Chapter Text
It was hard to pinpoint exactly when it started. When the casual touches between them began to linger, and when exactly Wei Ying started leaning just a bit too close for the contact to be considered strictly platonic.
Wei Ying has always been bolder than most have dared to be around Lan Wangji, especially as far as physical contact went. He was always bumping their shoulders together, tapping his fingers against Wangji’s arm to get his attention, and leaning into his space whenever he had the chance. Always seeming delighted with Wangji’s flustered responses. Perhaps if that was all, Lan Wangji might have overlooked his behavior as a normal amount of friendliness or attention-seeking.
But of course, as with anything that had to do with Wei Ying, his mind would not let the matter rest.
At some point, the taps against his arm started lingering, and the friendly jostling while they walked turned into linked arms and brushing fingers. Wei Ying peering over his shoulder while he studied became Wei Ying resting his head against his shoulder for a nap while Lan Wangji read. He wasn't sure what to make of it.
"Lan Zhan!”
Lan Wangji looked up from where he was seated at his desk and was greeted with a familiar bundle of energy. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jiang Wanyin and Nie Huaisang pause their conversation and share some kind of look, matching looks of exasperation spreading across both their faces as Wei Ying approached.
“You seem tense! Sit still for a second, please?"
Lan Wangji hummed affirmatively, confused but willing to comply with the request. Sitting still has never been an issue for him.
Warmth settled itself across his back as Wei Ying slid behind him. He tensed ever so slightly when hands grasped at his shoulders, but quickly relaxed before Wei Ying could pull away.
When Wei Ying started rubbing at his shoulders, all tension was forced from his muscles. He bit back a groan when deft fingers dug into a point at his neck, effectively cutting through the tightness that had been building there. Lan Wangji hadn’t even realized the physical toll stress had been taking on him as of late. But Wei Ying had noticed and alleviated it without question.
He closed his eyes and gratefully leaned into the pressure at the small of his back.
“Oh, there they go again.”
Jiang Cheng groaned and turned fully around in his seat away from them. He knew exactly who Nie Huaisang meant and made a show of ignoring the two. To mark his displeasure at Wei Wuxian’s disgusting attempts at flirting in public. And with the Second Jade of Lan, no less! He resisted the urge to turn and glare at them, if only for the sake of his own sanity since his idiotic brother would absolutely take it as encouragement.
It’s highly unlikely either of them noticed the effort.
Nie Huaisang, who was already watching the pair, smiled knowingly at him and he rolled his eyes.
“Don’t watch them,” Jiang Cheng hissed. Nie Huaisang ignored him and leaned around his desk for a better view. “You know Wei Wuxian loves getting attention.”
He laughed. “I don't think he cares about getting my attention right now, Wanyin-xiong.”
Jiang Cheng gave him a withering look (ignored) and heaved another long-suffering sigh.
“What is he trying this time?” He asked, almost too scared to know how Wei Wuxian has decided to embarrass himself today.
“I think a massage? It seemed like it was working, actually! He’s just sort of rubbing Wangji-xiong’s arms right now, so- oh no…”
Jiang Cheng sat up and looked at him in alarm. Nie Huaisang looked absolutely gleeful. Jiang Cheng felt the color drain from his face. “What? Are they kissing? Please don't tell me they're kissing.”
They're not even courting, he mourned.
“No!” Nie Huaisang shook his shoulder and pointed with his fan, urging him to look. “It’s worse than that!”
Jiang Cheng spun around and felt his jaw drop in horror. He barely registered Nie Huaisang’s delighted laughter at his reaction, too busy trying not to strangle his brother in public.
When Wei Wuxian approached Lan Zhan, all he meant to do was give him a massage. And could you blame him? The poor guy looked like he was one minor inconvenience away from throwing his back out!
(“It’s called having good posture!”
“There’s a very thin line between having a straight back and a broken one, Chengcheng.”
“Says what doctor?!”)
But it wasn't like he was a professional! He was just… doing what felt right. He’s done it before, for Shijie or Jiang Cheng, but also for his shidis and shimeis. They’re all part of his family, and physical contact is something they’re all comfortable with. So when his hands started to wander down, he just didn't really notice at first?
"Ah, Lan Zhan! After all my hard work you're tensing up again. Is that a part of your rules too? They make you all sit like statues, it's a wonder your backs don't give out! My spine would splinter and fall apart like a pile of dry twigs,” he said cheerfully.
Lan Zhan, good as he was, took his shenanigans in full stride. “Back is fine.” He shook his head. “Back is fine now, thanks to Wei Ying.”
He felt his face grow warm and hastily ducked back behind Lan Zhan to hide his reddened cheeks. Lan Zhan and his sincerity. A light pressure settled over one of his hands.
Wei Wuxian blinked. He looked down. His hands had slipped from Lan Zhan’s shoulders down to his (very solid) arms. Instead of rubbing the tension out of his shoulders, he was now just… caressing his biceps.
Which were, as he was beginning to realize, very firm.
Wei Wuxian’s brain stuttered to a stop.
Lan Zhan was unfairly not bothered by this, and in fact seemed to be trying to encourage him, if the way he clasped Wei Wuxian’s hand when he tried to pull away was any indication. And– was he flexing? Giddiness wormed its way past any feelings of embarrassment. Wei Wuxian grinned and held onto Lan Zhan’s arm more firmly (which wow), emboldened by his reaction. For once Wei Wuxian wasn’t the one being shameless. Lan Zhan was the one that started it!
And well.
Two could play at that game.
"Lan Zhan.”
Warmth flooded his face at the way Wei Ying called his name. Lan Wangji quickly let go of Wei Ying’s hand, though it seemed his intention was already received. And more than welcome.
“Lan er-gege, I thought you didn’t like being touched? Why does it seem like er-gege is trying to keep this one’s hands on him now, hm?” Relieved of lingering doubt, Wei Ying’s hands were now wrapped comfortably around one of his arms, slender fingers trailing down toward his wrist. His ears burned.
Heavens help him.
“Hey, Lan Zhan. Don’t tell me you’ve gotten embarrassed! You’re the one that started this, you know. You can’t regret it now-” Lan Wangji turned around and caught Wei Ying’s hand as it fell away from him.
Surrounding conversations stopped, but Lan Wangji paid them no mind.
He delicately took Wei Ying’s hand in his and stroked a thumb across his knuckles. Wei Ying’s eyes were wide with surprise, lips parted slightly. Lan Wangji held their clasped hands to his chest and drank in Wei Ying’s reaction as a blush spread across his cheeks.
“Would not regret it. Would not regret anything about Wei Ying.”
Wei Ying coughed and looked away. Lan Wangji watched him rally, flustered himself, but refusing to lose whatever game they were playing. He opened his mouth to speak again but was interrupted by a familiar voice.
Nie Huaisang fanned himself and observed his two friends as they leaned toward each other. Both of them were adorably flustered. Red to the tips of their ears yet refusing to let go. Curious.
Jiang Wanyin was grumbling and muttering to himself, occasionally stealing glances to ensure his brother’s propriety. He would buy the act if he wasn’t so obviously radiating his approval. Nie Huaisang rolled his eyes and hid a smile.
They both knew that Wei Wuxian was drawn to Lan Wangji. Anyone could see that. He was completely gone on him! It was almost embarrassing to be around him in public. (Even more so for Jiang Wanyin, as he liked to remind everyone).
And for Wei-xiong’s sake, he hoped, but he never suspected that Lan Wangji returned his feelings. Nie Huaisang is very pleased. They do make a very aesthetic couple, he considered.
Busy watching the spectacle at the front of the room, he barely noticed when the doors to the Lanshi slid open. Conversations around them halted, drawing his attention to the door. Lan Qiren stood at the entrance of the classroom. His eyebrows twitched toward the middle and he audibly grit his teeth. Ouch.
“Wei Wuxian!”
Everyone else scurried back to their seats, Nie Huaisang among them. He turned around gleefully to watch what was about to unfold.
The two had yet to even look away from each other. And by then Lan Qiren had already strode to the front of the classroom and yanked Wei Wuxian up by the collar to his feet. “Ow! Ah- Lan-laoshi–”
“Get back to your seat!” Wei Wuxian bowed and for once followed without complaint.
Lan Wangji stared at his uncle, displeased. But he only turned around and continued to his own desk without another word. The classroom was quiet for a long moment.
Lan Qiren huffed a breath and rubbed at his temple. “Now, let’s hope the rest of you have been studying. Put any belongings away and set a fresh sheet of paper on your desk.”
Nie Huaisang’s smile dropped. Shit.