' said Xiao Xingchen, hanging up the phone, 'But you can see her. Do you want to get A-Yuan on the way?'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'I think it would be best if we wait until she's awake for him to see her. I don't want to frighten him.'

'That sounds sensible though it won't be until tomorrow at the earliest that they will attempt to bring her round fully. You would be best placed to go home and come back tomorrow. She will need you well rested when she comes home to you.'

'Well rested might be a stretch but I will take A-Yuan home.'

'I can call you tomorrow when she's in a good place for visitors, let you know if there is anything she needs from home,' said Xiao Xingchen, 'Shall we?'

His feet were lead as he followed Xiao Xingchen through the labyrinthine corridors to the ward where his mother was being treated. The beeps and whistles of the machines that surrounded the patients were grating, out of rhythm with one another and he longed to stuff his fingers in his ears to drown them out. By the time they reached the curtained off section where his mother was being treated, he almost wished he had not asked to see her, had instead gone home but he knew he would not rest until he had laid eyes on her, alive and breathing if not fully conscious.

'She's wearing an oxygen mask but breathing alone, it's just to help her out for now,' said Xiao Xingchen, 'She won't be very responsive, if at all, but she can hear you. We'll give you a few minutes, if you wish to talk to the other consultant, I can fetch her for you.'

'If she has other patients who need her, then do not bother her,' said Lan Wangji, 'You've been so helpful already.'

'My pleasure,' said Xiao Xingchen, 'Your mother has always been a very bright light in our department even through the worst of times. When I heard she was here, it was the least I could do. I'll come back for you in a moment.'

The curtain drawn around the bed for privacy did little to drown out the sounds surrounding them. Further off, a patient cried out, pain and confusion in their voice, and Lan Wangji hoped it would never be his mother that he heard crying in the same way.

'Mama. Mama, I'm here,' he said making his way to the bed, 'You're safe.'

There was no response, the mask obscuring most of her face, but he took her hand all the same, the other already heavily bandaged.

'You need to stay in the hospital for a few days but A-Yuan and I will visit whenever we can,' he promised, 'You just focus on getting well and then coming home to us. Don't give them too much trouble.'

The monitor beeped steadily as Li Xuanji took deep, even breaths behind the mask but her fingers didn't even twitch as Lan Wangji spoke to her. He longed for a flutter of an eyelid, the squeeze of fingers, the whisper of a voice but his mother was still and silent and Lan Wangji felt the agonising twist beneath his ribs at the thought of the future when she would once more be so still and quiet but without the hope of her waking.

'Come home to us,' he said, his voice catching, 'Mama, please come home to us. I can't do this yet.'

It took all he had in him to blink back the tears that wanted to fall, his throat burning as he fought to compose himself. A part of him wanted to scream, to grab Xiao Xingchen or any other doctor he could find and demand they fix all that was wrong even thought he knew it was impossible. They could fix a broken bone, treat a concussion but it felt like a sticking plaster on a ruptured artery.

'I love you. Please don't die.'

His voice held the depth of his adulthood but it spoke the words of a child, as though all could be solved by saying please.

His thoughts turned to his own child, waiting for news in a new place with people he didn't know. Despite the desire to kneel at his mother's side until she woke, he knew he was needed elsewhere. His mother was strong, her character forged from the challenges life had thrown at her, and he knew she would manage despite her dislike of hospitals if she woke without him. A-Yuan on the other hand was a child who had spent his early life in care, who had lost his birth family, had adjusted to life in a new family only to have his beloved Năinai facing an early death whilst his uncles and favourite playmate moved halfway across the country. Between the two people Lan Wangji loved best in the world, his son was the one who needed him most.

'We'll come and visit tomorrow,' he said, squeezing his mother's fingers once more, 'Hopefully you will be awake. I'll bring you some things to make you more comfortable. Be good whilst I'm gone.'

He was certain his heart cracked as he left her side, not strong enough to look back at her in the bed, too small and surrounded by machines.

Xiao Xingchen was waiting not far from his mother's curtained off bed, his smile small and reassuring as Lan Wangji approached him. The conversation was minimal as they headed towards the playroom where A-Yuan waited, basics on the coming twenty-four hours of his mother's care and the visiting hours they would permitted to see her in. It was almost comforting in its familiarity, Lan Wangji used to the routine of the hospital after years of treatment and surgeries for Li Xuanji.

The playroom was brightly lit, despite the lateness of the hour, the walls colourful and covered with happy, sweet pictures designed to distract. There were several children engaged with the slightly worn looking toys, some of them in regular clothes whilst others wore hospital garments or pyjamas. Lan Wangji was glad his son was in his school uniform still, a visitor rather than a patient, even though he was sat away from the other children, studiously colouring a picture at a small, plastic table. The young man sat beside him in hospital uniform looked slightly foolish on the chairs designed for people less than a third of his size but gentleness radiated from him all the same, passing A-Yuan crayons as he asked for them.

Lan Wangji paused in the doorway, his mind failing to grasp an emotion to feel at the sight. Whilst he was glad that his son was calm and cared for, something akin to disappointment settled in him that he was so easily placated by someone that was not him when so much lay before them.

'A-Yuan?'

The little boy looked up with a smile before his face fell, 'Is Năinai alright?'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'She will be fine but she needs to rest. She's sleeping now.'

'Can I see her?'

'Tomorrow,' said Lan Wangji, 'We all need to rest. Are you ready?'

'We're not staying?'

'Not tonight. Năinai won't be awake until morning and the hospital need us to come back during visiting hours.'

A-Yuan looked close to arguing before he sighed and nodded, slipping off his chair, 'Ning-Gege,' he said to the nurse opposite him, 'Thank you for looking after me.'

'You're welcome,' he replied, 'I will ask the doctors to pass your picture along to your Năinai.'

'Thank you,' said A-Yuan, collecting up his coat from the back of the chair and hurrying over to Lan Wangji, wrapping skinny arms around his waist as he pressed his face into his stomach, 'I missed you, Baba. I was scared.'

'I know,' said Lan Wangji, stroking his hair, 'Let's go. There will be a bus along soon to get us home.'

Though his steps were a little sluggish and his grip tight on Lan Wangji's hand, A-Yuan followed without complaint, the pair of them leaving the hospital and reaching the main road before the boy stopped moving with a jolt.

'I don't want to go home without Năinai.'

Lan Wangji sighed, 'I know but she needs to stay in the hospital for a few days until she's well enough to come home.'

'What day will she come home?'

'I don't know exactly. We should have some clearer news tomorrow.'

'What's wrong with her?'

'She bumped her head and she has broken her arm.'

'Why did she fall?'

'We don't know for sure but the doctors thinks she was trying to climb from her wheelchair to the stair lift,' said Lan Wangji, 'When Năinai wakes up, hopefully she can tell us what happened.'

'Why can't we wait with her until she wakes up?'

'Because she won't wake up until the morning,' said Lan Wangji, tugging on his hand, 'Come on now or we'll miss the bus and I don't know how long it will take to arrange a car.'

'No,' said A-Yuan, planting his feet, 'I don't want to go home without Năinai.'

'We have to,' said Lan Wangji, 'But we can go back tomorrow. I will call the school and explain so you can come with me.'

'But I want to be with Năinai now!'

The cry was high and piercing, demanding in a way that A-Yuan rarely was, and it touched something raw inside Lan Wangji.

'You can't!' he snapped back, 'I can't. She is in hospital and we are going home.'

'No. No I'm not going. I'm not. I'm not. I'M NOT!'

A-Yuan dropped like a stone to the floor, almost dragging Lan Wangji down with him as he sat on the cold pavement and wailed, Tuzi being dragged through the dust by his shaking fist.

'I'm not going. I'm not leaving. I want to be with Năinai.'

'A-Yuan, get up off the floor now.'

'No and you can't make me.'

He had never been rough with his son, had always aimed to be gentle and understanding, but it was nothing to loose his hand and heave him bodily from the ground, hefting him onto his shoulder as though he were nothing more than a sack as A-Yuan fussed and struggled.

'Baba! Put me down. It's not fair. I want to be with Năinai.'

'A-Yuan, don't wriggle or I'll drop you,' said Lan Wangji as a foot connected sharply with his ribs, 'You're tired and you need to go home. We will see Năinai in the morning. Please calm down.'

'No!'

The kick was solid and well aimed, knocking the wind out of Lan Wangji as he nearly stumbled, barely keeping hold of his son as he set him back on his feet.

'Stop this now or I won't let you come with me to see her tomorrow. She will not get better if you cannot behave.'

The words were sharp, cruel, and uncalled for and he wanted to take them back the moment he spoke them, hearing the hateful tone of his own father in them and seeing the same expression he was sure he wore on many occasions fall over A-Yuan's face as he began to cry in earnest.

'I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I didn't mean it,' he said, 'A-Yuan. I'm sorry. I will never stop you from seeing Năinai. I'm sorry.'

A-Yuan's breath stuttered as he tried to hold back further tears, 'Is Năinai ill because I'm naughty?'

The tiny voice felt like a gunshot to his heart, his own tears falling as he watched his son tremble before him.

'No, sweetheart, not at all. I should never have said that and I am so sorry. I was angry and I took it out on you and I should never have done that,' he said, keeping his hands gentle as he took hold of his shoulders, 'A-Yuan, you are never naughty and you could never be the reason Năinai is sick. This whole thing...everything...I am sad and I am hurting because I am scared for her but I should never, ever have said that to you. I'm so sorry.'

A-Yuan's bottom lip trembled before a tiny hand came up and wiped gently at the tears on Lan Wangji's cheek. 'Don't be scared, Baba,' he said, 'I forgive you. He-Laoshi says sometimes angry and sad come out as bad words.'

'But grown ups should know better,' said Lan Wangji, 'I'm sorry I shouted and that I picked you up like that. I promised I would always be kind and I broke that promise. Shall we try again? Tell me why you don't want to go home.'

A-Yuan took a breath, 'Because Năinai isn't there,' he said, 'Because Năinai said she didn't want to go back to hospital. It will feel like she's already dead if we go back and she's not there and I don't want her to die. I'm scared if we leave her at the hospital, she'll die.'

'Come here,' said Lan Wangji, glad when his son fell easily into his arms, 'Sweetheart, I'm so sorry. This must be so frightening and confusing for you. Of course you're scared.'

'Will she die at the hospital, Baba?'

The denial was on Lan Wangji's lips but he bit it back in favour of truth.

'I can't say for certain but the doctors seem to think she will recover enough to come home to us again,' he said, 'And unless she desperately needs medical help, I will do everything to fulfil her wish to die at home with those of us who love her nearby.'

'I don't want her to die,' said A-Yuan, holding him tightly.

'Neither do I,' said Lan Wangji, 'But she is going to die and it will be quite soon. We just have to do our best to make it as easy for her as possible. It will not be easy for us but I am always here if you want to talk about it and I will try not to shout any more.'

'I still don't want to go home,' said A-Yuan quietly, 'I'm frightened.'

Lan Wangji sighed, his son's stubbornness immovable when he wished it to be, the genuine fear in his voice telling him that, even if they did get home, rest would be an elusive thing.

'Well we can't stay out here all night and we can't go back to the hospital until the morning,' he said, 'It's getting late, I'll have to...'

'Baba?'

Thoughts of a hotel or even heading to his uncle's stalled as one place and one person filled his mind, a place he had been always assured would welcome him regardless of the hour.

'Let's hope Xian-Gege does not go to bed early.'

The promise of a visit to the toy shop would normally have his son beaming and dancing around, impatient to get there. Now though, A-Yuan only nodded, small hand taking Lan Wangji's as began to lead him in the opposite direction to home.

The journey was quiet save for A-Yuan's occasional sob that he buried in Lan Wangji's side as they walked. Lan Wangji knew his own tears were barely held back, each step feeling as though it would make A-Yuan's fear that his grandmother would die without them more and more real in his own head.

Jiang Yanli's cafe was closed as they passed it, Lan Wangji's stomach offering a small pang of hunger at their missed dinner but he doubted he could stomach much even if he tried. The streets were still busy, people leaving offices late, others out for leisure, some looking as aimless and lost as Lan Wangji felt, the darkness and the streetlamps giving everyone an unwelcome, eerie greyness.

He tightened his grip on A-Yuan's hand as they reached the entrance to the alleyway, voices and music soon echoing from beyond. As they passed through the small gap, the reason for the revelry was revealed, the stall holders all dancing and clapping, sharing food from several carts as small contained bonfires blazed giving everything a bright, rosy glow. Wei Wuxian whirled in the midst of it, flute to his lips, hair flying as his feet kept time with the drum another of the stall holders was playing.

As he turned once more, his eyes brightened as he caught sight of them, flute leaving his lips to allow him to call out.

'Lan Zhan! A-Yuan! What a nice...'

The words trailed off, his face falling as he took them in.

'Stop the music. Party's over,' he said, the drums and the dancing immediately ceasing as he spoke, the crowd parting as he hurried over to them, 'What's happened?'

'Mama fell,' said Lan Wangji, 'She...'

'Baba, I'm cold, can we stand by the fire,' said A-Yuan.

'Come inside instead,' said Wei Wuxian, 'It's warmer in there. Come on.'

Lan Wangji was grateful for the arm that came around his shoulders, Wei Wuxian's presence at his side feeling as though it shielded him from the stall holders still gathered in the alley, milling about in some confusion at the impromptu end to their celebration.

'I'm sorry we interrupted,' he said, 'But A-Yuan...'

'No need for sorry or reasons,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I said if you needed me, I was here. Come inside.'

He pushed open the door, the toy shop dimly lit but warm as they stepped in. Wei Wuxian locked the door behind them before leading them through the shelves and up the stairs to the loft above.

'Let's get you both warmed up and then you can tell me what's happened. Do you need anything?' said Wei Wuxian, settling a blanket from his bed around A-Yuan's shoulders as he guided him to one of the chairs.

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'We will be fine. I'm sorry to impose but this was the first place that came to mind.'

Wei Wuxian sighed, 'Again with sorry. Dear Lan Zhan, I want you to always come here if you need me. I might not be the greatest of help but I am here for you all the same,' he said, pressing him into the chair opposite his son and taking hold of his hands as he crouched before him, 'What happened?'

'Mama fell,' said Lan Wangji, coughing against the catch in his voice, 'We found her when we got home. She has a broken arm and a concussion, she...'

'It was scary,' said A-Yuan as Lan Wangji struggled to find the words, 'We had to go in the ambulance. Năinai didn't wake up. Baba says she won't wake up until tomorrow. The hospital smelled funny.'

'I'm so sorry,' said Wei Wuxian, 'You both must be so worried. Have you been there all night?'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'After I left you, I went to the school and then home. We have been at the hospital since. It's been a long night.'

'You look exhausted,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And I imagine you're hungry. No arguments, if you haven't eaten, I have food. Jiejie brought soup and it won't take long to heat it up.'

'If you are happy to share, please do so with A-Yuan,' said Lan Wangji, 'I fear anything would be wasted on me right now and I wouldn't want to deprive you.'

'I will feed the both of you,' said Wei Wuxian, his smile soft as Lan Wangji's stomach growled in betrayal of him, 'Let me take care of you. She always brings far too much for me alone anyway.'

Lan Wangji saw the stubborn glint in Wei Wuxian's eyes, worry etched into his face, and knew he would not get far arguing against him. A small nod was all it took for Wei Wuxian to hurry to the small hearth that served as a kitchen, quickly pouring the contents of a plastic tupperware that looked wildly out of place into a pot and hanging it over the fire to warm.

The quiet crackle of the fire and the soft bubbling of the soup brought with it a pleasant peace though Lan Wangji found himself missing Wei Wuxian's usual chatter. The room felt oddly charged, as though the rules had somehow been changed and all three of them were learning how to navigate them. He wanted nothing more than for Wei Wuxian to make a joke or for A-Yuan to laugh but, as he looked over at his son who was dwarfed by both the chair and the blanket wrapped around him, his heart broke to see him pale and quiet, fingers brushing Tuzi's ear against his lips in an attempt to find comfort.

'A-Yuan,' he said, daring to break the silence, 'Come here.'

The child slipped from his blanket cocoon, quickly crossing the short distance to clamber into his father's lap. His nose was still a little chilled as he pressed it against Lan Wangji's neck, hands curling into the front of his jacket as he tucked himself close. He pressed a kiss to his forehead, rubbing a hand over his back as he tried his best to bring him comfort, his weight against him grounding him as it had done in the hospital.

He wasn't sure how long had passed when the gentle click of bowls being set down roused him from the strange sort of meditation he had fallen into, certain he would find A-Yuan asleep but the boys raised his head as Wei Wuxian spoke.

'Dinner, or whatever you call a meal this late at night,' he said, 'Here. Best when it's hot and Jiejie made it so you know it will be good.'

Lan Wangji was glad when A-Yuan ate happily, knowing food and sleep would ease at least some of his discomfort even if it didn't lessen his worry. The soup was hot and filling, settling a little heavier in Lan Wangji's stomach than he was sure it usually would but he was soon glad of it as it returned a little of the strength that had fled him after the adrenaline fuelled evening. With his hunger sated, his mind cleared a little, reminding him of tasks he had yet to perform.

'I should call Huan-Ge and Shushu,' he said, collecting up his and A-Yuan's bowls.

Wei Wuxian quickly took them from him, waving off Lan Wangji's offer to help clean up. 'You would be better to head to the front door to make your call,' he said, 'Jiang Cheng always says the reception is horrible in here.'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'A-Yuan are you alright if I go downstairs for a little while.'

'Xian-Gege, are you staying with me?'

Wei Wuxian nodded, 'I'll be here.'

'I'll be alright, Baba,' he said, around a yawn, 'Xian-Gege will look after me.'

'I know he will,' said Lan Wangji, leaving them both as he headed down the stairs and to the front of the shop.

The alleyway was deserted outside the window he perched himself by and he felt a small pang of guilt that he had chased Wei Wuxian's friends away from a celebration with their unplanned arrival, hoping they would not hold it against him in the future. He pulled his phone from his pocket, pausing for a moment to put his thoughts in order before he made the necessary calls.

He felt wrung out when they were done, hating have to relay the details twice and reliving them as he did so. His uncle had quickly assured him that he would meet them at the hospital the next morning, Lan Wangji certain he would have a welcome house guest to assist until his mother was home and recovered. He was grateful for Lan Qiren's quiet support, his words often short and gruff but his actions speaking volumes. Lan Xichen had sounded lost on the end of the phone, wanting to offer help but able to do little when he was so far away from them. Lan Wangji had forced back the request for him to come home, knowing that choice had to be his brother's alone, promising him regular updates on his mother's condition before the call had ended.

He sat for a while in the quiet of the shop, the shadows deep and comforting in their silence, even the usual playful colours as muted as Lan Wangji felt. Part of him longed to lock himself away in such a quiet corner of the world, to push away all the pain that the outside brought with it. He longed for the days when things had felt easy and simple, when he was not waiting on his mother's death with every breath. He shook his head, getting to his feet and heading back to the stairs.

The lights had been lowered when he reached the loft, unable to stop the small smile that came to his face at the sight of Wei Wuxian perched on the edge of the bed, humming softly as A-Yuan lay sleeping beneath the patchwork covers. A-Yuan's coat and shoes were placed neatly beside, Wei Wuxian's own jacket discarded in favour of the simple shirt and shawl Lan Wangji had seen him in the first night he visited alone.

'He was nodding off within minutes of you heading downstairs,' said Wei Wuxian quietly, 'So I thought he'd be better lying down. He was asleep before I'd finished tucking him in. Climb in beside him if you want to sleep too, he doesn't take up much room.'

'I don't think I will sleep much tonight but don't let me keep you up. You've done enough already. Thank you for taking care of him,' said Lan Wangji, 'He needed your kindness. I didn't do my best with him today.'

Wei Wuxian got to his feet, turning and taking hold of Lan Wangji's hand, leading him over to their now customary chairs.

'He told me you shouted because you were upset,' he said, 'Don't feel bad for it. You'd had a fright.'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'I should have had more control. I swore when I adopted him that I would never be...that he would only ever know kindness from me. I broke that promise today,' he said, 'When I shouted, all I heard was my father's voice and I hated it.'

Wei Wuxian closed his hand in both of his, 'Lan Zhan, I'm saying this on behalf of Xuanji-Jiejie as I know she'd be saying the same if she was here. You're not your father. You made an error because you are upset and frightened. You have mended it. Don't let it burden you when you already have enough to bear,' he said, 'Lan Zhan, you love your son, anyone can see that, and he loves you. One mistake doesn't change that.'

'A mistake he should not have had to bear,' said Lan Wangji, 'But in that moment I could not take any more. I wish...'

'Talk to me,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I'm here.'

'She's dying,' said Lan Wangji, 'Mama is dying. They've found what they think are new tumours. The cancer is spreading. She's going to die and I can't do anything to stop it.'

'I'm sorry,' said Wei Wuxian, 'It is a cruel fate. Though having a time frame gives you time to say goodbye, I imagine all you can see is a ticking clock.'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'And every day the hands move faster,' he said, 'And I feel weaker. I don't know how to do this.'

'No one does,' said Wei Wuxian, 'It will not be easy but you do not always have to be strong. I am always here and you don't ever have to be strong for me. Come here.'

He knew if he crossed the short distance to the arms held open to him that the tears that had threatened would come and not stop for hours until he exhausted himself with it.

'Lan Zhan, I'm not much. I make toys and hope to make a few people smile when I do it but I'm here and I care about you. Let me look after you.'

Strong arms and work rough hands were all it took for him to break but they held him together all the same. Knitting him back together as they had his son's toy so many weeks before.

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji rubbed at his eyes as he woke, the soft sound of humming meeting his ears as his mind tried to catch up with his surroundings. He remembered resting against Wei Wuxian's shoulder, fingers carding through his hair to comfort him, his tears long since ceased but still craving touch and closeness. He did not remember the blanket that was now laid over him or the box his feet were propped on but he was grateful for both, the room chilly in the thin morning light.

As his vision cleared, he caught sight of Wei Wuxian sat beside the fire, a small knife in his hand as he worked on a carving that wasn't quite clear in its shape. His hair was loose but pushed back behind his ears as he worked, the light from the crackling fire giving his skin a golden glow. Despite the ever present worry that not even sleep had chased from Lan Wangji's mind, he couldn't help but smile at the sight, content to study the man before him for several moments.

A sound from behind him broke his concentration as he turned to see A-Yuan shifting in the bed, Tuzi cuddled close to him and still fast asleep.

'You've both slept peacefully. You look very handsome when you sleep, Lan Zhan.'

He laughed softly, 'The light is poor,' he said, 'Your eyes are deceiving you.'

'Not at all,' said Wei Wuxian, 'You've given me ample time to study you. I'm glad you managed to find some rest.'

Lan Wangji got to his feet, stretching, before he folded the blanket and set it on the back of the chair. 'Did you sleep?'

Wei Wuxian shook his head, 'I didn't need to,' he said, 'And I wanted to be awake in case either of you needed me.'

'I'm sorry, I...'

'No need for sorry. I'm glad you're here. I want to always be there when you need me, however I can be.'

Lan Wangji crossed the short distance to the fireside, pulling up another small stool beside Wei Wuxian before he sat down.

'Thank you then,' he said, pressing a kiss to the fire warmed cheek, 'You were such a great help last night. I don't think I would have managed if we had gone home. I needed...I needed someone to hold me. I felt safe.'

'I'm always here,' said Wei Wuxian, setting down his tools on the hearth, 'If I'm to have you both over more often though, I will have to build a bed for A-Yuan.'

'What about for me?' said Lan Wangji, 'Or do I get the chair?'

'I would hope you'd be beside me,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Unless that's too far forward as we've not had our first proper date yet.'

Lan Wangji smiled, letting his head fall to rest on Wei Wuxian's shoulder, 'Beside you sounds good,' he said, 'I slept better just with you in the room.'

'Good. You need to rest. You need to remember to take care of yourself.'

'You sound like Mama.'

'I'm sure she'd be telling me I'm to make sure you're taken care off,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Will you see her today?'

'I hope so,' said Lan Wangji, 'The hospital would have phoned if anything had changed over night. I will have to get A-Yuan home first, we'll both have to change and he'll be hungry.'

'I can go and get you breakfast from Jiejie's cafe,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Let him sleep a little longer.'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'If anyone is getting breakfast, then it should be me. As a thank you for accommodating us and as an apology for ruining your celebration.'

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'My darling Lan Zhan, you were the celebration,' he said, pressing a kiss to his hair, 'I was overjoyed that you had asked me to go out with you and that spilled over into an impromptu celebration. Seeing you again so soon therefore and being able to care for you when you needed me meant I had no problem in bringing things to an early close.'

'But your friends,' said Lan Wangji, raising his head to see the soft colour on Wei Wuxian's cheeks.

'They quite understand, believe me,' he said, 'They, of all people, know how long I have waited for someone like you to come into my life.'

He had wanted to wait for a better time, a more romantic time, to have the moment play out like a scene in a book where everything was perfect. He had not planned to be tired and careworn by the night before but the firelight and Wei Wuxian's words won out over any other concern.

Lan Wangji braced himself to be pushed away as Wei Wuxian startled at the first brush of lips against his but the soft murmur of ascent soon followed before Lan Wangji found himself kissed back with an inexperienced surety that he was certain mirrored his own. He quickly gave in to the desire to thread his fingers into the soft fall of Wei Wuxian's hair, angling them both to deepen the kiss, as a warm hand came to rest at his waist.

'I feel like I've waited forever too,' he said, breathless as he released him only far enough to rest their foreheads together, 'Wei Ying.'

Soft laughter brushed his lips before Wei Wuxian kissed him once more, the touch short but it still carried a thrill with it.

'I did not believe my beloved storyteller would be so bold as to kiss me so soon,' he said, 'But I am glad he did.'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'I have wanted to kiss you for far longer than I ever admitted to myself,' he said, 'I had planned something a little more fitting.'

Wei Wuxian grinned, 'You've been planning our first kiss?'

'Not in so much detail,' said Lan Wangji, feeling the blush settle in his cheeks, 'I wanted it to be perfect but, it seems, perfection was the kiss, not the setting.'

'My darling Lan Zhan, you're quite the poet. You should consider writing for a living.'

'I've been known to try now and then,' he said, lacing his fingers with Wei Wuxian's, 'Was last night's celebration truly because I asked you on a date?'

Wei Wuxian nodded, 'I was happy and wanted to celebrate. You have come to mean a lot to me, Lan Zhan, even in this short time and I look forward to getting to know you better and letting this go where it is meant to.'

'Me too. I only wish...will I destroy the mood if I say we may need to postpone? Until Mama is home, I won't be able to make any plans.'

'I had assumed as much,' said Wei Wuxian, squeezing his fingers, 'She comes first right now. I will gladly wait.'

'I promise not too long,' said Lan Wangji, 'Now this is beginning, I find myself wanting to be in your company as often as I can.'

'Lan Zhan! You cannot say such things to someone like me. I have been tucked away from the world for too long to cope with it.'

'Then you will have to learn to adapt,' said Lan Wangji, 'Just as your eyes and your smile are your weapons against me, so I will use my words.'

Wei Wuxian blushed, 'My eyes and my smile? I am nothing more than a humble toy maker.'

'Who was telling me to include him in my last story if I needed a handsome character,' said Lan Wangji, 'So do not play coy now. I don't think I have hidden my attraction to you so far anyway.'

'So you only like me for my face,' teased Wei Wuxian.

'Not at all,' said Lan Wangji, 'I like you for your kindness, for your compassion, for how you make me laugh and how you make the world a brighter place whenever I am with you. I like you because you value my family and make room for them. I like you because with you I have found a part of myself I thought I had lost a long time ago.'

Wei Wuxian's eyes were bright with tears as he smiled. 'Lan Zhan, you can't say something like that and then not kiss me.'

Lan Wangji let go of his hand to instead cradle his face in his palms, kissing him.

A pop from the log on the fire and A-Yuan mumbling quietly in his sleep drew them slowly apart, Lan Wangji letting the pad of his thumb stroke gently against the soft skin of Wei Wuxian's cheek.

'You are fast becoming an addiction.'

'Good,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Then it means I get to keep you, even if for now I should leave you for a while and get us all something to eat.'

'I said I would go,' said Lan Wangji, 'Just tell me what you want me to get you.'

Wei Wuxian shook his head, 'You can go next time,' he said, 'A-Yuan could wake at any moment and, even though he is fond of me, he is in a different place and he will no doubt still have last night on his mind. He will need his Baba. You stay here, I won't be long.'

Lan Wangji hoped he would never get used to the thrill of the kiss that was pressed quickly to his lips before Wei Wuxian left the seat beside him, taking off the shawl he wore and pulling back on his jacket and boots before he caught up his hat from the small workbench and set it on his head with a magician's flourish. He smiled at the sight, the silhouette the one that had first caught his attention when Wei Wuxian had tumbled into their lives.

'What would you like or shall I surprise you?' said Wei Wuxian.

'Surprise me,' said Lan Wangji, 'You're very good at it.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, sweeping his hat from his head once more in a bow, 'I shall endeavour not to disappoint you then, my dear storyteller.'

'Don't be long,' said Lan Wangji, watching him as he headed to the stairs and soon descended from view.

He could hear him moving around below, unhurried and easy in his own space and it settled Lan Wangji a little more, feeling at home even if it lacked the familiarity of Wei Wuxian at his side. The soft tinkling of music echoed from below before he heard the front door open and close, the tune one he remembered playing from the ornate music box Wei Wuxian's mother had made. He smiled, the music soothing and certainly better for A-Yuan to wake to rather than silence.

The fire crackled merrily in the grate, warming him as he remained sat beside it but he didn't resist the urge to reach for Wei Wuxian's abandoned shawl to wrap around him, cocooning himself in the lingering warmth and scent of the toy maker. He felt no urge to explore even the room around him, content instead to let his mind drift and his body rest in the peace of the room with only the music from below to keep him company. He was certain he had dozed a while when he heard A-Yuan move in the bed across the room once more, easily recognising the sound of his son waking and getting to his feet so he did not feel alone.

He was reminded of finding Wei Wuxian perched on the bed beside him the night before, recalling many a dreamed vision of the same when he had allowed himself the indulgence of imagining their future. He wondered if one day he would wake to find himself warm in Wei Wuxian's arms with A-Yuan having crept in beside them as he often did when they were at home, the three of them waking to a day filled with games and laughter that chased away all the hardship of the world.

A-Yuan snuffled softly, tugging Tuzi closer to him and burying his face in his fur before his eyes slowly blinked open. His brow creased in a soft frown as he gazed out into the room beyond, Lan Wangji reaching out to lay a comforting hand on the covers he lay under.

'We are at the toy shop, sweetheart,' he said, 'I'm here.'

'Baba?'

'I'm here,' said Lan Wangji again as A-Yuan rolled onto his back to look up at him with a sleepy smile, 'It's morning.'

'Why are you wearing Xian-Gege's cloak?'

'I was chilly so I borrowed it.'

A-Yuan rubbed at his eyes, 'Where's Xian-Gege?'

'He went to get us some breakfast so we could eat before we go home,' said Lan Wangji, 'We need to get changed before we go and visit Năinai.'

'She doesn't like stinky socks,' said A-Yuan with a small smile before his face fell a little, 'Will she come home today?'

'I don't know,' said Lan Wangji, 'But probably not. They'll want to make sure she's well enough to come home and that the bump on her head didn't do anything more than give her a bruise. We will need to be patient. Shugong is going to come over to visit with us too.'

'Can Shugong stay and help look after Năinai?' said A-Yuan, sitting up in the bed, 'She likes it when he comes to visit and they tell funny stories about when you were little.'

'I don't know if he can stay long but I'm sure he'll help to take care of Năinai for a while and make her smile,' said Lan Wangji seeing the curious frown on his son's face as he looked around the room, 'What's the matter?'

'Where did you sleep last night?'

'I slept in the chair,' said Lan Wangji, the aches of it reinstating themselves in his body at the thought.

'Where did Xian-Gege sleep?'

'I don't know if he slept at all. He was worried about us,' said Lan Wangji, 'Which is why we shouldn't stay for too long after breakfast, he needs to rest too.'

A-Yuan nodded before he tugged on Lan Wangji's sleeve, pulling him close as he whispered. 'I saw you cuddling him last night. Do you love him like Năinai says you do?'

Lan Wangji pressed a hand against the heat that rushed into his cheeks. 'Love is a very big word and a very big feeling for grown ups,' he said, unable to keep the smile from his lips, 'But I like him very much and I hope he will be an important part of our lives. Do you mind? I had intended to talk to you about it more but other things have taken over.'

'I like Xian-Gege,' said A-Yuan, 'And he makes you smile a lot. Will you get married to him one day? Will I have two Babas like Jingyi does?'

Lan Wangji laughed, 'A-Yuan. Give me a chance to get to know him first before you plan our future.'

'But you like him and I like him,' said A-Yuan, 'I think it would be nice for you to marry him and then I can play with toys all day and you can write more stories because he makes it easier for you to write. Năinai would be happy too. She says you need a boyfriend.'

Lan Wangji rubbed a hand over his face, 'Your Năinai,' he said, his tone exasperated but fond, 'She and you are cut from the same cloth. There are a lot of decisions to make before me marrying anyone is up for discussion and don't go saying any of this to Xian-Gege either. You'll put him in the most awkward position.'

'Why? He likes you too. He thinks you're pretty,' said A-Yuan, 'You were cuddling. Jingyi says his Babas do a lot of cuddling because they're married. Just don't do kissing in front of me. That's gross.'

'Now that is Jingyi talking,' said Lan Wangji, 'But I promise to keep any kissing away from you. Doesn't mean I won't kiss you still though.'

A-Yuan's laughter was bright as Lan Wangji scooped him up, pressing quick kisses over his cheeks as he wriggled in his grip. He cared nothing for the weight of him as he ceased his onslaught and A-Yuan's giggles fell quiet to instead curl up in his father's arms, Tuzi squished between them.

'Whatever happens between Xian-Gege and I,' said Lan Wangji against his hair, 'You're my number one forever. It's always going to be you and me before anyone else.'

'I know,' said A-Yuan, 'You said when I was little that we would be the best team ever.'

'You're still little,' said Lan Wangji, 'Little but wise.'

'I think Xian-Gege can be on our team too though,' said A-Yuan, stroking the shawl around Lan Wangji's shoulders, 'He's very nice and I like your smile when you're with him. You look like you did before Năinai got sick.'

Lan Wangji pressed his face into the soft fall of his son's hair, hugging him tightly, wondering just how many changes A-Yuan had quietly witnessed over the years and what scars they had left if he recalled something as simple as a smile.

'You and Xian-Gege are the best people to help me feel better,' said Lan Wangji, 'I am lucky to have the both of you.'

A-Yuan nestled closer, hands curling into Lan Wangji's shirt and Wei Wuxian's shawl, the position one so familiar from their very first moments together when he needed comfort and reassurance. He knew not to get his son's hopes up, that any relationship could bloom in its youth only to wither at the first frost, but he allowed himself alone to hope that perhaps Wei Wuxian would be a missing piece to fit with them.

The sound of the door opening and closing below roused A-Yuan from his resting place, his face bright as he looked up at Lan Wangji.

'Xian-Gege is back,' he said, wriggling out of the blankets and Lan Wangji's arms, 'Xian-Gege!'

'Ah! He wakes!' came the call from below, 'Come down. I have breakfast for you. Take care on the stairs though, your Baba says I'm not allowed to teach you how to tumble.'

'I think I've had my fair share of sitting in hospital chairs recently,' said Lan Wangji, loud enough that his voice carried below, a soft chuckle answering him.

'True, very true,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Come on down whilst it's still hot. Jiejie made it fresh for us.'

Lan Wangji helped A-Yuan off the bed as the boy wobbled a bit in his haste to head to the stairs, only letting him go once his feet were under him and watching fondly as he hurried down the stairs. He knew that the worry for Li Xuanji still sat heavily on his son but that the childlike resilience gave him moments of peace and joy even in the midst of their trials. He smiled at the thought that Wei Wuxian was the key to both their moments of respite that morning, his care and affection comforting and strengthening them both for the day ahead.

He followed his son down the stairs, the enticing savoury smells of whatever Wei Wuxian had brought them to eat stirring his appetite enough to hurry his steps. He was certain the table where they had viewed the shadow projector so long ago had not been set up when they had arrived the night before but the shop had been dark and he had been more focused on seeking comfort for himself and A-Yuan to worry about their surroundings.

He soon found himself swept up in setting the table with the plates and cutlery that Wei Wuxian handed to him, cheek pinking at the swift, secret kiss that was pressed there when A-Yuan was busy setting out the food. He was grateful for the implied patience in the touch, that the kisses they had freely indulged in when A-Yuan was sleeping would not be repeated in front of him until Lan Wangji deemed the time suitable. He knew though that he had little desire to hide the change in their relationship, even if A-Yuan had instructed that all kissing be kept well away from him.

Their meal was chaotic but oddly calming as well, Wei Wuxian easily distracting them from the day ahead with his quick wit and simple parlour tricks. A-Yuan's laughter was bright and genuine, easily turned from the worry that fell over his face on occasion, given leave to be simply a child for a few more precious moments in the sanctuary of the toy shop. Lan Wangji wished he could prolong the easy morning as the food dwindled and the real world began to press in on them but he had no wish to leave his mother waiting for a visit or for his uncle to become concerned if he had set out early and reached the house before they did, finding them absent.

Wei Wuxian picked up on the change with ease, calming his tricks and allowing A-Yuan to move gently back into the reality that awaited them without it hitting him all at once. He turned the conversation to the future, asking A-Yuan to promise to bring Li Xuanji when she was recovered and pledging in return to hold a tea party for them all, including the toys. The talk of future adventures seemed to settle A-Yuan's fear of returning to the house without Li Xuanji, his reluctance more in leaving the toy shop and having to return to the intimidating space of the hospital.

'He can stay with me today if you'd rather,' said Wei Wuxian quietly as A-Yuan was sent up to the loft to gather his things whilst Lan Wangji helped to stack up their dishes, 'It wouldn't be any trouble and Jiejie has your number if I need to contact you. I promise not to teach him to tumble.'

Lan Wangji sighed, 'Not this time,' he said, 'Hard as it will be for him, it would be best for him to come with me. I think once he sees her awake, he will be more settled and...'

'And?'

'And this will be our reality from now on. Though Mama wants limited hospital involvement, there is some that we can't avoid and A-Yuan needs to get used to it. Mama's illness and everything it means will be a part of his life now. If I shield him now, I have to shield him until after she leaves us and that is an impossible task.'

'One I do not envy you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Just remember that I am always here for the both of you. Neither of you are ever an imposition to me, regardless of the hour. Come to me, whenever you need me.'

'I will be here constantly.'

'I would not complain,' said Wei Wuxian, taking hold of his hand and squeezing his fingers, 'But, for now, you have someone else who needs you. You tell her from me that the tumbling should be left to those of us who know what they're doing and that I expect to see her soon.'

'I'm sure she will be here as soon as she is able to be,' said Lan Wangji, 'I imagine it will be a few days before we can even bring her home though. I don't know when A-Yuan and I will be able to visit again. Mama will need a lot more help.'

A warm hand cradled his cheek before soft lips pressed to his.

'I am well practised in patience,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And you're all worth the wait.'

'You're making it very hard to leave you,' said Lan Wangji.

'But you must,' said Wei Wuxian, pressing one last kiss to his lips before he stepped back, 'She's waiting and she needs you.'

Though it was still a wrench to leave, it did not take long for him and A-Yuan to find themselves dressed in their coats and at the toy shop door. The alleyway ahead was quiet, the stalls unmanned, and Lan Wangji once more lamented that they had been the reason Wei Wuxian had called the evening's revels to an end but took comfort that he would have friends to keep him company whilst they cared for Li Xuanji. He couldn't resist one final kiss despite A-Yuan's giggling protest before they headed to the opening that led to the street, pausing only to wave goodbye before they returned to the early morning press of the world beyond.

It did not take long for them to reach home, Lan Wangji making calls to A-Yuan's school to appraise them of the situation and then the hospital, glad to hear his mother's health had improved as expected overnight and that she would be able to have visitors later in the morning. He left his phone to charge in the kitchen, the battery barely having hung on through the night and completely diminished by the calls, before he hurried A-Yuan upstairs to wash and change.

With his son clean and freshly dressed, he finally turned his attention to himself and realised, as he stepped into the shower, that it was the first time he had been truly alone since they had found Li Xuanji at the bottom of the stairs. He tried to push the darker thoughts from his mind, turning the water hotter than he would normally have it, nails harsh against his scalp as he worked the shampoo into his hair. It did little to help though, his mind refusing to turn from the time when there would be no one to visit in the hospital, when the ambulance that came for Li Xuanji would pull away sedately rather than with an urgency to save her life. Her things littered the room around him, bottles of shampoo, creams and lotions that he knew each and every smell of, her dressing gown set on the peg behind the door between his and A-Yuan's. It was a story repeated all over the house, his mother etched into the very bricks, a presence that would linger painfully long after the woman herself had left them.

He turned his face up into the spray, letting the water carry his tears away with it, wishing they could have stayed in the strange comfort that was the toy shop that had kept the world at bay through the night. He knew that even the sanctuary of the toy shop would be breached by the real world one day, his mother's death something that no force on earth could stop. As his thoughts grew too dark, he quickly finished in the shower, hurrying to dress and hoping that his upset didn't show too clearly on his face as he roughly dried his hair and pulled it back into a tight bun to keep it from dripping onto his collar.

He heard his son's voice as he headed down the stairs, certain the rather one sided conversation he could make out had Tuzi on the other end of it, confusion setting in as he found the toy abandoned in the sitting room whilst A-Yuan's voice came from the kitchen. He hurried around the door, his son waving to him with a smile before he spoke into the phone once more.

'He's here now Shugong. I don't have to get him. See you later.'

A-Yuan smiled at whatever response he received, before holding the phone out to his father. Lan Wangji made an absent note to educate him about not talking on a phone when it was still attached to the electrical supply as he took the phone and unplugged it, holding it to his ear as A-Yuan headed back into the living room.

'Shushu,' he said, 'Apologies, I was in the shower.'

'A-Yuan informed me,' came Lan Qiren's voice at the end of the phone, 'I was surprised when he answered the phone.'

'I've taught him how to use it in case of emergencies,' said Lan Wangji, 'I'm sorry if I kept you waiting.'

'I was well entertained,' said Lan Qiren, 'He is worried.'

'It was a shock for him,' said Lan Wangji, 'It made things a lot more real for him, I think.'

'You said as much last night,' said Lan Qiren, 'I am glad you had a friend to turn to.'

'Wei Ying was very kind,' said Lan Wangji, 'He made last night a lot easier on the both of us.'

'A-Yuan said that you had spoken with the doctors and that your Mama was fine,' said Lan Qiren, 'How accurate is that?'

'Accurate enough for a child,' said Lan Wangji, 'But not too far from the truth all things considered. She is recovering from the acute injuries as predicted. The concussion was mild and she has improved and is awake. Her arm has been set and bandaged. All other injuries were superficial. They want to keep her in for observation for a couple more days.'

'I am glad that nothing was worse than predicted,' said Lan Qiren, 'I intend to leave home shortly. Should I meet you at the hospital?'

'If you wish to. I know Mama would like to see you even though she will complain she does not look her best.'

Lan Qiren sighed, 'Foolish woman. As though that matters,' he said, 'As for the coming days, you may tell me to back off if you wish to but, if you need my help, I can stay for a while. I know you have carers who come in but this will be more for you and I want to help if I can.'

'I wouldn't want to impose. I know you are busy.'

'Not too busy for my family A-Zhan. Not too busy for you. You are not imposing, I am offering. If you need me, then there is nothing more important.'

Lan Wangji blinked back the tears that flooded his lashes, 'If you can help...'

'I will pack for a week,' said Lan Qiren, 'I can always return home for more if needed. I will send a message when I am leaving home.'

'Thank you Shushu. I'll send you details of Mama's ward when I get to the hospital, they were talking about moving her away from the high dependency unit.'

'That would be appreciated,' said Lan Qiren, 'I will be there shortly.'

'See you soon.'

The call ended but Lan Wangji didn't move, leaning back against the kitchen counter and staring up at the ceiling.

'Baba?'

He straightened to see his son in the doorway, Tuzi trailing from his hand.

'Are you alright? Is Shugong coming to visit?'

'I'm fine,' said Lan Wangji, 'Just tired. Shugong is going to meet us at the hospital and then he's going to come and stay for a while.'

'Năinai will like that,' said A-Yuan, 'And Shugong is good at helping me with my maths. He needs to come to the toy shop and meet Xian-Gege now that he's your boyfriend too.'

'I don't know that I would call Wei Ying my...'

'You kissed him,' said A-Yuan, cutting him off, 'It was yucky but it made you smile. If you kissed him, he's your boyfriend. I like him a lot. I think it's good.'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'I wish the world was as simple as you make it,' he said, opening his arms, 'Come here.'

His arms were soon filled with the warm body of his son and he bent to press a kiss to his hair.

'I'm glad you like him,' he said, 'I like him a lot too and I hope he will be a part of our lives for a long time to come.'

'Just no more kissing in front of me,' said A-Yuan, 'It is very icky.'

Lan Wangji laughed, 'We will try to keep it to a minimum, I promise,' he said, 'You can tell Năinai if you want, when we get to the hospital. It will make her happy.'

'I want to make her smile,' said A-Yuan, 'Can I make her a card before we go?'

'Mn. Pencils only though. No glitter and nothing too complicated as we'll need to leave in about half an hour.'

'Ok,' said A-Yuan, squeezing his waist once more before he rushed back to the living room.

Lan Wangji watched him go, longing for some of the ease that came with his youth and taking a little of it to ease the trouble of his own mind. He knew the day ahead would not be easy, that reality would weigh heavy on them all, but he knew as well that they would all be there to support one another. He would have his uncle and his son at his side and the promise of Wei Wuxian when time allowed them to be together again.

Chapter Text

'A-Zhan, there is no need to fuss. I am more than capable of putting myself to bed.'

Lan Wangji raised his hands in mock surrender from where they had been smoothing the covers over his mother. In the four days since she had been released from hospital he had tried his best not to hover over her but he often failed, certain she had grown smaller and frailer in the few days she had been confined to a ward.

'I'm just making sure you're comfortable,' he said, 'I don't want you to hurt your arm.'

'I have another one,' said Li Xuanji, 'I'm surprised that, between you and Qiren, no one has tried to spoon feed me yet. A-Yuan is the only one who doesn't act like I'm about to shatter into a million pieces.'

Lan Wangji frowned, 'A-Yuan didn't see your test results.'

'But I did,' said Li Xuanji, 'And I'm not dead yet, my foolish boy.'

'Mama...'

Li Xuanji reached out with her undamaged hand and tugged him down onto the bed beside her. 'I know I frightened you,' she said, 'I was foolish. I should have waited for you to come home but I am stubborn, you know that. I really could do without this thing on my arm but, right now, I'm fine. I feel fine and I am damned if I'm going to let you coddle me to the point I barely have a moment's peace from one of you hovering. I know you're worried but, sweetheart, I'm still here.'

Lan Wangji covered her hand with his free one, 'I know,' he said, 'But the doctors said to take it easy.'

'The doctors would say that even if I'd just stubbed my toe,' said Li Xuanji, 'And I am taking it easy. I just don't need you to do everything for me. You're starting to look like you're the one about to shatter.'

'I feel like I am sometimes,' admitted Lan Wangji, 'I still have to pinch myself to believe you're back home.'

'Baby,' said Li Xuanji, 'I'm sorry. I never meant to frighten you that much.'

'I know. I know I'm being ridiculous as well. I'm sorry if I'm smothering you.'

Li Xuanji laughed, 'You're no worse than Qiren and I can't tell him off as easily,' she said, 'He tries to lift me one more time and he's going to put his back out. He still thinks he's twenty five.'

'Don't tell him that he isn't,' said Lan Wangji, 'He'll be devastated. He worries about you. I swear, if he'd been able to see you the night you fell, he'd have been at that hospital with me. I only wish...'

'A-Huan?'

Lan Wangji nodded, his brother's absence all the more tangible in the days since Li Xuanji had been in hospital.

'He should be here with you.'

Li Xuanji sighed, 'He is on his own path and dealing with this in his own way,' she said, 'I wish he was closer too but perhaps...you understand this, you understand my wishes. He always has to have ideas and I don't want ideas. I just want peace and to enjoy what's left. Which brings me to tomorrow.'

'Tomorrow?'

'It's all arranged,' said Li Xuanji with a smile, 'And you're not allowed to argue especially when old worry wart himself downstairs agrees with me.'

'One day I will tell Shushu what you call him when he's not in the room,' said Lan Wangji.

'Feel free, I call him it to his face often enough,' said Li Xuanji, 'And don't distract me, I have a plan to tell you about. Tomorrow, when you have seen A-Yuan to school, you're going to go straight to that toy shop and spend some time with Wei Wuxian. I can't stand looking at your sad eyes for a day more. You need to see him.'

'Mama...'

'No arguments. It's all arranged anyway,' said Li Xuanji, 'Take A-Yuan to school, go to the toy shop, spend some time with that wonderful man that I know you've been missing. Qiren and I will pick up A-Yuan and meet you there afterwards. I will be fine, before you fuss. I need to get out of this house.'

Lan Wangji frowned but he knew the stubbornness of the woman before him and nodded, unable to keep the small smile from his face at the thought of seeing Wei Wuxian again.

'Ah, young love,' teased Li Xuanji, 'I never thought I'd live to see you going soft over another man but it suits you. I'm glad you have someone to care for you as he does. I'm glad he has you to care for him as well.'

'He's come to mean a great deal to me in a very short time,' said Lan Wangji, 'He is unique.'

'And you are smitten,' said Li Xuanji, 'Look at you. It's wonderful.'

'Mama!'

Li Xuanji laughed before it was overtaken by a yawn. 'Oh dear. Delightful as it is to tease you. I need to sleep.'

'Thank goodness for small mercies,' said Lan Wangji, rising from his seat on the bed and pressing a kiss to her forehead, 'Call me if you need anything.'

'I will,' promised Li Xuanji, 'Goodnight, A-Zhan.'

'Sleep well,' he replied, shutting off the light as he reached the door and pulling it to behind him.

He resisted the urge to linger by the door, knowing the sixth sense that every parent seemed to possess would soon have Li Xuanji telling him to leave her in peace. He crossed the hall, quietly opening A-Yuan's door, eyes adjusting to the low light to see his son sprawled messily on his bed with Tuzi cuddled close to him, peacefully asleep.

His son's resilience had been a shelter for him in the ever growing storm that was his mother's illness. From the moment they had made their way to the hospital to morning after Li Xuanji's fall and found her sat up in bed, chatting happily with the nurses, A-Yuan had gone from fear to hope in the blink of an eye. He had been the first to doodle hearts and rabbits on his mother's bandaged arm when the doctors had permitted it, the first to tell her of the planned tea party at the toy shop, the first to plan future outings. Lan Wangji had not hidden the change in Li Xuanji's condition from him, honesty and early upset a better option in his eyes than a sudden shock when the effects of the continuing spread of the cancer made themselves known. Though A-Yuan had cried, as he always did, at the knowledge that their time with Li Xuanji was growing shorter, he had soon started making plans, in a way only a child could, of how they could spend the time they had left.

He had long been a lesson in life, wrapped up in a tiny body, but in the days when Lan Wangji was certain he would drown in the worry and grief, his son had taught him to swim with the tide. He had watched A-Yuan work his magic with Lan Qiren as well, his uncle often drawing the child onto his knee and letting him ramble on about all his plans and hopes until the added lines the recent days had knitted into his brow were smoothed out.

He closed the door and headed back downstairs, the living room quiet save for the faint tap of his uncle's fingers over the keyboard set on a lap desk before him, both their workloads pushed to the later hours when their attention was not so focused on Li Xuanji. He thought to tease about work being completed at a suitable desk rather than in a lounge chair but he had no mind to interrupt the peaceful atmosphere and so instead took his own chair and drew the manuscript he had been had editing back onto his lap.

'How was she?' said Lan Qiren as his fingers came to a stop and he reached up to take off his reading glasses.

'Fine,' said Lan Wangji, 'Stubborn and telling me off. She didn't need her pain killers.'

'Didn't need or didn't want?' said Lan Qiren.

'A question only she can answer,' said Lan Wangji, 'But she seemed comfortable enough and I don't want to argue. She knows her own mind and her judgement is only impaired by her stubbornness if it is at all. Seems her ability to plot against me is unchanged though, especially now she has an accomplice.'

Lan Qiren slipped his glasses back on and turned his attention back to his screen, a small smile no one but those who loved him would recognise on his lips. 'You've looked like a kicked puppy for the last few days,' he said, 'I cannot cope with you being heartsick on top of everything else. Plus, it allows me an excuse to meet the man and give my approval.'

'Don't let Mama hear you talk of approval,' said Lan Wangji, 'She had decided I was destined for Wei Ying before I had even considered the thought.'

'Destined?' said Lan Qiren, peering over the rim of his glasses, 'I thought you left that sort of things to your books.'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'Mama has a terrible influence,' he said, 'And all my stories have some truth in them somewhere I suppose.'

He turned his attention back to the page before him, hearing Lan Qiren's soft chuckle in response to his words before the room fell into a companionable, comfortable silence.

The bell above the toy shop door tinkled happily as Lan Wangji stepped through it. He could not explain quite why he felt so bashful, already having made several unplanned visits in the past, but it felt different to be amongst the familiar shelves when the promise of a kiss accompanied the shop's owner.

'I'll be out in a moment,' came the call from the far end of the shop, muffled as though it's owner had something clenched between his teeth.

'Take your time.'

'Lan Zhan!'

The cry accompanied the clatter of something against the floor before Wei Wuxian appeared down one of the aisles, clothes streaked with paint with flecks of gold rushing across one cheek as they caught the light. His hair was tied up in a high bun, no doubt to keep it from his face as he worked, but it had mostly tumbled loose, long dark strands mingling with the paint on his shirt.

'I missed you,' he said, hurrying towards him, 'I was thinking of you just this morning. You and the others. Are they alright? I know you said it would be a few days but I've been restless since you left. I was worried but now you're here. Hello.'

'Hello,' said Lan Wangji with a smile as Wei Wuxian finally skidded to a halt in front of him, 'This is a new look.'

Wei Wuxian laughed as Lan Wangji gently ran a thumb over his cheek, holding it up before him after to show him the paint that decorated him.

'I dropped my brush when I heard your voice,' he said, 'I'm working on a present for A-Ling. It's his birthday soon. I would have tidied up if I had known you were coming.'

'I can go if the time is inconvenient.'

'No!' cried Wei Wuxian, reaching out and grabbing his hands, 'No, please don't. Unexpected or not, I've been desperate to see you. I've missed you. I kept thinking...I was worried maybe I was too much the other morning and that you were thinking twice about us which I know is foolish because I know you would tell me and I know you were looking after Xuanji-jiejie and A-Yuan and I...'

'Wei Ying,' said Lan Wangji, pulling his hands from Wei Wuxian's grip to instead cradle his face, 'Breathe. You were not too forward. I missed you too. I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner and that I made you worry.'

'Can I have a kiss to reassure me?' said Wei Wuxian, his smile teasing but Lan Wangji could see the slight falter at the edges that spoke of his genuine need.

It felt like a homecoming as he pressed a soft, almost chaste kiss to his lips, uncaring for the paint that still lingered on his cheek as he stroked it.

'Do I get to keep you for a while?' said Wei Wuxian as they parted.

'I'm yours all day,' said Lan Wangji, 'And, if it is alright and we wouldn't be intruding, Shushu and Mama will bring A-Yuan here after school.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'To have you all day and then be joined by my other two favourites will be delightful,' he said, 'Though I should probably make myself a little more presentable if I am to meet your famed Shushu.'

'I am not sure if this or the tailcoat will confuse him more,' said Lan Wangji, 'But do not feel you need to change for anyone's benefit, especially if you are working on a gift.'

'Would you like to see it?' said Wei Wuxian, taking his hand and leading him back through the shelves to the back of the shop, 'He has been desperate for a pony but he is too small and neither Jiejie or Jin Zixuan have time to take care of one so I thought I would help out.'

The carved rocking horse was exquisite, the detail so intricate that Lan Wangji was certain if he were to reach out to pet its muzzle he would feel warmth and breath beneath his palm.

'Its beautiful,' he said, 'I forget how talented you are sometimes.'

'All the easier when it is done for love,' said Wei Wuxian, 'That boy couldn't be more my nephew even if we shared the same blood. I have known him from his first days and, contrary child though he is, I have loved him ever since. I hope that one day his grandchildren might sit in this same saddle, worn though it may be, and share in the adventures yet waiting for him. Who knows the places a fine steed will take a child.'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'There is almost a story there.'

'Then tell it, my dear storyteller,' said Wei Wuxian, pressing a kiss to his cheek, 'I never forget how talented you are.'

'Words still remain elusive,' said Lan Wangji, 'Whenever I try to write, the real world presses in too harshly.'

'The real world isn't permitted to cross my threshold,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Maybe here, the words will find you again. You look tired though, Lan Zhan, so I think perhaps today we should both rest. I have been at this through the night anyway and can think of nothing better than setting down my tools and enjoying your company for a while.'

'You work too hard,' said Lan Wangji, helping him tidy the tools on the workbench as Wei Wuxian made sure to cover all the paint pots over.

'The nights are long and my thoughts too loud sometimes,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Had I been able to, I would have come to you but I know you have had your own tasks to deal with. How is Xuanji-jiejie?'

'Recovering well,' said Lan Wangji, 'There are no lasting effects from the concussion and her arm is healing as expected. The cancer has spread though. She isn't showing any marked changes in her symptoms as yet but we have been told to expect them. Every day counts now.'

'I am sorry,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I am sorry for all of you. I know there is not much I can do to help but if I can make things easier in any way, tell me.'

Lan Wangji forced a smile, fearing tears would come if he did not, 'Be you,' he said, 'I cannot put into words what just having this place to come to and your presence helps. It was all I could do some nights to remain where I was needed when all I wanted to do was come here to you.'

'You're here now,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Come on. Down here is messy and we have rather made upstairs our sanctuary now.'

It felt natural to sink into the chair that had become his since he had first been invited to join Wei Wuxian in his small home above the shop, something of the tension the days since his mother's fall had brought easing as he watched his companion bustle around, washing the paint from his hands and face before he returned to Lan Wangji's side and settled in his own chair.

'We will need to go to Jiejie's for lunch,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I haven't got anything suitable in and I wouldn't want to subject anyone to one of my cooking experiments. Jiang Cheng says some of the things I produce could be used in warfare to ensure a victory.'

'I am sure it is not so bad,' said Lan Wangji, 'But I will not pass up an opportunity to go to the cafe, I enjoy our visits there.'

'She's so talented with food,' said Wei Wuxian fondly, 'I remember when she first cooked for me. It was the first time anyone had cooked for me in a very long time and I will never forget it. I'm glad she chose to keep the business running when she got married. Her husband's family didn't want her to but she stuck to it and Jin Zixuan stayed beside her despite his parents' objections. Finally convinced Jiang Cheng and I that he might just be good enough for her.'

'And have they judged me good enough for you?' said Lan Wangji, 'I get the impression Jiang Cheng doesn't like me.'

'He doesn't like anyone,' said Wei Wuxian, with a sigh, 'He's over protective. He worries about me. You'd think I was younger than him the way he acts sometimes but he means well. I know he just wants me to be happy. Jiejie adores you already though so she'll keep him in line. Besides, I like you too much to give you up regardless of the opinion of others. At least I know I have the good opinion of most of your family. I hope the verdict will be unanimous this evening.'

Lan Wangji took his hand, 'Even if it is not, I like you too much to give you up,' he echoed, 'But Shushu already knows what you mean to me and Mama and he are the instigators behind my visit today. I was told, in no uncertain terms, to stop looking miserable for missing you and to get over here as soon as A-Yuan was in school.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'I like your Shushu already, especially if he's conspiring to get you here.'

'He realised I was missing you,' said Lan Wangji, looking down at their joined hands and he feeling the small blush come to his cheeks, 'I was even tempted to call Jiang Yanli and ask her to take her phone to you, just so I could hear your voice. I know it's ridiculous.'

'Not ridiculous,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I would have loved to be able to talk to you. I was worried. I'll admit as well that, when I saw her the other day, I nearly did ask her to call you too.'

Lan Wangji laughed, 'What a pair we make,' he said, 'No wondered Mama and Shushu both think I'm ridiculous.'

'A lot more people could do with being ridiculous,' said Wei Wuxian, 'The world is far too serious. People forget to enjoy the life they are given.'

'I can't argue with you on that. I've been guilty of that on many occasions.'

'So long as you remember to enjoy your life when you are with me, and to remember that nothing is too ridiculous or childish if it makes you smile,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And, as your smile is one of my favourite sights in the world, I will endeavour to make sure you do. I think maybe your blush is fast become a favourite as well. I didn't believe the first time you came in my shop, all serious and businesslike, that I would be able to fluster you enough to make you blush.'

Lan Wangji ignored the heat in his cheeks, deciding instead to fight fire with fire, 'Then you need to make sure you have more mirrors on hand,' he said, 'For you clearly don't see yourself enough to know that I was flustered the minute I saw you. I did not expect to walk into a toy shop and find a part of my future waiting for me.'

'Ah Lan Zhan, my dear Lan Zhan, you don't play fair,' said Wei Wuxian, leaning down to press his forehead to their joined hands with a groan, 'Not even a first date and you say things like that.'

'Saturday night?' said Lan Wangji, 'I've already spoken to Shushu and Mama and they're going to take care of A-Yuan for me.'

Wei Wuxian raised his head, 'I will need to check with Jiang Cheng but, like your Shushu, he's been telling me to get something sorted rather than moping about so I shall use that to get him to come and watch the shop.'

'My brother has connections with a security firm if you are worried about the place,' said Lan Wangji, 'They could set you up with cameras if you need them.'

'Thank you for the offer but I would prefer to keep to my current arrangements,' said Wei Wuxian, 'It suits my needs better. I need someone I trust.'

Lan Wangji nodded, understanding that sometimes familiarity was much more of a comfort than anything new.

'We never really discussed details before,' he said, 'What would you like to do?'

'I believe dinner is traditional,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I will leave you to choose the location. I don't go out very often and even then, the furthest I prefer to go is Jiejie's, so I don't have much in the way of an opinion to offer.'

'I have some places in mind that might suit,' said Lan Wangji, running his fingers over the back of Wei Wuxian's hand, mapping the small scars that years of working with sharp tools had left there, 'But is there anything else you would like to do. Pretend that there is no limit on your choices. What is the one thing you have always wanted to do? I can't promise I can get it arranged in only a handful of days but I can certainly lean towards it.'

'Lan Zhan spoils me,' said Wei Wuxian before his expression turned wistful, 'Jiejie and Jiang Cheng among others have told me so much. I leave so infrequently that the world beyond is such a mystery and yet, I have stepped into it with them in their stories. A story, even one told by a master though, fades in time and I am left wanting. I would like...you will think it's a foolish request.'

Lan Wangji squeezed his fingers, 'Isn't foolish the same as ridiculous and you said only a short while ago that we should all be a little ridiculous now and then. Tell me what you would like to do.'

'I want to experience the fullness of the world beyond the boundary of the alley,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I would like to go to a theatre and see something there. I would like to go to a cinema too, watch people become ten feet tall on a screen. I want to know what it smells like in a smoky bar. I want to dance until my feet hurt in a place full of people and lights. I want to see what people have created, how they see the world and show it to everyone else. I want to walk the streets in the lamplight and find a place to watch the sun come up. I want to do all the things I have never managed to do.'

Lan Wangji's heart twisted behind his ribs at the longing in the words, knowing it was far beyond Wei Wuxian's usual strange exuberance, spoken from his heart.

'Why have you never done those things?' said Lan Wangji, 'The city is only...'

'The city isn't safe. I'm not part of it. I don't know how to be a part of it and here...my...here is safe,' said Wei Wuxian, more words rising and dying on his lips before he shook his head and continued, 'With you though...I know I'd be safe with you.'

There were questions Lan Wangji wanted to ask but he feared the answer, the worry beneath Wei Wuxian's words all too apparent.

'Well then,' he said, 'You've given me quite the challenge. I'll have to see what I can do.'

'So long as I'm with you, I will be happy with anything,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Even sitting here. Before you came along, up here was only for sleeping. Too many shadows for it to be home but let's not talk about that now. Tell me what A-Yuan has been up to since I saw him last.'

His son was a subject he was more than happy to be distracted by even as his mind burned with questions. He wondered just what truth Wei Wuxian's wild stories of magic and centuries served to hide, what trauma left him fearful of leaving his shop and so very distant from the world around him. He could only hope that he lived up to the trust that was being put in him, vowing to do all he could to protect the man who had already given him so much.

The hours passed quickly, their conversation light and without particular direction other than the pleasure of each other's company. When Wei Wuxian grew restless at sitting still for too long, Lan Wangji followed him back to the workroom below, happy to pass brushes and give his opinion as Wei Wuxian continued to decorate the rocking horse. With some reluctance that he would ruin the intricate work, he finally relented as Wei Wuxian badgered him into helping him paint, grateful he was given a space to do in only one colour that required none of the subtle detailing Wei Wuxian managed so effortlessly.

He was sure they could have easily lost themselves in the task, content to talk as they worked but equally happy to be silent in one another's presence until Wei Wuxian's stomach grumbled loudly enough to rouse them both from their task. As lunch was proposed, Lan Wangji was left downstairs as Wei Wuxian returned above to change, slowly perusing the shelves as he waited.

He righted a small tin soldier that had fallen over in his row, ensuring he was perfectly in place beside his identical friends before he moved on to the small collection of stuffed toys that were set neatly opposite. The plush fur was warm between his fingers, soft and neat, the seams clean and without any error. His thoughts turned back to the stitching on Tuzi, all the seams invisible save for one that he was certain Wei Wuxian had deliberately made to look as though it had been repaired. He wondered just why he had chosen to hide his obviously fine talents but he was sure it was purely to make sure A-Yuan and Lan Wangji knew it was a repair rather than a replacement, his work so fine that he was certain many would argue otherwise if there was no obvious sign of it.

He smiled at the thought of the other children who no doubt had toys with similar signs of repair, who held close each night a toy that had been saved by Wei Wuxian's clever hands. Hearts mended by the stitches just as the toys were. He set aside the small bear he had been holding, picking up instead a small cream coloured rabbit with wide, dark eyes and a stitched pink nose. He ran a finger delicately over the features, finger pausing at the nose as though expecting a loose thread to worry and finding himself surprised that it wasn't there.

'Sweet isn't he? I made him a few months ago,' said Wei Wuxian at his side, startling Lan Wangji out of his study of the toy, 'You can take him for A-Yuan if you like. If you don't, I'll just give it to him later anyway.'

'You spoil him,' said Lan Wangji fondly, stroking the long ears of the toy in his hands, 'I had one similar to this once but it was white and the eyes were blue. It was a gift from Waigong not long before he died, he said it would take care of me when he was gone. I was only four, I don't think I understood but I didn't miss him as much when I had it near to me.'

Wei Wuxian's hand stroked his back gently, 'Bichen,' he said softly.

Lan Wangji smiled, 'Mama has been spilling my secrets again,' he said, 'I have no idea where that name came from but it's what I called it. Maybe Waigong gave it the name. It was so long ago.'

'His name was his name,' said Wei Wuxian, 'It doesn't matter how he got it. Perhaps you could take the toy for you instead, if you would like it.'

Lan Wangji set the toy back on the shelf, petting it once more before stepping back, 'I am a little old for such things.'

'Nonsense,' said Wei Wuxian, pressing a kiss to his cheek, 'You're never too old for toys, especially ones you can hug but then I suppose I might get jealous.'

Lan Wangji turned, hands coming to rest on the elegant brocade at the waist of Wei Wuxian's tailcoat. 'There would be no need for you to be jealous.'

Wei Wuxian's answering grin was wicked, 'Am I who you're going to cuddle with at night then, Lan Zhan?'

'In time,' said Lan Wangji, capturing his smile with a kiss, 'But first, lunch. You said you wanted to miss the rush.'

'The rush doesn't sound so bad if the alternative is staying here with you like this,' he said, 'But alas, time is against us. Give me a moment and we can go.'

Wei Wuxian disappeared back into the shadows of the shop, the sound of a key being wound and then the soft tinkling of a music box ringing out moments later before he returned to him and took his hand.

'There. Ready.'

'Do the toys get lonely without the music?' said Lan Wangji, looking back at the shadowy shop.

'A little,' said Wei Wuxian, 'It's a promise that I'll come home.'

Something brief and sad passed over his face as he took hold of Lan Wangji's hand and led him out of the front door. Lan Wangji wanted to ask but he knew there were many small rituals surrounding his mother that would remain even after her death as a source of comfort. He wondered just how long he would continue to set her place for dinner, double check her room whenever he went to bed, call out hello when he returned home. Though Wei Wuxian padded his past with outlandish stories, Lan Wangji recognised the pain in him, it was a pain Lan Wangji knew was coming for him in mere months. He would not push for the reason Wei Wuxian kept such a ritual with the music box his mother had made.

Whatever melancholy had joined them as they left the shop quickly dissipated as they headed through the busy alleyway and its colourful stalls, the vendors all waving happily as they passed. The atmosphere in Jiang Yanli's cafe was equally happy, the lunch rush busy but not overcrowded, leaving the two of them contentedly tucked away in a corner as the stories of others played out around them. The food came with an addition of a playful tease or two from Jiang Yanli, her smile enough to give her blessing as she left them alone to tend to her other customers.

Though conversation came as easily there as it did in the shop, it felt different to be outside as a couple and Lan Wangji took pride in the thought that in a few short days they would do so more formally. He knew, whatever they chose to do, he would be happy so long as it was the two of them, certain it would be the first of many outings proudly side by side.

The first hour passed without care, Wei Wuxian bright and cheerful, as animated as he ever was in the toy shop but, as the clock began another turn around the hour, he grew quieter, tired. His eyes losing a little of what made them shine. Where before Lan Wangji had been called to follow the conversation, he suddenly found himself having to lead it, Wei Wuxian seeming to peal off into distant thought midway through a sentence, easily distracted by the noise around them and the busy street outside the window.

As the light caught on the small glitter of gold paint on his cheek that he had missed when he had washed away the evidence of his work, it highlighted the strands of silver that streaked through his hair, all the more visible in the bright lights of the shop than they ever were in the dimmer surrounds of the toy shop. His eyes were shadowed, fine lines showing at the corners that crinkled deeper as he offered Lan Wangji an apologetic smile as he realised his concentration had drifted once more.

'Forgive me,' said Wei Wuxian, reaching across the table to cover Lan Wangji's hand with his, 'I didn't realise how much not sleeping would effect me once I left the shop.'

Lan Wangji turned his hand over so they were pressing palm to palm, 'If you want to go back and rest, do so,' he said, 'I can head home and visit with A-Yuan and the others another day.'

'I don't want you to go,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And I would love to see the others. I promise to wake up a little. I don't mean to be poor company.'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'You are not poor company,' he said, 'But I would be deemed quite the poor boyfriend if I didn't persuade you to rest when you need to. I'll stay if you want me to but let's get you home, then you can drop off against my shoulder if you want to.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'Who could resist such a prospect?' he said, fingers tracing the pulse point at Lan Wangji's wrist, 'Let me just sort things with Jiejie.'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'You treat me often enough,' he said, slipping his hand gently from beneath Wei Wuxian's, 'It's my turn and I won't have any arguments from you or I will go home and leave you.'

'You drive a hard bargain but I am keen to try a Lan Zhan shaped pillow to I will have to accept.'

It felt like forcing apart two strong magnets as he drew himself from the table and Wei Wuxian's side to make the short journey to the counter where Jiang Yanli paused in wait for him with a small smile on her face.

'Please do not tell me that lunch was free of charge,' he said as he reached her, seeing the words fade on her lips into an even brighter smile, 'Your family, in all its forms, is already too generous.'

'You are making A-Xian smile,' said Jiang Yanli, 'More brilliantly than I have ever seen it. I did not realise that sending you to him that day would bring him the joy it has done.'

Lan Wangji felt the heat in his cheeks as his own joy settled snugly beneath his ribs, 'I did not anticipate what was waiting for me either but I am glad you gave us the chance to meet,' he said, looking back over his shoulder where Wei Wuxian sat with his head propped on his hand, eyes distant rather than watching them converse, 'He's tired. He stayed up late. I should get him home so he can rest.'

Jiang Yanli sighed, 'He works too hard,' she said, 'And outside the toy shop can be tiring for him too. Make sure he rests and remind him that A-Ling is only just about to turn four and would be happy with a box of crayons rather than whatever he has planned. He won't listen though.'

'I can't argue with you there,' said Lan Wangji, looking down at the display on the counter as pointing to a row of small neatly decorated cakes, 'Could you wrap five of those and add them to the bill? Mama and Shushu are bringing A-Yuan to visit later.'

The cakes were soon wrapped and placed in a bag before Lan Wangji was permitted to settle his bill and return to Wei Wuxian, the toy maker smiling tiredly up at him as Lan Wangji held out a hand to help him to his feet.

He was glad it was not far back to the toy shop, Wei Wuxian's steps slower than they had been on their way to the cafe. Lan Wangji kept his hand tucked into the crook of his arm as the streets grew busier around them, relief seeming to flood both of them as they reached the alleyway.

'It's funny how the light can be so altered by a building or two,' he said as the light around them grew dimmer the moment they stepped into the alleyway, the street struck in grey hues from the waning light despite sunset being several hours away, 'I suppose there are so many skyscrapers, it's like a solar eclipse at times in some parts of the city.'

'Solar eclipses are disturbing,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I hate how cold the world feels during them. I'm glad they do not last too long.'

'I remember watching one with Mama but that was almost fifteen years ago I think,' said Lan Wangji as they headed to the shop, 'I remember being more frightened I would burn my eyes if I looked at it than I was of the other effects. I can't remember any others happening that I was old enough to be aware of.'

'I've seen too many,' said Wei Wuxian as they reached the door to the toy shop, 'Perhaps I will live long enough to see the last of them.'

'I imagine that as long as the earth turns, there will be an eclipses,' said Lan Wangji, 'You and I can hope, with good health, for eighty or ninety years at best. There'll be eclipses to see after you and I are both long gone. It's funny when you think about it, all those things you won't be around to see. I was born in one century, I have grown up in another, but I won't see the next one turn. Time is so strangely infinite and yet sometimes it feels like we have so little to spare.'

The sound of the music box greeted them as they stepped inside, the pace of the music a little slower than when Wei Wuxian had first wound it but Lan Wangji had to admire the mechanism that had kept it going for nearly two hours. Wei Wuxian took a deep breath beside him, fingers squeezing at the arm he held as he turned to him with a smile.

'We are getting far too philosophical for this time in the afternoon,' he said, grey eyes once more dancing in the light of the shop, a little of the tiredness chased away, 'And I was promised nothing more than the opportunity to lie in your arms and have a nap.'

'I think I promised you could lean against my shoulder,' said Lan Wangji as Wei Wuxian took the bag of cakes from him and deposited it on the nearest shelf beside a collection of wooden aeroplanes.

'You didn't say you wouldn't be lying down,' came the reply, long fingers lacing with his own, 'And it would be better for me to rest in a bed, don't you think? Or am I being too forward before our first date?'

Lan Wangji smiled at the familiar line, 'Technically we went out for lunch unaccompanied as a couple so we could refer to that as our first date.'

'Does that mean I'm promoted from shoulder to lying beside you then?' said Wei Wuxian, 'I promise to be good. I'll even keep my boots on. Besides, I truly am too tired to be at all mischievous. I'm too old to work all night and then step outside for any length of time. The centuries are unkind, Lan Zhan.'

Lan Wangji laughed softly, leaning forward to press a kiss to his forehead, 'Centuries, indeed,' he said, 'Come on, before we know it A-Yuan will be here and he won't give you a chance to rest. Whilst you're sleeping, I'll have a chance to dream up somewhere to take you on Saturday.'

'I will be happy with anywhere, so long as I'm with you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'It's my favourite place to be after all.'

'Well I can guarantee that I will be included in the arrangements.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, loosing one of his hands in favour of cradling his cheek, 'Then it's perfect already, my dear storyteller.'

It had been the most natural thing to lie beside one another, Wei Wuxian's boots set neatly next to Lan Wangji's shoes beside the bed, both of them soon sound asleep despite Lan Wangji's plan to spend the time planning their forthcoming date. He had worried, when he had woken, that they would hear voices downstairs and he would spend several long weeks red-faced from his mother's teasing, but he had remembered Wei Wuxian reaching out to lock the door before they had retreated upstairs, guarding them both from the intrusion of the outside world. As he had wriggled his phone from his pocket he had seen they had less than an hour until his family arrived but he did not have the heart to wake Wei Wuxian where he slept soundly against his shoulder. Instead he had tucked the long dark hair back behind his ear, the grey he had seen in the cafe somehow hidden away amongst the dark strands, better to study his face but resisting the urged to trace his sleep softened features with his fingers.

He had never looked for love, the concept one that had seemed unfavourable in his youth, compounded by his parents' failed marriage and his older brother's frequent ups and downs with romantic partners until he had finally met a good man in Nie Mingjue. He had been content to be alone, not feeling the need to seek out a partner for any meaning of the word. Once A-Yuan had become a part of his family, it had made the concept of sharing his life with anyone even more complicated and his mother's diagnosis had left him certain he would spend his life contentedly single. As he watched Wei Wuxian slumber peacefully beside him though, he found himself glad to be proved wrong.

The path before them was not an easy one, his mother's illness a great burden for all of them to bear and likely to put a strain on all of Lan Wangji's relationships, and his duty as a father would always mean he would need to put Wei Wuxian second whenever A-Yuan needed him. He suspected that, if he had a chance to make a relationship work, Wei Wuxian was a far surer candidate than anyone else, already seeming to understand his family better than most.

'Will you write stories about how handsome I am, my dear storyteller?'

Wei Wuxian's voice was rough with sleep but teasing all the same, Lan Wangji unable to resist leaning down to capture the smile on his lips with a kiss.

'Humankind has not invented the words to describe it,' he said, 'How long have you been awake?'

Wei Wuxian blinked his eyes opened, stretching luxuriously against his shoulder, 'Not long,' he said, 'And I was too comfortable to move. I can't remember when I slept so well and without dreams. Can I make you my pillow more often, Lan Zhan?'

'Mn. I think it would be mutually beneficial,' said Lan Wangji, 'I slept for a while too and I feel better than I have done in a week.'

'Well if we can achieve that in only an hour, imagine what we could do with an entire night?' said Wei Wuxian before his cheeks flushed crimson, 'That sounded wrong. I meant sleeping not...'

'I know what you meant, Wei Ying,' said Lan Wangji, taking pity on him, 'And I think I could sleep very soundly beside you and that it would do me the world of good to do so. I feel so safe in this place and it eases me a great deal.'

'Stay then. One night soon, come and stay, with no pressure or expectation of anything other than rest.'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'If I can find an evening where I'm not needed at home,' he said, 'At the moment Shushu and I take turns in staying awake in case Mama needs us in the night. Though I'm sure he would not mind me being away for the entire night, it would not feel right to leave him to deal with everything alone right now.'

A warm hand found his, lacing their fingers together.

'Whenever you are ready,' said Wei Wuxian, 'We have time. Though we don't have much time until your family arrives and I do not think I would present the best impression to your Shushu by being found in bed with his nephew. We even took our shoes off. There'll be a scandal.'

'You're ridiculous,' said Lan Wangji fondly, 'Shushu plotting with Mama is the reason I'm here today after all.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'That's why I like him already but I still want to make a good impression so let me put myself to rights and we'll go downstairs so we're ready to greet them. One more kiss first though.'

Lan Wangji was happy to oblige, certain that they would be able to spend many hours in such a way if his family were not due to visit. As it was, he left Wei Wuxian to change with the briefest of kisses, returning downstairs to afford him some privacy and entertaining himself by browsing the shelves and the toys they contained.

By the time Wei Wuxian joined him downstairs and unlocked the front door, they only had a few moments before the bell sounded and A-Yuan hurried in like a whirlwind, followed more sedately by Lan Qiren and Li Xuanji. The necessary introductions were quickly made and Lan Wangji could do nothing but admire Wei Wuxian's knack of handling any situation as the chess board was laid out and Lan Qiren invited to play against him.

It was a successful icebreaker, Lan Qiren and Wei Wuxian happily conversing as they played, with A-Yuan flitting between the both of them offering commentary and his own brand of advice. Lan Wangji was happy to sit beside Li Xuanji and watch the game from afar, knowing it was not the board but the conversation above it that was truly important in that moment.

A small warm hand slipped into his, his mother's fingers feeling a little stronger than they had since her fall and he took comfort that, for a while at least, she could be her old self once more.

'You look happy,' she said quietly, 'I told you spending time with him would be good for you. He is magic after all.'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'In his way, I think he is,' he said, 'He understands me and I am coming to understand him, even with his stories.'

'I don't think there is a man born who could understand you better than he can,' said Li Xuanji, 'He knows you so well already.'

'Especially with you as his informant,' said Lan Wangji.

'Informant?' said Li Xuanji.

'Well I didn't tell him about Bichen and A-Yuan doesn't know about him and yet he came up in conversation today.'

Li Xuanji shook her head, 'I've not said a word about Bichen,' she said, 'I know you don't like to talk about it.'

Lan Wangji sighed, 'I didn't think Huan-Ge even remembered it but he must've...'

'Or,' said Li Xuanji, squeezing his fingers, 'Your dear toy maker is as magic as he says he is.'

'Mama, don't be foolish.'

Li Xuanji only smiled, shifting their joined hands so she could cradle them in her lap as they returned their attention to the game.

Chapter Text

'I think the blue looks nice on you, Baba,' said A-Yuan, 'Better than the white.'

Lan Wangji smiled before he turned to where his son had stubbornly sat himself on his bed and refused to move despite Lan Wangji's pleas to be given some peace to change.

'I can't wear a tie with the blue one,' said Lan Wangji, laughing as A-Yuan stuck his tongue out with a grimace.

'A tie looks like you're going to work,' he said, as Lan Wangji pulled on the blue shirt and buttoned it up, 'Xian-Gege won't like the tie. Wear your hair long, not tied back.'

'Has Năinai sent you in here to tell me how to dress?'

A-Yuan giggled, 'Maybe,' he said, 'She likes Xian-Gege and wants him to be your boyfriend.'

Lan Wangji regarded the smiling child in front of him, his son's excitement almost tangible from the moment he found out that his father would be spending the evening with Wei Wuxian, but he realised that he had never actually asked A-Yuan his thoughts on Wei Wuxian having a more prominent place in their lives.

'Do you want Xian-Gege to be my boyfriend?' he said, sitting down on the bed, 'Despite everything, I haven't asked your thoughts about it.'

A-Yuan frowned before he reached out and patted his father's hand, 'I like Xian-Gege a lot and he makes you smile,' he said, 'I want him to be your boyfriend too. He's really nice. Will he be my Baba one day too?'

Lan Wangji couldn't help the small laugh that left him, 'Give me a chance,' he said, before he covered his son's hand with his own, 'Perhaps, one day. It will be a long time before we make any decisions like that and it will be one that all three of us will make together. I hope, though, that he will be a part of our future.'

'Will we go to live at the toy shop?' said A-Yuan, 'He will need to get a bigger bed for all three of us to fit.'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'I'm sure we will make it work, whatever we decide,' he said, getting to his feet and retrieving his hairbrush from the dresser, 'Do you want to help me with my hair?'

A-Yuan nodded, 'I'll make you look nice for Xian-Gege.'

'I need all the help I can get.'

With A-Yuan's chatter helping him to laugh at himself and chase away the nerves that had taken up residence within him, Lan Wangji soon found himself ready. The blue shirt A-Yuan had insisted upon complemented the dark grey suit Li Xuanji had plucked from his closet that morning, the cut of it far more tailored than anything else he owned after being bought specifically for his brother's wedding several years before. He had always preferred lighter colours but had conceded to the darker tones for the event, finding that it suited him well enough if the compliments he received from the other guests were to be believed. He could only hope that Wei Wuxian looked upon it as favourably.

He had tied back his hair in a braid, looser than he would wear it for work but still keeping it from falling in his face, certain dinner would be enough of an affair with nerves in play without adding catching his own hair to the mix. A-Yuan had wanted him to leave it loose, undoing his hard work twice before Lan Wangji had taken his hands and pressed a kiss to them with a plea to leave it as he had fastened it. The boy had pouted but had relented all the same, clearly sensing that the line between play and seriousness was growing thin.

He had left the house to much teasing, even his uncle inflicting a few gentle barbs with a fond smile, both him and Li Xuanji promising to keep A-Yuan entertained and have him to bed on time. It had been Li Xuanji alone who had followed him to the door, A-Yuan already well distracted by Lan Qiren in a hope that the excitement that had filled the boy in Lan Wangji's preparation didn't bubble over into upset that he wasn't included in the evening. She saw her son out of the door painted in a blush as she asked him to send a message if the evening took a positive turn and he found himself staying out for the entire night. Lan Wangji was only glad that his neighbours were all well indoors in the chill of the evening rather than able to see his blush or hear his mother's words.

He had contemplated arriving at the toy shop with a gift but could not settle on anything that did not feel forced or cliched, visions of awkwardly pressing a bouquet of flowers into Wei Wuxian's hands leaving him to arrive with only the tickets to the art installation they would attend together after dinner. It had been Li Xuanji's suggestion to go when Lan Wangji had bemoaned the fact that he could not find anything suitable to do for their first date that didn't involve them sitting in silence at a film or a show, wanting to spend time talking to Wei Wuxian and enjoying his company rather than ignoring each other for over two hours. He had waved off comments about back rows and dark cinemas even if he had delighted in his mother's laughter, her suggestion to contact Nie Mingjue's younger brother, Nie Huaisang following once she had tired of teasing him.

He did not have much of a relationship with his brother in law's younger sibling, Nie Huaisang spending much of his life moving wherever temptation took him, but he had always found him personable and well versed in his own area of expertise whenever they had spoken. He knew he worked in marketing and events, often found flitting to various countries in support of fashion brands Lan Wangji forgot the names of, but art had also been a passion and he had soon furnished Lan Wangji with details and tickets of a modern art interactive that he had had a hand in, his only price being the first to know if it had contributed to Lan Wangji's growing romance with Wei Wuxian.

After an investigation of the event's website, he was glad that it wasn't too over the top or guided, leaving them able to leave if Wei Wuxian did not find it enjoyable. It was not too far from the shop either, Lan Wangji unsure why Wei Wuxian was so concerned about remaining close when he seemed to do little in ways of security, but wanting to be able to get them back fairly quickly if Wei Wuxian felt it necessary. He too found himself preferring a closer proximity to the toy shop, giving them both a sanctuary to retreat to if the outside world became too much.

The alleyway was bright and playful when he arrived, stalls forgotten in favour of a party, faces joyful amidst the dancing and singing. It was almost contagious, chasing away some of Lan Wangji's remaining anxiety as he made his way through them to the door.

He hesitated for a moment before pushing it open, stepping into the warm, familiar interior but it was not a warm, familiar face that greeted him, instead he found Jiang Cheng leaning against the workbench with his arms crossed over his chest and his face set in a scowl.

'You're early,' he said, 'He's still getting dressed or at least, he's moaning about getting dressed.'

'I did not want to be late,' said Lan Wangji.

'You'd better have the same attitude when it comes to bringing him home later,' said Jiang Cheng, 'He...'

'A-Cheng! You made a promise to A-Xian.'

Jiang Cheng scowled but stopped talking as his sister appeared on the stairs, her smile bright and excited as she headed down towards them.

'Hello Lan Wangji, A-Xian won't be long. Are you looking forward to this evening?'

He nodded, not quite trusting his voice as he felt caught between the stony gaze of one sibling and the sweet, indulgent look of the other, certain both would defend the man in the small loft above with all they had in them if Lan Wangji was ever foolish enough to give them cause to.

'What's he taking so long for? He's not going to make himself look any better just by staring at his reflection in that mirror you made me carry in here.' said Jiang Cheng, flinching as his sister paused beside him and elbowed him in the ribs.

'Be nice,' she said, before she turned her attention to Lan Wangji, 'A-Xian said you were going to an exhibition after dinner, you will have to let me know what it's like. Zixuan and I have a rare night off next week and it would be nice to do something different.'

'I'll be sure to let you know,' he said, 'A family member is involved in the project so, if you do decide to visit, I can arrange some tickets for you.'

'I'd appreciate that,' said Jiang Yanli, tilting her head as footsteps echoed above, 'A-Cheng, shall we just...'

Jiang Cheng huffed but followed his sister as she guided him away from the workbench and around one of the toy laden shelves. Though it was only an illusion of privacy, Lan Wangji was grateful for it, knowing that, despite having met with Wei Wuxian many times, he was at risk of tripping over himself when it came to the meeting before him.

His heart stuttered in his chest as footsteps sounded on the stairs, certain it was intent on leaping into his throat as Wei Wuxian finally appeared. When he had envisioned their date, his companion had always been in his familiar, top hat and tails, an eccentric look for a night in the city but Lan Wangji knew he would happily walk beside him all the same. Before him though was the handsome face he knew well but the outlandish clothes were exchanged for a smartly cut black suit over a scarlet shirt similar in colour to the ribbon that now bound his hair in a neat ponytail down his back.

He knew he had been caught staring when Wei Wuxian paused on the bottom step, hand raising to nervously push a few strands that had broken loose from his ponytail back behind his ear.

'I thought I should try to blend in a little,' he said, 'Jiejie brought it over for me. Will I do?'

'Will you...' began Lan Wangji before he smiled, 'You look amazing.'

Wei Wuxian blushed. 'You too. I like you in blue,' he said, crossing the last few steps towards him and taking hold of his hands, 'Can I tell you a secret?'

'You can tell me anything,' said Lan Wangji.

'I am so ridiculously nervous that it took nearly ten minutes to do up the buttons on this thing because my hands were shaking,' said Wei Wuxian with a laugh, 'You've seen me work, my hands never shake and yet, this evening, I'm a mess.'

'I haven't done too much better today myself,' said Lan Wangji, 'Without A-Yuan to distract me a little, I would have struggled to get ready myself. I couldn't even decide on a shirt without his help.'

'Do you think we'll actually manage to get through the evening?'

'It's easier now I'm actually with you,' said Lan Wangji, pulling him a step closer by their joined hands and pressing a kiss to his lips, 'Now it is more anticipation rather than nerves.'

'Oh can you two please hurry up and leave, I don't think my stomach can take any more.'

Jiang Cheng's words parted them only a little, Wei Wuxian laughing softly at the yelp that followed.

'Jiejie, don't beat him up too much. I need him to watch the shop.'

'I will watch the shop if you promise to take whatever this is outside,' said Jiang Cheng, rounding to shelf and waving vaguely in their direction.

'This is called affection,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Something you wouldn't know even if it bit you on the backside.'

'Boys,' said Jiang Yanli with a fond sigh, 'Lan Wangji, you will have to learn to deal with these two being like this. They love each other really.'

Both Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng pulled almost matching faces of disgust before Wei Wuxian laughed brightly.

'Lan Zhan, we'd better get going before Jiang Cheng gets too upset and refuses to take care of things here for me,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Are you ready?'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'If you are.'

'Give me a moment,' said Wei Wuxian, heading over to Jiang Cheng, 'Can I borrow your watch?'

Lan Wangji had expected some sort of catty retort from Jiang Cheng but instead he rolled up his sleeve and unfastened his watch, handing it over to Wei Wuxian.

'It's set for eleven,' he said, 'So you're home for twelve.'

'Ok,' said Wei Wuxian, far more seriously than Lan Wangji had expected, 'Thank you.'

'Try not to be any more of an idiot than you usually are,' said Jiang Cheng as Wei Wuxian fastened the watch around his wrist, 'Be safe.'

'I promise I'll take care of him,' said Lan Wangji, recognising the genuine worry in Jiang Cheng's words despite not knowing their reason, 'Take my number if you want to. You can call if you feel the need to.'

Jiang Cheng nodded, taking his phone from his pocket and opening it before handing it to Lan Wangji on an empty contact page, 'I'll delete it once Jiejie has managed to arrange a phone for Wei Wuxian,' he said.

Lan Wangji quickly typed in his details before handing back the phone, Wei Wuxian capturing his hand as soon as it was free and squeezing it tightly.

'Ready to go?'

Lan Wangji nodded, the familiar bright, excited eyes doing a little to alleviate the odd atmosphere that had taken the room.

'I am,' he said, 'Our reservation is in half an hour and it takes about twenty minutes to walk.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, turning to Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng, 'Jiejie, give A-Ling a kiss from me when you get home. Jiang Cheng, be nice to the toys and don't fall asleep.'

Jiang Cheng scowled. 'I can be trusted to be responsible.'

'Xuanyu will keep an eye on you all the same,' said Wei Wuxian, tugging on Lan Wangji's hand, 'Come on, Lan Zhan.'

Lan Wangji allowed himself to be pulled along the shelves towards the doors, only just able to call out a goodbye to Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng, certain it was drowned out by Wei Wuxian's enthusiastic farewell.

The alleyway beyond the door was bustling and colourful, the party still ongoing, but Lan Wangji did not have time to give it much consideration as Wei Wuxian raced them to the opening back onto the main road, pausing only as the reached the narrow passageway.

'Wei Ying?' he said as the pause seemed to stretch on a little longer than he anticipated, 'Are you alright?'

Wei Wuxian nodded, squeezing his hand, 'I'm good. Nervous.'

'Wei Ying, if you don't want to do this, then say,' said Lan Wangji, turning until they were facing one another, 'I won't be upset. If this is too much. If coming out with me tonight is making you uncomfortable...'

Warm fingers came to rest against his lips, still his words.

'Lan Zhan, nothing about going out with you is making me uncomfortable,' said Wei Wuxian, 'It's just, I don't do this. I go from here to Jiejie's cafe and back again and forever I have been happy with just that but now...now I want to see more, do more, because it's with you but it's still new and I'm nervous but in the best possible way.'

'Jiang Cheng is worried for you,' said Lan Wangji as Wei Wuxian removed his hand.

'Jiang Cheng is grumpy and mean and then makes up for it by being stupidly overprotective,' said Wei Wuxian, 'He is just looking out for me. The few times I have ventured out before, I've gotten a little foolish and he doesn't want me to do that again. I'm with you though so I know I'm perfectly safe.'

'So long as you're sure,' said Lan Wangji, 'There is nothing out there that we can't miss. If you just want to go and get some food to bring back here and then stay at the shop for the evening, then we can do just that.'

'And one night I would love to do that,' said Wei Wuxian, 'But tonight, I want to go out to dinner with you and to see the art event I still can't quite fathom out. I want to hold your hand and let the world see how lucky I am.'

Lan Wangji took hold of one of his hands, raising it to his lips and kissing the back of it, 'Then I had better take you to dinner,' he said, 'Come on.'

It didn't take them long to reach the restaurant, Lan Wangji deliberately keeping everything within walking distance with the city often difficult to navigate by car and the public transport system not always the most reliable. It was a small but well appointed space, quiet and intimate rather than one of the rowdier spots better suited to families and large groups. Wei Wuxian's eyes were wide with interest and excitement as they were led to their table, quickly disarming the young waitress with a bright smile. She was left in little doubt though as to where Wei Wuxian's attention truly lay when he set aside his menu the moment it was handed to him in favour of taking hold of Lan Wangji's hands.

'This place is wonderful,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I didn't know what to expect but this has exceeded everything. I want to come here again.'

Lan Wangji laughed, 'We haven't even eaten yet,' he said, 'But I'm glad you like it. Why don't you see what you want?'

Wei Wuxian let go of his hand and retrieved his abandoned menu. 'It has even more that Jiejie sells.'

'Mama has come here before and had some recommendations if you would like them.'

Wei Wuxian nodded, 'I'm sure she wouldn't lead me astray.'

They soon both settled on the recommendations Li Xuanji had made, the conversation between them light and mostly focused on A-Yuan as they waited for the food to arrive. Despite Lan Wangji's insistence that he had no issue with Wei Wuxian choosing to drink alcohol where he could not, he was secretly grateful when the only thing in both their glasses was water, knowing that the trajectory of the evening would then be solely based on each others' company rather than lowered inhibitions from alcohol.

He almost wished that he had not arranged for anything afterwards, the wait staff clearly happy for them to linger over their meal and leaving them to their own devices other than the occasional check in as was standard in such a place. He was not sure how much of the conversation he truly followed at times, Wei Wuxian hopping from explaining the mechanics of a marionette's strings to the exact heating point of tin to make small figurines, but the exuberance and wild delight of his companion was more than enough even if he got a little lost at times. Though he was tempted to remain where they were, he knew he could not in good conscious miss the event Nie Huaisang had arranged the tickets for.

Strong, work rough fingers slipped easily between his as they stepped out into the evening once more, Wei Wuxian quickly extracting a promise that they would return on another night before he turned and waved to the people who had served them. With the streets around them busy with the night time populace, Wei Wuxian's grip on his hand soon turned to an arm laced around his own, pressing them side by side as they navigated their way through the crowds.

As they reached one particularly crowded area, Lan Wangji quickly steadied Wei Wuxian as he stumbled under the onslaught of people, moving them to one side of the pavement beside the shelter of a closed shop.

'Are you alright?'

The street lights painted Wei Wuxian in dull amber tones, his eyes heavy and clouded as he looked up at him, pinched into fine lines at the corners.

'I'm fine,' he said, words leaving him on a rasp, 'I just need a moment.'

Lan Wangji pressed a hand to his forehead, feeling a coldness there beyond the chill of the evening, the dark hair that had spilled either side from Wei Wuxian's ponytail seemingly streaked with silver in the dim lighting.

'Was it something you ate? I thought we each tried everything but maybe you had something that wasn't right.'

'The food was fine,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I just...'

The change was almost instantaneous as Wei Wuxian took a deep, shuddering breath before he stood upright, the tightness of his face and paleness of his skin chased away to leave him as bright as he always was.

'I just needed a minute,' he said, glancing down at the watch Jiang Cheng had leant him, 'Eight. Makes sense.'

'Makes sense?' said Lan Wangji, 'I've seen you have these turns before when we've been out. If you're unwell...'

'I'm fine,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Don't look so worried. I'm perfectly alright.'

'Wei Ying, if you're unwell or have a condition that is affecting you, please don't feel the need to hide it from me. It won't change my opinion. I just want to make sure you're alright and help you if you need it.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'I know and I promise I'm ok,' he said, 'I'm just not used to being out for so long and it got a bit overwhelming.'

Lan Wangji was well experienced in hearing the truth behind the words spoken, his mother often reassuring him she was fine whenever she was truly in discomfort, always wanting to protect him from the worry and the hurt but never realising that it hurt more when she concealed things. He knew as well that there was little point in pushing the issue when his companion seemed determined to hide whatever was ailing him.

'So long as you're sure. We do not need to go to the exhibition.'

'But I want to,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I really do. I'm already having such a wonderful time and I don't want it to end yet. Please don't look so worried, Lan Zhan. I'm absolutely fine.'

Warm hands took hold of his face, drawing him into a kiss that did little to alleviate his worry but enough to let him know that Wei Wuxian was much restored from whatever had afflicted him moments before.

'Come on, Lan Zhan, our date isn't over yet.'

Lan Wangji kept them out of the busy throng of people as best he could, not wanting to risk them getting buffeted if Wei Wuxian did stumble again but it proved unnecessary as they made their way with ease to the gallery awaiting them.

He breathed a sigh of relief to realise that Nie Huaisang was not waiting for them, half expecting to be accosted at the door and forced to share Wei Wuxian's time with his overenthusiastic relation. With their tickets exchanged for maps and information on the artists whose work they were about to see, they stepped through a sliding glass door into the gallery beyond.

The first room they entered held several large sculptures of differing textures that the people viewing them were invited to touch. Lan Wangji resisted stuffing his hands into his pockets at the thought, not wanting to touch something he had already witnessed at least five people he did not know touching and knowing there would have been countless more before them. He thought Wei Wuxian would differ, keen to try out whatever sensations came his way but, whilst one hand remained in Lan Wangji's, he kept his examinations of the sculptures purely visual.

'They're pretty,' he said, as he straightened a little from examining the curve of what could have been an arm had the shape been a little more human, 'But they don't complement each other. If it were to move, it would crumble.'

'I don't think it's meant to move,' said Lan Wangji, smiling as Wei Wuxian scrunched his face up in confusion.

'I would make it so it could move,' said Wei Wuxian, looking down at the map Lan Wangji held open for them both, 'Where next?'

'I think we just follow the path through,' said Lan Wangji, 'The next room is called Possibility'

'What could it possibly be about?' said Wei Wuxian, laughing brightly and catching the attention of several of the other visitors in the room, eyes following them as they made their way into the next room.

Where he had expected something, he had not expected nothing but the plain white room, certain it would echo terribly if he spoke too loudly.

'Well I suppose possibility fits in a way,' said Wei Wuxian, 'But it makes me anxious. Space needs to be filled. Infinite nothingness is terrifying.'

'I like the quiet of it,' said Lan Wangji, 'But, after a while, I think it would feel cold. When I was younger, I might have liked this but, now I have A-Yuan, I find comfort in the noise and the chaos.'

Wei Wuxian bumped a shoulder against his. 'Is that why you like me?'

'One of the reasons anyway.' said Lan Wangji, pressing a kiss to his temple, 'And it means this room definitely doesn't suit you.'

'I should whip up a forest or a circus or a beach to fill it with.'

'I don't know if the artist would be happy with that. Shall we move on before you're tempted?'

The next few rooms were populated with either sculptures or wall mounted art, some pieces showing things that were recognisable whilst others were weird and wonderful in their make up. Though Lan Wangji found the art more enjoyable than he thought he would, it was watching Wei Wuxian's reactions that he enjoyed best, the man before him able to weave pictures and stories out of even the most obscure of artworks. He longed for the ease of inspiration, knowing that long before he too would have pulled stories from the picture frames or the sculptures that encouraged you to touch and play and experience them. He felt content in just watching Wei Wuxian do so though, knowing that the stories would return to him when the world was not so heavy around him.

His attention was caught by a piece the artist had called reincarnation, a small metal ball dropping along a tube behind the glass, passing by various abstract scenes that were meant to depict the stages of life before disappearing at the end of the tube. Occasionally though the ball would not reach the end, dropping out of sight midway through its descent.

Warm fingers laced with his, Wei Wuxian silent as he rested his head against his shoulder.

'Do you ever think about where you'll drop off the path?'

Wei Wuxian huffed a laugh against his shoulder but there was little mirth in it, 'I fear going on and on more than I could fear dropping off the path,' he said, 'It's not the length of the journey that matters though.'

'You sound like Mama.'

'I only hope I can live to be as wise as she is,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Are you alright?'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'I'm fine. It just caught my attention,' he said, as one ball dropped from sight only for another to begin at the beginning again, 'It's beautiful and it's sad but, whenever it drops away, it starts again.'

Wei Wuxian was quiet, head resting against Lan Wangji's shoulder and he couldn't resist turning enough to press a kiss to his hair.

'I'm glad I bumped into you on the journey,' he said, 'I didn't think...a year ago, I would have told anyone who asked that I had no plans to invite a partner into my life.'

'And now?'

'Now I hope that having you beside me is something that never changes.'

'Lan Zhan, my Lan Zhan, are you really meant to make such declarations on a first date?' said Wei Wuxian, his fingers tightening around Lan Wangji's.

'I am too often reminded how short time can be,' said Lan Wangji, 'And I don't want to leave anything unsaid, even if it is early. If I am going too fast...'

'Go too fast, I beg you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I hope I have not left you in any doubt that I am already rather attached to you, my dear storyteller.'

'Not in the least.'

Wei Wuxian raised his head, separating them enough to look around the room surrounding them.

'No one's looking.'

It was the only warning Lan Wangji received before he was met with a kiss far too inappropriate for a public space but he found little in him to care, even the pointed cough from another patron when they were noticed unable to bother him save for the fact that is caused Wei Wuxian to giggle and part from him all the same.

'Next date, we just stay at the shop,' he said, 'Come on. I might not go out much but I know it's not considered good form to get yourself kicked out of an art gallery.'

Lan Wangji spared one last glance at the art and its perpetual life cycle before he allowed Wei Wuxian to pull him into the next gallery. Though the following exhibits were interesting enough, despite the one that came with its own heavy metal soundtrack that had Lan Wangji covering his ears as they hurried through, neither of them paid them particular mind, content in one another's company. He felt a little guilty at ignoring the work someone had put so much effort into but warm fingers and teasing eyes were far more appealing as they drew towards the end of the exhibit, their pace outstripping the other patrons and leaving them to walk alone for the most of it.

By the time they reached the final gallery, Lan Wangji had abandoned the leaflet containing the information on each exhibit to the back pocket of his trousers and so walking into a darkened room was somewhat unexpected.

'Did we take a wrong turn?' he said as Wei Wuxian's hand tightened around his.

'It was the only door and the arrows pointed this way,' came the reply at his shoulder, 'Power cut? Jiejie had a run of them about a year or so ago and it was a real nightmare for her at the cafe.'

'Places like this normally have emergency lights that would come on during a power cut. They...'

The room began to illuminate slowly, bright colours dancing through the black expanse before them as though floating in the air. Music swelled around them, the dancing lights forming patterns that changed as a pathway lit up beneath their feet leading them through.

'Now this is pretty,' said Wei Wuxian as they paused to admire a whirling collection of blue lights that whipped around like a small tornado, 'I could do better though.'

'Modest, as always,' said Lan Wangji, ducking beneath a fringe of soft, lacy lights that swept towards them, the lights changing from blue to a vivid green that painted them both in eerie colour.

'Ever thought of writing a story about aliens?' said Wei Wuxian moving a hand beneath the lights to see the colour against his skin, 'Jiang Cheng would read it. He loved space things when he was younger. The number of alien toys I had to make him from his drawings.'

'You were making toys even when you were young?' said Lan Wangji.

'I...watch out,' said Wei Wuxian, pulling Lan Wangji back onto the path he hadn't realised he'd veered off from as another light swung towards them.

'They should have roped bits off if they're going to aim things at people,' he said, realising how close it had come to hitting him, 'I do not want to end tonight in hospital.'

'I imagine they were hoping people would be a lot less distracted,' said Wei Wuxian.

'And it probably has an automatic stop,' said Lan Wangji, 'Sensors and things.'

Wei Wuxian frowned, 'All that technology takes the magic right out of it,' he said, 'I prefer to think of them as fairies.'

Lan Wangji smiled, raising Wei Wuxian's hand to his lips and pressing a kiss to the back of it, 'Me too,' he said as they continued along the illuminated path.

He looked back as they reached the marked exit door, realising from the play of the exhibit lights that several barriers were set between them and the entrance, allowing the illusion to better play out. He was certain that other patrons would have come behind them even as they moved through the lights, stepping into the darkness only to be greeted by the colours.

As they left the room, they found themselves in a wider, brightly lit room signalling the end of the event and offering information about the artists they had seen and future exhibits. Wei Wuxian's interest in the art seemed to have waned considerably though, bypassing all the information displays and towards the small bar beyond that housed several of the patrons who had gone before them along with a modest band playing quietly enough not to be invasive to the conversations around them.

'Can we stay?' said Wei Wuxian, 'It seems nice and I wouldn't mind sitting down a while, that was more walking than I thought it would be. I should have worn my boots rather than let Jiejie dress me in something new.'

Lan Wangji spared a glance down to the new looking shoes on Wei Wuxian's feet, remembering all too well the discomfort that could come in breaking in a new pair especially when walking more than he had expected.

'I'm happy to stay a while,' he said, 'And this seems nicer than anything we will probably find if we go elsewhere. This time of night, everything else will be busy and loud.'

'All the places Jiang Cheng told me about sound dreadful,' said Wei Wuxian as they headed towards a table, 'Though I want to try everything I can, the thought of being shoved into a hot, stuffy room that's too loud and full of people I don't know sounds awful.'

'I went to a bar across town a few years ago for my brother in law's birthday,' said Lan Wangji, as they sat down, Wei Wuxian scooting his own chair closer to his side rather than sitting opposite, 'My ears were ringing for a week afterwards.'

'Well I am content to keep our evening outings to just you and I.'

'Me too,' said Lan Wangji, picking up a drinks menu from the table before them, 'I understand that larger groups of people are more palatable with alcohol but that isn't an option for me.'

'I recall the promise of foolishness when it came to you and alcohol,' said Wei Wuxian, 'But seeing as I'm not sure I know the way home from here, we'd best see if they have something non-alcoholic.'

They managed to find several drinks that suited them both, oblivious to the room around them even as it filled with more and more people who had visited the exhibit. As the volume surrounding them from both the people and the band increased, it seemed only sensible for Wei Wuxian to move his chair to beside Lan Wangji's, the pair of them leaning in close to hear one another over the din. It was only for the wish not to interrupt their closeness that Lan Wangji didn't suggest they leave for home, wanting to keep Wei Wuxian's fingers laced with his against his thigh and the warmth of his breath against his neck as they talked.

'Do you dance, Lan Zhan?'

'Do I dance?' said Lan Wangji, still unused to the whiplash that accompanied conversation with the man beside him despite an evening of jumping from topic to topic without warning.

'That's what I asked,' said Wei Wuxian, tugging on his hand and pulling his attention to the couples who occupied a small section of floor in front of the band, swaying gently to the music.

'I...I don't really dance,' said Lan Wangji.

Wei Wuxian laughed and kissed his cheek, 'Don't look so worried,' he said, 'I won't force you. Perhaps I can persuade you when we're alone.'

'I wouldn't mind, if we were alone,' said Lan Wangji, 'Hopefully I won't embarrass myself by tripping over my own feet.'

'My dear storyteller is the epitome of grace, he couldn't possibly trip over his own feet.'

'You think too highly of me.'

'Well, you're wonderful, can you blame me?' said Wei Wuxian, poking at the empty glasses before them, 'Another?'

Lan Wangji looked down at his watch, not realising it had almost reached ten o'clock as they had sat together. 'If you're happy to stay out,' he said, 'I know you wanted to be back by midnight and it's about a forty minute walk from here.'

'We have time for just one more then,' said Wei Wuxian getting to his feet.

It was the table and Lan Wangji's arm that broke his fall, keeping hold of him until he had his feet under him once more.

'Maybe home would be a better idea,' said Lan Wangji, 'Are you alright?'

Wei Wuxian pressed his face to Lan Wangji's shoulder, his breathing laboured as hands gripped onto his sleeves.

'I stood up too fast, I'm fine,' he said, his tone raspy and unconvincing, 'I shouldn't stay locked away so much. I get so overwhelmed.'

'Sweetheart this is more than overwhelmed,' said Lan Wangji, 'Please tell me what's wrong. Look at me, Wei Ying.'

'In a moment,' said Wei Wuxian, his breathing finally growing even again as he slowly righted himself, 'I'm ok, I promise. What were you drinking again?'

'Wei Ying...'

'Don't fuss, Lan Zhan,' he said, 'I'm fine.'

Lan Wangji frowned, his heart twisting a little in his chest, 'That's what Mama says.'

Wei Wuxian's face fell before he took hold of Lan Wangji's hands and pressed them to his chest. 'I'm not sick,' he said, 'I'm just...can I explain when we're home? I'm fine. I promise I'm fine.'

'What aren't you telling me?' said Lan Wangji.

'It's not that I'm not telling you, it's just that I haven't told you in a way that makes sense to you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'When we're home, I'll try to make things clearer.'

Lan Wangji tried to cast his mind back to every previous conversation they had shared in search of any indication of the strange imbalance that had come over Wei Wuxian but he could find nothing to settle on.

'Then let's go home.'

Wei Wuxian shook his head, 'One more drink. I don't want to leave here in a worry,' he said, 'Please?'

Lan Wangji nodded, unable to ignore the pleading that turned swiftly to joy in Wei Wuxian's eyes.

'Now, what were you drinking?' said Wei Wuxian again.

'The lady at the bar called it a virgin blood orange mojito,' said Lan Wangji, 'It is better than I expected it would be.'

'Is that how you're going to describe your date with me as well?' said Wei Wuxian, kissing his cheek before stepping away with a laugh as he headed towards the bar.

As Lan Wangji watched him go, he tried to put the worry from his mind, studying every step and poised to hurry to his side if he stumbled. He hoped that whatever lay behind the strange episodes could be simply explained, his heart fearing that the love growing in his heart would be something cut short. Wei Wuxian looked the epitome of health though as he leaned on the bar, charming the young woman serving him even as he clearly had to raise his voice to make himself heard over the noise of the room.

His phone vibrated in his pocket and he withdrew it to see a message from Li Xuanji.

Hope you're enjoying your night. A-Yuan is fast asleep. Your Shushu made a valiant effort to stay awake but he was nearly snoring in his chair so I've sent him to bed and I'm going to get some sleep too. If you intend to stay out all night, send me a message just so I know.

He cursed whoever had taught his mother emojis as several kissing faces followed her message, glad at least that she had either not been taught or had chosen not to use the more suggestive ones available to her.

'One blood orange mojito as ordered,' said Wei Wuxian, pulling Lan Wangji's attention from his phone as he set two matching glasses on the table, 'I tried one too. Everything ok?'

Lan Wangji pocketed the phone as Wei Wuxian nodded towards it, 'Fine,' he said, 'Just Mama letting me know that everyone has gone to bed at home.'

'A-Yuan is the sweetest when he's asleep. Just like his Baba. I could watch you sleep all night and never get tired of it. I hope it's not too long until I get to again, preferably when I'm next to you.'

Lan Wangji hastily picked up his drink, if only to mask the blush on his cheeks as Wei Wuxian laughed, certain the thoughts that had come unbidden to his mind were written across his face. It was only for the sake of hiding his embarrassment that he took such a long pull and then another of the drink he had been sampling all night, the drink that he had purchased the last two times from the bar, the drink he had made sure to check was made without the usual alcohol content.

He realised too late that it tasted different, stronger and sharper than previously, over half the glass gone as he set it back on the table.

'Wei Ying,' he said, heat racing down his throat, 'What drink did you order?'

'Blood orange mojito,' he said, 'Like you asked for.'

'Oh,' said Lan Wangji, 'We should go home.'

He could only hope he had taken little enough that the affects would not be too pronounced but his fingers already felt numb as he took hold of Wei Wuxian's hand and began dragging him to the door.

'Lan Zhan? Lan Zhan, what's wrong?'

'Alcohol,' he said, unsure if his voice was just loud in his own head or if he had shouted, 'There was alcohol in it.'

Wei Wuxian's curse was lost to the roaring in his ears as they pushed through the crowd, Lan Wangji only hoping that fresh air would chase off the worst of whatever was to come.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian was not laughing.

Lan Wangji frowned as he realised that the man who had been laughing so brightly as they had walked through the park was no longer laughing.

Wei Wuxian should always be laughing.

He tried to think back as to what had changed but his memory was fuzzy and the water looked inviting.

Strong hands took hold of him once more, dragging him away from the pond he was heading towards.

'Lan Zhan! You'll freeze. Come away from the water.'

Wei Wuxian's face swam in front of him as he was turned towards him.

'Your hat fell off,' said Lan Wangji, 'We have to find your hat.'

'I didn't wear my hat,' said Wei Wuxian, 'There's no need to find it but we do need to find our way home. It's gone eleven Lan Zhan and I need to get home.'

'Home?' said Lan Wangji, screwing his eyes tight for a moment as he tried to right Wei Wuxian's features before him, his face too shadowed and lined to be the man he had spent the evening with.

'The toy shop,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Lan Zhan, please. You need to help me find the way home. I need to get back to the toy shop. I'm running out of time.'

'Time?' said Lan Wangji, reaching into his pocket for his phone as looking at the time on the display, 'It's night time. We can go to sleep there.'

He would need to write a letter to whoever maintained the pathways in the park to tell them how uneven they were, certain he would have stumbled several times were it not for Wei Wuxian's hands on him. As he sat down on the bench he nearly dropped the phone in his hand, Wei Wuxian's slim, lined one catching it and holding it up once more. Lan Wangji covered his hand with his own, fingers smoothing over the skin that felt thin and fragile beneath his touch.

'Lan Zhan, can you open the phone for me? Open the phone and let me call Jiang Cheng. I need to get us out of here.'

The scowling face of Jiang Cheng floated in Lan Wangji's memory and he shook his head.

'No. He doesn't like me. He doesn't want me with Wei Ying.'

'He'll like you when he gets to know you, especially if you let me call him now,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Please, Lan Zhan, I can't...I can't leave you but I need to get home. I'm frightened.'

Panic raced through him, the mirth and playfulness he loved in Wei Wuxian's face completely missing.

'Don't be frightened. I will take care of you.'

'I know you will,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Which is why I know you'll open the phone and help me call Jiang Cheng.'

Lan Wangji was more than happy to help but Wei Wuxian's inability to hold the phone still meant he couldn't unlock the phone.

'Stop waving it around,' he said, rubbing his head when it connected solidly with Wei Wuxian's shoulder, 'Make a circle.'

'Make a circle?'

Lan Wangji sighed, closing his eyes as the world seemed to sway, 'On the phone. Make a circle. A-Yuan can do it.'

Wei Wuxian was warm and smelled like wood shavings and paint and something Lan Wangji couldn't describe but reminded him of when he had been a child and had found the peace to play, and of when he was lost in a story, the words pouring from his mind and onto the page. He pressed closer against his shoulder, pressing lips against his throat only to feel the jump of a pulse beneath them, fast and frantic when Lan Wangji felt only calm and content.

A sharp exhale came from the man beneath him before an obnoxious buzzing sound rang out, Lan Wangji reaching up to pull the tie from Wei Wuxian's hair if only to try to muffle it.

'Lan Wangji?'

He frowned. The voice was not Wei Wuxian's and the address was not one Wei Wuxian had used since very early on in their friendship.

'Jiang Cheng. It's me. I need help.'

Wei Wuxian's voice was raspy and frantic, his breathing labouring against Lan Wangji.

'What's happened? Has he hurt you?'

Lan Wangji wanted to contradict even the slightest notion that he would hurt Wei Wuxian but his head felt too heavy to lift and his lips did not have the capacity to make words, his protest instead a groan against Wei Wuxian's shoulder. Long fingers came up to pet his hair, soothing him as Wei Wuxian spoke again.

'I'm not hurt. Lan Zhan wouldn't ever hurt me but something has gone wrong and I need you not to shout or kick off and just help me. Lan Zhan had alcohol and he can't have alcohol, it hits him harder than anything. We left to get some fresh air and he started wandering about and I followed him to keep him safe but now we're in a park and I don't know the way home and he can't help me. I need you to come get us. How does the music sound?'

'Slower than is should be. It was hard to turn the key.'

'Things are changing more quickly than they should,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I need to get home as fast as I can.'

'You said you were in a park,' said Jiang Cheng, 'How far did you walk from the gallery? I have the address for that and I can work out where you are from there.'

'We didn't go far,' said Wei Wuxian, 'We went left out of the main entrance, down the main road and then Lan Zhan veered off into a park and we've been wandering around it since. We're near a big pond and I can hear more traffic noise behind us than in front.'

'I know where you are,' said Jiang Cheng, 'I'll direct you out. By the time I've got to the car and driven there, you'll already be halfway here and we can't risk getting stuck in traffic or behind red lights, even at this time of night.'

'Just tell me...'

A deep, rattling cough echoed from Wei Wuxian, jolting Lan Wangji to sitting. The moonlight painted the usually brilliant black hair in shades of grey, white at the temples as Wei Wuxian wrapped an arm around his own ribs and bent over the phone.

'Just tell me where to go. Come on, Lan Zhan, you need to get up.'

He obeyed, swaying until the arm that had been cradling Wei Wuxian's ribs wrapped around him to steady him..

'Hair,' he said, poking at the white patches that led to deeper silver tones.

'Yeah, it's changed,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And that's the least of our worries right now. Can you walk, Lan Zhan? I need you to walk because we need to get back to the toy shop.'

'Why?' he said, leaning against his shoulder once more, 'Warm.'

'We can be warm at home,' said Wei Wuxian, 'We need to move or I...I'm going to...I don't know what happens if the music stops.'

'No music,' said Lan Wangji.

'Wei Wuxian! Just leave him there if he won't move. He doesn't matter.'

Lan Wangji batted at the phone in Wei Wuxian's hand, wanting to quiet the noise coming from it as Jiang Cheng's voice cut through the comfort of Wei Wuxian's presence once more.

'He does matter and I am not leaving him to wander around here on his own. Come on, Lan Zhan. Just walk for me.'

He nodded, leaning heavily against Wei Wuxian as his legs shook beneath him. He ignored the sound of Jiang Cheng's voice, focussing instead on Wei Wuxian's breathing that quickened the further they walked. He wanted to apologise, to say sorry for ruining what had been a wonderful evening. The words would not come though, his mind cognisant enough to recognise the effect the alcohol had had on him but unable to translate even the simplest thought into action. He knew he should feel embarrassed, ashamed that his body reacted so strongly to something so simple. He could not even recall what he had done between leaving the gallery and being in the park, only remembering that Wei Wuxian had been laughing one moment and then serious the next.

White hair.

Wei Wuxian had white hair and his skin felt paper thin beneath Lan Wangji's hands. It frightened him. It frightened him because he knew there should be no reason for the change but his head hurt too much to think on it.

Cars rushed passed, noisy and bright.

'I'm on the main road,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Where now?'

'Keep going straight,' said Jiang Cheng, 'Is the park still on your left?'

'Yes,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And the big hotel with the neon sign is on the right.'

'Just keep going.'

Lan Wangji closed his eyes, the lights of the street too bright and the noise too loud. He wanted to sit down but the arm around him kept him upright and walking, a strength in it that made panic rush through his veins.

'Wei Ying?'

'Just keep walking for me, Lan Zhan.'

'Such a shame. Getting into such a state and making his poor father come and get him. You should leave him in the street.'

The voice near to them was unfamiliar and harsh, a hand coming to tug at Lan Wangji's sleeve but Wei Wuxian pulled him away quickly.

'Don't you dare touch him.'

Wei Wuxian's voice was loud but rasping, a deeper tone than the one Lan Wangji knew.

'Leave us alone.'

They began to move faster, the swirling in his stomach threatening to bubble over into something as he was jostled this way and that.

'I'm at the traffic lights,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Where now, Jiang Cheng?'

'Go right, across the street, then you're on the road heading to Jiejie's cafe. I've got the door open to the shop and the alleyway has cleared. Things don't feel right in here and the music is really slow.'

'I know,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Lan Zhan, come this way with me. We need to hurry.'

He let himself be bumped along, feet attempting to keep pace but then his step faltered and the ground rushed to meet him only for hands to stop him, a grunt of effort the only warning before he was lifted off the floor. As he dared to open his eyes, he was met with the tumble of bright white hair obscuring the face he was sure should be Wei Wuxian's but the street lights and his own inebriation cast his face in strange tones, making it look hollow and drawn.

Wei Wuxian's breathing was harsh, his gait uneven as he bore Lan Wangji down the familiar street. He let his eyes fall closed at the movement, the swirling nausea in his gut returning with the movement. The fast pace faltered now and then, the body holding him shaking and he wanted to tell him to set him down, that he would walk alone but tiredness held every limb and he could only lay his head against the familiar shoulder and wonder if there would be a bruise on his cheek come morning.

The cool and the dark enveloped them as Wei Wuxian turned sharply, Lan Wangji daring to lift his head as they slowed. He recognised the alleyway but it was not as he remembered it, shorter and derelict, even the stones beneath Wei Wuxian's feet crumbled and broken.

Strong hands took hold of him, dragging him away from the familiar warmth and laying him out without much gentleness against the wooden floor. He forced his eyes to focus on the two figures that stood over him, Jiang Cheng recognisable as he held a figure dressed in the suit Wei Wuxian was wearing but it looked too thin, too wizened, to be the same man, the spill of white hair obscuring his face as he coughed and rasped against the fading strains of the music box.

'Breathe, you're here. You got back. It'll be alright in a minute. Just breathe, Wei Wuxian.'

'I should have had longer,' rasped Wei Wuxian, 'It wasn't even six hours.'

'I wound it as tight as I could,' said Jiang Cheng, 'I don't know what went wrong. I'm sorry.'

'It's not your fault,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Not your fault. I hurt.'

'Wei Ying?'

It took him everything to force the name passed his lips, his head spinning even more so with the sorrow that was running through him to hear Wei Wuxian say he was in pain.

The man before him didn't respond, remaining hidden behind his curtain of white hair as he held on to Jiang Cheng. He took several deep breaths, straightening a little as the white of his hair receded to a slate grey.

'Jiang Cheng,' he said, 'Please go an wind the music box again. It should be alright this time. I just need a little help.'

'Can you stand?'

'I'm fine.'

Wei Wuxian straightened as Jiang Cheng moved away, the movement causing his head to spin again and he squeezed his eyes closed. He wanted to sleep, anything to stop the ground beneath him feeling as though it was spinning, but forced open his eyes as he felt a hand come to rest on his shoulder.

Music rang out from the back of the shop as Wei Wuxian's face came into view before him. As it continued to play he watched as the slate grey hair darkened to black and the deep lines around his eyes and mouth that aged him smoothed out into the face he knew well. He knew he should be frightened but something in him felt safe, comforted by the hand on his shoulder and the familiar presence of Wei Wuxian.

'I'm sorry. I'll explain it all when you're feeling better,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Sleep for the time being and then we'll talk. Don't be frightened.'

He wanted to comfort him, to say that, despite the strangeness of the evening, he was not scared but his brain was filled with cotton wool and his body too heavy. His eyes closed as warm lips pressed to his forehead, the room settling as he allowed sleep to claim him.

'Pass me the other one then. I don't think you're right but I'll try it if it gets me some peace.'

His head was pounding, mouth thick and dry as he tried to open his eyes. The light beyond was too bright and he screwed his eyes shut once more, pressing back into the pillow beneath his cheek.

His mind, sluggish as it was, reminded him that the last time he had been awake he had been on the floor of the toy shop. Awake on the floor of the toy shop after watching Wei Wuxian somehow transform from looking like an old man to the young one he knew when the music box had played. He remembered white hair turned to black, lines fading from his face, the rasping laboured breathing becoming deep and rhythmic once more.

He opened his eyes slowly, allowing them to adjust to the light and hoping the pounding in his head would begin to recede. The loft room above the toy shop slowly came into view, illuminated by soft candlelight. Movement caught his attention, Wei Wuxian sat at the small workbench, still dressed in his clothes from the evening with only the suit jacket discarded over the back of the chair. His hair was pulled up into a messy bun, black strands streaked with red in the flickering light, no hint of the grey or the white he remembered. He blushed as he realised how much his mind had been playing tricks on him in his drunken state, embarrassed that Wei Wuxian had had to witness it even after Lan Wangji had consumed such a small amount of alcohol.

He knew it would be mortifying the moment Wei Wuxian discovered he was awake, forced to apologise for his behaviour and for putting Wei Wuxian to so much trouble on a night he had promised would be enjoyable. He was about to close his eyes again and hope that he could fall asleep once more, prolonging the inevitable, but Wei Wuxian's voice caught his attention.

'Ah, don't look at me like that. It isn't my fault.'

Lan Wangji opened his mouth to respond, certain the words were for him even if he did not understand them but then Wei Wuxian continued.

'Xuanyu, don't push me. I've told you it isn't that one and if you keep insisting that it is I shall set you downstairs with the others.'

Before Lan Wangji could question why Wei Wuxian was talking to his doll, the little figure of Mo Xuanyu limped across the desk, appearing where before he had been hidden by Wei Wuxian's larger form. Lan Wangji watched, breath caught on a stutter, as the doll, with no manipulation from the man before him, picked up one of the tools that was almost the same size of him and dragged it towards Wei Wuxian's hand. The doll stumbled under the weight of it and Wei Wuxian quickly steadied him with a hand against his back.

'Easy. I don't need another patient to care for especially after the night I've had.'

Mo Xuanyu steadied himself, trying to heft the tool once more, his body radiating stubbornness despite his face remaining the still, painted features, Wei Wuxian's hands returning to their task and nowhere near the doll to move it.

Lan Wangji couldn't help the gasp that escaped him, the tool clattering to the tabletop as Mo Xuanyu dropped it and pointed to him. Wei Wuxian turned, looking between Lan Wangji and Mo Xuanyu before he smiled.

'I promise you're not still drunk,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Well, I'm hoping you're not.'

'He's moving,' said Lan Wangji, his voice rough and shaking a little, 'Mo Xuanyu, he's...'

'It's ok,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Take your time.'

The words were hollow comfort as Lan Wangji's mind tried to tie itself in knots. Though he did not feel entirely sober still, he could not deny the truth in front of him. The doll of Mo Xuanyu, the doll that he had seen nearly every time he had come into the shop was moving, not like an automaton with cogs and wheels or a puppet on strings, he was moving as though he was alive.

He realised he was staring as the doll ducked behind Wei Wuxian, small hands clutching his sleeve as the painted face peered around at him.

'Don't be frightened,' said Wei Wuxian gently, 'It's Lan Zhan, he won't hurt you. I think, right now, he's probably more scared of you. Are you alright?'

It took him a moment to realise the words for meant for him, dragging his gaze from Mo Xuanyu to meet Wei Wuxian's concerned amusement.

'I...he...you...'

'You've encompassed everyone in the room there,' said Wei Wuxian with a teasing smile, 'Well, almost everyone. Come on, come out, he can see you properly now.'

Lan Wangji sat up, head spinning a little before settling to an ache behind his eyes, as the sound of movement echoed from around the small loft and the shop below. It was the wheezing, fluttering sound that came the loudest and he looked up to see the sleek, metallic dragon fly noisily through the air before it landed on Wei Wuxian's shoulder, a puff of smoke leaving its mouth as eyes made of glass beads turned towards him.

He drew his legs up close, hugging his arms around them as a small tin robot clomped towards the bed and tugged on the covers, antenna spinning as it whistled and clicked. Though it seemed it was incapable of climbing up onto the bed, the small brown teddy bear was more agile, clambering up the blankets until it stood no more than an arm's length from Lan Wangji, fathomless dark eyes staring at him.

'Wei Ying!' he managed passed clenched teeth, 'They're...'

'I told you this place was magic,' said Wei Wuxian gently, 'I don't know why you're surprised.'

'I...I thought you were playing. I thought it was a story. It was...magic isn't...this is real.'

'Very much so,' said Wei Wuxian, 'But we've had to keep it quiet around you. Until you are willing to believe, it is hard for you to see the truth.'

'Willing to believe?' said Lan Wangji as a ballerina doll span elegantly on one leg on the floor before him, row upon row of tin soldiers forming up not far from her in a tiny battalion, 'I...'

'When you were drunk, you saw me change in a way your mind knows a normal person should not be able to. I'll explain in a while. Seeing that, seeing me, changed something. Reminded you of the magic you understood as a child but that has been chased from you as an adult. Just don't be afraid. Nothing in here will harm you.'

Something soft and warm pressed against his hand, stilling his words as he looked down to see the small, fluffy paw of the teddy bear pressed against his hand, curious eyes turned up at him. Instinct told him to pull away but he was reminded of how A-Yuan would bring Tuzi to him whenever the stresses of the world lay too heavily on him, pressing the soft, stuffed paw against his hand to offer him comfort and he felt a small smile tug at his lips.

'Hello,' he said quietly, frowning as the little bear snatched its paw away, 'It's ok.'

The warm paw rested against his hand again before the warm, light frame pressed against his side.

'They've wanted to meet you for the longest time,' said Wei Wuxian, his smile bright as he finally coaxed Mo Xuanyu out from behind him.

'I can't believe this is real. They're real. This place...how?'

'Me,' said Wei Wuxian, 'My mother. She was magic. I'm magic. This place is magic.'

'The story you told me, about the boy and the music box, that's true?'

Wei Wuxian nodded, 'I don't know what happened. I can remember being not magic before the sickness came but I knew this place was magic, A-Niang always made the toys dance and I had so many playmates. I remember everyone getting ill and then getting ill myself. I remember A-Niang singing and the music box playing and then nothing until I woke up and...and she was gone.'

'I'm sorry,' said Lan Wangji, the pain all to easy to feel when the same loss lingered over him daily, 'You were so young.'

Wei Wuxian shrugged, 'It was a very, very long time ago.'

'That doesn't matter.'

'You're right, it doesn't,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I would have loved for you to know them but then...I don't know. If the sickness hadn't come then me, this place, everything would have been so different. It is so different from everything I knew then. It's so long ago that sometimes it feels like a dream.'

Lan Wangji let his gaze pass over the man before him, young and handsome, no more than thirty if he had to give him an age but the stories he had once thought only words had given him far more years.

'You said centuries,' said Lan Wangji, 'How old are you?'

'I don't know exactly,' said Wei Wuxian, 'But centuries. Jiejie tried to research once but I did not know if my village as it was then had a name. There are several settlements noted. She found historical records of a plague with symptoms that matched what I can remember. It was last recorded six hundred years ago.'

Lan Wangji's aching head began to spin anew, 'Six hundred years?'

'Quite the age gap, I grant you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I don't really know how old I am. Time passes differently here and, for very long periods of time, it was just me and my friends here.'

The loneliness in the words hit Lan Wangji hard and he reached out a hand, 'Come here, you're too far away.'

'I didn't want to crowd you,' said Wei Wuxian, getting to his feet and helping Mo Xuanyu back to the floor before they both crossed the short distance to the bed.

Lan Wangji picked up the teddy bear that was leaning against him and settled it in his lap, watching it circle like a cat for a moment before it curled up against him. Wei Wuxian smiled as he sat beside him, reaching out to stroke the small bear before reaching down to scoop Mo Xuanyu onto the bed.

'I'm sorry if I frightened you,' said Lan Wangji as the doll looked up at him from his place on Wei Wuxian's knee. 'If you had told me before I left home earlier that I would be talking to toys, I'd have attributed that to the alcohol.'

'Alcohol just makes you quick and silly,' said Wei Wuxian, 'If it hadn't been for the time, I would have enjoyed chasing you around the park. I'm only glad you didn't tip yourself into the pond.'

Lan Wangji blushed, 'I'm sorry if I was difficult. I can't remember much, only...'

'Go on,' said Wei Wuxian bumping his shoulder against his, 'I think I have an idea of what the only is.'

'You were older. You kept getting older and your hair was white and you sounded like an old man.'

'I'm over six hundred years old, I am an old man,' said Wei Wuxian.

'But you look so young. What happened?' said Lan Wangji, lacing their fingers together, 'You were so afraid and I was so useless. I'm sorry.'

Wei Wuxian sighed, 'Don't say that, Lan Zhan,' he said, 'The whole situation could have been avoided if I'd ordered the drinks properly. I got the name wrong and I put us both in danger. I should be the one who is sorry. I should be more careful. I know how dangerous it is to go out for long periods of time.'

'If it was dangerous, why did you?' said Lan Wangji, 'If I'd known I was putting you in danger I would have planned differently. I knew something was wrong and I still didn't bring you home when I could.'

'I asked you not to, remember?' said Wei Wuxian, 'I just wanted one night to be normal. It's so hard, being this and wanting so much to be different.'

Lan Wangji squeezed his hand gently, 'Normal is overrated,' he said, 'But why did everything happen like that? You got old.'

Wei Wuxian sighed, 'It is hard to explain,' he said, 'But I cannot be away from the music box. To leave, it has to be playing and keep playing otherwise well, you saw what happens. If the music slows or stops playing then the world catches up with me and I age. It never used to be as bad as this, years ago I could wind it and leave it playing for hours but the mechanism is so old that it cannot sustain for longer than two hours at a time now and the key won't turn more than three times. I get six hours at best if I don't use my magic. Last night was shorter than it should have been so I think it's failing even more now.'

Horror settled in Lan Wangji's bones as it had done on the fateful day he had sat beside his mother in the doctor's office and heard the words cancer and terminal spoken together.

'What if it fails entirely?'

Wei Wuxian shuddered, 'Best case scenario, I am confined to the shop for the rest of my life,' he said, 'Worst case scenario, I refuse to entertain. I can be here when the music box is silent with no issues though, unless I really overwork myself, and, in the years I didn't set foot beyond the alleyway, I had no need to play it and I stayed looking like this the whole time. I could be content here. So long as I have my magic, within these walls, anything is possible.'

Lan Wangji was silent, thoughts pounding behind the headache that warred for dominance in his head. He had not believed in magic for so long and yet he did not doubt the man next to him, certain he would not even if his own mother and son had not already witnessed what Lan Wangji had refused to see. He remembered a time when it was possible to believe anything, even a toy coming to life before his eyes. He had known Wei Wuxian was special the day he had met him, something about him calling to Lan Wangji in a way that he could not put into words. He had felt like he had done when the stories had come as easily as breathing whenever he was in his presence, free and inspired and capable of anything. He knew, if he examined his thoughts deeply enough, that he had always hoped that his mother and A-Yuan's stories would prove true.

'Does this change us?' said Wei Wuxian, his voice quiet, 'If it does, I understand. I've tried not to be dishonest with you but, at the same time, I did not want to force anything on to you that you were not in a position to believe. My hand was rather forced with everything that's happened since we went out though.'

Lan Wangji looked down at their joined hands before raising them to his lips and pressing a kiss to the back of Wei Wuxian's hand.

'This doesn't change us. You're still you and this doesn't change what I feel about you,' he said, a small laugh escaping him, 'It's a lot to take in though and I already have a headache.'

'Do you need to sleep some more?' said Wei Wuxian, 'It's about two in the morning so ages until the sun is up.'

'Two?' said Lan Wangji, 'Where's my phone? I need to let Mama know I'm here. She'll worry. I said I was coming home.'

'She'll know you're with me,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Don't wake her. You can message here in the morning.'

'She'll think...' he said, trailing off as embarrassment more suited to a teenager settled over him at the thought of what his mother and uncle would surmise from his absence.

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'I will reassure her that you were a complete gentleman.'

'Perhaps in one context but not in another,' said Lan Wangji with a sigh, 'I put you in danger and I ruined your evening. I'm sorry.'

'There is no need to be sorry and it was our evening, not my evening. It would have been very dull without you.'

'I wanted it to be better,' said Lan Wangji, 'I knew it was important to you and now I know everything, I wish it would have ended better.'

Wei Wuxian bumped their shoulders together. 'You're in my bed, Lan Zhan. I think most people would call that a good end to a date.'

'Not hungover and grim though.'

'You're gorgeous, not grim,' said Wei Wuxian pressing a kiss to his temple, 'But, if it would make you feel better, follow me.'

Lan Wangji gently lifted the small bear from his lap, letting it nuzzle against his hand before he set it neatly on the bed, Mo Xuanyu hobbling over to greet it. He got to his feet, surprising himself as he gently scratched the little clockwork dragon dozing on Wei Wuxian's shoulder beneath the chin as they paused for a moment.

'Xuanyu, careful getting down off the bed,' said Wei Wuxian, 'The rest of you, don't get underfoot, Lan Zhan isn't used to you yet.'

'Not to mention that I'm not sure that I can see perfectly straight,' said Lan Wangji, 'I have wondered for a long time if alcohol would affect me as badly now as it did when I was young and now I know.'

'You were charmingly chaotic,' said Wei Wuxian, 'If we'd been here, I would have enjoyed it entirely.'

'Well don't encourage a repeat performance,' said Lan Wangji, 'And I would prefer to remember our time together. Some of earlier is really hazy and all I can remember is being afraid for you.'

Wei Wuxian led him to the door that opened onto the small courtyard, pushing aside the curtain and opening the door.

'Don't think about it any more,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I'm fine and, in a way, I'm glad of it. You know me properly now.'

'I'm sorry I didn't believe you before.'

'You weren't ready,' said Wei Wuxian, as they descended the steps, 'But I knew you'd get there. Now, take my hands and close your eyes.'

Lan Wangji cocked an eyebrow in question but did as he was told, taking hold of Wei Wuxian's hands and closing his eyes, smiling as warm lips pressed to his forehead.

'Imagine your bathroom at home for me.'

'My bathroom?' said Lan Wangji.

'Trust me, my dear storyteller. Imagine it for me.'

Lan Wangji squeezed his hands, willing to indulge Wei Wuxian despite his confusion as to why he was standing in the courtyard imagining his bathroom.

'Are you picturing it?' said Wei Wuxian, his voice carrying a smile, 'Tell me what it looks like?'

'I...why?'

'Indulge me. Surely you can find the words.'

Lan Wangji sighed, the niggling headache still pressing behind his eyes, but he focused on the image in his mind and brought it to words.

'The floor looks like white tile, flecked with grey, marbled. The utilities are white, the bath and shower to the right of the door with a pale blue shower curtain. The sink is against the far wall with a square mirror above. There are shelves either side, three each side and then one longer one above the mirror with spider plants. The bathmat is pale blue, the towels match.'

Wei Wuxian huffed out a soft laugh, 'Why doesn't that surprise me?' he said, 'I can see it. Open your eyes.'

'Why the sudden interest in my bathroom?' said Lan Wangji, opening his eyes as Wei Wuxian led him towards the gate to the park behind the toy shop.

'Step inside,' said Wei Wuxian, pushing open the gate.

For a moment there was nothing but darkness beyond but, as Lan Wangji stepped beyond the border of the gate, light illuminated not the park they had visited before but instead his own bathroom. He sprang back in surprise, Wei Wuxian's strong hands steadying him as he almost stumbled.

'How did you...'

'That whole magic thing,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I'm rather good at it.'

'That was a park,' said Lan Wangji, pointing to the gate and the bathroom beyond, 'We went through there into a park.'

'I stepped through there with A-Yuan and Xuanji-Jiejie into a farm as well,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And it has been a many more things before that.'

'How?'

Wei Wuxian stepped into his view and wiggled his fingers, 'Magic.'

'Wei Ying!'

'It's true,' said Wei Wuxian with a laugh, 'Or are you refusing to believe in me again, Lan Zhan.'

'I'm not,' said Lan Wangji, 'But I...I've never...is it real?'

Wei Wuxian shrugged, 'Real, not real, it's hard to say. It's real for now but if I do this.'

He waved a hand, the room beyond disappearing from view and turning to nothing but darkness beyond the threshold of the gate. Lan Wangji knew it wasn't just darkness but instead an emptiness, uncertain whether he would be able to step back into the real world if he dared step into it.

Another wave of Wei Wuxian's hand restored the room beyond and Lan Wangji tentatively stepped forward, the room feeling as it always felt, even the smell the same despite him not describing it to Wei Wuxian.

'Everything works,' said Wei Wuxian at his back, 'Just as it would at your house. I thought it might help you to feel a little better. No one can get in here so do not worry about the door. I will be upstairs. Come back to me when you're ready.'

Lan Wangji looked back at him, silhouetted in the strange doorway that separated them, the rear of the toy shop at his back. He couldn't help but smile, realising that, beneath everything, he had hoped to find that Wei Wuxian was truly magic rather than spinning tall tales to entertain them all.

'What is it?' said Wei Wuxian, blushing a little beneath the scrutiny.

'You're magic,' said Lan Wangji, 'And I wonder just what else you are capable of now I know what I've been seeing all this time.'

'When you're done, I'll show you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I told you I could do better than that exhibition.'

'Then I'll be as quick as I can,' said Lan Wangji, turning back to the impossible bathroom and heading towards the sink.

He heard a chuckle when he jumped as water came from the tap, turning back to see Wei Wuxian heading back up the steps to the toy shop. He looked around himself once more, expecting to find a flaw somewhere but the room surrounding him was perfect in every detail, pulled from his own memory and made real before him.

He was certain he should be frightened but instead excitement and anticipation chased away any other feeling, eager to learn more and find out just what feats Wei Wuxian was capable of.

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji worried a thin blue thread on the corner of the bath mat, twisting it around his finger as he marvelled that the illusion that surrounded him was complex enough to create a loose thread. Illusion was not the word he wanted though, the reality of the room far more than a simple illusion. The water he had splashed on his face had been cool and real, chasing off the headache pounding behind his eyes. The mirror he had studied his own face in as he had tried to put himself back into something resembling order had not only reflected him back perfectly but the room behind him as well, the only disconcerting thing being the sight of the door that led back to the courtyard and the toy shop beyond, reminding him that the bathroom he was in was not the one he knew at home despite how exact it looked.

He had watched the door when he had sat down on the floor beside the bath, letting the cold rim press to the back of his neck, certain if he stared long enough that it would disappear and he would find himself truly at home and the strange night nothing more than a dream. It stubbornly remained in place, real and strange and filled with promise both of the man who waited the other side and the power that he had.

Wei Wuxian was no longer just an eccentric toy maker. Wei Wuxian was magic. Wei Wuxian was something new and exciting and better than any story that Lan Wangji could ever tell. Wei Wuxian was as extraordinary as he had always known him to be.

He could almost laugh at himself at how easily had dismissed what had been right in front of him, the magic he had tried to give logical explanation to that became more and more farcical the more he recalled them. Though he regretted that their evening had ended with him drunk and stumbling, putting them both in danger, he was grateful for the fact that the lowered inhibitions and reasoning ability had opened his eyes to what was right before him.

He abandoned the loose thread on the bathmat, getting to his feet. His head, at least, was no longer pounding but he was sure tiredness would be pressing on him were it not for the adrenaline in his veins after so many revelations. He was reminded of when A-Yuan had been a toddler, still unsteady on his feet and having to be encouraged over thresholds, as he took a larger step than necessary to re-enter the courtyard, certain he would find the other side an illusion of some sort and lose his footing.

The air outside was cool but not as cold as it should be for an early winter night and he wondered just how far Wei Wuxian's magic effected their surroundings and how far it extended. He knew the answers to such questions would only come from the man himself but it was not curiosity that hurried his feet up the stairs to the toy shop, wanting to once more lay eyes upon Wei Wuxian and convince himself that everything was real.

He found him once more at his little workbench, the toys still milling around the space at their own games as he worked. Mo Xuanyu sat on the table beside him, twisting a matchstick in his hands as though it was a baton before he reached up to poke at the flank of the clockwork dragon that was still perched on Wei Wuxian's shoulder, keeping it up until the little dragon hiccuped out a small mouthful of fire and smoke.

'Cut it out, you two,' said Wei Wuxian, patting at his hair to extinguish the few sparks that landed there as the doll of Mo Xuanyu threw his head back as though laughing despite their being no sound. 'Well I'm glad you think it's funny.'

'Your hair has been through enough tonight as it is,' said Lan Wangji, smiling as Wei Wuxian turned to him.

The toy maker's answering smile was bright but tinged with something that looked like relief as he got to his feet, shooing off the dragon who flew off to perch in the rafters above their heads.

'I was beginning to think you weren't going to come back up,' he said, 'Are you alright?'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'I needed some time to think. Take everything in.'

Wei Wuxian's hands fidgeted before him, 'And...? Are we still, ok?'

'You're Wei Ying, always have been and always will be and this has always been a part of you and I'm the idiot who refused to see it,' said Lan Wangji, 'So, as long as you can accept that your boyfriend can be rather blind to things right before him at times, then we're more than ok.'

Wei Wuxian took hold of his hands, pulling him close enough to press a kiss to his lips. 'I was worried,' he said, 'I wanted to come down but I wanted to give you time.'

'The time was appreciated,' said Lan Wangji, 'It allowed me to remind myself of everything I thought was technology and feel thoroughly ridiculous for it.'

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'There were a few times I had to hide a laugh,' he said, 'But it was endearing and I knew one day you would see the truth. No one can write stories the way you do and not believe in magic. I understand why it has been harder for you though.'

'You've made it easier, even before I knew the truth,' said Lan Wangji, 'Thank you for being so patient with me.'

'You are worth the wait,' said Wei Wuxian, 'How are you feeling?'

'Better,' said Lan Wangji, 'I no longer feel as though my brain is trying to break out of my skull.'

'Do you need to sleep? You're welcome to the bed. It's too late for you to go home and I am selfish and want to keep you for a little longer if I can.'

'I'm tired but I don't know that I can sleep.'

Wei Wuxian grinned, 'An adventure then? Now you believe in me, I don't have to hide anything.'

'What do you have in mind?'

'Now that would be telling, my dear storyteller,' said Wei Wuxian, pulling him back towards the stairs to the courtyard, 'And I don't want to spoil the surprise.'

The gateway was dark again as they approached it, remaining so as Wei Wuxian waved a hand before it.

'Step inside.'

'Into what?' said Lan Wangji, 'Wei Ying?'

'Trust me, Lan Zhan,' he said, 'I won't let go of your hand. Come on.'

Lan Wangji tightened his grip on Wei Wuxian's hand as they stepped into the black, his other hand grabbing onto his arm as the floor gave out beneath them.

'What the...!' he cried before something arrested his fall though he couldn't explain it, the strange floating sensation testing just how well the alcohol had left his body, 'Wei Ying!'

Wei Wuxian laughed, covering his hand with his own, 'I won't let you fall.'

Lan Wangji dared to look down, nothing but blackness beneath his feet, and he felt his stomach swoop as his eyes slammed shut.

'How are you doing this? I don't like it.'

'You're safe,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Nothing can hurt you in here.'

'Tell that to the laws of physics.'

'Physics has little control here.'

'That is what I'm afraid of,' said Lan Wangji, 'Let me go back.'

'Hold on,' said Wei Wuxian, pressing a kiss to his temple.

They didn't move but Lan Wangji felt the floor become solid beneath his feet even as he kept a tight grip on Wei Wuxian's arm. He didn't dare open his eyes, his breathing shallow and loud in the quiet of the space.

'Nothing is going to harm you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Open your eyes.'

'Do I have to?' said Lan Wangji, managing to smile as Wei Wuxian laughed.

'You can't see how wonderful I am if you don't.'

Lan Wangji dared to open his eyes, the darkness disorientating him until he turned to Wei Wuxian, glad at least that he could see his face.

'Is the darkness so that my only focus is on you?'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'Whilst I am more than happy to have all your attention on me, why don't you look around?'

Colours appeared in his peripheral vision but he preferred to see them reflected in the eyes of the man before him for a moment until curiosity made him turn towards them.

The scene was reminiscent of the final exhibit in the gallery, lights stretching out in the darkness, swirling and spinning in an infinite ballet. He jumped as a ball of bright pink streamed passed him like a comet, trailing glitter behind that sparkled on the floor they were standing on. He ducked as another in green sailed low over their heads, crackling and fizzing like a firework.

'Hmm, needs more,' said Wei Wuxian, stepping away from Lan Wangji and flinging his arms wide, the room before them exploding with hundreds of the comets.

Lan Wangji watched in awe as Wei Wuxian moved like a conductor, the lights responding to him as though it had been practised a hundred times, new lights appearing as though he had conjured them from beneath their feet. Tiny ones surrounded Lan Wangji, making him laugh as they tickled and dragged him closer to Wei Wuxian's side.

'Impressed yet?' said the toy maker, clapping his hands together and making several of the comets collide, showering everything in multicoloured glitter.

Lan Wangji smiled, words of awe bubbling beneath the surface but something more playful passed his lips, 'Getting there,' he said, laughing at the indignant huff of the man beside him.

'Knew you'd be a tough crowd,' said Wei Wuxian, taking his hand, 'And now you've asked for it.'

He thought the floor had dropped from beneath them again but, as he looked down, he saw the glitter patterns the exploding comets had made shrinking further and further from them and realised that instead they were the ones floating upwards. He grabbed for Wei Wuxian's arm once more, holding on tightly as they were lifted into the spinning, swirling riot of colour that surrounded them.

'Have I impressed you now?' said Wei Wuxian, laughing brightly, 'Relax, you won't fall.'

'My feet are meant to be on the floor,' said Lan Wangji, 'I don't know...'

'Trust me.'

The words were softly spoken and genuine, Wei Wuxian's fingers soothing over Lan Wangji's tight grip until it slowly relaxed. He was unsure if there was some sort of magic in the touch or just the sensation of loving hands and the trust he did have in Wei Wuxian that made him relax, the terrifying thought of being away from the ground slowly receding as they floated through the myriad of colours swirling around them.

'See,' said Wei Wuxian as Lan Wangji loosened one hand to let it drift through the tail of one comets, 'It's not so bad and it's easy once you get used to it.'

Lan Wangji turned to him, the colours playing over Wei Wuxian's face making him all the more magical looking, highlighting the bright excitement of his eyes. 'Do you fly often then?'

'My darling I have been to the moon and back again more times than I can count. Floated on clouds, floated in the deep cool dark with nothing around me. I've even had wings and flown around the highest peaks of the tallest mountains. I'll take you one day.'

'I don't know whether you are playing or being serious,' said Lan Wangji, as they weaved through several larger swirls of colour that hung like nebulas in the darkness.

'Stick around long enough and you'll see.'

He heard he vulnerability beneath the words, the worry that Lan Wangji would leave after learning the truth clear in Wei Wuxian's actions since he had revealed it and he knew he had a way to go to convince the man beside him that, magical or not, he cared for him.

'I'm not going anywhere,' said Lan Wangji, 'So you can show me everything.'

Though he had mostly recovered from the swooping sensation that accompanied not being tethered to the ground, a new wave of a far more pleasant variety swept over him as he was turned to face Wei Wuxian and caught in strong arms. The breath that escaped him was quickly captured by warm lips, the swirling colours surrounding them forgotten in favour of the sensation of a kiss that spoke far more than either of them could give words to. Magic had been there to save him in his childhood, a refuge and an escape, it had been his constant companion through late nights of writing, conjuring the stories in the air before his eyes until he could drag out the words and place them on the page. It only made sense in the end that he would find magic, whole and real before him in a man who had captured him with his heart and his kindness and his smile, who had been magical to him long before he had realised just how true the sentiment was.

'Wei Ying,' he said as they parted, forehead resting against his, 'My Wei Ying.'

'Yours,' came the breathless response, 'I...oh.'

Lan Wangji raised his head as he heard the surprise in Wei Wuxian's voice, realising that the swirling colours around them were frozen in the darkness, the wild movement of before paused as though in waiting.

'I think I lost my concentration,' he said, 'A kiss is a powerful thing, I suppose.'

'So long as you don't drop us.'

Wei Wuxian grinned, 'I think I'd better set us down. Your kisses are dangerous. I have an idea too.'

Lan Wangji could not explain the strange sensation of floating down towards a floor that he couldn't see, the colourful comets that had surrounding them settling into a sparkling cosmos above their heads as his feet finally met something solid. Before he could truly get his bearings, music surrounded him, the floor changing from the black expanse to polished wooden floorboards. The change chased to all corners of the room that now appeared around them, revealing the bar they had been in before his fateful encounter with alcohol. The only thing absent was the other people who had been present, even the band that played blurred like an old impressionist painting where their characters were not the subject of the piece.

'You said you would dance with me if we were alone.'

He turned his attention back to Wei Wuxian, his face wearing the same teasing smile that he was used to but there was a tentativeness beneath it, an anticipation Lan Wangji felt whenever he stepped into the toy shop.

He slipped an arm around the toy maker's waist as he took hold of his other hand, a thrill racing through him as Wei Wuxian's free hand found a resting place beside his shoulder.

'I am woefully unpractised,' said Lan Wangji, 'So I apologise in advance.'

'I've only ever learned from books,' said Wei Wuxian, 'So you have me at a disadvantage already. You're my first dance partner, my dear storyteller. I am in your hands.'

'Then we can learn together,' said Lan Wangji, 'There's no one here to tell us we're doing it wrong.'

He was sure, if they were to have an audience, that their dancing would be referred to more as laughing, stumbling, and swaying but, neither of them cared and Lan Wangji could not recall when he had laughed so much that his sides hurt or smiled so that his cheeks ached. He was not sure how long they stood simply swaying in each other's arms as the music gentled, Wei Wuxian's head resting against his shoulder, but the toy maker's yawn drew Lan Wangji from his silent contentment and he pressed a kiss to his temple, eyes catching the faint glint of silver hair.

'Wei Ying,' he said, coaxing his head gently from his shoulder, 'Your hair.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'It's fine. I'm tired, that's all,' he said, 'It'll fade the moment we're back in the shop.'

'Then let's go back,' said Lan Wangji, 'I forgot this was an illusion. I didn't mean for you to use your magic for so long.'

'My choice,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I was enjoying myself too much to let it end. Please don't worry. It won't do much to me here, this place is...different to the outside, a part of whatever this is. I've never understood it properly.'

'We should rest, even if it doesn't hurt you,' said Lan Wangji, covering his own yawn with a hand, 'The evening is catching up with me too.'

The room around them began to fade as Wei Wuxian led them towards the door, the courtyard outside looking eerie in the darkness, the muted greys of the night alien against the colours that had surrounded them in the illusion. It was as though a light had been turned off behind them as they crossed the threshold back into the courtyard, the space they had been dancing in once again shrouded in blackness.

'I can conjure it up again, whenever you want me to,' said Wei Wuxian, 'You only have to ask.'

'Only when you're well rested enough,' said Lan Wangji, squeezing the hand holding his before they headed to the stairs.

Lan Wangji was sure the strangeness of the evening would hit him at some point, that the ease in which he had accepted Wei Wuxian's magic would turn to confusion as to just how the world was completely different to how he had once perceived it. As they stepped into the familiar loft though, he felt nothing but peace, the space one he knew well and had often taken comfort in. The toys were absent, even Mo Xuanyu missing from where they had left him on the bed, but the soft sound of whirring and scurrying from the floor below hinted to their whereabouts.

'They'll settle down when we do,' said Wei Wuxian despite Lan Wangji not speaking, 'If you still want to stay?'

'I want to stay,' said Lan Wangji, knowing the words would be the same even if it was a sensible hour for him to be returning home, the thought of his own, empty bed unappealing when compared to the small, patchwork covered one in the corner of the loft.

It was with familiarity that they slipped out of their shoes, still dressed in the clothes they had worn for their evening out, and laid side by side in the bed. In the stories he wrote, whenever he featured a couple retiring to bed, it was with ease that they settled beside one another but he preferred the reality as the two of them took several long minutes to set themselves in a position that suited them both. He had slept alone too often for the weight of Wei Wuxian's body against his to feel natural but the warmth of him, the cautious, gentle hands, the scent of his hair as Lan Wangji pressed a kiss to the crown of his head was comforting, a position he would be glad to grow used to.

The toy shop grew quiet around them and Lan Wangji felt as though the whole space was breathing with them, sinking into the softness of sleep. He wondered at what dreams would accompany him, the night far stranger than any he had ever known, but the thought was short lived as sleep finally caught up with him.

We'll give you an hour or so to make yourself presentable and then we'll be over. Would you like me to stop at the cafe and get breakfast on the way if you've worked up an appetite?

Lan Wangji cursed whoever had taught his mother to follow her text message with a string of suggestive emojis as he responded that they had no cause to make themselves presentable but that breakfast would be appreciated when she and Lan Qiren arrived with A-Yuan.

'You've gone very pink, is she teasing you?' said Wei Wuxian, pressing a kiss to his cheek before resting his chin on Lan Wangji's shoulder.

'She has turned the thought of me staying the night into me staying the night,' said Lan Wangji, 'And she refuses to believe otherwise.'

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'Did you tell her that you ended up insensible with alcohol, I aged to a horrible old man in less than an hour, and then you finally accepted that I was actually telling the truth about my magic before we eventually passed out?'

'I tried but she's having none of it,' said Lan Wangji, 'I didn't say anything about you ageing or the magic though. The first would worry her and the latter, well, she'll work that out when she gets here. I still don't understand why I couldn't see it before.'

Arms slid around his waist as he set his phone back on the small table beside the bed and laid back into Wei Wuxian's embrace.

'Because you didn't want to see it,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Even the things I tried to make deliberately obvious you tried to explain away. I was impressed at times.'

'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to doubt you,' said Lan Wangji, 'If I ever upset you...'

'I knew you'd come around eventually,' said Wei Wuxian, pressing a kiss to his temple, 'And it amused me. I'm glad you believe now though.'

'So will I see things differently now?' said Lan Wangji, 'How does it work?'

'If the toys choose to be animate then you'll see them moving and I won't be so cautious with using magic in front of you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Do you think your Shushu will be a believer?'

'Shushu is even more practical than I am but then...when I was small, he always told the best stories, especially when things were difficult. I don't know if he will believe this though.'

'Then we'll give him time,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Are they coming to visit this morning? Was A-Yuan very upset?'

'They'll be here in about an hour,' said Lan Wangji, 'And Mama says he was a little upset I wasn't home but he was happy that I was with you. I imagine, when we see him, that he may insist on staying here too one night.'

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'Well Xuanji-Jiejie seems to think we need a chaperone.'

'Why do you call her Jiejie?' said Lan Wangji, covering the hands at his waist with his own, 'And Jiang Yanli too? You're centuries old.'

'Age isn't an indicator of wisdom though,' said Wei Wuxian, 'It feels right to call them such. Jiejie has looked after me for so long. I was very lonely until she and Jiang Cheng tumbled into the shop. Xuanji-Jiejie has also cared for me in her own way, treated me as a part of your family. It feels right to call them that way. Do you think it's strange?'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'No,' he said, 'I suppose age must be a subjective thing to you anyway.'

'Well I definitely don't act my age,' said Wei Wuxian, with a sigh, 'Sometimes I feel every single year that I have lived and, other days, I feel like I'm still a young man. Sometimes I wish...'

'What do you wish?'

'That I was just a normal person,' said Wei Wuxian, 'But then, what would happen to the shop and the toys? If I'd been...if A-Niang hadn't saved me, however she saved me, then I'd have died back then too and no one would know who I was.'

Lan Wangji turned in his arms, 'Don't talk like that,' he said, 'I don't want to think about a world where I didn't have the chance to meet you.'

Wei Wuxian smiled softly, 'And I'm grateful that we were given the chance to meet. I thought, when you first came, that I would only be granted a handful of moments with you but then you stayed, you and A-Yuan, and I...I'd gladly relive every century and every hardship they brought, to have this. I've never felt like this before.'

'Neither have I,' said Lan Wangji, 'I had forgotten what hope felt like until I met you. The future was just darkness and now, even though I know I have so much pain ahead of me, you've given me something to cling to, a future I didn't think I would have. I'd have kept going, lived a full life for A-Yuan, but now I want that life for myself as well because I know you'll be there. You and A-Yuan and me, if you'll have us.'

'My dear storyteller,' said Wei Wuxian, 'My Lan Zhan, I would not part from either of you for even a day if I had the choice. My future has always been something infinite and hollow but now, I too can see a bright light ahead.'

Lan Wangji knew there were so many more factors to consider for a shared future, Wei Wuxian's longevity against his limited lifespan, the restrictions of the music box, the balancing of the life Lan Wangji had to live in the world beyond to the one Wei Wuxian lived in the toy shop, all faded to nothingness though in the span of his arms and the promise and words unspoken that were woven into their kiss. They would find a way passed any barrier, Lan Wangji certain the growing love between them would be stronger than anything that stood in their way.

Fingers wound into his hair, mussing it even more than the night before had done, Wei Wuxian laughing softly against his lips as they lay back against the pillows.

'I'm not doing a very good job of making sure we're presentable for when your family arrive.'

Lan Wangji pressed up into the warm, work calloused hand. 'You're magic.'

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'Are you testing me, my dear storyteller?'

'I don't believe that a man who can conjure a galaxy of colours on a thought would struggle to set us both to rights in a few moments.'

'I see I'm going to have to work hard to impress you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Magic in here is a bit different to beyond the gate. I don't know why. In the toy shop and the alley, I can do most things. I can make things appear.'

Lan Wangji shook his head as Wei Wuxian waved a hand, one of the small tin soldiers appearing before it disappeared with another gesture.

'Show off.'

'Not going to rationalise it? Say it was up my sleeve.'

Lan Wangji ran a finger along the soft skin of Wei Wuxian's forearm, his sleeves unbuttoned and rolled back to the elbows.

'Not this time.'

'Beyond the alleyway, in your world, I can do basic tricks, things that affect me or things around me more directly but it's harder,' said Wei Wuxian, 'It makes me tired.'

'And grey,' said Lan Wangji, wrapping several long black strands around his fingers.

'I prefer silver to grey,' said Wei Wuxian, 'And that happens even if I don't use magic, it's just a time thing whenever the music box is winding down.'

Lan Wangji frowned, 'We'll have to be careful whenever you go out,' he said, 'I was frightened... well, in the moments my brain was working.'

'It's not usually so bad,' said Wei Wuxian, 'But we'll be careful, not least because I don't want you seeing me at less than my best. If I look like a horrible old man, you might not like me so much any more.'

'I don't just like you for your face.'

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'I know but you have to admit it's a bonus.'

'I am not indulging you if you're fishing for compliments,' said Lan Wangji, before curiosity overcame his amusement, 'What happens in that other place? The place beyond the gate.'

'Anything,' said Wei Wuxian with a grin, 'There I can do anything. I could build you a rocket and take you to the moon, or take you out to sea on a pirate's galleon. So long as I can picture it, then I can make it happen. In there, I can see all the places I've never seen and will never get to see.'

Lan Wangji pressed a kiss to his cheek, hearing the sadness in his words. 'How can you picture it, if you've not see it?'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'That's why I think people like you are so special,' he said, 'Books have been my gateway to so much for so long. In the words of authors I have found a freedom I don't get to experience otherwise. I have lived so many lives just within these four walls. I have lived many of the lives that you have shared with me through your writing. You're part of a unique and wonderful breed, Lan Zhan, and you're one of the best.'

'I...' began Lan Wangji, swallowing against the sudden lump in his throat, 'When I started writing, when I was younger, it was to escape, to go to places that were anywhere other than where I was. When I published for the first time, I always wondered if there was someone out there who needed those stories too.'

Wei Wuxian was warm as he settled down against him, cheek pressed over Lan Wangji's heart.

'Would you tell me a story now? Just until the others arrive.'

Lan Wangji hesitated a moment, the familiar denial of any ability to form a story on his lips, before he buried his fingers into the warm strands of hair and let his eyes fall closed.

'The swish of the automatic doors marks the boundary between the noisy world outside and the quiet sanctuary of the library...'

Chapter Text

'You're such a show off.'

Wei Wuxian laughed as he ran a hand along another shelf, the toys all springing to life and leaping down to join their friends as they played around the toy shop.

'I'm just trying to impress you,' said the toy maker, a click of his fingers brightening the lights around them a little more.

Lan Wangji reached out, capturing the slim waist once more dressed in the more familiar dress coat, pulling Wei Wuxian back into his arms.

'You've done more than enough,' he said, 'Don't wear yourself out.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'In here, I'm fine,' he said, 'There's no need to worry. I do this every day. Trust me, Lan Zhan.'

Lan Wangji nodded, trusting that Wei Wuxian had not lived as many centuries as he had done without knowing his own limits, even if he pushed them on occasion.

'I trust you,' he said, 'But there really is no need to impress me. I am already more than impressed.'

'Good. I was beginning to worry I was going to have to build a rocket and take you to the moon,' said Wei Wuxian, pressing a quick kiss to his lips, 'Let me finish things before your family turn up, I don't want them thinking we've only just got out of bed.'

'We have only just got out of bed,' said Lan Wangji, running a hand through his own hair, 'But only one of us has the ability to snap their fingers and change their clothes.'

'I did offer but you said it would make Xuanji-Jiejie even more suspicious,' said Wei Wuxian, leaving the span of his arms as he headed towards another shelf, the small patchwork cat blinking its eyes open as he ran a hand over his back.

Lan Wangji sighed, 'She's going to be unbearable. I can only hope that A-Yuan being present will keep most of the teasing at bay.'

He followed Wei Wuxian to the door of the shop, the toy maker chuckling to himself as he unlocked the door and opened it onto the empty alleyway. The sound of the city beyond was audible but not intrusive, a muted other world that Lan Wangji was in no rush to rejoin.

'When do the other traders arrive?' he said as Wei Wuxian picked up a broom to sweep a few leaves from the front step.

'The...' began Wei Wuxian, his smile warm if tinged with something Lan Wangji couldn't name, 'I thought you would have worked it out.'

Another click of his fingers was all it took for the alleyway to fill with the same busy, decorated stalls that Lan Wangji was familiar with, the people calling happily to one another as they arranged and rearranged their goods.

'They...'

'They've always been mine,' said Wei Wuxian, 'The first day I remember leaving the shop after A-Niang died, they were here. They looked different back then, like how we used to dress. I changed how they look to make it less obvious to those who pass by but the faces are the same as the people I knew then. They keep me company, just like the toys do.'

Lan Wangji was certain his brain had spun around in his own head several times in less than twenty-four hours as he tried to make sense of the brilliant, magical, confusing world that surrounded Wei Wuxian. He gazed out over the faces before them, faces he had interacted with, spoken to, seen whenever he visited Wei Wuxian, not realising that they were the same that had existed hundreds of years before until a plague had wiped them all from history.

'They're like ghosts?' he said.

'I suppose,' said Wei Wuxian, 'More like memories. This scene, the stalls, the colours, everything, it was my favourite kind of day, when everything felt alive. I suppose it was the most natural thing to cling to back then, when there was nothing left.'

'I'm sorry,' said Lan Wangji, taking hold of his hand, 'You must have been so lonely.'

'At times but not always. Don't look so sad. I'm not lonely now.'

'I don't want you to ever be lonely again,' said Lan Wangji, turning back to the scene before them, 'I can't believe that I've spoken to some of these people and they're magic. You're really amazing.'

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'I certainly hope this wide eyed wonder of yours lasts for a long time, I'm enjoying it,' he said, 'I can't take all the credit for this though. I might be able to make them appear and disappear but their presence wasn't my doing, not the first time anyway. I was in the shop on my own for so long and then, one day, they were here and everything felt alive again.'

'Can I see?' said Lan Wangji, curiosity getting the better of then, 'How it first looked? Unless that's too painful.'

'It's not too painful,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Not any more.'

Another click changed the scene before him, the stalls in the same places and their wares the same but the people behind them were dressed in fashions Lan Wangji had only ever seen in museums or on historical dramas. The fashions and the knowledge of just how long it had been since Wei Wuxian had lost everyone he loved brought tears to his eyes, his fingers tightening around the toy maker's.

'Don't be sad, Lan Zhan,' he said, 'In a way, they're still here.'

'Everyone?' said Lan Wangji, remembering just how real the conversations he had had with the traders had been, 'Are your parents here?'

Wei Wuxian shook his head, clicking his fingers and returning the traders to their previous attire.

'No. That would...They weren't here when I came back. They were some of the last to die and they'd kept me inside for a long time before that. I thought about bringing them back when I realised that I could manipulate things but I knew, if I gave that to myself, if I let myself have them, I'd never want to live in the real world. Comforting as it may have been, part of me knows it would be a bad idea.'

Lan Wangji wanted to protest, wanted to argue that when his mother finally lost her battle he would do anything to see her again but, as he allowed himself to follow the thought, he realised just how easily he would get lost in the fantasy to the detriment of his real life.

'It makes sense,' he said, 'I understand why you didn't want to do it.'

'It's hard sometimes but I've managed so far,' said Wei Wuxian, his eyes misting a little before he smiled, 'And I have enough. Besides, they're still in my memories, vivid as they were back then.'

'Do you want to go back inside?' said Lan Wangji.

Wei Wuxian nodded, leading him back into the quiet of the shop. The toys were still moving around, their behaviour so natural that Lan Wangji felt a small glimmer of shame run through him that his disbelief had kept them from their usual habits.

'Did Xuanji-Jiejie say she was bringing food?' said Wei Wuxian, holding a hand out to allow a butterfly made from folded paper to land on his fingers.

'Yes,' said Lan Wangji, 'I imagine she will stop off at the cafe.'

'Then we'd better prepare for that.'

He had imagined Wei Wuxian moving shelves and the table they often sat around by hand, the toy shop so often changing from one visit to the next. He could admit, if only in his own mind, that he had allowed his mind to wonder onto the scene on occasion, Wei Wuxian with tail coat discarded and sleeves rolled up as he worked. The reality though, despite the tail coat remaining firmly in place, was impressive enough, shelves moving by themselves with just a wave of their master's hand until a table set with five chairs and five place settings appeared in their place.

'Do you think I should get the chess set out?' said Wei Wuxian, 'Your Shushu seems to prefer me when there is a board between us.'

'I'm sure he would not complain about a rematch but I have a feeling A-Yuan is going to want to monopolise your time.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'Especially when I have stolen his Baba from him all night,' he said, a slight nervousness lighting the corners of his smile as he worried one of the buttons on his coat, 'I was thinking that perhaps I should build a small bed for him. Then he could stay when you stay sometimes...if you want to stay again. I'm not assuming...'

It seemed like the most natural thing to chase the worry from the toy maker's face with a kiss.

'Have I given you any reason to believe that I did not want to be here more frequently,' said Lan Wangji, 'And I am sure A-Yuan would love to be invited to stay to. Being here is so good for him. I hope though, that we can have some nights that are just you and I in the future too.'

'I'm rather counting on it,' said Wei Wuxian, pressing a finger to Lan Wangji's lips before he could kiss him again, 'We have company, my dear storyteller.'

A-Yuan's bright laughter soon carried from the alleyway and Lan Wangji left Wei Wuxian's side to hurry to the door, the sound like a siren call when he had only ever spent a handful of night's away from his beloved son since his adoption.

He had the door open and the boy in his arms before he even considered how the room beyond would appear to his family, hearing the toys whirring and moving behind him even as he buried his face in the warmth of his son's shoulder.

'There you are. I missed you. I'm sorry I couldn't get home last night.'

'Năinai said you were poorly and that Xian-Gege had to take care of you,' said A-Yuan, 'Are you feeling better now, Baba?'

Lan Wangji pulled back just enough to meet A-Yuan's gaze and seeing the quick, clever eyes raking over his face, checking to make sure he was truly well.

'I'm fine,' he said, 'Xian-Gege has taken very good care of me.'

'I bet he has.'

'Mama!' said Lan Wangji with a shake of his head before he pressed a kiss to his son's cheek and got to his feet, 'Where is Shushu?'

He looked out into the alleyway, expecting to see his uncle conversing with one of the traders but the only people he could see were the ones Wei Wuxian had conjured from his past.

'He is meeting with some friends,' said Li Xuanji, 'Lured away by promises of dull discussions on building philosophy of some sort. I felt good as well, so A-Yuan and I took a slow walk from the car park to the cafe and then to here. Thought we'd give you both a little bit more time together.'

Lan Wangji allowed the tease, hearing the delight beneath the playful words. 'It gave us time to talk after last night ended abruptly.'

Li Xuanji chuckled, 'My baby, only you could get drunk on half a drink.'

'Tuzi, don't! Baba isn't ready to see you yet.'

He turned at A-Yuan's sudden cry, seeing the small grey rabbit, that was usually just an inanimate toy, jump down from his son's arms to hop around by his feet. Despite all he had seen, it was still a shock to see him move, the little toy so much a part of their lives but never alive, at least in front of Lan Wangji's eyes. Li Xuanji's shocked gasp came from beside him as he crouched down, holding a hand out towards the little rabbit that hopped tentatively over to sniff at his fingers.

'Baba?'

'I told you he'd believe one day, A-Yuan,' said Wei Wuxian, drawing closer to them.

A-Yuan's eyes widened, 'Baba, you can see them?'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'I can see all of it now, just like you told me,' he said, 'I'm sorry I took so long.'

His arms were soon full of his son, A-Yuan hugging him tightly as Tuzi's warm front feet came to rest against his thigh. He heard footsteps and a choked sob before he looked up to see his mother hugging Wei Wuxian just as tightly. He could not hear the words she spoke to the toy maker but he saw the soft, joyful smile on Wei Wuxian's face and he knew thanks had been spoken for bringing magic back into all of their lives.

'Does this mean you can play with us now, Baba?' said A-Yuan, 'That you know it changes behind the gate outside?'

'Xian-Gege has already shown me. He took me to see lots of lights that danced,' said Lan Wangji, reaching down to scratch Tuzi behind the ear, 'And I got to meet Mo Xuanyu properly.'

A-Yuan's eyes were wide with excitement, his smile threatening to leave his cheeks aching and Lan Wangji could not remember when the child before him had looked so happy. He knew the moment would be a fleeting one, that his mother's morning of good health would only last as long as her stamina could muster and that the real world would seek them out once more, but, in the safety of the toy shop he knew he could keep the happy, carefree smile for a little longer.

'Certainly sounds like you have had a busy time and are need of sustenance,' said Li Xuanji, 'So it's lucky that I made sure to buy plenty. Jiang Yanli made sure to include some of your favourites, Wei Wuxian.'

'She's too good,' said Wei Wuxian, taking the bag from Li Xuanji, 'As are you for spoiling us.'

'Well I thought you might have worked up an appetite after last night.'

'Mama!' said Lan Wangji, hearing the unsubtle tease in her voice, 'Behave!'

'I would but you both blush so wonderfully,' she said, patting Wei Wuxian's cheek, 'Besides, you ate early last night so you're bound to be hungry.'

'Năinai said we had to get plenty of food,' said A-Yuan, 'I chose some of it. She wouldn't let me get the big chocolate cake though. Xian-Gege, can you make a big chocolate cake with magic?'

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'Well I could but I don't think Năinai would be too happy if I went against what she has already said. Maybe another day, when she's not looking.'

The last words were delivered in an overdramatic whisper that only naturally preceded Wei Wuxian's sweeping gesture towards the table that was set for them.

The toys continued to mill around the shop as they ate, those that were more curious occasionally coming over to them, making A-Yuan smile even brighter as they danced and played on the table. A large patchwork cat soon settled itself in Li Xuanji's lap, his mother's fingers absently petting it as they ate. Lan Wangji's own shoulder had soon become a perch for the little clockwork dragon, warm little puffs occasionally brushing his ear as the cogs whirred like a tiny purr.

Mo Xuanyu appeared to like the attention best of all, constantly trying to catch their attention if it went elsewhere with tricks and escapades that had one of them hurrying to stop him falling off the table on several occasions.

'Determined to be the clown today, I see,' said Wei Wuxian, pushing the doll back upright, 'And it gives me an idea, if our guests don't have anywhere else to be?'

'I hadn't planned anything else for the day,' said Li Xuanji, 'And I don't think I would be popular if I pulled either of my boys away from here just yet.'

'I want to stay,' said A-Yuan, 'Please can we stay?'

'I have nowhere else to be,' said Lan Wangji, smiling as Wei Wuxian's hand came to cover his, 'Or anywhere I'd rather be.'

'Perhaps you will permit me to take you all somewhere within the shop though,' said the toy maker, 'Beyond a certain door?'

A-Yuan clapped his hands, 'What are you going to make Xian-Gege? Can we show Baba the farm?'

'One day,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I have another idea for today so long as my young assistant is happy to help me?'

'Me?' said A-Yuan, pointing to himself, 'Yes please.'

A-Yuan shot to his feet as Wei Wuxian stood, following the toy maker towards the stairs to the loft.

'Will you be alright with the stairs, Mama?' said Lan Wangji as he and Li Xuanji followed at a more sedate pace.

'I'll be fine,' she replied, 'I'm feeling good today.'

'Just don't push yourself too hard,' said Lan Wangji, tucking her hand into the bend of his arm.

'I won't,' she said, 'But I'm also not going to waste my good days conserving my strength. It won't do much more than leave me with things to regret. Besides, I should get to know Wei Wuxian a little better seeing how close you two are getting. You look happy, happier than I've seen you for a very long time.'

'I am happy,' said Lan Wangji, 'Especially now I know the truth. Everything makes sense and I...last night, I found something that had been missing for a long time.'

Li Xuanji squeezed his arm, 'I knew you would,' she said as they reached the stairs, Lan Wangji making sure she took them carefully despite her assurances, 'Listen to that pair.'

Wei Wuxian and A-Yuan's twin laughs floated down from the loft above, the reason revealed as they reached the top to see A-Yuan wearing the toy maker's hat, his head too small to keep it on instead of falling down over his eyes.

'I think I might need to make you one of your own,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Unless you really enjoy bumping into things.'

A-Yuan tilted the hat up with a finger. 'No one likes bumping into things, Xian-Gege.'

'Well then, I think I'd better have this back for the moment before we go down. Your Baba's affection for me will dwindle if I allow you to fall.'

'I would prefer no one goes home injured,' said Lan Wangji, 'Have you two decided what we're doing behind the door?'

A-Yuan shook his head, scooping up Tuzi from where he was snuffling happily at his ankle, 'Xian-Gege won't tell me yet.'

'All in good time,' said Wei Wuxian, gently lifting the hat from A-Yuan's head and returning it to his own with a flourish, before he led them all down to the courtyard below.

The gateway before them was dark, giving Lan Wangji the strangest sense of vertigo if he looked at it too long, and he struggled to believe that it was only several hours before that he had been inside amongst the colours and wonder that Wei Wuxian had created.

'Now A-Yuan, I am going to need your help again,' said Wei Wuxian, drawing the child towards the gate, 'Close your eyes.'

A-Yuan did so with a beaming smile, bouncing excitedly on his toes, 'Where are we going?'

'The circus,' said Wei Wuxian, laughing at the joyous shriek that left A-Yuan, 'But you need to tell me what you expect to see there.'

'People on a trapeze and a high-wire,' said A-Yuan, fingers softly brushing over Tuzi's head, 'Wobbling with a big stick to try and keep their balance.'

'What else?' said Wei Wuxian, a subtle movement of his hand towards the gateway bringing a few shades to the otherwise dark portal.

'People that eat fire! Acrobats! Jugglers! A person telling everyone what comes next!'

Faint notes began to echo from the portal, a smell of sweets and sawdust wafting from the sudden breeze.

'And...oh...'

'Oh?' said Wei Wuxian as A-Yuan's face fell a little, 'What's wrong?'

A-Yuan opened his eyes, his gaze sad as he set Tuzi back on the ground, 'I was going to say animals, elephants and lions and things but then I remembered that it's mean to keep them in a circus and I don't want to be mean.'

Wei Wuxian smiled, 'You forget that, beyond that door, everything is magic but how about...'

The trumpeting call was a a swift prelude to the trunk that reached out from the gateway, not flesh but instead wires and patchwork, as animated as it would be if it had been real. Li Xuanji's hand on his arm was the only thing that held beck Lan Wangji's instinct to run over and pluck his son from harm as the long trunk wrapped around the boy and hoisted him over the gate. Wei Wuxian scooped up Tuzi before he followed close behind, holding open the gate for them to follow.

With the same strange feeling that had accompanied him when he had been met with his own bathroom, Lan Wangji stepped into the red silk world of the circus ring, the top of the tent towering high above their heads. The floor was covered with sawdust, the scent of it filling the air along with sweets and popcorn and something that reminded him of the aftermath of a fireworks display. The loud chatter of the people swelled and ebbed along with the music, whoops of delight accompanying the death defying feats of the acrobats who all but flew above them. A-Yuan's own happy shouts were the loudest though, the child sat on the back of the patchwork elephant as it walked around the ring, Wei Wuxian guiding it with a gentle hand on its side whilst the other lifted Tuzi into his young master's arms.

'Quite the pair, aren't they?' said Li Xuanji, both of them having to take a step back to avoid the brightly coloured unicyclist that rushed passed them.

'As foolish as each other,' said Lan Wangji, as Wei Wuxian brought the elephant to a pause in the centre of the ring, encouraging it to bend down a little to allow him to lift A-Yuan from his back.

A mechanical roar echoed from the dark depths of one of the tunnels beneath the rows of seats, the audience gasping and pointing at the lion that emerged. Instead of fur, its body of cogs was covered with tiny coils of wire, larger springs forming the bushy mane. Despite the somewhat fearsome size of it, it padded over with the quietness of a kitten, chuffing softly as it reached A-Yuan and allowed him to pet it.

Tuzi jumped down easily from A-Yuan's arms, nose twitching as it hopped towards the mechanical foot of the lion to sniff at it. Far from reacting as a normal predator would, the lion bent its head to inspect the little creature before deciding A-Yuan's scratches were more interesting and returning his attention to him.

'Come on, you two,' called Wei Wuxian, 'I promise nothing bites.'

'Every time I come here, I am more and more impressed,' said Li Xuanji as they joined them, 'How are you doing this?'

'Magic,' said Wei Wuxian with a wiggle of his fingers, 'And a healthy dose of imagination.'

Li Xuanji smiled before her attention was taken by several steam powered ponies that pulled an elegant little carriage, the man driving it extending a hand to help her up before they set off around the ring.

A nudge against Lan Wangji's shoulder prompted him to turn, bringing him face to face with another elephant, this one far larger than the one A-Yuan had ridden. Despite the natural misgivings around such a large creature, he reached out a hand to pet its trunk, finding a soft velvety patch of fabric over the twisting wire beneath.

'He likes you,' said Wei Wuxian, 'What do you think?'

'I think you are fishing for a compliment,' said Lan Wangji, 'And I have already told you how brilliant you are, several times in fact.'

'Ah but it never hurts to say it again, my dear storyteller. A-Yuan appears to have a new friend. You are lucky that these can't leave otherwise you'd be explaining the roaring to your neighbours.'

Lan Wangji looked over to where Tuzi and A-Yuan were playing with the lion, each of them rushing to hide behind its large frame, A-Yuan's laugh ringing out whenever it turned to find them and nudged them gently.

Another cheer went up from the watching crowd, the acrobats above them swinging from platform to platform.

'Who are all these people?' said Lan Wangji, 'They're different to the people in the alley.'

Wei Wuxian shrugged, 'Just faces,' he said, 'Perhaps they are people I have met over the centuries, or from pictures I have seen. I could maybe name a few if I dared to but, though their time in my life was brief and transient, I remember them and so, here they are.'

Lan Wangji took hold of his hand with his free one, 'I'm glad circumstances meant we were not such a brief meeting.'

'Me too,' said Wei Wuxian, before his smile grew wicked, 'Now tell me, my dear storyteller, are you as bold as your son and brave enough to ride one of my elephants?'

'So long as you are,' said Lan Wangji, 'If the creator trusts his products, then I will.'

'Careful or I could make it fly,' said Wei Wuxian, hoisting himself up onto the elephant's back as it lowered itself for him to do so.

Lan Wangji took the hand extended to him, using it to pull himself up onto the blanket he was certain had not been covering the elephant's back beforehand. He expected the creature of wire and patchwork to be uncomfortable but it was more similar to sitting on a cushion as he settled himself close to Wei Wuxian's back, wrapping his arms around his waist to steady himself as the elephant rose to standing.

The elephant lumbered around the circus ring, weaving with ease amongst the performers and other animals that surrounded them despite its size, giving them a spectacular view of all that was both below and above them. The noise of the crowd seemed to lessen, leaving Lan Wangji better able to hear both A-Yuan and Li Xuanji's voices as they interacted with all that Wei Wuxian had created for them. The sound of their laughter seemed to conspire with the lack of sleep from the night before and Lan Wangji soon had his head resting on the back of the toy maker's shoulder as he struggled to keep his eyes open on the scene.

'Sleep if you want,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I'll keep everyone safe.'

'I want to enjoy it,' said Lan Wangji behind a yawn.

'I can always bring it back,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Doesn't take much. Rest, my Lan Zhan.'

Lan Wangji tried once more to keep his eyes open, scanning the room to see his mother gleefully throwing juggling balls to a man on a unicycle, the number he was keeping in the air increasing to outlandish proportions. His gaze went around the ring to A-Yuan who was coaxing the clockwork lion to put its front paws onto a large colourful ball, Tuzi already doing so on a far smaller one.

He smiled at the sight of the little rabbit, A-Yuan's insistence on him being real, long before Wei Wuxian had come into their lives, reminding him of the belief he had always had in his own toys. His thoughts turned to the toy that had been the most alive to him, the soft white bunny that had brought him so much comfort in his childhood, who he had shared his secrets and his dreams with until the day his father had deemed him too old for toys and had taken it from him. He had searched his father's house from top to bottom on several occasions, even after his death, but the toy, his beloved Bichen, was nowhere to be found.

He tried to shake off the melancholy thought, focusing instead on the circus surrounding them, the clockwork and patchwork creatures mingling with the people Wei Wuxian had created to entertain them. He blinked as he saw something that looked far more real, the flash of white hopping towards the raised seating. The illusion was gone and quickly as it had appeared, his tired mind playing tricks on him, and he pressed his cheek a little closer to Wei Wuxian's shoulder.

Warm fingers laced with his where they rested at Wei Wuxian's waist, warm and grounding as he closed his eyes.

'I'll make sure you don't fall off.'

Lan Wangji huffed out a soft laugh, 'Sorry I'm not better company,' he said, 'I'm not appreciating this like I should.'

'Do you want to go back to the shop and sleep? I can keep the others entertained.'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'I want to stay with you,' he said, 'And A-Yuan will worry if I go back, I never sleep in the day.'

'Well it wasn't a usual night for you either, unless you are in a relationship with anyone else who can do what I do.'

'I think I can safely say you are unique.'

The elephant continued its lumbering march beneath them, carrying them around the ring even as the noises began to quiet a little. Lan Wangji opened his eyes and caught sight once more of his family at play, his son and mother both smiling brightly in a way he knew was reserved purely for the magic of the toy shop. Despite his wish to keep his gaze on them, sleep had other ideas, Wei Wuxian's shoulder a warm, firm pillow as he felt himself drifting off. He did not have the ability to answer the softly spoken words he heard just as sleep claimed him but he hoped, when he woke to Wei Wuxian once more, he would find them real rather than a dream.

'Sleep well, my Lan Zhan. Sleep well, my love.'

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji felt the car come to a halt, opening his eyes and realising with some embarrassment that he had fallen asleep on the short journey from the city centre. He turned to see his uncle turn off the engine, replacing the glasses he wore to drive with his regular ones.

'Seems it was the right idea for me to drive you back,' said Lan Qiren, 'Between you and those two, it's been a very quiet journey.'

Lan Wangji turned to look at the seat behind them, both his mother and son fast asleep. A-Yuan cuddled Tuzi close to him, the little rabbit inanimate once more as the magic of the toy shop faded to a memory of a wonderful day.

'I'm sorry we weren't much company.'

Lan Qiren smiled, 'If you need to sleep, you should sleep,' he said, 'I didn't mind. You need your rest.'

'There was a time you would have made sure I stayed awake, especially when my need for sleep was due to me being foolish,' said Lan Wangji.

'Pursuing this relationship is not foolish,' said Lan Qiren, 'And the alcohol was a mistake. You deserve to be happy. I have watched for too long as you've allowed you happiness to come second to everyone else's. Wei Wuxian might not be who I ever pictured you forming a relationship with but you smile more when you are with him. He is good for you.'

'Even so,' said Lan Wangji, 'I should be more careful. I was lucky that you were here. If anything had happened to Mama and I was...'

'You mustn't think like that,' said Lan Qiren, 'She wouldn't want you to.'

Lan Wangji sighed, 'What she wants and what is practical are two different things,' he said, 'I need to be on hand and ready for her, especially now.'

'I'm here now,' said Lan Qiren, 'And I have been thinking about it for the last few days. I can work from anywhere and, if I need to be home for any reason, I can head back for a day or so. I do not want to be an imposition but, if I can help, I can stay. You need someone to help you share the load and I want to be the one to do it.'

'I couldn't ask you to.'

'You are not asking. I am offering,' said Lan Qiren, 'I do not want you to do everything alone. I would be offering even if Wei Wuxian was not in your life. This way, I can support you in any way you need me to and you will have time to spend with him as well.'

'I...' began Lan Wangji, scrambling to find the words he needed. He had carried everything his mother's illness had entailed for so long, been stubborn to a fault in being everything for his son, had promised himself to never let anything other than the shadows of his own room see the weight of it all. In Lan Qiren's softly spoken offer though, he saw a light he had not known was needed.

'Please stay,' he said, 'It would help so much and we all love having you here.'

Lan Qiren nodded, his eyes a little brighter than usual as they met Lan Wangji's but his nephew was not brave enough to ask if it was caused by tears.

'We can discuss the details later. For now, we should get the others inside before sore necks or grumbling bellies wake them in a less pleasant fashion.'

Lan Wangji unfastened his seat belt, stretching as he left the car, the fatigue of the passed day still hanging heavily on him despite several impromptu naps. It did not take them long to rouse both Li Xuanji and A-Yuan, all of them heading into the house with the promise of dinner and a game for all of them to share.

He had carried his son to bed midway through the game they had been playing, A-Yuan offering only a token sleepy protest from his shoulder and again as his eyes closed when Lan Wangji laid him down in his bed. He had laid down beside him for a while, listening to the soft even breathing and wondering if his dreams would bring him visions of patchwork elephants and clockwork lions.

In the familiar surroundings of his son's room, he could almost believe the last twenty-four hours had been a dream. He was sure, several weeks before, he would have rationalised it all somehow despite the reality of it. He would have blamed the alcohol or tiredness for him seeing things that weren't real. He was glad that the barrier that had prevented him from seeing Wei Wuxian's magic for so long had finally fallen, a new world opening up before them.

He pressed a kiss to A-Yuan's forehead as he heard footsteps on the landing outside, rising from the bed and heading to the door to see his mother heading for her own room.

'Are you heading to bed?' he said, 'Do you need help?'

Li Xuanji shook her head, 'I'm not going to bed yet,' she said, 'I want to do some drawing.'

'Do you want me to bring your things down?'

'I'll work up here. That way, if I do get tired, I can just go straight to bed,' she said, covering a yawn with her hand, 'I don't think I will be too long though, today was wonderful but a little tiring. Don't fuss though, I'm fine, just tired. I wouldn't have changed today for the world.'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'I still can't believe what I've seen,' he said, 'But I can't deny it any more. The world feels so much bigger now.'

'That's love talking,' she said, with a smile, 'And it has nothing to do with Wei Wuxian's magic. Your world is bigger because he is in it.'

'It really is,' said Lan Wangji, despite the blush it brought to his cheeks, 'Magic or not, I'm so glad I met him.'

Li Xuanji closed the small distance between them, her cool hand coming to rest against his warm cheek, 'All I have ever wanted is to see you this happy, my baby. Always be this happy.'

Lan Wangji nodded, forcing away the thought at how soon some of his happiness would be stolen, focusing instead on how strong and steady his mother looked as she stood before him. He knew she saw the thought though as she raised herself up on her tiptoes to press a kiss to her cheek.

'Focus on the now, my baby,' she said, 'Focus on today. Think of the memories we still have time to make. The adventures we can still have. Now, go on downstairs and keep your Shushu company for a while. He told me that he had discussed staying here with you earlier. I'm glad we'll have him here, even if he can be an old nanny goat at times.'

Lan Wangji couldn't help but smile, 'You would not have him any other way.'

'That's very true,' said Li Xuanji, 'But don't tell him that.'

'Our secret,' said Lan Wangji as his mother turned back to her room, 'Call for me if you need help.'

'I will. Goodnight.'

'Goodnight Mama,' he replied, heading for the stairs as Li Xuanji headed into her room.

He spent the rest of the evening in companionable silence with his uncle, the older man never one for frivolous conversation, but the company was appreciated all the same. As his uncle read, Lan Wangji balanced a notebook on his lap, pen scratching out the fleeting scenes that failed to make a story but he allowed his mind to do as it pleased until his eyelids began to grow heavy.

'Do I need to send you to bed like I did when you were small or are you smart enough to realise that you will give yourself neck ache if you fall asleep in that chair?'

He looked up to see Lan Qiren peering over the rim of his glasses, book marked and closed in his lap.

'I was just about to go to bed,' said Lan Wangji, 'I'll check on Mama.'

Lan Qiren nodded, 'She was very determined to take care of herself today,' he said, 'I hope she hasn't tired herself out. She said she has therapy tomorrow.'

'Mianmian will come around ten,' said Lan Wangji, 'They usually manage without help but I'm working from home so can step in if needed. You should take my office to work in if you need to, I can manage at the kitchen table.'

'My back would appreciate it,' said Lan Qiren, 'Do you need assistance with taking or collecting A-Yuan from school?'

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'No, I work my timings around him,' he said, 'And I plan to take him to visit Wei Ying at the shop after school.'

Lan Qiren raised an eyebrow, 'A convenient excuse.'

'Very convenient,' said Lan Wangji, setting aside his notebook and getting to his feet, 'I will see you in the morning.'

'I will not be long myself,' said Lan Qiren, 'I will make sure everything is properly turned off before I come up.'

The comfort of having another person on hand to see to simple mundane tasks would be one Lan Wangji knew he would cling to in the weeks ahead of them. Though his mother always helped whenever she could and A-Yuan completed many tasks that were suitable for his age, Lan Wangji had taken on the most active and involved role in the running of their home, his mind a never ending list of things to do that now could be split with his uncle.

His mother was sleeping soundly when he checked on her, her art supplies stacked neatly on her dressing table but bearing the signs of use. Lan Wangji was glad that the arm she had injured had not been her dominant one, allowing her to still pursue her passion despite her injuries. He was tempted to look inside the sketchbook but he knew whatever innate sixth sense his mother had would alert her to it and wake her if only to allow her to scold him for looking at an unfinished piece. He contented himself instead in checking that she had everything she could need in the night within easy reach before heading to check on A-Yuan and ready himself for bed.

He was underneath the warm covers and reaching for the lamp when his phone began to ring on the nightstand beside him, the number on the screen one he didn't recognise. He searched through his sleepy thoughts for any test results they were still waiting on, certain that, even if they were, the hospital would not be calling from an unknown mobile number so late on a Sunday evening. At the risk of it being important though, he answered it despite his misgivings.

'Hello.'

'Lan Zhan?'

'Wei Ying?'

'The same,' came the cheeky response, 'Your voice sounds different on the phone.'

Lan Wangji sat up a little more against the pillows, 'Is everything alright? Where are you calling from?'

'My phone,' said Wei Wuxian, the sound of him moving around the shop echoing through the phone, 'Jiejie bought me one. She and Jiang Cheng came around not long after you left and they've been teaching me to use it. They left not long ago and I knew you had to be the first person I called. I...oh, it's dark out. How late is it?'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'Just after ten.'

'I didn't wake you, did I?' said Wei Wuxian, 'I didn't think it was as late as that. I've been distracted picking out all the sounds and things.'

'It's fine. You didn't wake me. I was just getting ready for bed.'

'If you want to sleep, I won't keep you.'

Lan Wangji shifted the pillow behind him, 'If my choice is sleep or talking to you, I prefer you.'

'Romantic,' said Wei Wuxian, before he sighed, 'I wish you were here. This is strange. I keep looking for you.'

'I'll be back tomorrow. I'll bring A-Yuan after school.'

'I wish it was sooner. Can you come during the day?'

'I wish I could but I have to work.'

Wei Wuxian sighed again, frustration in the sound. 'Phones aren't as fun as I thought they'd be. Hearing you but not seeing you isn't fair.'

Lan Wangji smiled, feeling a similar sentiment after so long of only ever communicating with the toy maker face to face. 'Does your new phone have video call capability?'

Wei Wuxian laughed, 'My dear storyteller, it took me about half an hour just to remember how to get it to call you,' he said, 'Don't make it more complicated. Besides, if I see your face I will just be sad that I cannot kiss you and it will be worse than just being able to hear you.'

'I'll be there again in less than twenty-four hours,' said Lan Wangji, 'It's nice that I can talk to you in between though.'

He tried in vain to mask the yawn that escaped him but failed, eyes already heavy with the sleep that had been trying to claim him downstairs.

'You need to sleep. Naps on the backs of elephants don't count,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Next time we go out, we will avoid alcohol for you at all costs.'

'That sounds like a very good idea,' said Lan Wangji, 'Hopefully we can have some time to ourselves again soon. Shufu is going to stay with us so I'm sure he will be on hand for A-Yuan overnight now and then.'

'I can build that bed for A-Yuan, it won't take me long. He can come and stay too.'

'And I know he would love that,' said Lan Wangji, 'But I want to be alone with you too. Is that selfish of me?'

'Not at all,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I want the same. My Lan Zhan, this place is very lonely without you in it.'

'Tomorrow,' said Lan Wangji, 'I'll be there tomorrow.'

'I'll be looking out for you. Go to sleep, my dear storyteller. Dream up some new tales for me.'

'Ones about patchwork elephants?'

'And clockwork lions.'

Lan Wangji smiled, 'I'll see what I can do.'

'Make it a love story?' said Wei Wuxian, 'For me.'

'I don't know if I'm well practised enough in the art of love stories to do it justice,' said Lan Wangji, 'But I can learn.'

'Perhaps it is a story we can work on together,' said Wei Wuxian, 'Goodnight, my Lan Zhan.'

'Goodnight Wei Ying. I'll see you tomorrow.'

Lan Wangji listened to the faint sound of Wei Wuxian's breathing before the line cut, leaving him staring at the lock screen once more. He opened the phone, finding the last caller ID and saving it under Wei Wuxian's name. He resisted the urge to return the call, knowing he could happily just listen to the sound of Wei Wuxian breathing until dawn and not want for anything else, but he knew it was a dangerous temptation and that there were others who needed him well rested even if he found himself in the first flushes of a new romance.

He set the phone on the nightstand and turned off the lamp, the familiar sounds of his home surrounding him, quiet and peaceful. He wondered if both Li Xuanji and A-Yuan were dreaming of the sights they had seen that day or of ones yet to come, certain Wei Wuxian could weave them anything they so desired. He let his own imagination wonder as he lay back and closed his eyes, imagining all the places they could go that had been denied to them since Li Xuanji's illness had taken hold, a freedom they could not have in the real world.

They were adventures Wei Wuxian made good on whenever they visited him. There were beaches with sand that built perfect sandcastles but did not stick and waves that were high enough to be exciting but never dangerous or cold. Amusement parks with roller-coasters bigger than some of the tallest buildings in the city were as simple as a click of Wei Wuxian's fingers, pausing just long enough at the top to give a view of a world that was ended just as quickly, sights for miles and miles.

Whatever they could dream of was created, pulled into reality behind a single door. Each place they went to though always had a shaded bench or an easy chair where Li Xuanji could rest and watch her family when joining in became a little too much, enjoying their adventures even as she conserved her own strength. She wasn't without a companion though, Lan Qiren at her side as often as he could be, freeing Lan Wangji to enjoy the worlds that Wei Wuxian created for them.

Lan Wangji had been shocked how quickly his uncle had accepted Wei Wuxian's magic. His initial response had been similar to Lan Wangji's, searching for strings and projection, certain Wei Wuxian had somehow created a sound stage similar to those used in film making despite the size of it being entirely impossible. When he had run out of logical explanations though, he had turned to his family with amazement in his eyes before he shared a rare smile with them all and allowed himself to be carried into Wei Wuxian's magic as they all were.

The toy shop began to feel as much like home as Lan Wangji's own house did, all of them welcome however many there were in the party. Jiang Yanli's family occasionally joined them, A-Yuan a keen playmate to the young Jin Ling whilst Lan Qiren and Jiang Cheng formed an unlikely friendship based on a shared exasperation for some of Wei Wuxian's more outlandish adventures. Though Lan Wangji loved the fun and joy that came with a larger group, he also craved the quieter times, soft nights when they would visit after school, just him and A-Yuan. The new little bed tucked neatly in the corner of the loft was only ever for A-Yuan, a collection of his favourite toys always waiting for him there and following him to whatever games he chose to play. Lan Wangji often watched him sleeping soundly on it as he lay beside Wei Wuxian on the nights they stayed, a sense of permanence in the fact that they both had a space in the toy maker's home.

On the nights when the small bed did not contain his son, when Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian were given the rare opportunity to be alone, the world beyond the gate was a far quieter one. He could blame the writer in him when he asked for moonlit walks beneath fragrant blossoms, for blankets stretched out over mountain views, for quiet forests where they could follow a playful stream whilst talking of everything and nothing without a care for getting lost. The chances were few and far between, Lan Wangji needed at home as much as he ever was despite Lan Qiren's assistance, but the rarity and the anticipation only made their time together all the more precious.

It had been a week where work deadlines, school meetings and recitals, and appointments for his mother had kept Lan Wangji from spending more than a brief afternoon with Wei Wuxian, A-Yuan monopolising both of their attention as he had practised his lines for his recital in front of them both. Lan Wangji had hated the sadness on both A-Yuan and Wei Wuxian's faces when the toy maker had to refuse A-Yuan's invitation to come and watch the recital at the school, no one available to come and wind the vital music box to release him for long enough to attend. The sadness had been compounded when Li Xuanji had felt too unwell to attend as well, remaining home with Lan Qiren and leaving Lan Wangji the only one from A-Yuan's family to attend.

Even the weekend was monopolised by tasks and Lan Wangji was forced to content himself with phone calls alone, despite them still being somewhat stilted affairs with Wei Wuxian's lack of experience with the device.

It had been another combined conspiracy of his mother and uncle when he had found himself almost forcibly evicted from his own home after returning home with A-Yuan from school. Promises of food that Lan Qiren would normally have shaken his head at and a slightly later bedtime convinced A-Yuan that staying home to be spoiled was a better option than going with his father to the toy shop so long as Lan Wangji promised to take him the following evening after school.

It was Li Xuanji who had pressed an overnight bag into his hands with a promise that arrangements had already been made to see A-Yuan to school the next morning and for Lan Wangji not to hurry home. He was certain his cheeks were still burning as he had called Wei Wuxian as he headed down the road, the weather cold but still comfortable and clear enough to walk in, promising to collect dinner for them on the way.

For several weeks after he had discovered the truth about Wei Wuxian, he had found walking through the alley way filled with stalls somewhat strange, realising that the faces he was seeing were in fact those long dead. It had eased the more often he did it, their lively animation and natural conversation so very human that he found himself forgetting the reality that had befallen them. Finding the alleyway quiet was strange but the sight of Wei Wuxian waiting for him at the door of the toy shop had assuaged his fears, his partner quick enough to tell him that quieting the alley tended to chase away any unwanted visitors from the city beyond.

With no unwanted interruptions, they had spent a quiet night in the shop, no need for the gate or the worlds Wei Wuxian could create beyond. They were instead content in one another's company, the outside world and its trials locked out and unable to reach them in the sanctuary of Wei Wuxian's home.

It had been late when they had finally retired to bed, conversation swapped for trading kisses beneath the warm blankets until the hour grew too late for either of them to remain awake. Despite the comfort of the bed and the warmth of his lover's arms though, Lan Wangji found himself waking long before the approach of dawn.

As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he looked down at the man sleeping beside him, Wei Wuxian appearing far younger and more vulnerable without the usual aura that surrounded him. Though Lan Wangji had seen him age, the memory was a fuzzy one, his youthful face the one he was used to but, when he had been given the chance to truly study his eyes, he had seen the age there. The wisdom and the experience only centuries could bring. Eyes closed in sleep, that age faded, and Lan Wangji could allow himself to believe that their lives were not so different. He feathered the soft dark hair between his fingers, admiring the russet tones amidst the black as they caught the low light from the fireplace.

He hoped the repetitive motion and the closeness to Wei Wuxian would lull him back to sleep but he felt restless, worried he would wake his companion if he remained beside him any longer. He slipped quietly from the bed, tucking the covers around Wei Wuxian to keep out the chill before pulling the familiar shawl around his shoulders as he picked up his phone and headed to the shop below.

He was nearly at the front door when his phone finally got enough signal, several emails pinging before a single message from his mother appeared. His heart fluttered in his chest, expecting bad news as he opened it only to find a picture of A-Yuan and Lan Qiren lying side by side in A-Yuan's bed. A book abandoned in Lan Qiren's lap and both of them fast asleep. He smiled at the sight, Lan Qiren more of a grandfather to A-Yuan than Lan Wangji's own father could ever have been, the love and trust the two of them shared deep and real.

Despite the sweet image, Lan Wangji could not shake the feeling that another message should have come with more serious news, thumb pulling down on the screen several times before he finally set the phone down on a shelf and ran a hand over his face.

'Lan Zhan? Is everything alright?'

Lan Wangji couldn't help but smile at the sight coming towards him that was more blanket than man, Wei Wuxian wrapped up in the covers from the bed.

'I'm fine,' he said, 'I was restless and didn't want to wake you.'

'You look worried.'

Lan Wangji sighed, allowing himself to been drawn into the covers as Wei Wuxian reached him and held an arm open to him.

'I was worried. I was expecting there to be a message from Mama saying something was wrong but there wasn't.'

'Isn't that a good thing?' said Wei Wuxian.

'Yes,' said Lan Wangji, letting his head fall to rest on his shoulder, 'But still...it's like reaching the top of a roller-coaster and waiting to fall but it comes a moment after you expect it and it's all the more shocking. One day...'

Wei Wuxian kissed the crown of his head as he fell silent. 'My Lan Zhan. I wish I could say something to help.'

'I wish you could too but some things are beyond words.'

'Do you want to go back to bed or shall I wake up the shop? I can find you some distraction.'

Lan Wangji looked around the quiet shop, the toys still and slumbering on their shelves. The thought of the shop, alive and noisy, failed to appeal but, as his eyes landed on the small library in the corner, he found an option that felt acceptable. He slipped from beneath the blanket cocoon, taking Wei Wuxian's hand and leading him over to the large cushions on the floor.

'Shall I find us a story?' said Wei Wuxian as they arranged themselves comfortably beneath the blanket.

Lan Wangji shook his head, 'Here just felt better than going back to bed,' he said, 'I don't know if I can sleep.'

Wei Wuxian waved a hand, several small lights, no bigger than fireflies, leaping up to dance in front of them. The movement was almost hypnotic as Lan Wangji watched them, head cushioned on Wei Wuxian's shoulder.

'Are you a hypnotist as well as a magician?' he said, around a yawn.

Wei Wuxian laughed softly, 'No, just someone trying to take care of you.'

Lan Wangji pulled the blanket tighter around them. 'You're very good at looking after me.'

'I love you. It comes naturally.'

It was said so easily, without fanfare, Wei Wuxian's smile soft and sure as Lan Wangji looked up at him, warm lips pressing to his brow.

'I love you too,' he said, finding Wei Wuxian's hand beneath the blanket and lacing their fingers together, 'I love you, Wei Ying.'

'Well I'm rather glad to hear it, given that I intend to keep you for as long as you'll let me,' said Wei Wuxian.

Lan Wangji smiled, 'Can we start with forever and go from there?'

'Even if it means we can never have a normal life?' said Wei Wuxian, the tone light but Lan Wangji could hear the serious undertone beneath.

'We'll make it work,' said Lan Wangji, 'Things will find their own way.'

'I am worried that it will be too much for A-Yuan. He was so disappointed when I could not attend his school recital,' said Wei Wuxian, 'I tried something the other day, made a machine that could wind the music box for me but it wouldn't budge. It needs to be done by human hands, it seems.'

'A-Yuan understands. He was disappointed but he would not want you to put yourself at risk,' said Lan Wangji, 'We will make this work, Wei Ying. Our future is with you.'

'I never thought of having a future before. For so long it has just been existing, bringing joy to strangers as they pass me by. Now I have a family to focus on and I feel alive again. I hadn't realised just how lonely I was before I met you and A-Yuan. You make everything brighter.'

'I'm just glad fate saw to it that we got to meet,' said Lan Wangji, 'Despite how terrifying it is now I have seen Tuzi as he is here and remembering how that car hit him.'

Wei Wuxian squeezed his hand, 'Toys are a little more resilient than people, however alive they are. With my magic, it wasn't difficult to fix him and bring him back to you.'

'I thought you had swapped him for an identical toy when you first returned him to A-Yuan,' said Lan Wangji, 'I could not believe he could be that perfect again. One of the many times I allowed myself to be blind to your magic.'

'It got quite amusing to see you formulating excuses for what you were seeing every time you came over. It felt like a game. I'm glad you know now though, that we're starting this with everything clear between us.'

'Would have been quite the shock to wake up in twenty years time and realise you were really magic,' said Lan Wangji, 'It's more fun knowing.'

'Though we can't leave here, at least I can take you wherever you want to go,' said Wei Wuxian, a yawn punctuating his words, 'Are you ready to come back to bed?'

Lan Wangji nodded, 'Though the romantic in me would like to stay here, the part of me that reminds me that I am no longer a teenager and my neck hates me if my pillow is in the wrong place is advising me that the bed would be more sensible.'

Wei Wuxian laughed, getting to his feet before pulling Lan Wangji to his own, 'Whatever am I to do with such an old man?' he said, 'I am centuries older than you and can sleep anywhere.'

'Well I sometimes wonder if that magic of yours extends beyond just making worlds appear,' said Lan Wangji, 'The day I met you, you threw yourself down the stairs without a bruise don't forget.'

'I was just trying to impress you,' said Wei Wuxian, throwing the blanket over his shoulder as he took hold of Lan Wangji's hand, 'And look, it worked.'

'I guess it did,' said Lan Wangji, following as he was led to the same stairs that had brought Wei Wuxian crashing into his life.

Lan Wangji had not meant to sleep in so late. When he had returned to bed with Wei Wuxian, he had foolishly assumed they would sleep for a few more hours and wake with the sunrise. Instead he had woken, not to the thin light of the dawn but to the bright light of mid-morning. He could not believe the time that had glared back at him from his watch and had startled Wei Wuxian from his sleep as he'd hurried from the bed and down the stairs to retrieve his phone from where he had left it.

The missed call from his mother worried him but the text that followed had settled him, despite the sensation of guilt at having missed saying good morning to his son before he had gone to school.

Seems like you must be having a lovely time or you had a lovely time and haven't quite recovered. A-Yuan is washed and dressed and heading to school with his beloved Shugong who is going to be shown off to all who look their way I'm sure. He says to tell you and his Xian-Gege good morning. Mianmian will be here soon so I will see you when you have dragged yourself from your beloved's arms.

Wei Wuxian had laughed and declared Li Xuanji his favourite when Lan Wangji had showed him the message, threatening to lock the doors until several more hours had passed and even Li Xuanji was scandalised. Despite the temptation to let him, Lan Wangji felt the press of the outside world and its responsibilities too much to ignore and they soon found themselves dressed and sharing breakfast across one of the tables in Jiang Yanli's cafe.

They parted in plenty of time for Wei Wuxian to return to the toy shop before the music box ran down, Lan Wangji reluctant to leave him but with a promise that he and A-Yuan would visit the following evening.

His walk home was cold but bright, though he was sure it could have been pelting with freezing rain and he would still be happy, memories of the night before and the words spoken keeping him company. His only distraction came as his phone beeped from his pocket, smiling at the sight of a slightly shaky picture of Wei Wuxian and Mo Xuanyu beside the workbench, a collection of metal cogs and springs spread out in promise of being transformed into something wonderful.

He had only just returned the phone to his pocket when his house came into view and his feet stuttered to a halt. Beside the familiar sight of his car and his uncle's sat Mianmian's but it was the ambulance parked just beyond the driveway that had him breaking into a run. The door was open when he reached it, stumbling over the threshold only to be caught by familiar strong hands.

'She's with the paramedics, be still.'

His uncle's words were gentle but firm, hands holding him in place and Lan Wangji was sure they were holding him up as well.

'What happened? What happened, Shushu?'

'She fell, during her physiotherapy. At first we thought it was a tumble but she couldn't get back up. She said her legs were numb. Mianmian sent for an ambulance, she has concerns. They are assessing her now.'

Lan Wangji looked up the stairs, straining to hear the faint voices above. 'Why didn't you call me?'

Lan Qiren sighed, 'She wouldn't let me,' he said, 'She didn't want you to rush home and risk injuring yourself in the hurry. She knows you too well.'

'What does...do they know what's wrong?'

Lan Qiren shook his head, 'They haven't said anything yet but Mianmian, though she was concerned, did not seem to be as surprised as I was.'

Lan Wangji took a shuddering breath, 'If Mianmian was not surprised...'

'We knew this was coming,' said Lan Qiren, his hands leaving Lan Wangji's arms to capture his face in his hands, 'We know what's coming next.'

Lan Wangji shook his head as best he could in his uncle's grip. 'No.'

'Yes,' said Lan Qiren, 'Yes. It is happening. It is happening and we have to be strong. We have to be strong for her now because she will need us. This is the hardest part of the journey. You break with me, you cry with me, but you don't let her see it. You let her see you strong.'

'I can't,' said Lan Wangji, as Lan Qiren wiped at the tears he could not hold back, 'I can't do this.'

'You can. You've already come so far and I'm here now to share it,' said Lan Qiren, 'You're the strongest person I know and you can do this. You will do this.'

The words were gentle but with a steel in them, enough of a command for Lan Wangji to blink back the tears and calm his breathing as the warm hands left his cheeks.

'That's it. Deep breaths. Strength, my boy. You can do this.'

The conviction in his uncle's words was strong but the sentiment felt hollow in Lan Wangji's chest, like one of Wei Wuxian's marionettes with the strings cut.

'Lan Wangji?' came the call from above.

He looked up to see Mianmian looking down, her face serious, every inch the professional where he had grown used to her being a friend.

'You can both come up,' she said, waiting until they reached her before she continued, 'Everything is stable. The sensation in her legs hasn't returned but other vitals are good. She is in good spirits. The paramedics have agreed she can stay home for now but you will need to make arrangements for her to go in for some tests, see how things are progressing. They're just finishing up and I can see them out. I can stay for as long as you need me.'

'Mianmian..?' said Lan Wangji, too many questions in his head to put into words.

Mianmian smiled softly, 'It was dramatic but not unexpected,' she said, 'The cancer will have spread and it can affect the nerves. I won't speculate until she has been seen by a specialist but it will be worth informing your family that it might be wise not to be too far afield in the next few weeks.'

Weeks.

The word hit like a hurricane and Lan Wangji was sure his feet would have gone out from beneath him were it not for his uncle's grip on his arm.

'Strength,' said Lan Qiren as Mianmian waved them towards Li Xuanji's room.

Strength. He did not know if he had enough to bear what was before them but he knew he would strive for it for as long as he could to support his mother as she approached the end of her life.