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Lan Wangji tried so hard to fight the Wens that infiltrated his fleet, but to no avail. 

Could this be the last of the Lans? Would his dynasty end in this battle?

Five years ago, the Wen army attacked Cloud Recesses and burned down their palace. His brother, the emperor, was taken as a hostage. Everyone thought that the Lan dynasty was no more, having crumbled under the attack of the Wen dynasty, which claimed their territory as their own.

Lan Wangji didn’t give up. He went into hiding and built his own army. He had new goals: to rescue his brother and rebuild his kingdom. The Cloud Recesses fleet, consisting of a vessel and ten boats, was his accomplishment.  He had heard that Wen’s navy was the weakest link.

And now, before his own eyes, that weakest link has destroyed his fleet. 

Around him, the very people he recruited were facing the enemy in a life-and-death battle. These people's lives were given to him. They believed in him; they decided to dedicate themselves to him; the last reign of the Lan dynasty.

He failed them. He failed his family, his brother, and his ancestors.

He was facing Wen's fleet Captain Wen Zhuliu, when suddenly several men in dark purple boarded his vessel. These people were wearing tight suits, and their faces were covered until only their eyes were visible. 

Lan Wangji had heard of the Jiang’s Ghosts. The story tells about the remains of the Jiang dynasty, who had a similar fate with the Lan. The Massacre of Jiang was so severe that the Wens only left one Jiang alive.

Wei Wuxian.

The person who betrayed his own adoptive family so he could be the slave of the Wens.

The Jiang’s Ghosts were said to be half humans who could live under water. Their SOP was to attack all boats and drown them. Rumors said that these boats and the dead people were the sacrifices they had to give to the gods of the sea to maintain their half-human abilities.

Before his eyes, Lan Wangji saw how these ghosts appeared from under the water, and attacked everyone on board. The way they fought was like they had been fighting on the water forever, very skilled, very agile, and using the sway of the boat as a momentum to attack their opponents. It did not matter whether that person was a Lan or a Wen, these ghosts fought them all.

Although he was pretty skilled in martial arts, the appearance of a new enemy caused Lan Wangji to lose his concentration and be easily stabbed by Wen Zhuliu. He stumbled backward, blood oozing from his lower abdomen, soiling his white outfit. The wound was quite deep.

He inhaled sharply, wincing in dismay. Being injured in this situation was equal to death. He tried to return his focus to his fight with Wen Zhuliu, however, the pain limited his movement, a flaw he could not afford when fighting with the fierce captain. The man stepped on his wound, and Lan Wangji could only scream in agony.

The pain was immeasurable, he felt the tears of pain, the burden of guilt all mixed into one. He should die, he thought. 

These good people died because of his stubbornness and arrogance in trying to take down the Wens. He closed his eyes, hoping that death would be swift.

But what came next was a relief on his chest, the pressure was gone and he could breathe again. 

From his blurred vision, a man in black was pulling Wen Zhuliu away from his body, causing his savior's arm to be slashed by the enemy's captain.

The black pirate stepped backwards, still standing tall, his palm covering the oozing blood from his sliced arm. From his peripheral vision, Lan Wangji could see his handsome smirk and lopsided grin.

His heart thudded, making a weird foreign sound.

Rat-tat-tat.

That injury in his chest must be pretty savage.

That was all he remembered before he lost consciousness.

When he woke up, he was still curled up in the corner where Wen Zhuliu left him. The situation had somehow calmed down; no more fighting was heard, but people were still walking around, dragging bodies left and right.

“What’s the verdict?” He heard a voice.

“One death,” the answer came from quite a cheerful voice.

“At the cost of your arm!” the first man grunted.

The cheerful sound was coming from the black pirate. "It's only a scratch! Don't worry too much. Wen Qing prepared medicines for me at Suibian."

"A scratch?!!! You should take care of yourself, Idiot!"

“A-Cheng!!!! You love me!!!” The enthusiastic reply.

“Shut up!”

“Our plan is working. The Wen’s vessel is yours now that I killed the captain.”

“Mn. I will make sure that the vessel does its bidding under my rule.”

“Just make sure the Wens don’t find out that you are the new captain.”

“Anyway, have you managed to look at the Lan’s boats?”

“Yeah, really bad structure. The boats are too big and heavy, we can only drown them and reuse the materials.”

“Okay, then, I will leave them to you. The girls?” The cheerful man asked.

“Five. They are being briefed and boarded Suibian.”

“And the men?” 

“Are tied, and would be thrown into the sea soon.”

“Good job, A-Cheng!”

“How about that man?” 

Lan Wangji knew they were talking about him.

“Ahh, he is good looking, right A-Cheng? I kinda like him.”

His heart was acting up again. The rat-tat-tat returned, and it annoyed him.

The louder man hummed before issuing his order. “Throw the prince into the sea!” 

Lan Wangji felt people lifting him up and throwing him off the vessel.

He gasped, trying to catch his breath. But soon he heard a splash beside him, and someone put his arms under Lan Wangji's armpits to help him float, swimming away. 

“See you, A-Cheng!” the man holding him shouted.

“Say hi to Jiejie for me!”

Lan Wangji managed to free himself from the man’s hold. He turned around and saw the strong man in black smiling as he easily wrapped his hands around Lan Wangji’s chest, imprisoning his arms and body in his firm grasp. His attempts to wriggle free were useless.

“Easy, Dianxia ,” the soothing voice was heard in his ear. “I just saved you. If I want you dead, it would be so easy for me.”

That was a threat. And his heart went rat-tat-tat, again.

He ignored it. Somehow, the man in black was saying that he could live. And since Lan Wangji was not in the capacity to fight this man, he would play along.

What choice did he have anyway?

Shit, the rat-tat-tat was getting more frequent.

He was dragged into a black sailboat. Suibian, the name of the boat, was written in red letters on the floor of the deck. The five ladies taken from the Lan’s vessel, the cooks and the launderers, were sitting close to each other. But he could not pay more attention than that, because as soon as he was safe on the boat, curling on the floor, hiding his pain, and gasping for air, the man blocked his acupuncture points.

Lan Wangji was incapacitated, he could not move any limb or make any sound. 

There were some orders he gave to the Lan ladies, something about occupying a big room under the deck, then preparing food and medicine, but Lan Wangji was in too much pain and rage to listen. 

He was princess-carried into a small chamber for one. Leaning his frozen body against the wall while still supporting him, the man undressed him with much effort, his frozen body, wet clothes, and bloody wound were making things harder. When he was done, Lan Wangji was totally naked for only a few seconds, because he instantly wrapped him in a towel. 

Desperate, frustrated, embarrassed, and angry, Lan Wangji could only glare. The man glanced at him, huffed, but showed no remorse. He worked quickly and laid him on the dry bed.

“Nice body, Dianxia ,” he whistled as he stood up, giving him an appreciative look. “You must be so pissed right now. Don’t worry, I will not do anything to you,” he grinned. “Unless you ask me,” he winked. 

There, the rat-tat-tat on his heart. 

“Ah, forgive me for not introducing myself. Wei Wuxian here.”

Wei Wuxian.

He was now at the mercy of that traitor. Lan Wangji gritted his molars in disdain. That gesture did not escape his captor, who snickered and huffed, then proceeded to take a first aid kit to address his wound tenderly. Lan Wangji winced, but the pain was minimal.

He had to admit, Wei Wuxian was proficient in handling his wound. He helped him bandage it and changed him into a dry outfit, smirking when he put on the pants. But Wei Wuxian was careful with him, he didn’t do anything unnecessary or degrading.

Somehow, his consideration brought a feeling of comfort to Lan Wangji. 

Rat-tat-tat.

There was something seriously wrong with his heart. It still made weird sounds even after being medicated.

Wei Wuxian sat down on the edge of the bed to take off his wet clothes. His bodysuit was lowered to his waist, showing off his muscled arms and toned abs.

Rat-tat-tat.

He took some medicine to apply to his gaping wound in his arm. It looked pretty deep. Then he stitched his own wound, softly whining when the needle pierced his skin.

Lan Wangji watched it all and saw firsthand how determined and strong this man before him was.

Rat-tat-tat.

Maybe this foreign thud in his chest was not an injury. Maybe it was admiration. 

When he was done, he stood up, turning so his back was facing Lan Wangji. His back view in a bodysuit was something else. Nothing was hidden: his lean muscles, lithe waist, strong back, and perky butt.

Lan Wangji wished he could turn his face away, but he settled for closing his eyes, the silhouette of that body did not leave his eyes even when they were shut.

Rat-tat-tat.

Wei Wuxian chuckled.

Lan Wangji opened his eyes as he heard that melodic laughter and found the man with his arm folded on his chest, leaning at the back of the door, grinning. 

“I believe I will not have to tie you up, Dianxia . You may have better martial arts ability, but you can’t defeat me in the sea.”

Wei Wuxian freed his acupoints. Lan Wangji didn’t move, although, from the look of Wei Wuxian, he was ready to defend himself just in case Lan Wangji decided to attack. 

Rat-tat-tat.

Lan Wangji took a deep breath. He was not stupid enough to strike while he was injured. Even if by chance he won against him, what would he do with this boat in this sea? He would stay and watch for a chance to escape.

Rat-tat-tat.

“What do you plan to do with me?” he asked once he was able to regain control of his voice, knowing how hoarse it was.

Wei Wuxian smiled solemnly. “I only brought you to my boat because you were injured. You could not be thrown into the water like the rest of your army.”

Lan Wangji looked at him in confusion, clearly knew that he was playing him. “You saved me because I was injured. But you killed my people who were in better condition than I was?”

Wei Wuxian showed a lopsided grin, not sharing his secret. “I will nurture you back to health. And after, you can do whatever you want as long as you don’t mess with my life.”

Lan Wangji had questions. Many questions. If Wei Wuxian was a Wen’s slave, why would he save him? How could he still be involved with the Jiang’s Ghosts? What were his plans?

But none of those questions could be uttered. Lan Wangji was speechless, staring at the man.

Wei Wuxian was dangerously handsome. He could be categorized as a beauty, with his wicked smile and charmed  existence, with his lean body, lithe waist, and long legs. The most captivating man he had ever laid eyes on. 

But he was also lethally intelligent and incredibly cunning. Lan Wangji would have to be extra cautious.

Rat-tat-tat.

A knock on the door broke his haze. Wei Wuxian opened the door for the Lan’s cook who brought a tray of food and several bottles.

“Thank you, Lan-guniang ,” Wei Wuxian nodded, taking over the tray and dismissing the lady.

He put the tray on the table next to Lan Wangji’s bed. “Food and medicine, courtesy of your host.”

“What are you going to do with them?” he asked, tone warning. 

Wei Wuxian smirked, “I am selling them to Ghost General’s brothel.”

Lan Wangji shuddered. He had heard about that brothel, where the famous Wen’s generals spent a lot of their money.  

He would find a way to rescue them, he vowed.

“And what about me? Am I a hostage?” He asked, tone laced with defiance. He had no priority over his life, but if  Lan Wangji had to save them, he would have to know Wei Wuxian’s plan.

"Nope. You are free to go, Dianxia. The sea will welcome you."

"How can I escape this boat?" he snickered.

"Exactly!" The hot pirate nodded. "Oh, just so we are clear, as long as you are on this boat, you are mine, Dianxia,” he said, laughing as he walked out of the chamber, leaving him alone.

Rat-tat-tat.

"Is that a threat?"

"It's a fact." He didn't even turn around to face him as he answered.

The audacity!

He would never be his!

Gritting his teeth, Lan Wangji sat up, drinking that bitter medicine and eating that food. He must regain his health to stand up to Wei Wuxian, to save these ladies.

Wei Wuxian made a huge mistake if he thought he could undermine a Lan.

***

A few days of being confined in his chamber, Lan Wangji was feeling better, but he dared not make a move yet. He decided to find Wei Wuxian’s weakness and make a plan before making any move.

But Wei Wuxian had no fault in his eyes. He accompanied him when he was too sick to move, he made sure to change the bandage, clean his wound, and wipe his back because he sweated a lot. 

He flirted with him, saying, "You smell so good, Gege. Is this sandalwood?"

Rat-tat-tat.

"I found out that swimming naked is faster, so I created this bodysuit. It protects the skin, makes you swim faster, and supports agility. One downside: It only looks good on me! Even A-Cheng doesn't give a sexy vibe like I do. Do you agree, Dianxia?" he chirped enthusiastically.

Rat-tat-tat.

Lan Wangji felt his ears burn. "Shameless!"

Wei Wuxian would laugh, the sound brightening his room, and his heart would stutter.

Rat-tat-tat.

His chatter had become something that Lan Wangji sought every day. 

“You know why I named this boat Suibian? Because this boat was a gift from my adoptive father. At that time, he asked me what name I wanted for it? I spent days figuring out names. A-Cheng chose Princess for his first boat. It drowned. He was given another boat and named it Sandu. So melancholic, that guy. 

Anyway, I was going to name it Zhan, meaning blue? But it was so unlike me. I didn’t even like the color blue. No offense to your Lan dynasty, okay, Dianxia? But my favorite color is red. Then I thought of naming it Emperor’s Smile, but I feel like the Wens will burn it if that was its name because it was hinting that I was the rightful emperor—I do have a stunning smile, don’t you agree? Have you tried Emperor’s Smile, Dianxia? That is my favorite alcohol from Gusu. 

After a long, long, loooonnnnggg time, I gave up naming it. That was how Suibian got its name.”

His thoughts moved a thousand directions per second.

Lan Wangji enjoyed all his stories.

And somehow in his heart, he believed that Wei Wuxian was not a bad person.

He was just a lonely soul in a lost boat.

***

One day, Lan Wangji was feeling so low. His hard work failed, and his brother was still taken hostage. He worried about his safety, and about the rest of the Lans.

He was so quiet that day.

Without him needing to say anything, Wei Wuxian stayed by his side, telling stories about his brother Jiang Cheng's fine ability, how dependable he was, and how the Lans would strive under his leadership.

Although he knew Wei Wuxian was trying to soothe him by saying his men were safe, Lan Wangji still snapped.

"Your brother was not the one whose life was hanging on the thread at the mercy of the Wens."

He was not being fair, he knew. But at that moment, he was a loser, a failure, and he had lost hope.

Wei Wuxian didn't say much after, spending the day in his room with his arms folded in front of his chest, a faraway look in his silver eyes, as if he were in deep thought.

But he stayed, despite sharing a room with a moody person he barely knew.

Maybe he pitied Lan Wangji.

That's fine.

He needed the company.

When Lan Wangji was finally able to walk around, he was the witness to how kind Wei Wuxian was to the ladies. The only thing he did that raised Lan Wangji's suspicion was that he kept to himself at odd hours in his own chamber.

A week later, Lan Wangji decided to peek into his chamber and found many papers laying on the table.

A drawing of the mechanism of an equipment that would allow one to breathe under water, just like the ones being used by the Jiang’s Ghosts. The detailed design of a war boat, sturdy yet lean. It was an upgrade from the Wen’s boat. Wei Wuxian must have been the one who designed the Wen’s vessel. There were notes saying the pros and cons of adding new features, crossing it with a sad emoji when he didn't think it would work. A lot of thoughts were poured into it. Lan Wangji could not underestimate this intelligent man. 

And love letters from Lotus Lady and Fan Fan. The latter was written in such vulgar and compromising sentences, more like a yellow book, making him blush involuntarily 

Rat-tat-tat.

This time, the sound was not pleasant. 

While he was looking at those papers, suddenly he was thrown to the bed by a force, and the next second, Wei Wuxian appeared on top of him, grabbing his wrists and pinning them at the sides of his head. Wei Wuxian’s face was very near, only a few centimeters away from Lan Wangji’s. He could feel his hot breaths against his lips.

“Dianxia, what are you doing in my chamber? On my bed?” he teased, his voice lacing with mirth. "Are you asking me to conduct improper things?"

Lan Wangji could throw him off. Wei Wuxian had a smaller build. But he found himself mesmerized by those silver eyes, piercing into his soul.

Rat-tat-tat.

Lan Wangji needed to be firm, he could not fall into the hands of the evil men, although he must admit, Wei Ying was far from looking and acting like a criminal. 

His only question was: where did his loyalty lie? 

To the Jiang’s Ghosts who were wearing his innovation to maintain their lives on the run? Or to the Wen whose vessel was built by him?

He defied the Wens by killing Wen Zhuliu, giving the Jiangs the reign of the said vessel. But he was also selling the Lan’s ladies to the Wen’s brothel and keeping him as his hostage.

Wei Wuxian was a double agent, but he could not figure out his plan yet.

Wei Wuxian broke their locked gaze, eyes sliding down and staring at his lips. Lan Wangji held his breath, his heart was thundering against his ribs.

Rat-tat-tat.

As long as he was on this boat, he was his, Wei Wuxian had said.

What did he plan to do with him? And if what he had in mind was to take him to his bed, would Lan Wangji abide? for the safety of those Lan ladies?

Lan Wangji could not think, his brain conjured up the vision of Wei Wuxian’s perky butt instead, and he felt that rat-tat-tat once more. He was getting used to that sound, he even welcomed the sensation it brought, noticing that it only happened when Wei Wuxian was around.

The ease between them, the tension. What was happening to him?

A blaring acoustic sound of a vessel was heard, breaking their awkward atmosphere. Wei Wuxian cursed.

He sprang off Lan Wangji, and headed out of the chamber. 

Lan Wangji was stunned. Something bad must be going on from the look of Wei Wuxian's attitude.

But the next second, Wei Wuxian returned to his side and ripped the top of his robe, biting his shoulder and sucking a mark into it. He could not think, all he knew was that his heartbeat was going frantic.

Rat-tat-tat.

Rat-tat-tat.

Rat-tat-tat.

Lan Wangji pushed him as soon as he felt the subtle pain on his shoulder. Wei Wuxian was thrown away, his eyes full of lust, his lips wet.

He wiped them with the back of his hand and ordered him. “Do not leave this room. Your girls’ safety relies on your obedience!”

Lan Wangji had no choice but to abide by Wei Wuxian’s command. 

He stayed in that room quietly, trying to soothe his thudding heart with no avail.

He heard Wei Wuxian tell the girls to enter their shared chamber and apply some rouge on their skin. Not long after, several men boarded the small sailboat. Their voices were loud, ordering Wei Wuxian to show the girls. 

His blood boiled. Wei Wuxian was using the Lan's ladies as entertainment for those men.

Soon, the voices were coming nearer. He looked around to find a weapon to fight those men, and Wei Wuxian. The only thing he could find was the pen Wei Wuxian left on the table. This thing might be useful, but the attack must be done secretly.

He heard the men open the ladies’ room and shouted in disbelief. He could hear the scream, the door being slammed shut, and the staunch smell that entered the room.

“They are sick! I told you not to enter their room. It is contagious!” Wei Wuxian said.

Lan Wangji could swear that these women were fine this morning. This must have been his plan when he told them to apply rouge to their bodies. He had to applaud his quick thinking.

“And you plan to sell them to our brothel?!” A man roared.

“Well, Dianxia, you have enemies, don’t you?” 

The hint was clear: use these 'sick' women to serve your enemies. "Nothing a whitening rouge cannot hide,”

“Very good, Wei Wuxian!” The Wen prince praised.

The boat suddenly swayed, and Lan Wangji who was listening through the locked door, was thrown and knocked the bed with a loud thud.

“What’s in there?” 

“That one is mine,” Wei Wuxian answered.

“Open it!” The prince ordered.

He heard Wei Wuxian’s elaborate sigh. The lock on the door was opened from the outside, and Lan Wangji could do nothing but lay on the bed quietly.

In came several Wen soldiers, one of them was Wen Chao, the second prince of the Wen dynasty.

Wei Wuxian immediately went to him and blocked Lan Wangji from their guests' view, as if saving his kept lover in a compromising situation. He took the pen in his hand and hid it under the pillow. He hissed under his breath. "Play along!"

Rat-tat-tat.

He cursed. How could his heart act during this dire situation?

“A man, Wei Wuxian?” Wen Chao laughed cynically.

“Do you have a problem with that, Dianxia ?” he countered with his cheerful but threatening tone.

Wen Chao must have heard the underlying threat. He shrugged. “As long as you can prove that that one is not a spy!”

Wei Wuxian nodded. He slid his hand into Lan Wangji’s hair, fisting it and tugging him closer to kiss in front of the Wens.

Lan Wangji was aghast, he did not reciprocate the kiss, but Wei Wuxian was determined to kiss him senseless in front of these nasty Wens. He bit his lips, coaxing them to open, licking the gritted teeth behind his lips, licking them with his tongue, and Lan Wangji was trying to keep still, to ignore the sensation given by Wei Wuxian’s lips.

Rat-tat-tat.

Rat-tat-tat.

Rat-tat-tat.

“You got yourself a slut, Wei Wuxian?” The insulting tone was obvious, his eyes were focused on the hickey that Wei Wuxian recently created on his skin, the torn fabric made it easier to locate. “It seems that this bitch is untamed.”

Lan Wangji couldn’t help but growl; his heart was swirling like a tornado. He could not afford to think about what they just did.

Rat-tat-tat.

Rat-tat-tat.

Wei Wuxian used his free hand to entwine their hands together and caressed it to calm him down.

He understood. They had to maintain the look of helplessness in order to survive this inspection.

“He is shy, Dianxia ,” Wei Wuxian answered. Lan Wangji looked away, feigning embarrassment, and tried to cover his hickey and bare shoulder with his hand.

And with that sentence and his little action, Wen Chao deemed Lan Wangji a man unworthy of his attention, a shy man, unable to fight. He did not even suspect that he was the powerful Lan’s prince.

Wen Chao went to check on the letters. He read some and sneered. Lan Wangji understood. Those letters, especially Fan Fan's, were very vulgar.

“I will leave you to your business then,” Wen Chao said. 

“I shall take Dianxia off the boat," he offered.

Wen Chao laughed. “I would not want you to delay your business, Wei Wuxian. The shore is near. Finish what you need to do, then make sure those whores are presentable once they arrive at Ghost General’s brothel!”

Wei Wuxian immediately agreed, taking Lan Wangji into his lap as he curled his arms around his waist.

Rat-tat-tat.

As soon as they heard Wen Chao leave Suibian, laughing maniacally, Lan Wangji stood up, glaring at Wei Wuxian with obvious rage.

“Why are you angry? I just saved you!”

“By ruining my virtue!” he snarked, his eyebrows twitching in contempt.

The way Wei Wuxian kissed him was degrading, as if he were no more than a slut, just like Wen Chao did. Even when he knew it was all an act, it still caused a painful throb in his heart.

The rat-tat-tat hadn't stopped.

Wei Wuxian stared at him and said, “Dianxia , if you could just put your pompousness away. Virtue is nothing compared to a life.” Lan Wangji had never been insulted like that before in his life.

“So you live as their slave?” he sneered, knowing that the jab was too harsh. But he was unable to control himself.

Wei Wuxian didn’t answer that, instead, he opened the door for him and, in not so many words, asked him to leave his chamber. Stomping his foot, Lan Wangji strode out.

“That kiss meant nothing,” Wei Wuxian muttered when Lan Wangji passed him.

Rat-tat-tat.

He started to recognize the different kinds of thuds in his heart.

This one was pain.

“Don’t think that just because I kiss you, I will help you rescue your brother.”

Lan Wangji froze.

The intention to save his brother had long disappeared along with his loss at the battle against the Wens. But to know that Wei Wuxian was considering it sent shivers down his bone.

“That kiss was only for show. Believe me, first kiss is overrated. I kissed plenty of people, men and women. And the more you do it, the more enjoyment you get from it,” he scoffed, angry.

Then he slammed the door on his face.

Lan Wangji's heart shattered.

Rat-tat-tat was a sound of a sinking feeling of rejection.

Wei Wuxian had guessed that it was his first kiss. At the same time, he also undermined its importance.

Lan Wangji was no longer delusional. Once, long ago, he had dreamed of a happy life, with a person next to him, sharing his life. A kiss, he thought, was something he should share with that person. But he lost his family at a young age. As soon as his kingdom was burned down, he should never have wanted a fulfilling life. His new purposes in life were to save his brother and to rebuild his dynasty.

Which he was no longer capable of achieving.

He never would have guessed that his first kiss was stolen like that. But as the warmth still lingered on his lips, he touched them and wondered, What would it be like if Wei Wuxian were his person?

He could no longer lie to himself. He knew that the ongoing rat-tat-tat was his heart, falling for the sexy and kind pirate.

But this heart would be broken.

***

They reached the shore the next morning. When they arrived, the Ghost General himself was the one welcoming them on the shore. The ladies were immediately put into a carriage, transferring them directly to the brothel, while the three men shared another carriage.

As soon as they entered the carriage, Wei Wuxian hugged the Ghost General very intimately.

The Ghost General was feared because of his mean demeanor and powerful strikes, but somehow Lan Wangji could not see them. In front of Wei Wuxian, the big man was harmless. He looked smitten with his adoring eyes pinned on Wei Wuxian while his arm draped on the big man, laughing as he told him that his Shijie had prepared Lotus pork rib soup just for him.

Wei Wuxian grinned as he told him how envious A-Cheng would be and that he would share it with him. The supposedly scary man blushed, saying he wouldn't steal a spoon of Wei Wuxian's favorite food. And how Wei Wuxian beamed at him, messing his hair fondly.

Lan Wangji’s heart throbbed. This strange feeling was giving him discomfort. He should stop looking at these two men, who clearly shared affections. 

Rat-tat-tat.

That was jealousy.

“Xian-gege. We got a lot of new information in,” the Ghost general informed him.

“That’s good news, A-Ning! Anything about his brother?” Wei Wuxian asked without looking at Lan Wangji. 

Something in his chest stirred. The first thing Wei Wuxian asked was for his sake. He might avoid looking at him, but Lan Wangji was grateful. He grabbed his hand that was hanging from the Ghost General's shoulder and squeezed it. 

Wei Wuxian was stunned, but he didn't take his hand away. He let Lan Wangji hold it.

Rat-tat-tat.

That was smugness.

Somehow Lan Wangji noticed the jealous look that flashed in the Ghost General's eyes. And for the first time in his life, he enjoyed being fickle.

“Your plan worked. Lan-huangdi was recently given to the Nie as an exchange prisoner. The Wens took their second son, the harmless Nie prince.”

Wei Wuxian laughed. “FanFan is far from harmless, A-Ning.”

When they entered the brothel, the Ghost General’s face changed. He looked scary and powerful as he walked into the main room, where three ladies were waiting for them.

“Dianxia.” A lady greeted him.

“Shijie, why do you want him in this conversation?” Wei Wuxian complained.

“He is an ally, A-Xian.”

“He is not!” Wei Wuxian denied, pouting.

Rat-tat-tat.

Lan Wangji's chest tightened when he heard that denial. He swallowed involuntarily.

“The enemy of our enemy is an ally,” the other lady commented.

“So you want to tell him everything?”

“Just the basics,” the lady Wei Wuxian called Shijie answered.

“Dianxia , I am Jiang Yanli. You may have heard of me as the princess of the Jiang dynasty. But here, I am Lotus Lady. This brothel is under my rule. Everyone who Wei Wuxian brings here is trained in self medicine and self-defense, courtesy of Wen Qing and Luo Qingyang. We are the main spies for the rebellions. Don’t worry, the ladies here are never asked to do something they wouldn’t do. They mainly collect information, and if the guests dare to do anything to them, Wen Ning is always ready to put the fear of gods into them.”

Lan Wangji was taken aback.

He now knew where Wei Wuxian’s loyalties lay. The brothel was a front, a base camp for their rebellion. He took a step back and bowed to all three ladies there.

He turned his gaze toward that man, who had proven himself over and over again. Whom his heart loved so much, but his mind still doubted.

He was proud to have fallen for that man. Wei Wuxian shared his gaze for a while before looking away, a red tint coloring his neck.

Rat-tat-tat.

He really wished that fluster was because of him.

“Wen Zhuliu is dead. A-Cheng is ready to attack,” Wei Wuxian informed them.

“Huaisang is also in the palace. The only constraint is whether he is free to visit and coordinate with us. Luckily, Wen Chao instructed me to give him the new batch of ladies.”

Wei Wuxian laughed. “I fooled him by saying the Lan's ladies contracted a contagious disease. Fan Fan will have no problem visiting you. Don't worry so much, Shijie . He was very smart. If you could only see how he conveyed messages through pornography!"

"You must have truly enjoyed his letters!" Luo Qingyang scoffed.

Lan Wangji's ears burned. He had read them before. It was indeed entertaining.

"Dianxia? Are you blushing?" Wei Wuxian asked, frowning, looking at him and Luo Qingyang back and forth. "You like her?"

Lan Wangji frowned. He was about to say something before Wen Qing interrupted him.

“That proves the Wens are afraid of the Nies, to accept the exchange, and to also want to kill Huaisang in an indirect way."

“They are afraid of only Nie Mingjue. Who wouldn’t?” Luo Qingyang snorted.

“And the Jins?” Wei Wuxian asked.

“Yanli’s boyfriend is preparing another rebellion against his treacherous father.”

“Nice, Shijie !” Wei Wuxian complimented her.

For the next hour, they exchanged updates and made new strategies. Although he was involved in their discussion, Lan Wangji did not say much. He found out that his people were recruited as Jiang’s army by Jiang Cheng whose death the Wens have assumed. They would be the army from the sea. Nie Mingjue and Jin Zixuan would be attacking the land from the North and East. 

The ladies in the brothel would keep gathering information while also being trained as medics to help the wounded during the inevitable war.

Wei Wuxian’s crew was dependable, and his plan was flawless.

***

That night, as they walked back to Suibian, he stopped just on the shore. Lan Wangji who was trotting behind him, was forced to stop as well.

Wei Wuxian turned around and looked at him. 

For a full minute, it was just the two of them, gazing into each other, the stars above them shining bright, like glitter coloring the night sky. The dim atmosphere brought his heart to stutter, and time stopped.

The man before him seemed so close, yet there was a wall between them.

Rat-tat-tat.

Rat-tat-tat.

Rat-tat-tat.

Wei Wuxian reached for his hand, gently opened his palm, and put a money pouch in it.

Quietly, he said, “Dianxia , you can look for your brother. I do hope you join the Nie’s army along with him.” He smiled, voice strained. “Maybe then we can meet again.”

He was saying goodbye.

Lan Wangji detected an inflection in his voice, but it might have been his wistful thinking. He could only stare at this devastatingly beautiful man, his savior, the person who was so selfless that he gave himself up as a slave to save his family.

The man who was misunderstood by the world, even by himself. But his fragile heart still needed confirmation.

"How long ago did you add rescuing my brother to your plan?"

Is it because of me?

The man's eyelids fluttered, a sign that he was dismissing his involvement. "Don't fret. I got the idea after you mentioned him."

He could no longer hide from Lan Wangji.  Wei Wuxian cared. He knew Lan Wangji's biggest fear and helped him.

Then he acted like it was nothing when he knew how much effort he put into that deed.

Lan Wangji had been thinking the worst of him, yet Wei Wuxian turned all those negative thoughts around, betting against the odds over and over again, putting himself in harm's way to protect him, to protect the Lan's ladies, to protect his family, and to protect the lands and the people, rising against the most dangerous enemy.

Rat-tat-tat.

“Where are you going?”

“Wherever I go, Dianxia , I will always return to sleep at home,” he said, pointing at the majestic Suibian, the sea water under it glinting with the light from the city.

Lan Wangji had always been right. Wei Wuxian was just a lonely soul in a lost boat, sailing over seven seas.

“I hope you live well,” Wei Wuxian wished, smiling so beautifully, his eyes turning into a pair of crescents, shimmering, flickering with somber light, like stars that lit up the night sky. 

Nothing was more breathtaking than him. Lan Wangji was captivated by the gorgeous man. His heart was beating so fast, thundering against his chest. 

Rat-tat-tat.

He didn’t want to say goodbye.

Rat-tat-tat.

As soon as the words were uttered, Wei Wuxian turned around and headed inside his boat, leaving Lan Wangji on the shore, not knowing what to do.

He sat on the sand for a while, gazing at the stars, trying to understand his heart.

A look in somebody's eyes
To light up the skies
To open the world and send them reeling
A voice that says, I'll be here
And you'll be alright

I don't care if I know
Just where I will go
'Cause all that I need is this crazy feeling
A rat-tat-tat on my heart

Think I want it to stay

His whole body shuddered as realization dawned on him. 

He had fallen for him a long, long time ago, before he recognized the rat-tat-tat in his heart.

When Wei Wuxian meddled in their battle against the Wen's fleet and helped him during his fight with Wen Zhuliu.

When Wei Wuxian decided to take him because he was too injured to join the Jiang's Ghosts.

When Wei Wuxian addressed his wound, prioritizing him over his own injury and nurtured him back to health.

When Wei Wuxian kept him company during those days and nights at the boat, brightening his chamber with his chatter, teasing, and laughter.

When he kissed him to save him, even when it was meaningless to him, risking being caught for hiding a fugitive.

And many, many more of his selfless acts.

In every single thing he did and every single plan he made, he put others first.

A brilliant presence, an intelligent mind, a beautiful face, a delectable body, and most of all, a sincere heart as vast as seven seas.

Lan Wangji loved him. 

He loved him so much that just the thought of a moment without him pained his heart.

He could find his brother and fight alongside him, helping Wei Wuxian from his designated place. But his brother had the backing of the Nie's emperor, the one most feared by the Wens. He was in good hands, he reasoned.

Wei Wuxian was alone. 

If he let him, Lan Wangji would choose to stay by his side, at least until this war ended. Maybe this time he could be the one that protected him.

He would be the one who accompanied that lonely soul in the lost boat.

None of them should have to suffer from loneliness ever again.

Rat-tat-tat.

Rat-tat-tat.

Rat-tat-tat.

His feet moved by themselves, until he was standing in front of Wei Wuxian’s chamber. Without knocking, he entered his chamber.

The window was wide open, and the city light was not far in the distance. The reflection on the surface of the sea was mesmerizing, but none was more alluring than that person hugging his knees on his bed, looking so vulnerable, yet so captivating.

Wei Wuxian’s gaze fell on him, eyes flickering as he patiently waited for Lan Wangji. 

He strode over, sat at the edge of the bed, and quietly voiced his request.

“If that kiss meant nothing, can we do it again?” he pleaded, his voice trembling.

Take me, even if you don't love me.

Wei Wuxian didn’t answer him, but he did not move as Lan Wangji crawled into the bed and knelt before him. His hugged knees were the only thing separating them. 

Lan Wangji leaned in, gently tilted his chin, and his other hand caressed his jaw, stroking the sharp edge with his thumb, then slowly sliding to the back of his neck, guiding him to receive his kiss. 

Rat-tat-tat.

The simple press of Wei Wuxian's lips felt like a wave crashing on the shore, taking everything away. He had been missing the feelings of them against him, and now that they were finally kissing, not to save anyone, not to risk anything, but because they needed this kiss to survive. It was mind-blowing.

Rat-tat-tat.

This was Lan Wangji’s second kiss, but unlike his first kiss, which was done under dire circumstances, this kiss was gentle. He let Lan Wangji initiate their kiss, probing with his tongue, biting his lower lips, clanking their teeth, sucking, and licking.

Wei Wuxian was unlike himself. He was submissive, as if he were in a trance, when suddenly Lan Wangji felt his hands on his back, Wei Wuxian climbing on his lap, finally responding to his kiss wantonly, giving him a sloppy kiss, a messy tongue, and saliva dripping from his mouth.

Lan Wangji had a hunch that Wei Wuxian was as inexperienced as he was.

The kiss turned frantic within a beat, with Wei Wuxian hugging him closer and deepening their kiss, Lan Wangji had forgotten everything as he devoured those lips, then went down to kiss his throat hungrily. The sound that Wei Wuxian made, the moaning, the fast breathing, the way his body trembled—Lan Wangji could not stop. He would not. 

Rat-tat-tat.

Lan Wangji opened his buttons, fingers shaking, feeling his body burn due to desire, tasting Wei Wuxian equally hot temperature with his mouth, the thin layer of sweat, gleaming on his body, salty under his tongue, and the scent of the sea that permeated from his pores. There was nothing better than the feeling of Wei Wuxian’s surrender, his panting, the racing heartbeat.

Rat-tat-tat.

Rat-tat-tat.

Rat-tat-tat.

“How many people have you kissed?” he asked breathlessly as he laid him down on the bed, Wei Wuxian rounded his long legs behind his waist.

Wei Wuxian ignored him, silver eyes misty, his lips swollen, and his long hair damp. He pulled him closer, pressing Lan Wangji’s body against him, wanting his mouth to never leave him. And with his voice hoarse, laced with needs, he groaned dejectedly.

“I once told you not to mess with my life, Dianxia .”

"Your fault. You messed with mine first when you picked me up from the sea."

Lan Wangji stayed in his bed that night, sharing more passionate kisses, their bodies intertwined, making love, crying each other's name, and sleeping with complete trust between them.

As if they were one entity.

They were never separated from then on. He felt so content, having Wei Wuxian in his arms, enjoying his smile every morning, his body at night, and his kisses in between. The days were spent strategizing, practicing their martial arts, working together, and improving the design of the vessel. 

And also to laugh, to hold hands, to snuggle, to swim naked, as if there was no burden of many on their shoulders. 

To simply talk about their past, about nonsense, but never about their future.

Not because they were discouraged by the upcoming war, after all, they were sailing to rejoin the Jiang’s Ghosts, this time to launch the first attack on the war against the Wen, putting Wei Wuxian's elaborate plan into action.

Lan Wangji was always afraid that he was a pastime for Wei Wuxian, that when this was all over, Wei Wuxian wouldn't want him anymore. They were together now because they had the same goal, to overthrow the Wens.

There was never I love you in their relationship. Lan Wangji was not going to shackle Wei Wuxian with those words. He was never going to be another that Wei Wuxian used in his plan.

He wanted to be the one he needed.

Because in every moment with him, the rat-tat-tat never diminished.

He was sure that his heart only beat like that for Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian's plan was executed perfectly, and when they fought together, hand in hand, infiltrating the Wen's palace, finally able to avenge their deceased family, Wei Wuxian threw his exhausted body to Lan Wangji, crying his heart out on his chest, sobbing heartbreakingly.

And Lan Wangji cried with him, his arms wrapping the man he so loved so tightly that his heart was about to burst, burying his face on his shoulder.

He held him: his anchor throughout these trying times, his companion, his soulmate, his lover. 

To thank him.

They had finished this journey together.

The war ended. Their assemblage of Jiangs, Nies and Jins won. During the celebration banquet, the Nie was named the ruling kingdom. Despite being the person with the greatest contribution, Wei Wuxian was never a candidate to be king. But Lan Wangji knew that this was not the kind of life that Wei Wuxian wanted.

His brother asked him to rebuild their kingdom together, but Lan Wangji declined. 

“I trust you to do what’s right, Xiongzhang . But I belong to one person. He saved my life. He owns my heart and every beat of it."

When he returned to the banquet after a lengthy conversation with his brother, Wei Wuxian was gone. Nobody noticed his absence even when, during the last few years, he was the gear that moved all their combined effort.

Everyone had a life.

Wei Wuxian was Lan Wangji's life.

He knew where his lover was. 

There was never a confession of love between them, but Lan Wangji could always beg him to take him in again. 

In his dictionary, there would never be a moment that he would choose a life without Wei Wuxian.

When he opened the door of their chamber, in that small sailboat, the look of shock did not escape him.

“Lan Zhan…. Why are you here?” he asked. “Aren’t you going back to Gusu with your brother?”

The silly man.

The most selfless man. 

Didn't he know that he was worth more than his kingdom? That he was Lan Wangji's whole world, the owner of his heart?

"I left so that none of us had to say goodbye to each other. Why do you show up here again?" he complained.

This time, Lan Wangji was sure that this was just a facade that he put up to protect himself. He detected longing in his voice, hope lacing his question.

Rat-tat-tat.

He strode over, giving the man that he loved a hug around the waist. “Wherever I go, Wei Ying, I will always return to sleep at home.” 

This man. His home.

A place to return after the war ended.

The man in his embrace huffed, clearly happy. “Using my words against me? How dare you, Dianxia !”

He kissed his forehead, hoping to convey all his love to him. “You told me long ago that as long as I was in this boat, I was yours.”

Wei Wuxian was tearing up. He looked mesmerizing. His silver eyes were filled with moisture, like the lake water, gleaming under the moon. 

“I never plan to leave Suibian, Wei Ying.”

Just before Lan Wangji claimed a kiss from his lover, his forefinger stopped his lips. A teasing smile decorated his lips, accentuating the beauty mark that Lan Wangji had spent many occasions kissing. 

“One,” he said. Lan Wangji tilted his head in confusion. 

“I’ve only ever kissed one person,” he admitted, blushing under the gleam of the night shade in the room. "And I would never kiss another as long as I shall live."

Lan Wangji smiled, his heart playing that melody.

Rat-tat-tat.

“It depends on the frequency, not the number of people you kiss. A wise man once told me: ‘the more you do it, the more enjoyment you get from it’.”

Wei Wuxian chuckled, threw the bigger man on the bed, and crawled on top of him.

“Then we shall have more enjoyment tonight," he promised.

Their lips were sealed.

As the lost boat rocked away, two souls, no longer lonely, sailed over seven seas.