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The bed was pleasantly warm, so warm indeed that Wei Wuxian didn't want to leave the cozy confines of his nest, but a particularly strong kick demanded his attention. The omega rubbed his hand over the spot where he felt a tiny foot or hand protruding over the taut expanse of his belly. This child, not even born yet and already demanding too much of his attention. How could it be possible to already love someone so much when you haven't even met them? He hopes to meet his pup soon, although it scared him shitless.
The pregnancy hadn't been exactly easy, uneventful so far, but it had taken a toll on Wei Wuxian’s body and mind and so close to his due date, he was irrevocably tired; he was just counting the days until he had his baby safe in his arms and not kicking his organs around, or making him pee every minute. The omega had been so sick from the beginning, so weak he was practically on bed rest, with a ceramic pot close to the bed so he wouldn't exert himself walking outside to puke behind the bushes; he was constantly nauseous, thinking about food, the act of eating or even the faint smell of food was enough to trigger his nausea. Wei Wuxian had been utterly miserable during the first few months, worrying Lan Zhan.
But seeing that little bump for the first time, the tangible proof of his and Lan Zhan’s tiny baby, growing more with each day, safe and so, so loved, had been enough; the omega had splayed his hand over the gentle curve, swallowing back his tears. Suddenly, it all felt more real. However, with the discovery of the bump came a new set of symptoms and changes Wei Wuxian was not ready for, cravings for the wildest foods, sudden crying fits, and the most unpleasant ones of all: the constant cramping, with his expanding uterus, the ligaments and muscles stretching to support the growth of his baby, it was a sharp, dull pain that Wei Wuxian couldn't brush off.
But as the months went on, and his belly growing so round to the point that he couldn't see his toes anymore, Wei Wuxian’s fears changed. He had conflicting thoughts about giving birth. The mere idea of the pain terrified him; he who used to stuff his guts back inside during battle and keep going, who had to endure Madam Yu's punishments, and the sting of Zidian on his back that left irreparable damage to his body, that during cold nights the scarred skin of his flesh would ache and spasm. It seemed ridiculous that labor pains intimidated him.
The biggest fear Wei Wuxian had encountered was that he didn’t feel ready to become a parent. When he lies awake at night, he thinks about his parents. Did they face the same fears? Raising a child on the road was difficult, and having one during a war was even worse. What if he ended up being a terrible parent? sure he had taken care of the baby disciples in the nursery back in Yunmeng, his little shidis and shimeis loved him dearly, flocking around him like little ducklings, aunties thrusting babies into his lap every time he wandered into the market, but it's different when it's your own children.
It's going to be a tough adjustment, Wei Wuxian was prepared for the transition to parenthood to be overwhelming. He was ready to question why they even did it, but the aunties at the market were always willing to share their secrets with him. Shijie used to say he had a maternal aura about him, nurturing and caring that made everyone drawn to him. Oh, but his Lan Zhan is going to be a wonderful father. He is already perfect. There is not a chance that he's going to screw things up.
The omega knows his mate has doubts of his own, confessed to him in the privacy of the letters Lan Zhan tries to send constantly when he has time, with his perfect and neat calligraphy; making aside the constant anxiety of each letter being the last one; sometimes Wei Ying feels bad because the alpha had to read his illegible chicken scrawl. He could imagine the alpha, the candle bathing his handsome features with an orange glow, holding the brush, not making a sound to wake his brother. But he wrote to Wei Ying about his growing fears, the war, becoming a father, and how scared he was of being too much like his own father. The omega wants to be there and reassure him he is going to be great, but it would be hypocritical of him when he thinks he is going to fail their son.
Not only does Wei Wuxian doubt his ability to parent, but there's something more to it, a growing fear that hasn't left him alone since Qing-jie confirmed the pregnancy, the constant anxiety-inducing thought of what if something happens to him… to Lan Zhan and they had to leave the pup all alone to fend for themselves. Images of a childhood spent on the streets resurfaced, fighting to get a meager piece of a dirty bun with vicious dogs, or eating rotten watermelon rinds just to have something in his stomach and stave off the growing hunger. Those had to be the most grueling and traumatizing years for young Wei Ying. He doesn’t want his pup to suffer from the same fate.
Wei Wuxian knows he is paranoid, as if Lan Qiren, Xichen-ge, Qing-jie, Ning-didi, Wen Popo, or anyone in their little family would ever allow his pup to come to harm's way. It's a brief respite to know that his pup is already so loved. It filled the omega with so many emotions to know that no one would dare to allow his pup to be abandoned, and he knew Lan Zhan would be the first one to never let it happen. The omega knows it's impossible, but he wants to keep his baby inside of him, where he can keep them safe and away from the world.
Admitting defeat and because of the growing pressure to urinate, and the growling of his stomach was too strong, there was no way that Wei Wuxian could go back to sleep; having no other choice, Wei Ying opened his bleary eyes, somehow feeling even more tired than when he went to bed the night before at the atrocious hour of 9 p.m like a dutiful Lan. It even scared him that his eyes started drooping before nine. Old man Lan would surely feel a little proud about it, but not excessively so. It was forbidden. In Wei Ying’s defense, he doesn’t get enough sleep these days.
Lately, sleeping had become a whole ordeal, with the still-growing baby squirming at night, his belly making it difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep no matter how many pillows he bunched up behind his back, his need to pee every five minutes. All the aches and pains that came with the last trimester of his pregnancy, but most importantly Lan Wangji’s constant absence was clear in every corner of their home, in his fading scent, each day growing more faint.
It was impossible not to think about his mate, fighting in the battlefront of the Sunshot Campaign, and not worry, Lan Daifu and Qing-jie, the two women (more like demons) in charge of his prenatal care, were very adamant and strict about keeping his stress levels at an all-time low. A pregnancy alone was difficult, but without his mate close was even more challenging. Wei Ying couldn’t be selfish. He couldn’t make irrational demands for his husband to remain by his side when he was so desperately needed on the front lines.
Not even for a minute did Wei Wuxian doubt his alpha's prowess on the battlefield. He knows firsthand how admirable and strong he is as a cultivator, exceeding at such a young age. Not for nothing did he rank second in the list of young masters. He is the only one who could keep up with Wei Wuxian when they used to have friendly sparring sessions and didn't look down on him because Wei Ying was an omega; so there should never be any reason for doubting his abilities, but that didn’t stop the omega from worrying.
Lan Zhan was fighting a war just so their pup could have a future. He was doing it for his little family, but Wei Ying didn't want their pup to grow up without knowing his father; the omega couldn't help but want to be there, fight alongside his mate, protecting him. It was inevitable not to think that something bad could happen to Lan Wangji. He was strong, but a war was a war and the Wens were out for blood; another more insistent kick brought Wei Wuxian back to reality. He bestowed all his attention on his gravid belly, protruding in front of him almost comically, if only Lan Zhan could see him now.
The last time his mate saw him, Wei Ying had started to complain about losing sight of his swollen ankles. Wei Wuxian rubbed his tummy in a gentle rhythm to soothe their baby, looking down with a small smile. His pup kicked again against his palm, squirming a little, finding it difficult to find a comfortable position in the tight space of his womb. Unfortunately, his pup seemed to favor his bladder, sitting on top, and putting pressure on the organ, but it also seemed as if his pup was reminding him not to think about such sad things.
No, he shouldn't think about such sad things, Lan Zhan promised him that he would come back, that he was going to be there for his pup, and that the alpha never breaks his promises. He silently hopes for Lan Zhan to come back before the birth.
“Alright, alright, I'm awake. There's no need to be so rude, little pup, you're already bullying your poor mother, huh?” Wei Ying kicked the sheets and grabbed a white outer robe from the pile in the bed, the faint scent of rain and sandalwood enveloping the omega in a gentle hug. He wrapped his arms around himself, breathing in the scent of Lan Zhan, musky, warm, like home.
Wei Wuxian’s first stop was behind the privacy screen to pee. He washed his face with lukewarm water to appear somewhat decent and to wash the remnants of sleep before moving to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. He stops by the little window, sunlight peeking in, shining a warm orange glow over the room. It oversees the small patch of grass of the cottage Lan Zhan commissioned for his little family as a wedding gift.
This was home, the place where they would be raising all their future children because Wei Wuxian already told Lan Wangji that he wanted more as soon as they could. The thought of spending every waking moment in that small house safe from everything with his mate brought him a warm feeling through his chest.
The bunnies that Lan Zhan had rescued from the burning of Cloud Recesses were quietly munching on some fresh greens, their noses twitching adorably. His donkey, Potato, or Po for short, was resting under the shade of a tree, still sleeping. For a brief moment, the omega envied his unruly companion; sometimes just watching them fills him with the overwhelming feeling of bursting into tears and it has happened a few times.
Lately, he just cries about the most ridiculous things, feeling overly emotional about the smallest things, like dropping his chopsticks which was a hassle to bend and pick them up, his center of gravity had changed, or when his biggest, looser pair of robes wouldn't fit him anymore.
Wei Ying was not the best at handling his emotions. He was used to bottling them and letting them simmer, but being with Lan Zhan had taught him new things, how to have a healthy relationship with what he felt, showing what he felt. At first, it had been difficult to admit that he doesn’t cry, but now he can't stop; Wei Wuxian would never forget the face Wen Qing made when she bursted into the cottage thinking something was wrong and finding him sitting on the floor while clutching one set of tiny white robes bawling his eyes out.
The omega is going to gloss over that one time Wen Ning accidentally walked in on him while Wei Wuxian was… pleasuring himself, after an awkward minute while they stared at each other with their mouths agape. They vowed to never talk about it in the foreseeable future. It's sufficient to say that Wen Ning won't see his brother the same way.
The bunnies serve as another bitter reminder that his mate is not with him; he looks around the cottage, at the wooden crib resting close to their bed, the chest of clothes Lan Qiren brought, and the toys ready to be played with. Wei Wuxian felt a tug on his heart, feeling uncharacteristically lonely; he was not alone, far from it. He had the pup with him. Wen Qing and Wen Ning were a few cottages away, and even Lan Qiren was close to keep an eye on him. The old man doesn't trust Wei Ying with his future grandchild, but he longs for his alpha's embrace, his quiet presence and strong scent.
Wei Wuxian was busy looking out the window, there was a family of bunnies in the burrow and Wei Wuxian almost cried at how cute the little balls of fluff were, and inevitably he thought about the pup, their little baby was a surprise, but not unwelcome. Wei Wuxian had always been vocal about his desire to have a family of his own, a big one at that. It just so happened that their plans were a little earlier than intended; Lan Qiren was rightfully disappointed, but secretly excited. It had been a long time since there was a baby in his life; he missed the weight of a child in his arms. The last time he held a baby was when Wangji was little, and that was a lifetime ago.
But Lan Qiren couldn't complain now, Wei Wuxian was now married and with a pup in the way. Lan Qiren's attempts at having all of their meetings chaperoned by the junior disciples were futile in the end, but he somehow saw this coming, he blamed Wei Wuxian for his shamelessness, not knowing that it was his proper, rule-abiding nephew who coaxed Wei Ying (not that he needed that much of an incentive) to break a couple of rules.
Nobody pays attention to the fact that they keep sharing a tent during Wei Wuxian’s short time in the war, and when the tent is rocking, don't bother knocking. Lan Xichen was extremely thrilled to become an uncle, immediately fighting for the position of favorite uncle with Wen Ning, the two of them blissfully unaware that Yanli-jie had the advantage.
If someone had told Wei Wuxian at the tender age of fifteen that he would be getting married to a Lan willingly, being a kept omega, having pups, and waiting for his mate to be back from war like the stereotypical omega image, he probably would've laughed himself sick. At fifteen, Wei Wuxian couldn't be bothered with matters of secondary genders. He always thought he was more than a designation. Wei Wuxian was allowed to cultivate despite the divisive and misogynistic views of the cultivation world. The Jins still believed that omegas were only good for having pups and taking care of the house. It had been a small mercy that Jiang shushu didn't share Jin Guangshan's archaic views of the world.
But how the tables have turned, after his time in Cloud Recesses as a student, a paradise sitting on top of a mountain that made you feel like you could reach for the clouds. Wei Wuxian made his personal goal to break every single rule and be an overall nuisance, the unruly omega was quickly enamored with the Second Jade, his fuddy duddy-ness drew him close like a moth to a flame, his cool exterior, his expressionless, yet extremely beautiful face, his refined features.
Wei Wuxian looked at him, and he couldn’t suppress the urge to just tease him. The omega wanted his attention on him at all times. He enjoyed getting a rise out of the alpha, always so prim and proper, Lan Qiren's favorite nephew, although he doesn't say it out loud, there should be a rule about that, one shall not have a favorite nephew.
Anyway, Wei Wuxian craved to be close to the alpha despite how bad it could look. They were both an unmated alpha and omega, respectively; they were not betrothed. Wei Wuxian was just the son of a servant, he should be mindful of his place, while Lan Wangji was sect heir, he belonged to the gentry, but that didn’t stop the omega from seeking the company of Lan Zhan, making his life a living hell every time he had to oversee his punishments. It all culminated in the library Pavillion, Wei Wuxian wouldn't stop pestering him, and Lan Zhan, who was at his wits end with his rambunctiousness, finally had it and promptly shut him off with a kiss.
Up until that point, the omega thought that with his behavior, Lan Zhan, the prized disciple, hated him, and he surely behaved like it, glaring at Wei Wuxian at every chance he got, giving him a cold shoulder. But in that moment, in the silence of the library, with Lan Zhan lips pressed firmly against his, he started to doubt if the alpha truly hated him.
“I can't believe the great Lan-er-gongzi just stole my first kiss, er-gege you have to take responsibility,” Wei Wuxian had said, a hand clutching at his chest dramatically like a blushing maiden.
“Wei Ying…” the alpha had swallowed, honeyed eyes widening, his ears an adorable shade of red like the maple trees, pushing the omega away and cowering behind a shelf filled with scrolls, “I– I forgot my restraint, you must forgive me…”
“Do you regret this? Is this not what you wanted?” Tentatively the omega took a step closer, as if he was approaching a wounded animal, easily startled. Wei Wuxian took a hold of the alpha's broad hand and kissed his knuckles, nuzzling against his hand, “you haven't dishonored this humble omega, Lan Zhan, I wanted it just as much as you.”
The alpha didn't answer, he took a sharp breath, and pulled Wei Wuxian closer to his chest and into another mind numbing kiss.
Things changed quickly after that, like a new door had opened for both of them, they found themselves busier making out in the secrecy of the library walls than copying rules. Wei Wuxian treasures the memories of that afternoon, it felt like summer, hot, sticky and sweet.
Young Wei Wuxian had to quickly come to terms with the fact that he had fallen in love with the alpha. If the omega had the chance to talk to his past teenage self, he would smack the oblivious brat in the back of his head. The omega had tried to be alright with just kissing and fooling around, but eventually, when the time arrived, Lan Zhan would have to marry an omega from a gentry family, someone worthy of being by his side; although as romantic as Wei Wuxian was, he already envisioned a future with him. He wanted to be Lan Zhan’s mate, his cultivation partner, his wife, his everything, but it wasn't meant to be.
Lan Zhan, surprisingly, was the one who eventually got over his emotional constipation and confessed to Wei Ying. All the omega could do was leap into his arms, peppering kisses all over his face, professing his undying love between them. After that things naturally fell into place, Lan Wangji announced to his shufu about his desire to officially court Wei Wuxian, Lan Qiren almost QI deviates, he was against the idea, denying his request without room for further discussion, but that wasn't enough to keep them from each other. They continued to meet in secret, Wei Ying was living in the Jingshi, Lan Xichen had been supportive and gave his blessings in the form of a pouch filled with medicinal herbs, it turned out to be leaves for a contraception tea, Zewu Jun wasn't as subtle as he thought.
Lan Zhan’s ears turned a lovely shade of pink and he refused to look at his brother, Wei Ying laughed until his belly hurt and tears gathered at the corner of his eyes. It had been a very educational experience for the three of them, they hadn't really explored each other's bodies like that, the two of them slightly embarrassed to do anything else than rushed handjobs. It took a little coaxing from Shufu's part, Wei Wuxian was not the mate he envisioned for his nephew, but he either gave in and accepted the courting proposal or risked those two to run away and elope, oh, and he knew they were capable. Wangji was much too stubborn and once he made up his mind, there's no power in the universe that could move him, so Lan Qiren had no other choice, he sent a missive to Lotus Pier. Jiang Zongzhu arrived a couple of days later, followed by a seething. Yu Furen, Jiang shushu had an amused expression, while Madam Yu started berating him.
“How could you embarrass us like this?! Not only did you bring shame to our family but to the sect, seducing Qiren's nephew of all people. I told you Fengmian he was just a little whore, just like his mother, I should've send you to Jin Guangshan as soon as he presented,” Zidian was crackling in her delicate fingers with every accusation he threw at Wei Wuxian, who hid behind Lan Zhan, the alpha creating distance between them, his broad hand over the scabbard of Bichen ready to protect his zhiji if the need arises. The omega was feeling truly ashamed because this was the usual way Madam Yu often spoke to him, nothing new here, but to do it in front of Lan Qiren, Zewu-Jun and Lan Zhan, that was embarrassing.
And then everything made sense to Lan Qiren, it was not obvious, Wei Wuxian knew how to be subtle, but the signs were right there. The slight flinches when Lan Qiren unexpectedly raises his voice, his rebellious and defiant behavior, the way nobody could see his naked back and how defensive he got when asked about it. His eyes instantly went to Zidian. Corporal punishments were the last resort in Cloud Recesses, they did exist, Qiren won't deny that, but to hit a child with a high grade spiritual weapon, that was another kind of evil. To the surprise of anyone, Lan Qiren huffed, closed his eyes, and moved in front of Wangji, stroking his beard.
“Yu furen, I will not allow you to speak to my future son-in-law in that disrespectful manner, you are in Cloud Recesses and the only one shaming their sect is you, so I advise you to behave yourself,” the older man spoke with confidence knowing everyone was staring at him, he was not Wei Wuxian’s biggest fan, but the young omega shouldn't be blamed for the sins of his parents, he shouldn't be blamed for the jealousy of Yu Ziyuan.
“Fengmian!”
“San Niang, please, that is enough, you're making us lose face, hand me Zidian so I can make sure you're not going to attack anyone,” Jiang Fengmian outstretched his hand, waiting for the ring, a severe expression on his face. Yu Ziyuan was truly taken aback by her husband's behavior. She scoffed and took the ring out, “now it's time for you to act like the Madam of the Sect. I apologize for the behavior of my wife. I believe we have some matters to discuss, am I right?”
“Of course, Jiang Zongzhu, this way, tea is waiting for us…”
With an auspicious date for the wedding set, Jiang Fengmian pulled Wei Ying into a tight hug before he had to leave, much to the displeasure of Madam Yu. It was decided during the meeting that Wei Wuxian should remain in Cloud Recesses before the wedding and after the lectures, since Lan Qiren feared for his safety at Lotus Pier.
“Your mother would've laughed at the situation, A-Xian, but I have no doubt that your parents would be proud of you, you choose well, A-Xian,” he patted his shoulder, Wei Ying’s bottom lip quivered, his silvery eyes glistening with unshed tears, Jiang Fengmian then turned to address Wangji, a severe expression on his face, “Lan-er-gongzi, I don't doubt about your feelings towards A-Xian, Changze used to look at someone like that…” he made a dismissive hand gesture, the thought of his friend's passing still a sore spot for him, a scar that sometimes aches, “I beg of you, Lan-er-gongzi, please take care of him, If you hurt him in any way, I won't hesitate–”
“LAN WANGJI!” A scream echoes through the calmness of Cloud Recesses, and in a flurry of purple robes, Jiang-gongzi stalks towards the pair, Sandu unsheathed. Jiang Fengmian sighed, closing his eyes for a moment, watching as his son walked with determination towards them, his face purple in his anger that could rival Yu Ziyuan herself.
“Are the rumors true? Did you spread your legs to the first alpha you see? And Lan-er-gongzi nonetheless, I know you were just looking for excuses to get out of your responsibilities, you were supposed to be by my side!” Jiang Xheng stabbed an accusatory finger towards the omega.
Lan Zhan moved in front of Wei Ying, shielding him from the unfounded anger of the Jiang heir, some things had to change around here, he glared at the angry alpha, casting the Lan silencing spell, it was rather funny to see the Jiang heir unsuccessfully scratching his lips.
“Lan-er-gongzi, if you don't take care of him, I'm not going to be the only one you're going to be dealing with, and A-Cheng is not even the worst. if I were you I'd be a lot more scared of A-Li, A-Cheng has a heart made of tofu, but their Jiejie, she is the scary one.”
“Ah, Jiang-gongzi, there's no need to shout. There's an explanation to it. Come here,” Lan Xichen, the mediator, directs the irate Jiang Cheng towards another path.
The Lan's chose to do a lavish and big wedding, it's not like every day their second young master was getting married, they had the money so they could splurge. The entirety of Cloud Recesses was adorned in red, there wasn't a single corner that wasn't decorated, the robes Wei Ying used were far more expensive than he was used to, but the way his soon to be husband looked at him, told the omega all he needed to know. It was a beautiful ceremony, but oh, how short-lived that happiness was.
Wei Wuxian shakes his head. It's not good to dwell on the past, in the simpler times not tainted by the horrors of war. He rests a hand on top of his bump, and the other one on the underside, cradling his tummy gently, caressing the taut flesh with his thumbs through the fabric of his robes.
“Your A-Die loves you a lot, my little radish,” Wei Wuxian spoke to the baby in an attempt to feel less lonely and he had done even before he knew the baby could listen to him, he just wished Lan Zhan was here so the alpha could sing to their pup.
It turns out that after the wedding, the war with the Wen's broke, Lotus Pier had been attacked, Jiang Fengmian was gravely injured and he had to be taken to Meishan. Jiang Wanyin lost half of his core, Yanli-jie was safe in Lanling and Madam Yu almost lost an arm. Often, Lan Zhan thinks about what would've happened to Wei Ying if he wasn't in Cloud Recesses.
Thanks to Wei Wuxian’s excellent work and research on straightening the guarding talismans, it kept Cloud Recesses safe from the attack directed by Wen Xu, the casualties were minimal; after the indoctrination camp and the defeat of the Xuanwu of slaughter, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian joined the war effort after three months of disbanding the supervisory offices. The omega took it upon himself to train the remaining Jiang disciples, and the ones who decided to join after the massacre, they lost so much more than their home.
The new head disciple Wei Wuxian trained for months so he could take his place, sacrificing his life to protect the young ones. Jiang Fengmian risked the possibility of never cultivating again and Madam Yu sustained an injury so grave there were rumors that she couldn't wield Zidian any more. With his core almost crushed Jiang Cheng was not as powerful as he once was, and when the probability of Wei Wuxian gifting his brother in all but blood his core, the young alpha strongly declined, telling Lan Wangji to keep his omega on a leash, that only earned him a nasty glare from Lan Zhan.
Together, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian tracked the whereabouts of Wen Chao with the help of Wen Qing and Wen Ning, who became their spies and wanted to defect from the sect as soon as possible. Nie Mingjue offered them his protection and welcomed them in Qinghe any time. After successfully killing Wen Chao, the couple decided to celebrate in their tent, which resulted in the unexpected pregnancy. Wei Wuxian couldn't keep fighting, he not only had to think of his well-being but his baby's, so by unanimous decision, the omega had to go into hiding. Lan Qiren was afraid someone could use the pup against them. He couldn't risk the safety of his son-in-law or unborn grandchild.
Wei Wuxian had no desire to leave, he still wanted to fight, they could use all the manpower they could find, he was not done training the new head disciple, there were things left to do, but Lan Zhan had to remind him, he was not alone anymore and it would kill the alpha if something happened to them. But Wei Wuxian was not going to be sidelined because of a pregnancy. He won't just stay at home barefoot and pregnant.
He was still working on talismans that could make the life around the camps and on the battlefield easier, the omega improved the food preservation talisman, the wards, and with Wen Qing's help they designed a talisman with healing properties and one that helped to prevent blood loss.
To Lan Wangji’s consolation, Wei Ying didn’t leave alone, after being branded enemies of the Sect and demanded their execution, Wen Qing and Wen Ning had to go into hiding, their remaining relatives and all the soldiers that defected were under the protection of Qinghe Nie; Lan Qiren who also sustained a grave injury had to leave too and although Lan Xichen was also injured during battle while trying to protect Meng Yao, who in turn tried to protect Nie Mingjue, but because Zewu-Jun was a wonderful strategist, he couldn’t leave the front lines. The alpha rests easier at night knowing his Wei Ying was going to be taken care of.
The omega sighs over his alarmingly red congee, despite knowing the amount of chili oil is going to make his tummy hurt, he couldn’t stomach Gusu Lan bland food, not even the steamed vegetables and tasteless broth were easy on his stomach. Putting the thoughts of the war aside, the omega looked at the low table where talisman paper, his ink stone, some cinnabar ink, and brushes littered the space. He and shufu were working on a new talisman
Wei Wuxian thought it impossible the day he would get along with the stiff man, but there they were, exchanging theories and working together. Lan Qiren was an excellent cultivator, he questioned every theory Wei Ying had, even if he wasn't what he had in mind for a mate to his nephew, it would be a criminal offense not to acknowledge how brilliant the omega was and reluctantly he came to terms that the two of them were perfect together.
Taking his bowl, Wei Ying walked (more like waddled) to the backyard to bask in the sun and enjoy the company of the bunnies. Sensing his master, Po immediately sniffed his hand and the sleeves of the white robe in hopes of finding an apple or a treat, Lan Zhan spoiled the beast. The omega scratched behind the donkey's ears, immediately leaning against his touch. Wei Ying could use a walk around the nearby woods, he could go to the little stream and take a dip, even if his back and hips would hurt later, but he and his little radish could use the exercise.
Wei Wuxian returned to the cottage to retrieve his boots, lately his feet had been so swollen he preferred to be barefoot. The young cultivator hesitate on taking Suibian with him, it won't be a long trip, so he left his sword and walked in the direction of the tree line.
When Lan Qiren arrived at the little cottage a little after mid-morning, and knocked on the front door, the silence at the other side of the door greeted him. He knocked again, thinking if he did it one more time would be impolite, but the old alpha had to make sure his son-in-law was alright. Wei Wuxian entered the stage where the pup could arrive at any minute, and everyone was waiting with bated breath for the time when Wei Wuxian would go into labor. That pup was a glimmer of hope amidst all the atrocious things that had been going on.
Getting a little anxious, Lan Qiren stepped inside the house, he expected to find the cottage a mess, with Wei Wuxian feeling more exhausted, he could clean the house, only for the older alpha to find it spotless.
But that wasn't the only thing he noticed, normally Wei Wuxian would already be bustling around the cottage, working on talismans or anything that would keep him busy, but only the deafening silence welcomed him, his nephew's house was empty.
The older man was immediately in high alert, the color draining from his face and his heart thumping rapidly against his ribcage; Wangji had trusted him with the care of the most precious person in the world for him. If something happens to that rambunctious boy, they will be hell to pay, an angry Wangji is a force to be reckoned with and a sight no one wants to see. The boisterous, vivacious and certainly annoying boy from Yunmeng (but he wouldn't admit that in front of Wangji) Jiang Fengmian's ward and head disciple who was absolutely a menace and the reason for all of Lan Qiren's headaches.
He won't admit how he'd come to accept him as Wangji’s mate and the mother of all their future children, at least their offspring already proved to be promising heirs for Gusu Lan, with their combined genes, their pups would be a force to be reckoned with. Lan Qiren pushed those thoughts aside and he let himself panic a little because the menace of his son-in-law wasn't in the cottage. The older alpha moved towards the bedroom, he didn't dared to enter the den where the omega kept his nest, but he could see Wei Wuxian wasn't there; conflicted and still panicking, Lan Qiren went out of the house and to the cottage a few doors down and knocked on the door, it was a relief when Wen Qionglin at least answered the door.
“Grand–Grandmaster La–Lan,” he stiffened and bowed to his elder, “is–is there something w–wrong?”
“I come from my nephew's house, Wei Wuxian is not there,” Lan Qiren calmly stated although his voice seemed shaky, he swallowed, watching as the young Wen's eyebrows shot towards his fringe and his eyes widened. That boy was too good for this world, he protected Wei Wuxian and his sister fiercely, he risked his life for the Sunshot Campaign, Wen Qionglin might not have a strong golden core, but that boy was good with a bow and arrow.
“I–I haven't seen him all morning, maybe–maybe he is with Lan Daifu? Or maybe my sister knows. Are you sure he wasn't in the backyard feeding the bunnies?”
The nuisance was almost nearing his due date, and with the speed that Lan Qiren saw him waddle, he couldn’t have gone far, but the worry settled down his stomach like heavy rocks, and judging by Wen Qionglin's fidgeting, he was also beginning to worry. Hearing their conversation, Wen Qing approached the door, seeing both men looking anxiously between them.
“What is going on?” She asked, voice serious and guarded, looking between the two of them.
“Wei-gongzi is not home, jie,” Wen Ning didn't stammer once, it would be impossible for anyone to enter their little safe haven and not be alerted, the wards were designed that way, but it could happen.
“That Wei Wuxian,” she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, “I put a tracking talisman on him, he already gave us so many scares,” the young healer activated the talisman, showing the location of the omega, “he is at the little creek, I'll go get him, knowing his nesting behavior he is probably doing laundry.”
The young Wen alpha grabbed his bow and was out of the cottage, only to be stopped by a calloused hand grabbing his wrist.
“No need, Lady Wen, Wen-gongzi, I'll go get him myself,” the young Wen nodded and went back inside, when Qiren looked at the healer, she found her smirking.
“You've grown soft on him, Grandmaster Lan,” she chuckled, her once severe expression softened, the older alpha averted his gaze, coughing on the back of his hand.
“Do not get confused, Wen guniang, I'm merely worried about my grandchild.”
“Of course, of course, we don't want to give the impression that Grandmaster Lan cares about our resident troublemaker, right?”
Was Wen Qing teasing him? Lan Qiren scoffed again, bowed to the young doctor, and set to the direction of the small creek. He didn't know why Wei Wuxian was in the creek, Lan Qiren assumed that he wasn't having a good day. The pregnancy had been tough, with just some minor health scares, and without Wangji by his side, it had been tougher, when his nephew had time he would send robes thoroughly scented, but even that it wasn't enough.
He recognized the silhouette sitting on top of a smooth rock, clad in white and black, his inky, black, inky hair falling over his shoulders. Wei Wuxian was sobbing, his whole body shaking and it tugged at his heart, the boy always appeared to be smiling, he never complained, but the weight of the situation was getting too hard to bear. Lan Qiren announced his presence by stepping on a branch, it creaked under his weight and Wei Wuxian was already in defense mode, he wasn't carrying Suibian, but that didn’t make him any less threatening.
“Ah, shufu, any news?” The omega's voice was heavy with motion, eyes swollen and bloodshot. He sniffled and tried to smile despite the pain he was feeling. The older alpha took a seat near the shade of a tree, enjoying the gentle breeze, his bones creaking, and a phantom pain making itself known.
“I'm afraid not, Wei Wuxian, not yet,” Lan Qiren had the urge to pat him. No, what he really wanted to do was to gather him in his arms and sooth him as best as he could. Maybe Wen guniang was right, he was growing soft on the boy.
Wei Ying sighed, closing his eyes, sitting next to shufu with effort. The old alpha helped him by putting his hand over the small of the omega's back as he lowered himself, his hands immediately going to the prominent swell of his belly, his face contorting momentarily, fisting the fabric of his robes.
“As expected,” he sighed again, with how far they are from the war, receiving news is difficult, and sometimes they have to rely on the gossip from the townsfolk. Lan Qiren looked at him expectantly, his brow furrowed, for how long has he been experiencing pain?
“How are you feeling?” Lan Qiren asked after a moment of pleasant silence. In other times, he would enjoy it, but right now, Wei Wuxian is too silent for his liking, the omega kept wincing beside him, feeling a pang from somewhere inside.
“I'm alright, shufu, as alright as one can be in a situation like this, at least I don't cry myself to sleep anymore,” Wei Ying chuckled, but his joke fell flat against Lan Qiren. The older alpha wants to reach out and offer comfort, but he doesn't know how to. He is all about rules and teaching, but in situations like this, he is clueless.
“Wangji is strong, capable. You and him are connected in ways even I can not understand. He will come back to you, it is obvious that Wangji is ready to burn down the world just to keep you safe, it scares me, but it's the truth, he will burn down the whole Jianghu just so you and your pup could have a glimmer of a future.”
When Lan Qiren turns, he finds Wei Wuxian staring at him, a mess of snot and tears, bottom lip quivering, he tackles the old alpha, hugging him tightly, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sudden scent of cherry blossoms and vanilla with milk, he pats the omega on the back.bLan Qiren is sure Wangji would glare at him for making him cry.
“That's the nicest thing you ever said to me, shufu,” Wei Ying sobbed harder, leaving a trail of snot all over Lan Qiren's pristine robes.
“Do not call me shufu,” the older alpha spluttered, feigning being annoyed, ignoring how being called like that made him feel something warm in his chest.
“I do not doubt Wangji's abilities, it's Wen Ruohan and Jin Guangshan I don't trust, it's just…” he rubbed circles over his tummy, “would it be too much to ask if this pup has his eyes?”
The melancholic smile adorning Wei Wuxian features was full of longing and yearning.
“No, I think it's a reasonable request,” Lan Qiren answered his question, feeling the urge to indulge the omega's teasing, “now, come if you are done with scaring everyone with your antics, I'll prepare tea.”
The trek back to the cottage took longer, Wei Wuxian kept having breaks, complaining about a dull pain in his hips and spine, Lan Qiren suggested he should visit Wen Qing, but as always, he brushed it off as normal pregnancy pains. Lan Qiren doesn't believe him, and if he had to drag him kicking and screaming to Wen Qing's cottage, he will, oh, he will.
As they approached the building, a swishing sound echoed through the calm of their refugee, that sound was so distinctive of someone flying a sword. Wei Wuxian hurried towards the cottage, running as far as his belly allowed him, Lan Qiren knew that chastising him would be useless.
“You shouldn't be here, I kindly suggest you leave before I get my sword,” the omega calmly said, his hand firmly grasping the scabbard of his sword. The figure jumps down off the sword. They are wearing Lan colors, and Wei Ying swallows bitterly. Just a few people know about their settlement. What if they are here to share bad news? He wouldn't be able to handle it.
The person walks towards the direction of the cottage, Wei Ying’s hand protectively clutching his belly. His desire to protect his unborn pup was overpowering. But as the figure stalks closer, the omega could identify those features even blindfolded.
“Lan Zhan!” He screams, tossing his sword aside and, feeling like his heart skips a few beats, hammering loudly inside his ears.
The alpha has a gentle smile on his lips at the sight of his mate, his golden eyes shining under the mid morning sun. Wei Ying slowly walks towards the towering figure of his mate, almost fearful that this is nothing more than an illusion, that if he touches him, his beloved is going to disappear. Wei Ying stops in front of him, studying the face of the man he loves, there's prominent dark circles under his brightly-colored eyes, he looks tired, but to Wei Ying he has never been more beautiful.
Tentatively, Wei Ying reaches out to him, his hand shaky. What if this isn't real? What if this is nothing more than a dream? What if Lan Zhan is saying goodbye? When his hand finally makes contact with the warm skin of the alpha, he gasps because he is real. This is Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan!
Wei Ying feels a knot in his throat, he sobs, leaping into the awaiting arms of his alpha, who holds him tightly as he shudders and cries, it feels right to be back in his embrace.
Lan Zhan kisses the top of his head, grabbing his chin, silver eyes meeting the molten gold of his alpha's gaze, the alpha is a steady weight against Wei Ying, sturdy, he tucks himself closer to the familiar scent. His robes smelled of smoke, charred flesh and blood, Wei Ying ran his hands over his face, the alpha sighed deeply, closing his eyes and nuzzling his face against the omega's smaller hands. Lan Zhan had a nasty cut on the bridge of his perfect nose and Wei Ying saw red, who dared to harm his mate, to injure him? He wanted to grab Suibian and search for the culprit to teach them a lesson, but that could wait, his mate was here
it's real and Wei Ying can't do anything else but cry.
“Wei Ying shouldn't cry, I'm home now, and I'm not leaving for a long time,” Lan Zhan wipes the tears, but they're quickly replaced by another batch. But then Wei Ying winced, his hand going straight to his tummy, “Wei Ying?”
The omega lets out an anxious, breathless laugh, “Ah, you see, Er-gege, I think someone else is eager to meet you."