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Wei Wuxian leant on the tree. He really did flex with that blindfold and everything. Though too bad he couldn’t snatch Lan Zhan’s forehead ribbon, that’d make it even better. Wei Wuxian finished playing the tune and relaxed his muscles. He was in the lead anyway, no need to catch more prey for now. He closed his eyes, that were now hidden under his own belt and leaned his head against the tree as well.
He sat there for god knows how long, he even nodded off for a minute. But suddenly he caught a sound.
Someone was approaching.
Wei Wuxian tensed up. Someone was trying to get to him, that much was obvious, but there was no sense of danger, no killing intent apparent. Wei Wuxian relaxed a bit and turned his head into the direction of the sound of footsteps.
Though no words came, so Wei Wuxian opened his mouth and called at the person.
„You’re here for the hunt?“
No answer.
„You won’t be able to get anything good from around me.“ He tried it once more.
Still no answer. That was odd. The only reaction were a few footsteps coming closer.
Wei Wuxian was definitely intrigued. Most cultivators were afraid of him and didn’t dare to come closer to him while the rest would try to kill him already. And those few people that didn’t belong into that category would already spoke to him. Wei Wuxian smirked. Must be someone, who wouldn’t dare to approach him in person. But before he managed to think it through, he was suddenly pushed against the tree.
„Gah!“ groaned Wei Wuxian as his back bumped into the tree and his breath was knocked out.
He tried to lift his arm to pull off the belt on his eyes, but his hand was immediately snatched and clasped in a strong grip, that strong Wei Wuxian was surprised he can’t wriggle out of it. And yet the person was still not trying to kill him. Wei Wuxian tried to shake out his talismans then as he couldn’t use his flute either. But before he managed to move the talismans, the person noticed and quickly twisted his other hand in another strong grip.
That person apparently knew Wei Wuxian good enough to know his tricks. His only possibility was to try and kick the person away with his feet but as he lifted his leg, a sudden touch made him completely stiff.
His lips.
Something warm was touching his lips.
The touch was strange and unfamiliar, yet warm and moist. Wei Wuxian was standing there frozen, and his mind went completely blank. That touch was so odd, almost as if…
As if someone was kissing him.
Wei Wuxian was being pressed against a tree and kissed.
But who was strong enough to keep him locked in a grip this strong? Wei Wuxian had to know, so he tried to struggle and pull on his belt. And he was once again unsuccessful. The lips were softly shaking, meaning the person was definitely nervous and embarrassed. Must be a very shy maiden then, thought Wei Wuxian. That made him stop the resisting because if the maiden mustered up all that courage and strength and still was trembling, she must be very shy and pulling down the belt would definitely make her ashamed.
The kiss became more and more passionate. Wei Wuxian has never been kissed, so it was making him to feel dizzy and excited at the same time. The sensation waves were overpowering his body and he felt the strength of his body slowly giving up.
Ha, look at the mighty Wei Wuxian, being all weak from a mere kiss, laughed Wei Wuxian in his mind. The pressure of those lips was increasing and it was almost too much for a virgin like Wei Wuxian. His knees suddenly weakened and his pack slid down the tree. Only that as he moved so suddenly, the maiden tried to catch him and accidentally pulled on one end of his belt. Said belt slipped off of his eyes and Wei Wuxian was suddenly blinded by the sharp shining sun.
The hands suddenly dropped him and as Wei Wuxian overcame the blinding light, his eyes fell on the face of the person, that has been kissing him mere seconds ago.
Wei Wuxian blinked to focus better. The first thing he noticed were two light eyes wide open, bright red blush on the cheeks a trembling lips slightly open. But what made Wei Wuxian almost drop his jaw, was a white ribbon on that person’s forehead.
It was One of the Two Jades of Gusu, Lan Wangji.
They both stood there for a minute as if the time around them froze, both too shocked to utter a word or move. Wei Wuxian was first to burst that bubble and straightened back in order to come closer to the shocked cultivator in front of him but before he managed to do so, Lan Wangji turned on the heel and dashed away without saying a word.
Wei Wuxian tried to call at him but he was in no shape to follow him as his legs were pretty much jelly-like from the passionate kiss.
---
He messed up. He messed up so much.
Lan Zhan was running through the forest to get away from Wei Ying as quickly as he was able to. His life was ruined. Wei Ying knows.
He was cursing himself for being so weak. He couldn’t just admire his beauty from afar. He had to go and embarrass himself. How ashamed he was now for being so easily swayed by his desires. He was cursing everything making him be like this. He was cursing the day he set his eyes on the smiling cheeky face of the young cultivator. Wei Ying is no idiot; he does know what kissing another person means. He’ll link it together and make Lan Zhan a laughing stock as he‘ll babble his secret feelings out. Lan Zhan will become that shameful creep, who likes other men and his loved Wei Ying will never speak with him.
He heard loud steps stomping after him. It was Wei Ying!
He can’t speak with right now! Lan Zhan quickened his pace and tried to get lost among the trees, though that was hardly possible with his bright white robes. When he finally escaped that pleas of Wei Ying to stop, to talk about it, he slowed his running to a fast walking.
He had to act quickly. Wei Ying will surely try to speak with him as soon as he sees him. So he has to somehow ensure that never happens. The only thing he could think of would be a first-aid station tent, he was sure that getting back to his designed seat at Lan Sect section wouldn’t stop Wei Ying. Which meant he’d have to somehow injure himself. An injury then.
Lan Zhan knew Xichen would suspect him as Lan Zhan got rarely injured, if ever. But Xichen’s suspicions were still a better option than Wei Ying asking him questions and ridiculing him. And so he unsheathed Bichen and tried to replicate a deep scratch on his calf with it. A mere cut with sword would be too suspicious.
Him entering first-aid tent raised a few brows but he didn’t care. He told the nurse there he doesn’t want anyone to disturb him, except for Xichen and finally escaped Wei Ying.
---
Wei Wuxian was stunned. He never would’ve expected Lan Zhan to kiss him. Hell, he’d never expect Lan Zhan to kiss ANYONE. Not that it wouldn’t be impossible, but Lan Zhan was that cold to everyone, it was something that just didn’t go well with the image of the righteous cultivator.
But why did Lan Zhan even do it? Shouldn’t he kiss some maiden instead? What was the point of kissing him?
Wei Ying unconsciously lifted his hand to his lips and touched them. They were still warm and swollen from that kiss.
That was his first kiss. Lan Zhan has just stolen his first kiss. It was weird at first, but the touch of lips was quite nice. It made his lips tingle and his mind dizzy from a mixture of unidentified feelings. That was the odd part. The kiss was not bad. It was pleasant even. He… he liked it.
But why did Lan Zhan do it again? He had no reason to kiss him. Guys don’t kiss other guys. Maybe he did it to prank him. Nonono, Lan Zhan is not like that, he’d never pull a prank on anyone, shook his head, Wei Wuxian. Then why?
He had to go after him. He’ll never get the answer sitting here under the tree with jelly legs. Wei Wuxian dragged himself up and set his legs in motion. After a few steps he shook off that odd feeling and was able to quicken his pace.
He ran through the trees in no particular direction. Then he thought Lan Zhan would maybe go back to the gathering place. And so he headed that way. He noticed some steps somewhere near but didn’t get a glimpse of that person, so he didn’t know whether it was Lan Zhan or not.
When he got into the gathering place, he unfortunately didn’t see Lan Zhan at his designated spot next to the Lan Sect leader. Though he noticed people were murmuring about something. He made his way near a group of cultivators to spy on their discussion.
„I’d never expect Hanguang-Jun to get injured. Isn’t he always so prim and perfect?“
„But he’s still fifteen years old boy, cut him some slack.“
„Doesn’t look like one though.“
Wei Ying lifted his brows. Lan Zhan got injured? He was perfectly fine just a few minutes ago. He suddenly got worried Lan Zhan was so distressed by that situation he didn’t focus properly and bumped into a prey, being caught off guard. He turned on his heels and made is way to the first-aid tent to look at him.
As he reached the tent though, he noticed the main gate was empty and there was no Lan Zhan. He stopped a nurse passing by and asked her where to find Lan Zhan, but she replied Lan Zhan wishes no one to disturb him. That was odd.
Did Lan Zhan hate him? Was he trying to avoid him? Well, he clearly did. But why? Was it that Lan Zhan realized it was a mistake and was actually disgusted by that kiss? Or he just didn’t want to see him because he didn’t want to talk with him? Maybe he doesn’t want to see Wei Wuxian ever again.
Wei Wuxian was about to barge into that closed tent of Lan Sect, but he realized he didn’t want to see Lan Zhan all disgusted by him. If Lan Zhan doesn’t want to see him, he must hate him right now.
It made his shoulders drop. He didn’t want Lan Zhan to hate him. But what could he do? Force himself into that tent and rile Lan Zhan up like he always did? He didn’t want that either. And so he slowly turned away and sluggishly made his steps back to the Jiang Sect designated place.
---
„Shijie?“
Jiang Yanli raised her eyes from an embroidery hoop in her hands. Her gaze fell on one prevaricating Wei Ying. He made a few steps closer to her and sat next to her on the grass at Lotus Pier.
„What’s the matter, A-Xian?“ she asked him. Wei Ying snuggled closer to her and tried to settle his confused thoughts.
„Why do people kiss, shijie?“ he started. She chuckled.
„Out of love, A-Xian.“
Wei Ying looked at her, his face a bit puzzled. He knew that. But that was not the answer he asked for.
„Yeah, but why? Why would anyone kiss another person?“
Yanli put down her embroidery hoop.
„What makes you ask a question like that?“ She wondered. Wei Ying only looked at her, then moved his eyes away. Oh, so he got kissed, smirked Yanli in her mind.
„Well, for various reasons. They can do it to comfort them. Like I do with you when I kiss your forehead. They can do it because they like doing it. Or they can do it to feel closer to that person. Kissing is very intimate; it can tell more than a thousand of words. Maybe they are trying to confess that way. People kiss out of love.“ She repeated.
„So if I kiss someone, it means I love them?“
„Basically yes. Unless you would do it just for the desire. But A-Xian is not like that, is he?“ She smiled at him. Wei Wuxian shook his head and then dropped it again, looking at the floor.
If what shijie told him was true, that meant Lan Zhan loved him. But that just wasn’t true. How could he? Wasn’t he always annoyed by Wei Wuxian’s presence? Wasn’t he always reprimanding him for improper behaviour and fooling around too much? No, Lan Zhan hated him. But that somehow made him sad. He didn’t want Lan Zhan to hate him. He wanted him to talk to him, to laugh with him, to smile at him.
He wanted to kiss him.
Wei Wuxian widened his eyes. He wanted what?
Jiang Yanli was quietly observing the fast change of emotions in Wei Ying’s face. That boy surely had a lot to think about. When he widened his eyes and then dropped his gaze again, she knew he had a big realization. His eyes were suddenly glistening with moistness and his usually cocky posture was now all sad and tiny. He looked pitiful.
She couldn’t watch him anymore. Wei Ying looked as if he were on verge of tears. That poor shidi of her was clearly in love. Yanli pulled him into a warm hug. Wei Ying let her and rested his head on her shoulder.
„I still don’t get it, shijie.“ He whispered.
---
It was a big realization, but Wei Wuxian was now sure. He did like Lan Zhan. He did want to kiss him again. And he was fed up with that avoiding and tension around them when they met, which was also a rare occasion as Lan Zhan made sure to avoid him at all costs.
Wei Wuxian got enough. He convinced Jiang Cheng’s dad to allow him to make a visit at Cloud Recesses. He was determined to meet Lan Zhan at all cost.
When he reached Cloud Recesses, he went to the Sect leader Lan first. Firstly, it was out of manners, secondly, he knew that if someone could convince Lan Zhan to meet him, it was Lan Xichen.
Lan Xichen was surprised at first but when Wei Wuxian confessed the true nature of his visit, he smiled and nodded.
„To be honest, I noticed Wangji seems to be distressed lately. He doesn’t want to talk about it with me though. So this is what makes him worry.“
Wei Wuxian tilted his head. „Worry?“
Lan Xichen smiled with that secretive smile of his. „Young master Wei, you know Wangji. He thinks too deeply about everything. Of course it worries him. He considers the relationship with you precious. I can now see that he was trying to act as if nothing happened, which made him put distance between you two.“
Wei Wuxian nodded. „To be honest, I don’t feel any hostility towards him because of that kiss. I don’t want us to be distant like this. But he doesn’t let me talk to him. How can I restore our relationship then?“
Lan Xichen thought for a second, then his face brightened. He thought of a nice plan to bring his shy brother and his love interest together.
„Firstly, we have to make sure Wangji doesn’t know yet that you arrived in Cloud Recesses, Young master Wei. Then…“
---
„What a lovely day. What about we go on a picnic today, Wangji? Just the two of us?“ Asked him Xichen the next morning. Lan Zhan raised his eyes from his lunch. It was truly a nice early autumn day; the weather was still warm and the trees around Cloud Recesses were painted yellow and red. Yet, it was odd for Xichen to ask him out on a brotherly outing. Usually they talked in the privacy of his study. Or more like Xichen talked and Lan Zhan listened.
„Mn.“ He nodded. Lan Xichen smiled and moved his focus back to the bowl in his hands.
They set out right after lunch. Lan Xichen made a small basket with water and a few rice cakes to be prepared for them and they walked to the meadow, where a herd of white rabbits lived. Lan Zhan liked them, he went there often to clear his mind and to keep them company.
„Does this place look pleasant to you?“ Xichen asked him. Lan Zhan turned to him and nodded. They settled down the small basket and sat on the grass then. Xichen observed him for a bit. Lan Zhan was sure he wanted to ask him about something.
„You seem troubled lately. Is there something weighing on your mind?“ Asked him Xichen then. Lan Zhan nodded. He could trust his older brother; he’d never blabbed any of his secrets out. He even knew about Lan Zhan‘s love for Wei Ying. But he couldn’t bring himself to confess his shameful behaviour from that prey hunting event where he kissed Wei Ying and ruined everything.
A rabbit suddenly sniffed on his finger. Lan Zhan carefully lifted the finger and caressed rabbit’s head gently.
„Does it perhaps concern Young master Wei?“ Xichen asked. Lan Zhan widened his eyes and shot a gaze at his older brother. How does he know that? Did Wei Ying already give away his shameful feelings? Does everyone know now that he forced a kiss on him?
Lan Zhan didn’t say a word. He only dropped his gaze. That alone was enough to answer Lan Xichen’s question. It seemed that Wangji was very worried by it. He must be scared Young master Wei hates him now. Lan Xichen hid a small smile that raised on his lips. The youngsters these days, they are clueless.
Lan Zhan, deeply immersed in his thoughts of despair and sadness, kept his focus on the rabbits surrounding him, so he didn’t notice a young disciple making his way to them.
Lan Xichen stood up and spoke a few words to the young disciple. Then he turned to Lan Zhan with an apologetic smile.
„I’m sorry, Wangji. Shifu is calling me because of an important matter. Seems like our outing is over. But please enjoy your afternoon here, I’ll send someone to keep you company.“ He apologized. Lan Zhan nodded and turned back to the rabbits. He didn’t blame him; his brother was a clan leader after all.
---
After a short time Lan Zhan noticed the sound of steps coming near. He didn’t turn his head though. The person didn’t seem to try and harm him, it must be the companion his brother sent him then.
The person came closer to him. Lan Zhan finally turned to greet them and then he froze.
It was Wei Ying. His Wei Ying. What does he even do here?
Lan Zhan was about to get up and run away again but before he managed to do so, Wei Ying did something, that took him completely by surprise. He jumped at him and pinned him to the ground.
„Gotcha!“ He laughed. Lan Zhan widened his eyes and tried to struggle his way from under Wei Ying’s body. Though he found out Wei Ying pacified him pretty easily and Lan Zhan would have to injure him if he wanted to free himself. He gave up then and just let Wei Ying holding onto him.
„What are you doing here?“ he asked him with a dry, emotionless voice, only to hide his uneasiness. Even despite Wei Ying’s usual playfulness, there was a serious expression leaking through the facade, he surely came to ridicule him, or worse, to threaten him. He braced his fragile heart in preparation for getting rejected.
„Zewu-Jun invited me. I heard you’re weeping here out of loneliness.“ He laughed and playfully pulled on a strand of Lan Zhan’s hair. Lan Zhan kept his poker face, but he was shaking inside. He was seriously afraid now. He had to get out of here. Now.
„Let me go.“ He growled in attempt to scare him off. Wei Ying only giggled and jokingly squeezed him in his arms, then loosened his tight embrace. Lan Zhan wriggled his way out and quickly stood up.
„To be honest, I asked Zewu-Jun to help me to meet you in private.“
Lan Zhan froze. He knew his brother was scheming something. Why else would he drag him outside? He didn’t say a word though and was about to walk away when Wei Ying asked him.
„Do you really hate me that much you don‘t even want to speak to me?“
Lan Zhan tensed. Of course not. It was the opposite. He loved him, that was why he had to leave. He didn’t want to have his heart crushed to dust. He turned to Wei Ying and shook his head. Then he bowed his head and was about to walk away again when Wei Ying stopped him for the second time by grabbing onto his sleeve.
„Lan Zhan, I think I got enough of your cold shoulder. It’s your fault anyway. Don’t you think you owe me an explanation?“ He dropped all of his previous playfulness.
Lan Zhan just stared at him. He couldn’t bring himself to utter a word. He couldn’t confess he was weak and let his desires to cloud his mind. He couldn’t say anything, so he kept quiet.
Wei Ying sighed. He knew it won’t be easy.
„Shijie said people kiss other people because they love them. Is that true? Did you do it because you love me?“ He asked. Lan Zhan widened his eyes even more. But he still didn’t say a word. He even forced himself not to move away his eyes as it would show him being weak and answer Wei Ying’s question eventually.
„Lan Zhan! Say something!“ Wei Ying started to become impatient. He knew Lan Zhan was not a person that talked often but this was too much. Wei Ying closed his eyes for a second and sighed again.
„I promise I didn’t come to laugh at you if that’s what you’re afraid of. Now can you tell me what made you kiss me and then avoid me?“
Lan Zhan observed Wei Ying’s face for a second and deeming it to be genuine enough, he shyly nodded. It seemed that Wei Ying didn’t have any ill intentions.
„I am very sorry.“ Those were the first words he told Wei Ying.
„Why are you apologizing? For kissing me? Or for avoiding me? Because if you feel sorry for that, you don’t have to.“ Wei Ying let a small smile lift the corners of his mouth. Lan Zhan looked at him puzzled.
„What I’m trying to say is, that I didn’t hate it. You don’t have to apologize.“ Said Wei Ying. He carefully glanced at Lan Zhan to observe any change of expression on his face. He still wasn’t sure it was okay to tell Lan Zhan everything but his feelings were trying to burst out of him.
„Lan Zhan, do you hate me that much?“ He voiced his biggest worry. Lan Zhan jerked himself and quickly shook his head. There was no way he’d hate him. Wei Ying laughed nervously.
„That’s a relief then. Because I came to tell you that I like you.“
Lan Zhan froze. Did Wei Ying just say what he thinks he said? Or it was just a foolish dream to make him feel miserable after waking up? Wei Ying moved his eyes away, suddenly losing his usual confidence. Lan Zhan just stared at him until his buzzing mind settled on a question. He had to make sure it was true. He had to make sure they meant the same thing.
„As a friend?“ He whispered. Wei Ying slowly shook his head and dropped his smile. Now he was all serious, what a rare sight.
„No, not as a friend. I really, really like you.“ He stated with a quiet but firm voice. Lan Zhan’s mind went wild. He was unable to even make out what expression was he making. His mind was a giant nest of thoughts buzzing louder than a beehive. Suddenly Wei Ying made a scared expression and hurriedly grabbed him by his shoulders. He seemed to say something, but Lan Zhan was too overwhelmed to make out any words. He then noticed something wet on his cheeks. He lifted his fingers to his face and traced that wetness to his eyes only to realize they were tears.
It felt too unreal. Wei Ying liking him. It was just impossible. And yet, those were the words Wei Ying had told him. His lips trembled as he tried to say something. But no sound came out.
He closed his eyes and tried to calm his inner self. Wei Ying needed to know now. He deserved to know now. And so Lan Zhan took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and then opened them once again, allowing a small smile to leak into his usually calm expression. He then pulled Wei Ying into a tight hug. His heart was beating fast.
That was his answer.
Wei Ying raised his head from Lan Zhan’s chest and studied Lan Zhan’s face. Then he put his left palm on Lan Zhan’s cheek and caressed it.
„Can I kiss you again, Lan Zhan?“ He asked.
Lan Zhan nodded.
„Mn.“