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Chapter Text

“Sayyy… Lan Wangji – Is this what you view as leisure activities?”

“Do not talk.”

Wei Wuxian pouts. This rule stickler sure is hard to make friends with... Couldn't he be just a bit more approachable?

But then again, it’s his reservedness that draws Wei Wuxian in. Lan Wangji isn’t grouchy or grumpy because he’s an asshole like others Wei Wuxian know of. Instead, he just has this air of exclusivity; Someone like Lan Wangji wouldn’t make friends with just anyone.

So, if Wei Wuxian can manage to get close to him, it would be an achievement!

Dipping his brush in ink, he pretends for a few moments to diligently copy the rules. He knows misbehaving might not be the best way to make friends with the other boy – But at the same time, he hasn’t seen anyone who behaves nicely that has succeeded either!

Surely, there was a trick to it. Some way to catch his attention.

Though he had intended to write out his punishment, his hand seems to wander on its own accord. Suddenly, a serene face, framed by inky strokes of long hair, appears on his page. Wei Wuxian breathes in and out, then glances up at his soon-to-be friend, biting his lip as he takes in more detail.

The flutter of his eyelashes.

The draping of his elegant yet simple white robes.

The way his long fingers hold the brush as proper as his posture.

He looks more like a pretty maiden, and it makes Wei Wuxian grin.

Lan Wangji is the most beautiful person he has ever seen, regardless of gender. He wants to say it, too – But he isn’t sure if he’s just going to invite more trouble onto himself. He doesn’t mind teasing the guy just a little, riling him up slightly. But if Wei Wuxian compared him to a girl, would he be too offended to speak to him again? Spend time with him again? Oversee his punishments?

Wei Wuxian doesn’t want that…

Ah, but well, his mouth sometimes moves faster than his thoughts.

“Lan Wangji, Lan Wangji… What’s your secret?”

The boy furrows his brows and his golden gaze flickers up to Wei Wuxian, a reprimand on his tongue.

“You know what I mean; You must have some insane beauty routine!”

“Frivolous. Pay attention to your assignment.”

“But Lan Zhaaan!” Wei Wuxian whines, leaning over the table and draping his hands over Lan Wangji’s paper as well. “You’re prettier than the girls at Yunmeng’s markets, how do you do it?”

“Do not call-” The boy breathes in and out, calming his expression. “Sit properly.”

Wei Wuxian settles his chin in his palm, a lazy smile coming over his lips as he reaches his brush to the other side, writing the first strokes of ‘A-Zhan’ on Lan Wangji’s paper, well aware he’s ruining the boy's work. “Why don’t you make me?”

“Wei Yi-”

Wei Wuxian grins wider, and Lan Wangji cuts himself off with a snapping mouth. He bites his lower lip and leans in, ready to hear the hypocritical guy speak his birth name. “What’s that? I didn’t hear properly, Lan Zhan, can you repeat?”

“You-”

“Were you about to say ‘Wei Ying’?” He giggles, retracting his hand as Lan Wangji reaches to move it off his paper. “Come on, let me hear, I bet my name would sound lovely from your lips~”

Lan Wangji’s eyes widen with rage, and he nearly stutters his following words. “Flirting without intention is against the rules.”

“Who says I have no…” Wei Wuxian’s eyes are drawn to a motion by the library door. He blinks at seeing a figure draped in pure black robes. In Gusu, there isn’t a person who is not wrapped from head to toe in white. “… Intention...?”

Lan Wangji’s eyes flicker as well as he retorts. “Foolish. You ought to pay attention to your…” But his voice also teeters off, though Wei Wuxian’s attention is too caught to notice.

The figure in black wears a wide smile, and his chuckle echoes through the library, yet nobody at the other tables seem to notice the noise. However, the man in black is followed shortly by a more fitting figure, wrapped fully in white, a ribbon around his forehead and its ends trailing behind him.

The second man looks just so awfully familiar. In fact – Wei Wuxian is certain he has to be some relative of Lan Wangji!

“Who is…” Wei Wuxian begins, before his voice dies in his throat once more.

In a smooth motion, the second figure wraps a hand around the waist of the man wearing black, then pulls him close. With a last chuckle, the sound of laughter is muffled as the two men-

Wei Wuxian blinks, frozen in his seat and his mouth gaping.

Behind Lan Wangji, in front of all the dutiful Lan students, one of their teachers is kissing another man.

Chapter Text

It’s only when Lan Wangji’s brush slips from his fingers and a drop of ink is scattered that Wei Wuxian is brought from his trance.

Lan Wangji whips around faster than Wei Wuxian has ever seen anyone move. But as soon as he finishes his turn, the two men have vanished from Wei Wuxian’s sight.

That- that was- isn’t something like that also very much against those 3000 rules?! Wei Wuxian cries in his mind. Who was that?! It has to be a Lan family member!

Lan Wangji freezes for a brief moment, then turns his head different directions, as if scouring the room. But how could he have seen them when his back was turned? Did he notice Wei Wuxian’s expression and try to spot what had caused it? Otherwise, how could he…?

Wei Wuxian glances over his shoulder, where a bronze plaque with an inscription hangs, its surface polished to near mirror-like reflectiveness. He wonders if the other boy could really have seen what Wei Wuxian did from that.

“Did you… Did something happen?” Lan Wangji whispers as he twists back around, turning a furrowed look at Wei Wuxian.

“I- uh, I’m not…” Wei Wuxian blinks a few times. Did Lan Wangji see or not? Or does he think Wei Wuxian is fooling around? “I’m not sure. I think I saw someone, but I was… Focused on my punishment of course!” He finishes with a triumphant grin.

Lan Wangji stares at him for a few tense moments, before breathing out and resuming his calm copying. The sheet of paper Wei Wuxian had messed with is folded and discarded, and it’s almost as if nothing has happened.

Wei Wuxian stares into the room. As he had been told to face the wall and reflect during this month-long punishment, he really hadn’t gotten too great a view. Seeing as nobody else reacted, maybe it was an illusion; maybe he had copied enough Lan rules his mind just couldn’t help imagine a Lan doing something so outrageous.

A Lan that looked oddly like the one overseeing his punishment right now…

Following Lan Wangji’s example, he clears his throat and turns his attention back on the doodle he had been working on. But his mind is bugged with that vision. It doesn’t take long for him to peek up at Lan Wangji, but he sees nothing out of the ordinary

“Say, Lan Zhan… Did you see something too?”

“No talking.”

“So moody! Here I am, innocently asking for clarification, not even trying to fool around - and you shut me down!” Wei Wuxian whines. “Is this how Lans treat the head disciples of other clans?”

The other boy’s eyes skip briefly to glare at Wei Wuxian as if saying ‘No, only the unruly ones!’ and Wei Wuxian breathes a laugh. However, barely has the first chuckle left his mouth, before the familiar feeling of his lips sticking together mutes him.

That was even quicker than yesterday! Wei Wuxian complains in his head before deliberately fussing up the papers on their desk. Lan Wangji lets him be petulant for but a moment, before he snaps a sharp “Be still.”

Wei Wuxian groans and collapses onto the table. At least he can prize himself lucky at the fact he had barely a day of work left to copy and then he would be done with this excruciating boredom. If only he could’ve had hallucinations of misbehaving Lans every day, this might not have been as terrible a punishment!

Then, a smile twitches his cheek.

Well, if everything goes according to his plans, his final day is already shaping up to be even more interesting…

Very few remain in the library by the time Lan Wangji releases Wei Wuxian of the silencing spell and marches out of the room. But Wei Wuxian has taken note of the faces of some of those Lan disciples, and quickly tracks them down on their way to supper.

However, like their grumpy second young master, as soon as he sidles up to them with a big smile, they glare the other way. Of course, he should’ve expected that students who willingly study in their free time would be as sour as Lan Wangji.

“Hey so, you were in the library earlier, weren’t you?”

The other guy hums in a vague response, speeding up and letting his eyes wander around, anywhere but Wei Wuxian. However, he isn’t so easily dispersed. “Great, I was sure I saw you! Say, earlier – did you see something strange in there? I feel like I saw one of your teachers do something odd…”

The disciple huffs and throws him a sharp glance. “Our teachers all act with exceptionally upstanding behavior,” He snaps. “I saw nothing but that today – from them, at least.”

Wei Wuxian smiles against the implied slight. “What about a man dressed all in black – have you seen such a guy around?”

“Here?” The disciple furrows his brow. “He would have to be from another clan, then.”

“Right…”

The disciple waves his hand and turns in his trot, not affording Wei Wuxian the shadow of a courteous bow. “If that was all, I do not intend to linger. Good evening.”

Wei Wuxian in turn beams brightly and bows reverently. If the students from the library wrinkled their nose at him, he would simply have to ask some of the more down-to-earth Lans he had managed to befriend about those lovebirds he saw.

Behind him, he hears the eager call of Nie Huaisang. With a grin, his thoughts are diverted from the experience of the day and set onto planning tomorrow’s mischief.

•••••

Lan Wangji’s fingers tremble where they gently pinch the sheet of paper.

Wei Wuxian had drawn him. Every feature was rendered so carefully, every little eyelash drawn with a precise stroke, his hair flowing beautifully.

Lan Wangji knows people speak of him in such ridiculous ways, but he had never paid that praise much thought; it is simply good practice to keep tidy and appear put together. Other than that, his looks are not of importance.

But looking at this illustration, for a moment, the thought strikes him: Is this how Wei Wuxian views me?

Quite out of his control, heat travels up his neck and his heart changes rhythm. This reaction of his body truly baffles him! How can this unruly troublemaker make him feel so disjointed?! Something must be wrong.

Whether Wei Wuxian views him like this – like some heavenly beauty – is of no significance to him. He puts the paper down and calms the confusing turmoil in his chest, then turns his attention back to the book he had been copying.

“Instead of using your spare time to copy, you have been scribbling. I would not be surprised if you’re never done with this punishment.” He speaks calmly.

If Wei Wuxian can’t help himself from wasting time or causing mischief, then his time in Gusu will simply have to be spent here, under Lan Wangji’s supervision. Such is his choice, then. Lan Wangji will just have to come to terms with hours upon hours being in Wei Wuxian’s company. And Lan Wangji is dutiful, so he will not complain.

A warm feeling spreads in his chest. Probably the pride of living up to his duties.

Wei Wuxian blows on the ink of his drawing as he speaks. “Oh, I’m already done with copying – I’m not coming here anymore.”

Lan Wangji’s hand pauses where it was turning a page. His eyes blink a few times as he tries to discern the words, but little comes to mind.

Wei Wuxian will not be coming here any longer.

Well. That was – good. Probably. He had pulled himself together and finished his task. His punishment was done, justice dolled out.

The warm feeling vanishes from Lan Wangji’s chest as he finishes turning the page and continues copying, few thoughts passing through his head.

“It’s for you,” Wei Wuxian says, flipping the drawing in Lan Wangji’s direction. It flutters in the air and lands somewhere on the mat beside the table, and Lan Wangji does not reach for it. He tells himself he does not care for it.

He places a stroke, but it comes out shaky, so he blinks down at the imperfect letter in confusion.

“Wait, I forgot to add something.”

The paper is once again picked up from the floor, and, as Wei Wuxian bends over the table to scribble further, Lan Wangji discards the entire page he had been copying.

He made a mistake. He hadn’t… When has he last made a mistake…?

Suddenly, Wei Wuxian rolls backwards in laughter. Blinking to attention, Lan Wangji notices that the boy has put a flower in his hair on the drawing. It looks awfully delicate, and somehow that little detail seems to bring Wei Wuxian great joy.

Lan Wangji blinks at it, the sound of Wei Wuxian’s bright laughter filling his mind. His lips twitch – to reproach? To smile along? He isn’t certain.

“Silly, right? I bet you’re gonna call it silly.” Wei Wuxian grins from his sprawl on the floor. “Can’t you switch it up a little? Maybe add more words?”

“Incredibly silly.”

Wei Wuxian exclaims gleefully about Lan Wangji actually adding another word. It kicks up the turmoil in Lan Wangji even further; he cannot tell if he is being laughed at or with. Cannot tell if he is part of the joke or the one at its expense. He does not know if he is supposed to be happy or hurt.

In the lack of anything else, he picks up his book once more-

---And then immediately hurls it from himself.

The book no longer details Buddhist scripture. Instead – it is nothing but indecent illustrations, unfit for innocent minds.

His hands feel burned and his eyes offended. Yet, the offender himself is doubling over with laughter.

No, Lan Wangji is definitely being made fun of.

--- “Get lost!” ---

As Wei Wuxian disappears through the window, his mocking laugh still tearing at Lan Wangji’s heart, the embarrassed boy collapses against the wall.

Luckily, all the other disciples has already left, so their disgraceful display wasn’t witnessed by others. But as he surveys the mess of the room, this precious ancestral library, seeing the disarray he has helped cause – he hides in his palms.

In his throat his pulse is firing rapidly. He is mortified. Ashamed. Angry. Maybe even heartbroken.

Of course, Wei Wuxian wasn’t actually trying to befriend him. His flirting and charming and compliments and drawing laudatory pictures were all part of the rouse. Maybe he is already telling his friends about Lan Wangji and his prudish reaction to the indecent images. Ridiculing the rule-stickling overseer-of-punishment for thinking, even briefly, that someone of Wei Wuxian’s popularity would want to be friends. He could even be planning when next to poke at Lan Wangji and get a reaction out of him already. After all, Wei Wuxian so cruelly imposes on him, over and over, as if Lan Wangji is a thing to gawk at and point to.

And Lan Wangji is inexperienced and so easily falls for his traps, over and over. Falls for his flirting, when it always leads to teasing. Falls for his fake obedience, when it always hides even further mischief. Falls for his offers of friendship when it’s only said in service of making Wei Wuxian the talk of their classmates. His heart gets whipped up with hope, then crushed with embarrassment at the sound of laughter.

And yet, that laugh… It still makes his stomach bubble.

It’s so frustrating he has no other recourse than to snap outwardly, just like his bully wants.

Lan Wangji knows few want to approach him and has never cared before. But this is the first time one of his peers has reached out to him. The first time Lan Wangji has, for a moment, thought someone wanted genuine connection, rather than distant awe. And, somehow, it was the first time anyone has made Lan Wangji want to be friends – only for it all to be a joke.

How can Lan Wangji be aware of all this – and yet still his heart acts up whenever Wei Wuxian chuckles or smiles?! Lan Wangji must be a worse judge of character than he thought, if he keeps getting ensnared by Wei Wuxian.

The other boy is probably just trying to take the second jade of Gusu down a peg. And, if so, Lan Wangji will not budge!

Enough is enough, it is ridiculous. He will put his foot down and distance himself. His uncle has already commented frequently that types like Wei Wuxian are better steered clear off, and, evidently, he is right.

As he heaves a sharp and steadying breath, Lan Wangji lets his hands fall to his lap, reciting a few meditative lines in his mind. Finally, he wrangles the turmoil in his chest back under control, and decides to clean up.

However, when he opens his eyes – he is not alone.

On the floor in front of him, atop the scattered papers, two figures are rolling around, one wrapped in ink-black robes and the other draped in gentle white fabrics.

Laughter fills his ears. The voice is a bit foreign, but the rhythm of it is painfully familiar. However, it has not a tinge of mockery to it this time; it is nothing but pure bliss.

He sits in a shocked stupor for the few moments those men are playfighting like children before he blinks – and they disappear, the laughter vanishing and leaving a ringing in his head.

Once again, he is alone in the messy room, lost for words.

Chapter Text

“Say, Huaisang… Do you know if any of the Lan teachers are cutsleeves?”

To one side, Jiang Cheng sputters as he chokes on his drink, while Nie Huaisang’s mouth hangs open mid-bite.

“Is this a joke?”

“I’m serious.”

“Wei Wuxian, what kind of nonsense are you spouting?!” Jiang Cheng shoves the cup Wei Wuxian was about to drink from harshly against his mouth. “Shut up! What if one of them hears you!?”

Trying not to choke and bashing away his shidi’s hand, Wei Wuxian explains, “Stoppit – I just, I’m not sure – I think I saw a Lan teacher kiss another man…?”

Jiang Cheng makes a horrified noise, trying to cover Wei Wuxian’s words. The cup is shoved against his lips again, this time without even attempting not to spill the tea.

“Is he sick? He must be sick. Wei-xiong, I think you’ve hallucinated…” Nie Huaisang shakes his head, sounding thoroughly shocked. “Among the Lans there is not a single one who doesn’t follow every tradition to the letter. Believe me, in all the years I have been sent here, I have never heard something so outrageous. These people all live identically boring lives.”

Wei Wuxian grabs Jiang Cheng’s robe and begins drying his chest and sleeves with it, only for the boy to hiss further at him. “Strange… Say, what about someone dressed in black – is there anyone like that?”

The two others blink at him, quiet for a moment, before Nie Huaisang leans toward Jiang Cheng and tries to hide his whispering behind his fan. “I think our friend has gone crazy from sitting with Lan Wangji for so long…”

Wei Wuxian splashes the droplets of tea remaining in his cup towards him, but the boy flees behind his fan, crying about how Wei Wuxian has ruined it with stains. Of course, this action is the only one caught by the breakfast supervisor, and Wei Wuxian hears his name called from the other end of the room.

Instantly the three of them sit straight, the image of obedience indeed.

However, even with Nie Huaisang’s dismissal, the image of those two lovebirds just can’t escape Wei Wuxian’s mind. In fact, of all the pictures he has peeked at which are supposed to cause a young man’s heart to beat and his thoughts to wander – none of them has quite impacted him as that sweet kiss.

He wonders, for a brief moment, if they had mistaken the library as a secret hideaway they could share affection within - before they realized their mistake once they tumbled inside and saw the flock of students. If so, their quick escape would make sense. That Wei Wuxian was apparently the only one who noticed them would not, however.

But it’s a bittersweet idea; if the Lans are as old-fashioned and traditional as Nie Huaisang claims, then maybe they are stuck in a forbidden love affair.

He nearly sighs as he imagines such a scenario; there is something romantic yet tragic about it. His thoughts drown out the chatter of his friends as they walk down the halls, wondering how he can track down the truth.

But before he can think of it much further, two figures emerge from a room ahead. Taking a closer look, he is a bit stunned; the two of them look identical. However, he can recognize one from the other because the boy’s emotionless face has been keeping an eye on him for a month.

In comparison, the other guy, who otherwise looks exactly like Lan Wangji, has a far more welcoming expression. If Wei Wuxian is frank, it’s almost a little eerie to see Lan Wangji’s features smiling so friendly!

“There are two little fuddy dud- Lan Zhans!” Wei Wuxian exclaims in surprise, to the glare of his shidi.

Lan Wangji glowers when he sees them approach, before averting his gaze as if intending to walk away. Of course, it was just the day before that Wei Wuxian had forcibly introduced him to some salacious images, so it is no wonder he is trying to flee. It still seems he holds a grudge about what he saw in the library – but Wei Wuxian had expected that.

In fact, he had made sure to sleep with Suibian by his side all night, fearing either the younger or older Lan tyrant would come yank him out of bed and roll him off of their holy mountain! Luckily for him, according to Nie Huaisang, Lan Qiren just happened to go to a conference yesterday.

Truly, the gods were smiling upon Wei Wuxian!

“And you may be…?” The smiling ‘Lan Zhan’ asks. If Wei Wuxian isn’t wrong, this person almost has to be the first of the twin jades of Gusu – Lan Xichen.

They make their introductions, and Lan Xichen engages Nie Huaisang in talks. It seems he’s close with Nie Mingjue, and the sect leader has been inquiring about his little brother. Wei Wuxian wants to take the moment to poke a bit at Lan Wangji, but he notices Nie Huaisang’s uncomfortable looks and decides to come to his rescue.

“Zewu-jun, what are the two of you up to?” He tips his head in Lan Wangji’s direction with a smile.

“We’re on our way to exterminate a reported water ghoul.” Lan Xichen explains, curiously glancing at his brother as well. “We were short on hands, so I came to bring Wangji along.”

Once attention is brought to the younger brother, Lan Wangji’s discomfort with the conversation becomes evident. “Xiongzhang, let’s not partake in small talk. We shouldn’t delay.”

At this, Wei Wuxian sees a golden opportunity. He smiles and lifts a hand. “Wait, wait – I also know how to handle water ghouls! Zewu-jun, let us come along!”

There’s a certain look to Lan Xichen’s eye as he smiles, but his little brother is quick to shoot the idea down. “It’s prohibited.”

“How so?” Wei Wuxian frowns and crosses his arms. “We’re always catching water ghouls in Yunmeng. Besides there’s no classes right now.”

“That’s right,” Jiang Cheng backs him up, and Wei Wuxian coos in his mind. “Zewu-jun, I’m sure we can be of help.”

Shaking his head, Lan Wangji begins countering. “It won’t be necessary. Gusu Lan is already capable-”

“Alright. Many thanks for your help.” Lan Xichen cuts in with a smile, which earns a shocked blink from his little brother, and makes Wei Wuxian grin widely.

•••••

The water ghoul turns out to be a bit more than just that.

They were unequipped to handle a waterborne abyss, so once everyone was safe and sound, it was sealed as best as possible and there was sent for elders to handle the problem.

Such a situation wouldn’t usually have bothered Lan Wangji too badly – had his brother not decided to bring some specific guest disciples along. According to Lan Xichen, he did so because it seemed Lan Wangji wanted them to be there…

… A notion that surely couldn’t be further from the truth!

So, Lan Wangji keeps an eye on them. On Wei Wuxian especially. Just as a precaution, his eyes drift towards the hooligan, even catching him buying alcohol first thing in town - a truly scandalous young man.

Wei Wuxian has done plenty of boasting during his time in Gusu. But then again, compared to others Lan Wangji have met, he also manages to live up to it. Not only had his natural understanding of sailing and water dynamics led him to catch things others did not – he had also fought well and proven himself brave, diving into danger to rescue an embarrassingly foolhardy Lan disciple.

Lan Wangji once again finds his eyes drifting in the young man’s direction, his beaming smile now aimed at any pretty seller along the canal they are sailing. It is infuriating that this natural flirt of a boy still manages to stir things within Lan Wangji; every time he decides that Wei Wuxian is just a popular kid with too much confidence who makes a habit of teasing others – Lan Wangji especially – he goes and proves such notions wrong.

Wei Wuxian is more than that, to Lan Wangji’s frustration. He is knowledgeable. Brave. Self-sacrificial. And maybe even… Kind.

Because, as Lan Wangji pulled him from the water, where he had ended up after trying to save that Lan disciple – he had aimed that beaming smile up at Lan Wangji and talked about being close. Lan Wangji had been taken aback and dismissed him out of hand. How else could he have reacted, when he had already decided Wei Wuxian didn’t mean his offers of friendship?

But he can’t help thinking about it, wondering; is Wei Wuxian simply making jokes at Lan Wangji’s expense – or has he been genuine from the beginning, if in his own confusing way?

The answer vexes the young Lan. Some strictly suffocated part of him wishes it’s the second. Because, if it is… Then maybe he need not suffocate that part.

How troubling.

“You needn’t be polite – This is for witnessing your handsome looks!”

A golden fruit makes a light arch through the air and Wei Wuxian catches the loquat with one hand, his shameless flirting having reaped a reward. Lan Wangji contains the urge to roll his eyes as he looks away, though he can’t escape the sugar sweet way Wei Wuxian calls back to her.

“Meimei looks even prettier!”

Flirting with everyone and everything! Does he not care what emotions he leaves his victims struggling with? That he gives false ideas? Does he not know that some people have never heard such coquettish flattery, and as such, will inevitably fall for it at first coy compliment…?

As Lan Wangji tries and fails to ignore the shameless display on Wei Wuxian’s boat, suddenly he feels a sly set of eyes on him, and dreads the words he hears next.

“Say, sisters…. What about this guy, is he handsome?”

Lan Wangji has only a second to beg that Wei Wuxian isn’t referring to him – surely he is not eliciting praise for me; at least, not for innocent reasons – before the soft voices of the sellers, their musical wu dialect amped up for extra effect, exclaim in near-chorus:

“He’s even more handsome!”

Lan Wangji closes his eyes and takes breath, trying to ignore it. Somehow, compliments feel different coming from maidens than when it’s Wei Wuxian - especially when the praise has been elicited. And yet, the fact that it was elicited, and by this particular person… Lan Wangji’s heart trembles with opposing emotions at that.

“Well, shouldn’t he also get something?” Wei Wuxian’s airy voice sounds like it carries a smile, even without looking. “If I’m the only one who gets something, he might be jealous of me once we’re back!”

There’s only one way Lan Wangji knows how to handle such situations; pretend he hasn’t noticed. Even as every seller’s boat around them chuckle and as a merchant ahead of them throws Wei Wuxian two entire fruits, Lan Wangji keeps his gaze steadily ahead. However, out the corner of his eye, he can tell his older brother is eyeing him with interest and throwing peeks at the boy causing all this hubbub.

“Meimei isn’t just pretty, but kind as well! I’ll make sure to buy a whole basket next time I’m in the area!”

The seller who had thrown the final two fruits points at Lan Wangji with a cheeky smile. “Bring him along, then you can both get more!”

With a low chuckle, Wei Wuxian skips about his boat, getting closer from the sound of it. Lan Wangji does not spare him a look, but the boy shoves the golden loquat in front of his eyes.

“Move.” Lan Wangji directs simply.

“I knew you’d be like this,” Wei Wuxian hums as he pulls back. “So I never intended to give this to you.”

Lan Wangji does not rise to the bait. He wonders whether Wei Wuxian would have said the same, or even pranked Lan Wangji, if he had reached for it? Or whether he was simply pouting in response to Lan Wangji’s disinterest?

Turning around, the Wei Wuxian calls across to another boat overtaking them. “Jiang Cheng, catch!” And the golden fruit goes flying once more.

The Jiang heir appraises the fruit once he catches it nimbly, but still lets a derisive tone seep into his voice. “Flirting once again?”

“Oh, get lost!” Wei Wuxian grins, before twisting back to smile at Lan Wangji. “Lan Zhan, since you’re from Gusu, I bet you know that dialect, right?”

Lan Wangji does. But he says nothing.

“Teach me,” Wei Wuxian leans closer, his sly smile pulling at his cheeks. “How do you swear in the Gusu dialect?”

Of course, as always; This boy just wants to act foolishly. Trying to rile Lan Wangji again.

However, as he turns to voice a berating comment, surely to Wei Wuxian’s glee – Lan Wangji spots something in the crowd along the canal, and his mouth snaps shut.

Wei Wuxian tilts his head ever so slightly, and it gives an even clearer view of the two men, one in black and one in white, arms wrapped around each other as they stroll leisurely along the waterline. There is absolutely no doubt that the latter is a Lan member, and to see him out and about so openly – Lan Wangji is rendered speechless! His arm is snuck around the man in black’s waist, walking with him as if he was his wife, uncaring of the inappropriateness of such a display among the crowd.

However, the closer a look he gets of this Lan senior, Lan Wangji is certain he knows no master in their clan of such a stature. Further, the glimpse he gets of the man’s face beyond his long black hair… The only ones in the clan that looks even slightly like that are…

“Oh, you’re actually coming up with something? So kind of second master Lan to teach this one!” Wei Wuxian grins, leaning back and blocking Lan Wangji’s view. In those few moments, the two men disappear, and Lan Wangji is left bereft, words unable to reach him.

They must be the same ones he saw back in…

Wei Wuxian turns when he notices the victim of his teasing isn’t paying him attention, but has an almost petulant look to him when he finds nothing of interest. There's a brief, terrible moment, where the vision Lan Wangji has just seen imposes itself on the boy in front of him. A brief, terrible moment, where his fingers itch to try it out; To see what it would feel like to slide around his waist, feel his warmth and see him smile up at Lan Wangji

“… Excuse me.” Lan Wangji croaks out, trying not to stagger as he leaps to his brother’s boat.

“Pah!” Wei Wuxian huffs behind him. “Jiang Cheng, did you see that? Is that any way to respond to a request for teaching?”

“Get back here…” The Jiang heir groans with exasperation.

Lan Wangji moves to Lan Xichen’s side, managing to catch him glancing in their direction, though he quickly turns his gaze further, as if casually looking about.

“Xiongzhang… Are any others of the clan supposed to be in Caiyi currently?” He mutters as he stands beside him.

“Hm? No, not as I’m aware…” Lan Xichen hums, looking around. “Did you see someone?”

Lan Wangji shakes his head, his throat stuttering as his mind replays the image of those two figures so carelessly and lovingly moving about town. “… I must have been mistaken…”

Surely. Just like he had been when he saw something out the corner of his eye reflected on a plaque during Wei Wuxian’s punishment. Just as he had been when two figures tumbled in front of him in the library.

… Maybe three times is a sign he should go speak with the healers.

In his distraction, his eyes land on an approaching boat, overflowing with the golden fruit their resident troublemaker had managed to weasel a few of already. Before he realizes his mistake and moves his eyes away, his brother swoops in.

“It you want some, why don’t we buy a basket?” He asks, airily, as if he thinks he has read Lan Wangji like an open book. But he has not! He has no idea what he’s talking about. Absurd.

“No.” Lan Wangji huffs, turning and fleeing to yet another vessel.

What an awful day for his poor heart.

•••••

With old man Lan’s classes cancelled during his trip to Qinghe, and with qiankun bags full of trinkets, drinks and games from Caiyi, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng’s room become host of a constant group of disciples.

For days in a row, they play, gamble, read spring books, sing, and drink. It’s a grand time – the best he has had while in Gusu in fact! Even considering the chance he will bear some kind of punishment for any of his mischief once the big fuddy-duddy has returned, Wei Wuxian isn’t one to let future problems concern his current self.

However, he has already spent a bit of his luck, it seems; After losing a gamble, the others had sent him down to bring some more alcohol back up…

… And, inadvertently, it now left him face to face with the little fuddy-duddy.

“Lan Zhan, what a coincidence; We meet like this again!”

The looming white figure at the other end of the wall doesn’t at all seem in the mood for friendly greetings. He watches Wei Wuxian, his eyes flickering first to the bottles in his hand, secondly to the grin he wears. Then, in the blink of an eye, Lan Wangji moves toward him, a hand reaching out for Wei Wuxian’s.

Wei Wuxian barely manages to dodge around his assault, and exclaims, “Hey, what’s this about?!”

“Once a guest disciple has broken curfew despite being made aware of it, they may receive punishment in the ancestral hall.” Lan Wangji finally speaks, his tone cool and emotionless.

Wei Wuxian waves his free hand around. “Well, good thing it’s only the two of us here!” He beams brightly. “If I don’t speak and you don’t speak, nobody will have to know I came here late again! Look, I swear it’ll be the last time – since we’re already so close, surely you can do me this small favour, mm?”

The other boy is quiet for a little while. Then he swallows, and there’s a strange look of disappointment in his eyes. “We are not close.”

A glint of silver is the only warning Wei Wuxian gets before he is once again at the mercy of Lan Wangji’s blade.

What a heartless way to treat a friend! He whines in his head as he casts the wine jars into the brush below and leaps out of danger.

“Lan Zhan! This is ridiculous! Look, I was just out getting some last-minute supplies, nothing to cause such a ruckus over!” He cries as he moves about the relentless assault of perfect attacks.

“Alcohol is prohibited.”

“Ayia…” Wei Wuxian sighs, ducking and dashing just in time. “… Say, with how you’re after me at all hours of the day, I’m beginning to suspect you keep an eye on me specifically!”

As if! This young master has much better things to care about, and Wei Wuxian knows as well. But a little bit of riling up has always been irresistible to Wei Wuxian.

The other boy swipes precisely at him instead of entertaining such a ridiculous comment. Like that, they run for a while, Lan Wangji right in Wei Wuxian’s shadow. He catches up faster than anyone ever has before, no matter how Wei Wuxian averts.

Finally, Wei Wuxian has had enough and turns to Lan Wangji, swiping his silver blade off course, and begs. “You’re truly not gonna let this go then?!”

“You shall receive your due punishment.”

So stubborn!! How unreasonable!!! “Fine!”

Lan Wangji doesn’t have time to understand why Wei Wuxian finally agrees with him, before the mischievous kid has adjusted his foothold and leaped ahead. In the blink of an eye, Wei Wuxian wraps his arms around the boy’s waist, his cheek pressing against the quality silks of his robes. Then – he pulls them both off the wall.

As they fall, Lan Wangji struggles fiercely, but Wei Wuxian tangles his legs with the boy’s. They plummet harshly onto the ground, punching all the air from Wei Wuxian’s lungs and knocking his head terribly. Blinking against the spots on his eyelids, he glances at the other.

His chin pokes into Lan Wangji’s chest, and he can feel a fast pulse drum away against his cheeks. A set of clear eyes, their light colour even more noticeable in the night light, blinks down at him in a shocked stupor. Lan Wangji is surprisingly strong. His limbs have gone rigid in their attempts to get free, nothing but stiff, clenched muscle. Wei Wuxian tumbles about with him, ending up lying atop his board-like form.

“What about now, Lan Zhan?” He simpers to Lan Wangji’s enraged look. “You’re also outside Cloud Recesses, so we both broke curfew. You can’t be harsh on others while going easy on yourself! So, if you punish me, you must punish yourself.”

Under his hands, Lan Wangji’s chest rises and falls rapidly. His expression looks truly lost at Wei Wuxian’s words, as if his entire worldview has collapsed.

With a grin, Wei Wuxian leans down. “Equal treatment. How does that sound?”

Right then, Lan Wangji moves to flip him off once more, and Wei Wuxian braces. However, the other boy is distracted by a rustle somewhere to their side, giving Wei Wuxian enough time to calm his nerves.

“Don’t worry; I won’t tell a soul!” He lulls sweetly, scratching a finger at Lan Wangji’s chin, and causing the boy to freeze further. “The only ones who know will be the sky, the earth, and the two of us!”

A gentle chuckle. “… Er-gege, it’ll be our little secret!”

… Except, it’s not Wei Wuxian who speaks.

He, too, falls still.

His eyes swipe to his side, the direction Lan Wangji is looking – and a little further uphill, illuminated only by the moon, he spots a mirror image; A figure straddles another white-dressed person who is sprawled in the grass beneath.

“And should anyone find out, I’m sure you’ll be gentle with me, mm?”

Wei Wuxian feels breathless. Hearing such a honey-sweet voice, whispered barely loud enough to be heard, obviously meant only for the other man – it fires something within his chest.

“Mn.” A deep voice rumbles, and the man hidden in the grass reaches a hand up to trace the other’s cheek. “I will bear the punishment.”

The coquettish man atop smiles wider and cradles the hand on his cheek. “In turn… I’ll reward you plenty.”

Before Wei Wuxian manages to process any details of the dark figures or think of either calling out or escaping before they find out someone else has stumbled upon them – the brush between the two duos rustles. Like last time, the men disappear in moments, between the shaking of leaves and grass.

He is left speechless and immobile. He had been growing so sure that what he saw in the library was an illusion. But now, having another, right as he was playing around with Lan Wangji-

Wei Wuxian’s world flips.

He whines and huffs as he tries to keep Lan Wangji under him. But, in the end, Lan Wangji grabs both his wrists in one hand, and a warm palm pushes into his chest, guiding him back against the ground. They share momentary eye contact as Lan Wangji gasps a breath, and his fingers twitch where they have Wei Wuxian locked. But just as quickly, he lets go and scrambles backwards and to his feet.

Wei Wuxian blinks from his sprawl up at the other boy. Lan Wangji’s expression appears deeply horrified, and he dusts his robes rapidly. Casting Wei Wuxian only a brief look, Lan Wangji’s pupils seem to tremble, and his voice is still lost somewhere.

Wei Wuxian is usually shameless enough to handle situations such as this. But even he does not know what to do or say, other than blink big doe eyes up at the Lan, before the boy turns and marches away beyond the wall.

And then – his face bursts aflame.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian returns to the party and hands over the wine, then waddles to the corner and hides his face in the wall there.

His heart is still speeding away behind his ribs, and he keeps recalling the flirting he has just witnessed – all while trapping the second Lan heir beneath him. And each time he replays that lulling, sugar-sweet voice in his head, his cheeks heat further. Luckily, the others are too drunk to notice the usual life of the party retreating right after getting drinks.

Well, most of them.

“Are you good?” Jiang Cheng slurs behind him.

“Mhm. All good.” Wei Wuxian hums, trying not to let his voice waver with embarrassment and going for his usual teasing tone. “So sweet of you to look out for your poor da-shixiong!”

“Ain’t cuz I care!” Jiang Cheng huffs and makes to push at Wei Wuxian’s shoulder, though it mostly serves to destabilize himself as he tumbles into Wei Wuxian’s side. “You drank some on the way here? Yer all red in the face…”

“Yup. Downed a few good gulps,” Wei Wuxian wheezes very convincingly, patting his cheeks as if it would help his blushing.

Behind them, their friends cheer loudly, probably from getting lucky in a dice game. Then, in drunken eagerness to tell them to wait for him to join, Jiang Cheng turns, accidentally brushes a hand down Wei Wuxian’s flank, and he slaps it away in a flinch. Wei Wuxian’s shidi sends him a hazily confused look, before rolling his eyes and stumbling over to the ones playing.

Wei Wuxian’s stomach flips over and over, and his hand hovers in the air where it had just pushed Jiang Cheng away. He has never felt so immensely aware of every little touch before. After all; He’s the tactile one!

He feels wrong-footed and unbalanced. Even as he closes his eyes, his mind sees the sweet-talking man sitting atop the Lan in the grass, illuminated by moonlight – and his heart skips a beat.

And they call him shameless?! Well, look at those lovebirds the Lans are pretending don’t exist! Not only do they snog in front of students; They also philander in the moonlight!

He swallows and rubs idly against his chest, the other hand caressing his wrist - both places where Lan Wangji had pushed him about. His skin tickles oddly, and his breathing feels a little more strangled.

It’s the stuffy air of this room, he concludes. All these teen boys in such a cramped area – I’ll need to open a window…

•••••

It’s an indecent mess.

There’s no other way to describe the view in front of Lan Wangji; The room Wei Wuxian shares with Jiang Wanyin is littered with unconscious young boys in all manner of sprawled positions. He can spot an array of discarded cups and bottles, games and illustrated books – all of which serve to condemn them further.

But all he can focus on is Wei Wuxian slumped in the middle of it, lopsided and slack-faced. His chest rises and falls in a manner akin to an innocently sleeping cat – and similarly, one can tell it has been up to trouble.

Of the few who had blearily noticed Lan Wangji’s arrival, Nie Huaisang is the first to blink fully awake. It takes a few moments of scrunched brows to recognize who exactly has appeared at the door and is currently aiming an icy glare at the main troublemaker. But then, Nie Huaisang scrambles forward and rustles Wei Wuxian’s shoulder, whispering hurriedly, “Wei-Xiong! Wei-Xiong!”

Lan Wangji clenches his fingers when he sees Wei Wuxian mumble drowsily in the general direction of those shoves. “Whatissit…? Look, Jiang Cheng, I toldya nothing’s wrong, n’ if you keep pushing about it, I’ll whoop your ass, mkay…”

As if finding Wei Wuxian’s hungover mumbling especially grating on his tired mind, Jiang Wanyin feels about near where he’s lying on the floor until his fingers catch on a book. Throwing it in Wei Wuxian’s direction, he growls, “… shuttup…”

In the blink of an eye, Lan Wangji’s heart is seized in a vice grip once more. What the Jiang heir has thrown at his da-shixiong is far too indecent; It’s the second time Lan Wangji’s eyes are seared with such images. To the side, he barely notices as Nie Huaisang strangles a cry in his throat and hides his face.

Even worse, next, Lan Wangji’s gaze skips up to Wei Wuxian’s peacefully slack face. As if, once again, purposefully toying with him, Wei Wuxian sleepily pulls the indecent illustrated book to himself and turns over, snuggling it closer.

Lan Wangji breaks.

He can’t think of anyone else in the room as he marches inside. His fingers wrap into Wei Wuxian’s collar, and he deliberately ignores the swirl coursing in him from so forwardly grabbing the other boy. With no warning, he turns and yanks Wei Wuxian off the bed, dragging his tiredly flailing form across his friends and out into the hallways.

His heart is in his throat. Never in a lifetime has he thought something so obscene could take place in his peaceful home; Young drunken teenage boys partying all night, drinking till they pass out in a big heap, all while reading such filthy things with each other and doing who-knows-what!

I should not have let him continue back to his room yesterday, Lan Wangji laments. But in the moment, he had, of course, been too shaken to act properly. Shaken not only by what happened between him and Wei Wuxian, but also because of the vision he had…

Because, before the party devolved to this, Wei Wuxian and he had broken curfew beyond the walls, late at night, wrestling about in the dirt – and right then he had seen those two---!

Lan Wangji bites his wobbling lower lip. Then he feels fingers clench onto the cuff of his sleeve and hears a garbled, confused mumble.

“… Lan Zhan…? What’re you doing?” Wei Wuxian’s alcohol-soft voice slurs.

His mouth can’t form words. He stares straight ahead, wishing the ancestral hall wasn’t so far away.

There’s a flurry of activity behind him as it seems more of the disciples stir awake. It doesn’t take long before he hears a mad stumble, and the voice of Jiang Wanyin yelling after him, “Lan Wangji, what is going on?! Where are you taking him?!”

Far away from you, Lan Wangji does not say. “He must face his punishment.” He grits each word sharply.

“Punishment?” Wei Wuxian slurs again, growing more awake. “Punish- for what?” There’s a strangled noise as he tries getting to his feet and stumbles. “Surely you can’t mean…”

Lan Wangji remains steadfast, but he speaks no further.

“Lan Zhan!” He feels the boy throw a look over his shoulder, then back again, turning his voice to a whisper. “Is this for the partying? The drinking? The curfew?”

“All of it. Indecent.”

“Hah!” Wei Wuxian guffaws. “Talk about decency, while your own act so shamelessly late at night outside the perimeters!”

Lan Wangji falters in his stride, briefly thinking Wei Wuxian could somehow also have seen the figures haunting Lan Wangji’s vision – Before realising the boy must be referring to Lan Wangji himself.

Because, he’s right; Lan Wangji fell with him outside. He broke curfew.

And in the middle of the other boy straddling him, Lan Wangji had the nerve to envision something so frivolous. Two men-

His fingers tremble and his vision blurs. Wei Wuxian continues to flail and complain in his grasp, but it lands distantly in Lan Wangji’s mind. Shame builds in his core; Shame for the things he’s been feeling and doing. The urges he’s been fighting ever since meeting this frustrating boy - anything from longing to partake in such frivolous parties, well aware he would kill the mood with his presence – to musing about what it would feel like to be allowed as casual closeness with Wei Wuxian as he offers his nearest friends. Even from getting dragged into mischief – to having indecent fantasies appear in visions of two kissing men.

Shameful, all of it.

It’s only once he stands before the older disciples and their rulers that Lan Wangji finds his words again.

“… 50 strikes…”

Like so, he commutes Wei Wuxian’s punishment. For, truly, Lan Wangji has already mentally dishonoured him enough.

•••••

It still hurts like hell.

Lan Wangji had gone gentler on him after Wei Wuxian had pointed out the Lans’ hypocrisy when they themselves had a philandering couple out late at night. And it seems the other disciples in his and Jiang Cheng’s rooms had been let off the hook. Yet still, the sting of the discipline paddles is awful.

Wei Wuxian managed to fake actual tears as he moaned and cried, rolling on the floor afterwards. Judging by how Lan Wangji had lingered just a little longer, eyebrows furrowed with a bit of worry and hand hovering as if deciding whether or not to reach out – Wei Wuxian had been convincingly pitiful. But they had caught each other’s gazes briefly, and Wei Wuxian had quieted down; The other boy had just gone through far harsher punishment, yet showed no sign of it. No more than a second could have passed before Lan Wangji flipped around and marched off, leaving Wei Wuxian to his friends’ care.

“Don’t! I’m wounded!” He cries when Jiang Cheng finds out how exactly Wei Wuxian dug his own grave the night before and tries to throw him off his back. It’s almost like wrestling an angry bull, trying to stay on his shidi’s back, and with just as many angry grunts and huffs.

However, as they continue to mess about, they don’t notice the figure in white around the corner of the path – at least, not before they stumble into him.

“Oh?” Lan Xichen tilts his head and smiles with wonder at the group, who backtracks into an embarrassingly bad line and make feeble attempts at bows. “Well, what’s going on here?”

The two Jiang disciples awkwardly glance at each other, their mess of hair and clothes a snitch on their childish scuffling, but Nie Huaisang breaks ahead and wails.

“Xichen-ge! Wei-Xiong was just hit with a paddle - more than a hundred times!” He lies.

Wei Wuxian winces, but he’s not one to let a friend lying for him carry the burden alone. He plays along and cries pitifully, wrapping his arms around Jiang Cheng’s neck anew to convince the Lan heir.

“Do you know where there’s medicine for it?” Nie Huaisang implores.

It takes a moment for Lan Xichen to take in the whole scene and what he is hearing. He looks truly taken aback as he studies Wei Wuxian’s condition, dangling from the Jiang heir’s back. “Wangji ordered this?” He asks, stunned. “But... Can young master Wei still walk? I don’t understand… What happened?”

“It’s nothing serious, don’t worry,” Jiang Cheng scoffs, trying not to make Wei Wuxian’s troublemaking more known than it already is. “He can walk! Actually, why am I even carrying you!?”

Wei Wuxian tightens his arms around his shidi when he tries to buck him off again. “No! I can’t walk! Look,” He lifts his red and swollen hands toward Lan Xichen. “Zewu-jun, your little brother is so mean!”

Studying Wei Wuxian’s palms with a confused frown, Lan Xichen nods. “Yes, this really is a severe punishment – the swelling might not go down for three to four days...”

Jiang Cheng is taken aback at the severity of the injuries, no longer trying to undermine his da-shixiong. “What?! Three to four days?! They hit his legs and back like that too – how could Lan Wangji do something like this?!”

Wei Wuxian hits his shoulder discreetly, so no trouble is caused between the heirs of the two clans by his reactive mouth. But Lan Xichen smiles with a sense of understanding, even if a complicated one. “Nevertheless, it’s not severe enough for medication to be necessary. Young master Wei, let me tell you a way to heal those in a few hours...”

•••••

The rippling of the water flowing into the cold pond is soothing to Lan Wangji’s mind.

The skin of his back and palms still ache, but he refuses to let the healing waters work it. Rather, he seeks another relief; Relief from the thoughts that have been plaguing his mind.

After his punishment, he had made it to the Jingshi, hoping to find peace to reflect on his actions and thoughts. The pulsing of his sore skin would’ve been a great reminder of his mistakes, of his straying mind and willingness to fall into mischief – But he never made it inside his room.

The door had slipped open to reveal another indecent scene; Those same two men haunting his vision sat by his guqin within the Jingshi, and Lan Wangji froze. The one dressed in black had his hair loose, rippling down his form like inky curtains while he sat in the lap of the white-dressed man. He was leaning into the Lan and whispering something as music enveloped them. His smile was gentle, even with the hint of naughtiness which Lan Wangji found eerily familiar. There was an air about the man altogether that felt… Like a certain someone else.

The vision was domestic. Something that could’ve been a soft balm on any heart – had it not been so forbidden.

What struck Lan Wangji most, however, was being face-to-face with the other man in white. Lan Wangji had realised: The man looks almost like a mirror image of himself. At least, one with sharper features, broader shoulders, and an adult frame.

He couldn’t escape it further; He had to be fantasizing about his own future.

The door slammed shut, and he fled to the pool.

By now, the coldness of the water has soaked all the way through to his bones. Still, his skin feels burning hot with shame and embarrassment.

Those thoughts he had barely managed to repress to the furthest pits of himself are now fluttering about his mind. Befuddlingly, they had first begun to manifest after he had sparred with a boy with a bright smile in the middle of the night. But Lan Wangji had known to strangle any straying thoughts, and he might’ve managed to keep it under wraps until that persistent, taunting figure left Gusu – but being met with such hallucinations on a daily basis has made his mind spiral.

Images of a smiling boy leaning in far too close and whispering the most frivolous of sweet nothings flit across his inner eye.

Or Lan Wangji tumbling about in the grass with him for much longer, repeatedly pinning and getting pinned, while bubbling laughter echoes around him and softens his heart.

Even the feeling of a warm back pressed up against him, his arms wrapped around the boy’s midsection as he pretends to complain about some punishment he is writing out, while Lan Wangji’s lips press down his neck...

“Lan Zhan~”

Lan Wangji blinks his eyes wide open as fast as his heart pulls to a stop and his fantasies scatter into dust. In front of him, as if pulled right from said fantasies and into reality, he finds that same boy lying on his stomach, sprawled atop the stones surrounding the cold pond.

Wei Wuxian smiles mischievously when their eyes connect, tilting his head innocently.

“How did you get in here?” Lan Wangji demands in favour of letting embarrassment come over him, even though he feels so very exposed - in several ways.

The other boy chuckles lowly. “Zewu-jun told me about this place,” He simpers as he stretches and gets to his knees. But before the mortification of his older brother sending this particular boy to bathe alongside Lan Wangji can settle in his mind – Wei Wuxian’s fingers tangle into the knot of his sash, and Lan Wangji’s blood freezes.

“What are you doing?!” He nearly chokes out and steps back.

With a slow approach to the edge of the pool, Wei Wuxian leaves a trail of boots and clothing that makes Lan Wangji’s thoughts grind to a halt. “Well, I’m already stripping, so what do you think I’m here for?”

Lan Wangji has no words, his eyes trembling at the unfolding sight, fighting a losing battle to keep them from ogling. Could this be another hallucination?

“I heard that Gusu Lan’s cold pond doesn’t only help with cultivation – but it can also heal injuries!” Wei Wuxian explains excitedly, crouching to dip the tips of his fingers into the water and breaking the surface with ripples.  “That’s at least why your brother told me to come here and bathe with you.”

However, his eyes snap up, catching Lan Wangji mindlessly studying his form. His smooth, agile movements are on full display with his skin and muscles, and Lan Wangji has to force his eyes away. “But isn’t it cruel to come here and use it to heal just by yourself?”

I wasn’t, Lan Wangji wants to defend. But that same moment, while his lips try in vain to form words, the other boy slips agilely into the pool. He disappears in ripples, and briefly, Lan Wangji thinks the vision is over – before the boy reemerges with a gasp and instantly wraps his arms around himself, shivering.

“Eek! It truly is really cold! Brrr...” He stutters. Lan Wangji sees the goosebumps erupt across his arms, and finally snaps to himself, twisting his face away with force.

Indecent! He berates himself. To ogle so obviously…

As if trying to keep his body temperature up, Wei Wuxian begins flittering about the pool with whiny complaints and curses. In the process, he approaches Lan Wangji, and the feeling of the water vibrations grazing his skin brings him to his senses.

He’s too close while we’re both so indecently dressed!

Backing a few steps away, Lan Wangji snaps, “I came to cultivate, not heal – stand still!”

“But it’s so cooold!” Wei Wuxian whines, getting closer again. “So, so cold!”

Lan Wangji feels a few droplets of water from Wei Wuxian’s exaggerated splashing land on his lashes and sticks his arm out. “Do not move!”

It is mostly an instinctual act, but when his palm meets soft skin that truly has gotten quite cold, it makes him pause. Wei Wuxian blinks when he also feels them touch, then suddenly moves closer with more insistence.

“What?” Lan Wangji nearly stutters.

“Nothing – just, seems like water’s nicer on your side of the pool...” The other boy mutters as he shifts closer, and as Lan Wangji retreats with his locked arm keeping them apart.

“It’s not.” He shakes his head, begging to get out of the situation.

However, once he has gotten a little closer, Wei Wuxian’s eyes fall to Lan Wangji’s shoulder. Lan Wangji is instantly reminded of just how naked he is. But a complicated expression comes over the other boy’s face, as his eyes study the skin of his shoulder, where red marks still linger.

“Lan Zhan... I really admire you.” He sighs. “Without treating yourself even slightly better, you really did punish yourself like you would anyone else...” His eyes flicker up to look at Lan Wangji. “... That’s all I wanted to say.”

And yet, it’s not. When Lan Wangji closes his eyes and reminds himself never to trust any sweet words coming from this boy’s mouth, Wei Wuxian takes the chance to lean in, his breath ghosting over Lan Wangji’s skin as he mutters.

“Truly, I’ve never met someone as dutiful as you...” Tracing a finger ever so lightly over the wounds littering Lan Wangji’s skin, making Lan Wangji sure this cannot possibly be reality, Wei Wuxian continues, “I could never do something like that. So cool.”

Lan Wangji refuses to let himself get caught on another obvious hook. He keeps his eyes closed and tries to ignore the boy disturbing his meditation with false praise. Especially when his words and touches make something in Lan Wangji panic as much as they make him desperate.

He has heard tales of the great ancient masters, who had to withstand far worse temptatio- distractions, yet who still stood their ground. Surely, this has to be just such a trial. If so, Lan Wangji will prove his composure and resilience, as he has always trained for. He will not fall to the first real hurdle in his cultivation life!

He hears a huff and the other boy moves away, hopefully losing interest. Breathing out in relief, Lan Wangji tries to continue his cultivation, blocking out the mutterings from the guest disciple.

As if finally acclimatized after having imposed for so long, Wei Wuxian begins fluttering about the pool, swimming brief stretches, before crowding closer to Lan Wangji again, making huffs and trying to tease a few times. Water ripples against Lan Wangji’s body, and every once in a while, so does Wei Wuxian’s hair or skin as well, sending thrills up Lan Wangji’s spine and testing his restraint.

“... Lan Zhan, did you notice what I was trying to do when chatting just now?” Wei Wuxian says after a while.

And here it comes; The second shoe dropping. “I did not.”

With a huff that Lan Wangji suspects is meant to grate him, Wei Wuxian asks, “So you don’t even know something like this? Listen, I wanted to be closer with you, so I was complimenting you.”

Of course, Wei Wuxian would so plainly tell Lan Wangji his compliments were empty. Of course, he is like this. “And what for?” He can't help but bite out.

Wei Wuxian crowds closer again, smiling and tilting his head. “Lan Zhan... Let’s be friends, mm? We’re already so close...”

There is something to his tone, the way he speaks those words, the way his eyes drop and he leans in – something about it makes Lan Wangji recall the night prior, and his chest contracts. He remembers what he saw and how he rolled around with Wei Wuxian. Remembers his breath escaping from him, remembers how warm and lively the boy felt.

Remembers how shameful it was. Is.

“... We’re not.” He says, though admitting what he knows is the truth tastes sour.

He hears the other boy splash the water with an annoyed huff.

“You’re being boring again!” Wei Wuxian lifts a finger and taps it on Lan Wangji’s shoulder. “Listen, there are numerous benefits to being my friend!”

“… Such as?”

Leaning back against the rocks at the edge of the pool, Wei Wuxian grins. “I’m really loyal to my friends; Like, I’d even let you be the first person to get a look at the porn I get- Hey, hey, come back!”

Lan Wangji had resolutely turned to wade out, regretting ever engaging even the slightest in conversation with this rascal. However, the electricity in his skin when Wei Wuxian holds him back makes him freeze up.

With an apologetic smile and a few pats, the boy continues, “It’s fine, no need to look at them! Right – have you ever been to Yunmeng?”

Lan Wangji tries to ignore the excited smile, glaring to the side.

“Yunmeng’s really fun; Especially the food is great!” Wei Wuxian continues undeterred. “Not sure if it’s all of Gusu or just Cloud Recesses who has a problem, but the food in your sect is so bland!”

The unbidden thought, I could make something better, intrudes on Lan Wangji’s mind before he has time to feel the sting of Wei Wuxian not wanting to eat what’s served in his home. Still, he does not engage in the slightest.

Not that Wei Wuxian seems to care.

“If you come to Lotus Pier, you can try lots of delicious food! I can bring you out and we could pick lotus seeds and water chestnuts!” He walks around, tilting his head so Lan Wangji can’t avoid his soft smile and deceivingly genuine expression. “How about it, Lan Zhan?”

Lan Wangji wavers for a moment in the face of such an offer. In his core, he wants to experience such a joyful day like Wei Wuxian describes. Something light-hearted, full of laughter, frivolous – like the tales he hears his peers retell with smiles, before they realise he’s there and quiet down. To connect with Wei Wuxian in a genuine manner, see the place he has grown up in, which has made him so vibrant and which he extols with so much excitement.

But then Lan Wangji remembers; He’s just missing the obvious rouse out of social ineptitude.

“No.”

“Don’t always reply with rejection, it makes you come off cold-hearted – and girls won’t like that!” Wei Wuxian sighs. Lan Wangji wants to roll his eyes; He doesn’t care if girls – or anyone, for that matter – find him unapproachable.

However, Wei Wuxian keeps talking.

“Listen, the girls in Yunmeng are very cute.” With a wink, Wei Wuxian leans into Lan Wangji, his tone full of implied intent. “... Even cuter than the Gusu beauties~”

Lan Wangji blinks at him, unsure if this is another indirect compliment or if he’s suffering from wishful thinking.

“Sure you don’t wanna come?”

Hesitating for barely a moment seems to be all Wei Wuxian needs as encouragement. He leans in with a wide grin, and it floods Lan Wangji’s mind with the fantasies he can’t help.

“You gotta say yes!”

“You are... Too close-”

Wei Wuxian’s lower lip barely has time to wobble – before the petulant whine comes from somewhere to their side.

“But er-gegeee – your body heat makes it so much warmer!”

They both freeze.

“Use your core.” A deeper but gentle voice directs. There’s a hint of fond amusement to it.

Lan Wangji does not even need to glance to the side to know what he’ll find. Instead, he stiffens like a board and prays Wei Wuxian doesn’t notice the change in his demeanour.

“My core?! My poor, weak, core can’t keep warm against this!” He hears, along with small demonstrative splashes. “Gege... Keep your husband warm...”

Lan Wangji finally feels his own body chill, fearing he’s truly gone mad; To fantasise about marrying a man, one of such an unseemly, shameless personality – and all while being nude with this specific boy-

“Heeey! Lovebirds!”

Lan Wangji whips his head toward Wei Wuxian, forgetting how close they are and, in the process, bringing his nose a breath from the other’s cheek. He blinks, realising Wei Wuxian has to be yelling – towards Lan Wangji’s visions...?

Lan Wangji turns to look the same way. He finds his older self carefully patting down the back of the other man, who mumbles complaints into his skin, hogging himself to the older Lan Wangji as if shamelessly claiming his warmth.

The figures do not respond to Wei Wuxian’s cry.

Wei Wuxian looks at him with a pinch to his brows. He mouths soundlessly, but what he interprets catches Lan Wangji off-guard.

‘You see them, right?’

Before Lan Wangji can process it beyond a nod, the boy looks away again.

“Hm,” Wei Wuxian hums lowly. “Curious.”

Then, without warning, he whips his arm along the surface of the water, causing a great arch to rush toward the figures – and pass right through them.

“They aren’t actually there!” With an incredulous huff, Wei Wuxian turns his eyes back to Lan Wangji and speaks as if they’re both just figuring this out. “In hindsight, it makes alotta sense, I guess.”

Lan Wangji blinks at him, lost for words.

Wei Ying can... See them?

Before he can form any words, those haunting visions speak up once more. Not daring to acknowledge their presence more than necessary, Lan Wangji only glances out the corner of his eye and finds that the man calling his older self ‘husband’ is leaning back with a sly smile.

“Brush my hair, er-gege.”

His eyes sparkle, and they captivate Lan Wangji like only one other set of smiling eyes ever have.

“Mn.”

He watches them move about each other with practiced ease, watches as one man brushes the other’s hair gently, and feels something twirl in his chest.

“Heh,” The man with a shameless mouth grins. “Even still now, after all this time...” He reaches a hand back over his shoulder as that older version of Lan Wangji gently combs through his hair, tugging on his reddened earlobe. “... And yet you still get like this.”

Lan Wangji cannot tear his eyes away, his heart thundering in his chest. He can feel his breath quicken along with his pulse and then – a shift in the air before him.

He turns his eyes back to Wei Wuxian, whose bright, curious gaze is so open and seeking. Lan Wangji’s eyes shift further to his left, realizing the boy is reaching for-

His palm snatches Wei Wuxian’s wrist just as his fingers try to pinch his heating ears, then yanks it away. He sends the other a sharp glare, and after a quiet moment, Wei Wuxian smiles cheekily.

“Gaah-! Er-gege, what’re you-?!” They hear from the couple flirting so brazenly. The following sounds of splashing and the widening eyes Wei Wuxian makes tell Lan Wangji all he needs; Whatever those visions are doing, it’s indecent.

“... Oh...?” The other boy breathes – Before a flush dusts his cheekbones.

A flush. On Wei Wuxian...!

Enough.

With the grasp he has on Wei Wuxian’s wrist, Lan Wangji turns and marches away through the water, pulling the other boy with him.

“Wai- Lan Zhan, I wanna-”

Lan Wangji seals his lips. Want to what?! Ogle such a scene!?! Shameless!

The water splashes the more the boy tries to wriggle free. By the end, Lan Wangji pulls him ashore by hooking his arm around his bare midsection in a way that will have him thrilling for days.

“Here.” He mutters sharply, grabbing and shoving Wei Wuxian’s bundle of clothes to his chest.

Wei Wuxian is about to protest at Lan Wangji, who succinctly finishes tying his robes. But barely has the first breath left his lips, when the obscene and playful noises in the pool pick up again. Unwillingly, Lan Wangji’s attention is drawn, though fog and rocks now hide the other two.

Still, he wouldn’t have had time to see anything; His cheeks are cradled and his face turned. He blinks when his eyes meet stubbornly decisive ones, a small hint of annoyance to Wei Wuxian’s expression.

“Lan Zhan! Then you also can’t look at them!” He says petulantly. “Besides – What if it worsens the curse?!”

The... Curse...?

•••••

Wei Wuxian is certain: He and Lan Wangji have been cursed!

So far, they’re the only ones showing any reaction to those flirty men. Further, since they’ve now confirmed that the figures are not physical, the options have significantly narrowed.

And a curse would explain it all.

Or at least, it will – if they can figure out by whom, why, and when it was put on them.

For Wei Wuxian, it’s an exciting secret mission – but as he finds out, Lan Wangji does not share that excitement; Whenever he sneaks up on the boy, excitedly whispering about his speculations, Lan Wangji acts like he isn’t there!

No matter how Wei Wuxian sulks, whines, or explains how important his new discoveries are, Lan Wangji simply turns tail and marches away, not deigning Wei Wuxian a response. The nerve!

He crosses his arms and huffs. If he doesn’t wanna help, then I won’t share my findings with him!

Like so, he spends the first day after he’s concluded it’s a curse trying to answer a few key questions about it.

What kind of curse has been cast? Even as he scours through the Cloud Recesses’ extensive library collection, he can find few spells associated with causing visions in others. There isn’t any detailed description of how such a thing could be achieved, be it through talismans or rituals. But then again, he assumes it would’ve broken a handful of those Lan rules to disseminate information on spells like those. After all, it’s highly likely this kind of curse isn’t caused by run-of-the-mill cultivation!

In fact, most of what he finds is about how to dispel such visions from their victims. Which could be useful in some near future. Just – not yet. Because! He needs to see a few more examples of those hallucinations – for research purposes!

So, he continues onwards, pursing his lips as he exits the study pavilion – and overlooking how a certain set of eyes follows him with curiosity. For when has Wei Wuxian last sat quietly studying anything so diligently?

If he can’t find the methodology of the curse – maybe he can find the culprit! This will require less book ruffling and more gossiping, which Wei Wuxian knows how to navigate a bit more casually.

He sidles up to a table surrounded by a few of the disciples he’s managed to fall into friendship with, and leans against the chair of his shidi, who is currently immersed in playing some street scam with another student. Jiang Cheng curses and hands over a few coins when he chooses the wrong cup, then swears again when he turns and catches Wei Wuxian lurking over his shoulder with a smug grin.

“When did you get here?! Where’ve you been??”

“What’s with that excited greeting, my dear shidi? Have you missed me?” Wei Wuxian coos, wrapping an arm around the other boy’s shoulder as they move out of the way for the next willing victim, who’s equally as confident he won’t lose. “Or – are you scared I’ll snitch on you to Madam Yu about losing your allowance to scammers?”

“Oh, beat it, you hypocrite!” Jiang Cheng huffs and shrugs Wei Wuxian’s arm off his shoulder. “You wouldn’t dare tell Mom anything. She’d know you’re likely the scammer in question!”

“Ah, but I wasn’t, was I?” Wei Wuxian laughs when Jiang Cheng shoves him in the side. “Alright, truce!”

“Well then – what have you been up to? Someone claimed they saw you making your way to the library, but I know you finished your punishment.” Jiang Cheng’s eyes narrow. “Unless, of course, you’ve made more problems…?”

“So presumptuous! Can’t a good student like Yunmeng’s head disciple study in his free time without such unfounded accusations?”

As Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes with an incredulous huff, Nie Huaisang slinks up to them. “Wei-Xiong, did you really go study willingly?”

Wei Wuxian shrugs, leaning against a tree as his eyes witness the sneaky disciple running the cup game slip the stone into his sleeve. “Well, it’s for a personal project.”

“Guy fancies himself an inventor,” Jiang Cheng mutters to Nie Huaisang. “He comes up with all kinds of ridiculous talismans and solutions back home. Half of them cause more trouble than they solve.”

And Wei Wuxian’s knees suffer with how often that has Madam Yu making him kneel.

“What’s the project?” Nie Huaisang turns big, interested eyes towards Wei Wuxian.

"A secret!” He grins in turn, to the other’s despairing pout. “But… If you help me out with something, I might tell you. Might.”

His two friends tilt their heads and furrow their brows in synchronization, their “help with what?” written on their faces.

“Say, has anyone said anything negative about Lan Wangji?” Wei Wuxian begins carefully casual.

“Negative? You mean, like ‘he’s cold as jade’?” Nie Huaisang hums. “If you count that as negative.”

“More like, disliking him. Maybe to a point of wanting to pull a prank on him or something.”

Jiang Cheng huffs. “Someone other than you? I haven’t heard a thing. What, are you looking for accomplices?”

Lifting a hand to his chest and putting on an affronted expression, Wei Wuxian defends, “I would never! I respect Lan Wangji.”

As Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes, Nie Huaisang frowns. “What’s brought this about, Wei-xiong? Has someone harassed you two?”

Wei Wuxian winces slightly. “I guess you could say that. I think someone might’ve sent a minor curse after him or me, and we ended up suffering from it both.”

It would make sense, after all; Few would have reason to want to curse them both. Someone who likes Lan Wangji probably doesn’t favour people like Wei Wuxian, and vice versa. Further, as they would have had to be close to each other when the curse was cast upon them, the weeks they spent in the library for his punishment are most likely. Then one or the other would just have been a collateral victim.

“Curse?” Jiang Cheng’s expression hardens instantly, and his voice lowers as he suspiciously glares around the trio at the disciples surrounding them. “What kind of curse? What makes you think this?”

“Nothing dangerous!” Wei Wuxian quickly dissuades. “We’ve just both seen visions that others don’t notice – surely from some attempt at a prank.”

“And you’re trying to figure out who would have an incentive?” Nie Huaisang guesses.

“Well, it obviously couldn’t have been intended for him over you!” Jiang Cheng declares and shakes his head. “Everyone respects him, but you’ve made yourself greatly unfavoured.”

“Unfavoured!? I’ll have you recall, I’m the reason most of them-” Wei Wuxian indicates at the group of teen boys currently crying out for another victim of the scam losing his money. “-Hang around us!”

“Boastful, are we?”

Nie Huaisang shuts his fan with a sharp tap to distract his friends from their quibbling. “Well! If someone has decided to play a little prank on you, maybe they’re just of the same playful spirit as yourself and are trying to reach out, Wei-xiong?”

Wei Wuxian raises his brows and cocks his head. That was not an option he had considered.

“Or – it’s the byproduct of something totally unrelated.” Nia Huaisang shrugs. “I’d say to just wait it out. If it’s someone with a grudge, surely they’ll reveal themselves at some point. And if not, the effect should wear over.”

Wei Wuxian purses his lips. Maybe that is the best course of action, as the curse is nothing harmful. He could give it a few more days and see if someone either ends up revealing themselves, or if the problem vanishes.

Just a few days of letting things be for now. After all, it wasn’t like he had any intention of trying to stop the visions… Yet. He’s not entirely done searching for answers.

Plus, they bring a certain amount of excitement to his time at Gusu…

Unable to discern either the method or the culprit, Wei Wuxian decides figuring the purpose of the visions should be his next step. After all, they seem oddly specific!

That means he needs to be more vigilant. He scans his surroundings the rest of the day with immense care, and every movement out of the corner of his eye, every fluttering white robe or smudge of black catches his attention. Maybe, if he can see a little more or overhear something new from those two lovebirds, he can figure out what the caster is trying to show with them. And then, he might know if he or Lan Wangji were the intended victim.

But while Lan Wangji continues to ignore him, Wei Wuxian comes across no new scenes. He begins to wonder if he only sees the visions while the two of them are together – or if they have stopped entirely. Still, whenever he thinks about roping Lan Wangji into his search and goes looking for the boy – the Lan keeps evidently avoiding him.

How mean, Wei Wuxian sulks, feeling uncharacteristically peeved at being treated like so. We’re both in this… Doesn’t he want to get to the bottom of it?

Definitely not offended or anything, Wei Wuxian takes a few meandering walks around Gusu, looking for any lovey-dovey spots. Which, he must admit when his mind gets a little creative, there are a few of; The shade of some flowering trees overlooking a tranquil pond, a bench hidden in a wall nook by the end of a pathway, or even the garden pagoda if you’re as brazen as these two have been!

At least, he could imagine sharing some tender whispers and soft giggles with someone at those places.

Goosebumps tickle down his neck, and he clears his throat, trying to clear his mind at the same time from ideas of soft caresses and first kisses. He isn’t some lovesick maiden who gets shy about those things, of course – he’s seen his fair share of much raunchier stuff!

It’s just, there’s no need to think about such distractions right now. He has some lovers to catch after all!

With a strangely bubbly feeling in his stomach, Wei Wuxian takes to skipping slightly, whistling, and giving the impression of having a casual stroll in the evening sunlight. He nods friendly at passing disciples and suspicious teachers.

But in the end, his search bears no fruit.

Something sours in him as the idea that he really won’t see them any longer seems more and more likely. He kicks a rock further down the path, purses his lips, and clicks his tongue. If his little side mission is already over… Will he and Lan Wangji have nothing to share any longer?

He swallows bitterly and bites his cheek. In the end, he decides to make his way back to his and Jiang Cheng’s room before risking missing curfew (again). But as he gets nearer, he can already hear others chattering away inside, surely making as much use of Lan Qiren’s absence to party as possible.

And it’s not like he doesn’t want to be social! He’s just feeling a bit too dejected to do anything but collapse into bed. So instead, he turns on his heel and sneaks down other paths, hoping to wait them out without getting caught out late.

The buildings grow more and more unfamiliar, and he thinks he stumbles upon some non-residential quarters, as no windows have lit their lamps despite the setting sun’s dwindling light. He scans the beautiful details of the otherwise modest Lan architecture, the little carvings a skilled woodworker has carefully made along pillars and roof beams.

And then, he sees them – and his heart skips a beat.

Just atop the building, perched carefully on the ridge of the roof, one snuggling back against the other’s chest – there sits the sweethearts.

There’s a gentle melody moving around them. The Lan has a guqin resting in front of them, his arms bracketing the man in his lap’s waist to pull at the strings. The black-dressed man leans back against him while whistling along to the music on a dizi, both their eyes tenderly closed, and the Lan leans his cheek against the crown of the other man’s head.

Wei Wuxian is transfixed, paused awkwardly mid-step on the path. Mindlessly, he stumbles closer, trying to be quiet so as not to alert them – even though he’s quite certain by now they’re not real. Because, well, ogling the two of them still feels a bit like an invasion of privacy.

Not that he can help but to.

The soft tunes peter off. The man in black breathes a sigh, which is followed by a soft giggle. “Say, if I’m not mistaken, we’re reaching curfew, right?” He hums and twirls his flute.

“I would wager so.”

“Will I be punished for staying out late again?”

“Only if I were as well.” The Lan hums as he wraps a cloth around his instrument with practiced ease.

“Oh… But if I recall correctly, you are the enforcer of discipline…” The man in black continues to murmur, running a few fingers through the Lan’s long, inky locks. “… So, you could just settle on a punishment we could complete together… Right?”

The man in white eyes the other carefully as he puts his guqin to the side. With more space, the man in black smiles and slides around, straddling the Lan and bringing their faces intimately close.

The gong for curfew echoes across Cloud Recesses’ roofs, but Wei Wuxian is rooted in the spot, heart in his throat, leaving him breathless.

“I take suggestions.” The Lan mutters, nearly so low that Wei Wuxian can’t hear.

The man in black smiles sneakily, runs his fingers along the other man’s face, and rubs away a few hairs – before leaning down and pressing lips to his nose. Reverently, he peppers the Lan’s face with small kisses, whispering inaudibly against his skin. Whatever remarks he’s making earn him a reprimanding glance and a squeeze to his waist.

And then, he tilts his head, unable to help his smile as he closes the distance to seal their mouths. Wei Wuxian swallows, his throat feeling parched as he sees the two of them press close, their hands sliding to more intimate spots, and pull each other closer. Sometimes they break to huff for air against each other’s lips, before diving in again. Sometimes they whisper unheard comments to each other, smiling and huffing.

Wei Wuxian feels something in his chest pulling at itself. A longing he hasn’t felt before. To gawk at a couple isn’t his style – but his eyes are entranced by the sweetness.

The kiss is unhurried and loving. But after a few timeless moments, they pull apart again.

“Oh, what a terrible thing to break curfew – I’m punished so cruelly by my husband…” The man in black sulks into the throat of the other, drawing an aimless finger along his collarbone. “… Maybe you should make it up to me? What do you say… Lan Zhan?”

Wei Wuxian blinks.

Suddenly, he is torn from his breathless reverie. He barely registers the response, faltering back. Quickly, that pull in his chest snaps, cutting into his heart.

Did he just say – Lan Zhan…?

•••••

Lan Wangji has a problem.

Well, two problems, to be accurate. Nothing he isn’t capable of handling, of course. But still, they are… Frustrating.

1. He has a shadow. A shadow with a ridiculous need to touch and smile at him, with a simpering voice and naughty utterances that he wishes would just…!
2. He sees things. He sees them while said shadow stalks after him, especially. Things that make him feel all kinds of mixed emotions. Things like… Kissing.

And now he knows his shadow can see them too. That Wei Wuxian can witness Lan Wangji’s subconscious fantasies, the ones he will not accept are reflective of himself, the ones that are simply a result of being pushed into a corner by someone so shameless and---!

And Wei Wuxian wants to talk about it. Talk about why they’re seeing two men kiss. What could have brought it about. Who could have brought it about.

Lan Wangji wants nothing less than to talk to Wei Wuxian about two men kissing.

So – he turns when he sees the boy wave at him with his stupidly friendly smile. He ignores his secret messages in class, describing what he’s found out. He leaves any area if he hears that sunny laughter and suffocates the warm, tingly feeling it makes bloom in him.

Wei Wuxian is persistent, however. He tails Lan Wangji down hallways and through gardens, muttering far too loudly about his theories. One time, he nearly mentions out loud what they saw in the library – before Lan Wangji puts the silencing spell on him and flees the area as he cries and whines.

And this morning, he kept looking at Lan Wangji with these big eyes. Kept glancing at his mouth, leaving Lan Wangji even further flustered.

With such a persistent shadow, it’s only a matter of time before Wei Wuxian sees or overhears something that will make it clear what – or who – they’re seeing. Make it clear this is some fantasy the uncivilized part of Lan Wangji’s brain has decided to indulge in.

What will Wei Wuxian say, then? What will he think about Lan Wangji when that happens?

So, Lan Wangji flees. Over and over.

However, he can’t be entirely sure he understands those visions himself. Truly, how are they caused – A poisoning? A haunting? The side effects of some of their cultivation training?

Wei Wuxian suspects it’s a curse someone put on them, but that would surely need Lan Wangji to be the culprit – and he certainly hasn’t chosen to suffer through this. Either it’s some embarrassing product of spiritual energy fluctuations bringing Lan Wangji’s thoughts to life – or someone else has figured him out.

And that someone is somehow projecting Lan Wangji’s most suppressed ideas in front of him and the boy who has caused them.

… Maybe there is something to Wei Wuxian’s idea of a curse after all.

Chapter Text

Old man Lan returns and takes to scolding Wei Wuxian as the first thing on his agenda. You’d think a few days’ vacation would’ve loosened him up, but alas, Wei Wuxian learns the man must be chronically unappeasable.

“… And I would sure encourage you to stay away from the students at our establishment who need none of your bad influence!” Lan Qiren snaps at him after a long tirade regarding the troublemaking Wei Wuxian (reportedly!) has been up to in his absence.

He’s referring to Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian muses as he nods obediently, the image of a reformed student. He doesn’t want his prized student to be pulled in and tainted by this one…

He huffs, Lan Qiren’s raging falling on deaf ears.

… But, maybe, poor Lan Zhan already has been…

•••••

The leaves rustle airily above Wei Wuxian and his friends as they make their way towards the edges of Cloud Recesses, looking for a way to spend their day.

Wei Wuxian is eager to do something more fun than listening to a teacher drone endlessly or repeating the most basic cultivation exercises. He stretches his arms upwards and leans his head back, looking toward the sky, feeling rays of sunlight fall in between the leaves to caress his face.

And then, his eye catches sight of a figure through a second-floor window. His attention is immediately drawn, for the person is strikingly beautiful – and it’s someone he knows quite well by now.

As ever, Lan Wangji appears to be studying, leaning against the windowsill as he reads. He is truly like a painting, with ideal features and long, silky hair flowing in the breeze passing through the room.

Wei Wuxian purses his lips slightly, something nagging his mind.

Ever since he found out one of the men he’s been seeing visions of is supposed to be Lan Wangji, something bitter has been clawing at him. Of course, it’s not real – but just the concept of Lan Wangji kissing someone, showing someone so much love and affection…. It’s so wrong!

And anyway, Lan Wangji should be with a woman as pretty as himself, not some whiny, self-centred brat like that guy. It should be a girl who is kind and pure and perfect, because only that could compare!

Honestly, a girl matching Lan Wangji’s worth probably doesn't exist. The only one perfect enough is already betrothed – although to an idiot, mind you – so Lan Wangji will most likely never find someone. Especially so long as he avoids any and all socialising opportunities!

Alas! How tragic! Lan Wangji is destined to forever be without a partner… Such has fate decided.

His own fault, too. He could’ve stayed close with Wei Wuxian instead of ignoring him. Wei Wuxian would’ve introduced him to some pretty girls and shown him how to flirt. That’s Lan Wangji’s loss. If a girl exists for him out there, he probably won’t ever meet her now…

Hm. Somehow, that doesn’t really make Wei Wuxian very sad, though. The thought is much preferable to the ridiculous visions they’ve been seeing, at least.

He blinks, and in the next moment, Lan Wangji’s gaze finds his. It’s breathtaking to look into those honey eyes, even from a distance. For a moment, Wei Wuxian is deaf to his surroundings. Lan Wangji looks taken aback as well, and if Wei Wuxian isn’t mistaken, there's a tiny shift towards shyness in his expression, as some pink dusts his ears.

Wei Wuxian can’t bring himself to look away. Even though he had decided not to seek the boy out, for how often he’s been ignored – well, how can he stay away from this person?

With two wriggling forms in his grasp, he looks up at the broad old tree and tries to plan his ascent.

His buddies and he had initially continued past the building where Lan Wangji was studying and found a field to play in. But the moment his eyes caught on two fluffy creatures, his thoughts had circled back to the lonely Lan.

It was funny in a way; usually, Lan Wangji is as icy as a frigid winter morning, and therefore, fluffy bunnies aren’t the first you’d associate him with. Yet, their timid personalities, their pristine white outside, their eyes full of emotions they won’t express, and the strange urge Wei Wuxian has to get close to them and touch them, to see how they react – it all reminds him of Lan Wangji.

He smiles to himself and secures the bunnies in his robes so he can more easily climb the magnolia to the other boy. He can’t help giggling a little when imagining how Lan Wangji will react when he shows him the little cuties. Will he yell at Wei Wuxian, like with the book-switching incident? Or will he blush at seeing such sweet little things, like shijie’s friends do when Wei Wuxian catches small birds to show them?

Either way, it will be thrilling.

He heaves himself upon the last branch and throws a leg through the open window, smiling brightly into the room. At first, he can only see Lan Wangji in there – which would have been perfect for his little surprise. But then he notices; the boy’s attention is drawn elsewhere. Further, his ears are bright red, and his eyes are wider than Wei Wuxian has ever seen before.

To see him like this – Wei Wuxian’s face immediately snaps to the side to find what has gotten his attention. Of course, he isn’t surprised at what he finds.

Near a window at the other end of the library, a tall man stands with his back to them, leaning slightly out through the opening. The white ribbon tails fluttering among his raven hair are caught in someone’s hand, mindlessly being wound around a finger. That someone is otherwise blocked from view, standing on the other side of the window – and seemingly meeting the man in white, if the fingers weaved into the hair at the back of his neck and pulling him closer are any indication of what they’re doing.

“Oh… Are they kissing…?”

As soon as the first syllable has left Wei Wuxian’s mouth, Lan Wangji jumps in his seat and tears his gaze away, righting his posture. It also seems to break the illusion, for the two men glimpse out of existence the next moment, leaving the two younger boys all alone in the room.

Wei Wuxian’s attention falls back to his peer as he slips inside fully. Lan Wangji is, obviously, embarrassed, even if he tries to seem unfazed.

It’s both endearing and hilarious.

Wei Wuxian barks a laugh, and the floodgates have opened. How ridiculous is this predicament they’re in?! And poor, innocent-minded Lan Wangji has no idea how to handle it! His soul is so distraught!

Wei Wuxian has to brace against the floor and keep the wriggling bunnies in his robes with his other hand so as not to squish them in his laughing fit. When he looks up through teary eyes, he notices that Lan Wangji has curled forward slightly, his hands covering his ears – whether to block out Wei Wuxian’s laughter or cover how bright pink they have become, Wei Wuxian isn’t sure.

“Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan!” He giggles and crawls closer to the other boy, who simply turns further away from him. “Look at you! Hey, do you like watching them, gege?”

A hand pushes at his shoulder as he crawls close enough to lean over Lan Wangji’s back. He tries to peek over Lan Wangji’s shoulder at his face, but the boy simply hides further.

Wei Wuxian laughs harder. “I get it, I do! Aren’t the two of them cute, mm?”

Another even rougher push makes Wei Wuxian shove back against Lan Wangji’s back.

“So mean! Come on, no need to act like this – I caught you ogling them, didn’t I? You can’t pretend you weren’t!”

“… Weren’t…!”

“Bahaha!” Wei Wuxian collapses against Lan Wangji’s back, draping himself over the boy. The bunnies wriggle against his chest, but he’s too preoccupied. As he catches his breath, he plays with Lan Wangji’s collar, though his hand is slapped away repeatedly. “Hey, hey, Lan Zhan, have you noticed? Don’t you think… One of them looks a little bit like you, mmm?”

“Enough!”

In an instant, Wei Wuxian’s world flips, and he’s splayed out on the library floor. He looks up at Lan Wangji, who blinks down at him, seeming just as surprised at having put Wei Wuxian on his back so easily.

Then, his eyes drop, and his expression grows even more befuddled when he sees fluffy ears and limbs wriggling out between the front of Wei Wuxian’s robes. And then, to Wei Wuxian’s great delight, his pupils widen, and his mouth drops slightly open, a light pink dusting his cheeks when he recognizes the creatures.

“Hmmm?” Wei Wuxian tilts his head, petting a hand over one of the bunnies now finding their bearings on his chest. “Are these cute as well, gege?”

“… Cute…” Lan Wangji mutters mindlessly, eyes flittering from the bunnies to Wei Wuxian’s face.

“Right? You want them? Just for you.”

Lan Wangji swallows, looking Wei Wuxian in the eyes. Then he shakes his head and backs off, falling back on his seat and crawling backwards a few paces.

“No,” He mumbles. “I didn’t…” He clears his throat and steels his expression into something familiar. “Pets are not allowed.”

“Aiyoh! But aren’t they adorable?” Wei Wuxian sits up and holds one kicking, little rabbit in front of Lan Wangji. “How can you deny yourself something so sweet?”

The other boy casts his eyes away, still shaking his head. “No. There are rules!”

“Hmph,” Wei Wuxian pulls the bunny back and looks it over. “Well, then I guess I'll give them to someone else…”

This makes Lan Wangji’s gaze snap back to him, and he surges forward. “Who?”

Wei Wuxian grins widely, having successfully caught his attention again. “Anyone who can make a good roast out of them!”

Lan Wangji looks speechless for a moment. “That’s-! Killing is forbidden in the Cloud Recesses!”

“Then I’ll go into town and have them make them into-”

“Wei Ying!”

Wei Wuxian shrieks, then laughs as Lan Wangji catches his collar in his grasp. He deposits the little bunny neatly on a nearby table before wriggling free. Lan Wangji keeps grabbing hold of his robes – until Wei Wuxian simply slips free of his outer layer and flees around a table, still laughing.

Lan Wangji follows, a sternness to his eyes.

“What now? Ran out of rules to berate me with, so you’re just gonna manhandle me?!” Wei Wuxian chuckles as he dodges around the table corner when he’s tailed.

Lan Wangji does not deign him an answer. As Wei Wuxian tries to outmaneuver him, he nearly stumbles over one of the small creatures. Now that he knows how much Lan Wangji likes them, he really doesn’t intend to harm them, even if he jokes about it to tease the other boy. So he sidesteps in the last moment and tumbles against a table, spilling ink and sending papers flying into the air. Lan Wangji grabs him, but with a forceful yank, Wei Wuxian pulls him down to the floor as well.

“You!” Lan Wangji gasps when Wei Wuxian seizes his fighting wrists and locks them above his head. Settling with a knee on either side of his peer’s hips, Wei Wuxian keeps chuckling.

“Tsktsk, all this, and for what? Cuz you got a little embarrassed that I found out what you like?”

Lan Wangji’s flush is now stark on his cheekbones. Rather than respond, he tips his hips this way and that, trying to buckle Wei Wuxian off himself – to no avail.

“Ay ay ay, calm down! Calm down!” Wei Wuxian giggles, releasing one hand to pet the boy’s cheek, only for his hand to be seized in turn. Lan Wangji is about to flip them over – when they notice the white bunny settling against Lan Wangji’s shoulder. “Huh! Just like that, they find comfort with you – even when you’re this wild! What’s your secret, Lan er-gege?”

Closing his eyes and breathing out slowly with the restraint of saint, Lan Wangji grits, “Ridiculous.”

Wei Wuxian chuckles as he leans forward. “Guilty as charged!”

Lan Wangji’s expression flinches slightly, and his eyes skip around Wei Wuxian’s face. Up close like this, Wei Wuxian can notice a lot of details about the other boy. Especially, he realizes, no matter how close, he’s still flawlessly stunning.

“Whatissit?” Wei Wuxian hums when Lan Wangji keeps seeking something on his face.

“You are… Too close.”

“Eh, really? I could get closer, though.” Wei Wuxian hums, folding his arms on Lan Wangji’s chest and resting his chin atop it. Just beneath him, he can feel the rise and fall of Lan Wangji’s breaths, feel a heartbeat strumming rapidly.

“… Get off.” Lan Wangji mutters finally, as the other bunny hops into his hair and leans against his cheek. Wie Wuxian can’t help but huff, seeing such a vision: a beauty surrounded by two cuties.

“Even though we’re having so much fun?”

Lan Wangji clenches his fingers and his jaw tightens as if he intends to chastise him – but there is no need; somewhere on the lower floor, a door opens.

“Wangji?” Lan Xichen’s friendly voice resonates upstairs, making them both freeze. “Shufu has asked for you.”

•••••

“I think it would be better for you not to study with the others.” Lan Wangji’s uncle comments as he reads over papers. Lan Wangji freezes upon hearing those words, making the tea he is pouring nearly overflow.

“I should… Study alone?” He asks to clarify, setting down the teapot.

“As you have before, yes. It was ridiculous of us to think there could be any benefit to you studying with students of such… Different skill.”

Lan Wangji places his cup down on the table. Is this not what he has been thinking too? The classes he’s been having are far below what he usually practices, and he has joined mostly at his family’s urging, hoping that he would help further connections with other clans. But with how the exchange students have been partying and making trouble – and here one individual comes to mind especially – maybe Lan Wangji’s studies are only harmed by this.

So, it’s logical. Lan Xichen is friendly with plenty of other clans, and Lan Wangji has made a public effort to socialize, which ought to be enough. Maybe it is time for him to study like he is used to.

So why does he bite his lower lip and feel a hollowness in his chest?

He nods slowly and takes another sip of his tea. To his side, however, his brother clears his throat.

“… Shufu,” Lan Xichen begins. “This might be rejected – but don’t you think Wangji’s presence might help guide some of the unruly visitors back into order?”

Lan Qiren raises an eyebrow at his older nephew. “And at the cost of his own learning?”

Lan Xichen smiles placatingly. “Surely, Wangji will not be set back significantly. Besides, helping others is a good way to strengthen your own knowledge.”

Lan Wangji looks at his older brother with confusion. He had never guessed this was a subject Lan Xichen would care so much for. Maybe his friendship with Nie Mingjue has made him conscious about Nie Huaisang lagging behind?

“Well, what do you feel, Wangji?” Their uncle turns his attention back to him. “Do you wish to offer your time for such a cause, hopeless as it may be?”

“I… I would not be opposed.” Lan Wangji finds himself saying. Something is rebuilding itself inside him. Knowing it’s not over yet, so fast, has made him slightly relieved.

With a slight shrug, their uncle shakes his head. “I see. The Jianghu may never claim Gusu Lan is not magnanimous…”

So, Lan Wangji continues to attend the classes with the visiting disciples.

He doesn’t know whether being there is the right choice or not. Especially whenever he has the unfortunate luck to catch Wei Wuxian looking at him, and the boy smiles at him so deceivingly sweetly. The way it makes his chest clench cannot be healthy.

Why he also sometimes mindlessly looks towards the Yunmeng disciple is a mystery.

However, it doesn’t take long for his attending these classes to have a certain, unfortunate result.

They are led in a line down along the wall with carved paintings depicting the development of Gusu Lan. Lan Wangji had thought he would be safe from any troublemakers if he took place in the front of the group, but he should have predicted a certain shadow would follow him.

“Lan Zhaaan~”

Lan Wangji does not show even the slightest sign that he has noticed Wei Wuxian behind him, playing with the ends of his hair and dusting at his robes. His attention is directed exclusively at his uncle, describing the hollowed-out window depicting the founder Lan An’s life.

Lan Qiren has already thrown several suspicious looks in their direction, noticing how Wei Wuxian has eagerly tailed Lan Wangji. However, luckily, before any mischief can occur, Lan Wangji realizes that Wei Wuxian is a bit more invested in today’s class; as soon as Lan Qiren begins explaining the picture they’re seeing, Wei Wuxian quiets down.

“Lan An, a monk of great renown in his time, had travelled far and wide developing his musical cultivation techniques,” Shufu uncle explains, pointing at the part of the picture depicting the first of Lan An’s four life stages. “But once he crossed into Gusu, he met his soulmate and decided to settle down with her here.”

A hushed whisper spreads through the group of disciples. Out of the corner of his eye, Lan Wangji can tell that even Wei Wuxian purses his lips and feels the boy’s gaze on himself.

“As cultivation partners, the two of them founded the Lan sect in the mountains of Gusu, and till this day, our clan teaches their techniques.” Lan Qiren continues, making the students’ attention shift further along the carved picture. “It is their initial union and passion for the arts that has laid the foundation for our sect.”

“So cool…” Wei Wuxian hums under his breath, stretching his neck to study the details of Lan An and his fated person’s carved figures in the false window. Lan Wangji preens just a little; it’s a story he has valued himself, and to think even a rascal like Wei Wuxian can feel something about it is a testament to its value.

“However,” Lan Qiren clears his throat over the enamored disciples. “Upon the death of his partner, Lan An returned to seclusion in the temple, where he also departed from this world to reunite with her.”

It is a brief and yet appropriately somber end to the tale. The young students whisper and hum, before they’re led onwards along the wall of carvings.

Again, Lan Wangji cannot help noticing the small pout Wei Wuxian wears. But he does not concern himself with this boy, so once the class is dismissed, he bows towards his uncle and turns to make his way through the forest trails.

He will quickly pass by the Jingshi to pick up his guqin for self-study, and then think no further of the Jiang disciple’s small hums or pouts. On his way, he will not let his mind wander to Wei Wuxian even once. He does not let it think about anything other than musical scores and qin care.

Because, if his thoughts stray, he worries it will encourage certain visions to appear. And if he has a repeat of the last time, in the library…

His heart could barely bear it once.

“Say – why have you Lans lost all the romanticism of your founder?”

Lan Wangji’s skin springs with chills as he recognizes the voice that so casually speaks a few steps behind him. Trying not to let his shock show, he glares briefly over his shoulder and sees Wei Wuxian saunter up to him.

“Why have you been following me?”

“Why not? Today’s class got me thinking about some things – and who better to ask than old man Lan’s best student?” The other boy grins as his hand pats Lan Wangji’s shoulder far too familiarly.

Lan Wangji breathes out and decides he had best ignore the boy. A Wei Wuxian wearing such a smile always seemed to mean teasing was afoot, and Lan Wangji would not demean himself today.

“You should have asked during class. I do not have time.”

“Ah, as I said – so unromantic…” Wei Wuxian tsks as he keeps pace when Lan Wangji continues striding forward. “Look; a lovely day, a lovely stroll, through a lovely garden – and with lovely company! I bet Lan An would have appreciated such simple beauty in life, and been happy to chat with a dear friend.”

“Ridiculous.” Lan Wangji huffs, though he can’t help but think Wei Wuxian might have a bit of a point.

“Wouldn’t he be sad to see his descendants have all turned so stiff and boring?”

Lan Wangji does not answer, for his heart sours. But he should not care whether Wei Wuxian found him stiff and boring. He should not.

“Ah, well, there is one exception, isn’t there?” Wei Wuxian hums, before a simpering grin spreads on his face and he steps in front of Lan Wangji, forcing him to halt in his step and bringing them far too close together. “Someone who looks oddly like you, Lan-er-ge-”

“Do. Not.” Lan Wangji grits out.

Wei Wuxian smiles and tilts his head. Briefly, his tongue peeks out to lick his lips, as if what he intends to say has him parched, before he speaks. “You know… I think I heard something interesting from those two the other day. Are you still pretending not to be curious? Still don’t feel like solving this, mm?”

Lan Wangji’s heart thrums in his chest, fear picking up in the back of his mind. If Wei Wuxian can see those two, even when Lan Wangji isn’t around – if he’s able to overhear things – then Lan Wangji might already have his secrets laid bare, without a chance to stop it.

He hesitates, eyeing an escape. He cannot tell what Wei Wuxian’s smile means – whether it’s about to rip his heart out or if he is just playing around lightly. His lips are sealed, his tongue tied, as he awaits Wei Wuxian’s words like a man awaiting his sentencing.

But right as the boy opens his mouth, a light melody catches his attention from the nearby forest.

Both of them glance to the side, as the sound of a flute echoes under the canopy of trees. Lan Wangji only has a single moment to feel relief before horror fills him anew; in among the trunks, a now familiar figure in black dances just out of sight, red ribbon tailing behind.

Wei Wuxian breathes in, then clenches his jaw slightly. His gaze flickers to Lan Wangji and back toward the forest in the blink of an eye, something souring his expression. And in the next moment, he’s off, chasing the man deeper into the mountain.

Lan Wangji turns with him and, in surprise, his mouth calls, “Wei Yi-”

“Wangji!”

The voice of his uncle from somewhere further along the path makes him halt in his step. A step he had unconsciously taken towards Wei Wuxian’s disappearing form, which is rapidly moving further in between foliage in chase of the taunting flute song.

Right. He cannot go chasing boys and phantoms into the forest – he has obligations. Even though his feet drag against him as he turns to his uncle’s voice, even as he yearns to learn what Wei Wuxian had heard, even as he begs the figure in black not to expose his desires more – even then, he steps towards his duties with his head held high.

Behind him, Wei Wuxian’s footsteps reverb into silence.

•••••

His feet move fast underneath him, crushing the wildflowers and grass as he cuts through the forest. And yet, though he moves with lightning speed and the one he trails is sauntering casually, Wei Wuxian cannot seem to catch up.

The melody flows around him, almost tauntingly. Like the man is laughing at him, at the chaotic mess of emotions in his chest.

And then, the foliage opens up. He slows to a halt when he comes out upon a hillside of emerald grass, with a view of the rolling clouds wrapping around nearby peaks. His breaths puff before him from his run, brushing the tip of his nose.

Now, the man is nowhere to be seen, the last ghostly notes of his flute song echoing between the cliffs and swallowed by the tree crowns. Then, it is quiet. A natural quiet; the faintest rustle of the brush and breeze.

Wei Wuxian whips his head this way and that, but he cannot find a single trace of the one he had been pursuing. However, he does spy a small trail just nearby, where a simple bench and an abandoned tray sit. As he walks closer, he can tell the path would lead more directly back to the Cloud Recesses than where he came from. With a sigh, he almost steps onto it – but then he hears the smallest shuffling behind him.

As he turns, his eyes fall to the ground. There, in between the vibrant straws of grass and peeking up at him with begging eyes, a snow white bunny sits, its tiny nose sniffling the air.

He blinks, unsure if he’s seeing right, before a second little ball of fur shuffles out from under the bench. This one hops almost deliberately to the abandoned tray and sniffs it, before scratching insistently and ending with an assertive stomp. Looking closer, Wei Wuxian is certain he can find just a few traces of vegetable residue on the tray, sure signs someone has fed them recently.

It takes a short time for him to realize – he knows these two. And just as quickly, he realizes – he knows who last had them in their care.

Who told him pets weren’t allowed.

Who, regardless, seems to be indulging the small cuties plenty.

An incredulous huff escapes him, before his face twists with unbridled giddiness. He had fled the library too fast to think about what Lan Wangji would do with the bunnies – but seeing this is enough of an answer.

Just the image of it in his mind – of that stoic, no-nonsense boy, secretly smuggling Wei Wuxian’s gifts out here, and then sneaking some leftovers to them – oh, but his heart can’t take it!

Of course, Wei Wuxian could be mistaken. Maybe these are not the same bunnies. And even if they are, maybe Lan Wangji isn’t the one who brought them here and brought them food.

But, for some reason, he wants it to be. He wants Lan Wangji to have taken enough of a liking to what Wei Wuxian brought him that he’s gone out of his way and broken a few rules to keep them. Oh, the idea of it makes Wei Wuxian so happy his heart feels soft and warm.

Maybe Lan Wangji doesn’t dislike him as much as he’s getting the sense. Maybe Wei Wuxian hasn’t annoyed the boy to that extent yet. Maybe he can salvage a friendship still.

Another stomp takes him from his gleeful thoughts.

“Alright, alright – I’ll come back another time with some snacks for you as well, okay?” He chuckles as he squats and pets the most daring one across its silky-smooth back. The little rabbit stomps at him a third time, and he retreats with lifted hands. “Yes, yes! But first – I have another moody little fella to talk with…”

•••••

Wei Wuxian has explored plenty around Cloud Recesses to know most of its paths, nooks and crannies by now. Otherwise, how would he so often successfully smuggle alcohol in, or sneak away to nap when he was supposed to have classes?

This now earns him an easy ticket towards the private quarters where the main Lan family stays. Specifically, to the little wing of rooms that a certain jade resides within; the Jingshi.

Wei Wuxian had never thought he would need to visit Lan Wangji’s private chambers – or sneak in for that matter – but yet, his mind is racing with thoughts. He wants – needs – to talk with Lan Wangji about the things they’ve been seeing, about what could be causing those visions – and even tease him about the bunnies, just as a treat.

Of course, he has theories, about curses and whatnot, but he’s getting nowhere! He can’t handle being left alone to grapple with this eye-opening experience, and Lan Wangji has been frustratingly avoidant in figuring it out with him.

Although, maybe even more than that, he’s here because there’s been something complicated twisting in his chest ever since he heard Lan Wangji’s name spoken by the black dressed man. And though he can’t quite put his finger on it, he’s certain like Lan Wangji’s company, his attention, could help unfurl it a little.

As he approaches the ancient wooden structure surrounded by a neatly cared-for, yet simple garden, his heart starts pounding a little faster. He’s not so oblivious that he doesn’t realize he’s in a restricted area, or cocky enough to think Lan Wangji will eagerly let him in. But with a little bit of wheedling, surely, he can make the other boy listen.

With light footsteps, he nears the entrance and listens. There are no sounds on the other side, nor can he sense any energy. He hums under his breath and moves along the walls of the patio, checking the windows, seeing no one inside. Of course, Lan Wangji will probably be the type to study diligently in the library or a classroom until dinner before he retreats to his room. Glancing at the sun, Wei Wuxian has timed himself well enough; the other boy should return within the shichen.

Clicking his tongue, he slinks up to the nearest tree, and with the ease of a kid who’s spent most of his life clambering through the woods, he climbs its lower branches and makes it onto the roof of the Jingshi. Once he’s found himself a nicely hidden spot, he stretches his limbs and lies back. Still, the excitement in his chest makes his ears alert, even as he falls into a lull.

It’s the sound of gentle footsteps and the sliding of a door that brings Wei Wuxian from his meditation (nap). By now, the sun is snug between some mountains in the distance, and Wei Wuxian can feel a presence in the room beneath him.

Light on his toes, he sneaks to the edge of the roof and spies down into the now-lit windows. And just his luck: Lan Wangji has opened one panel just enough to let in the breeze – and any loitering teens.

He grabs the sturdiest of the ridge beasts and swings his legs off the tiles, using his anchor point to lower himself as much as possible before dropping the last stretch. Then, as he saunters up to the window, he licks his lips and tries hard not to bite his cheek in excitement.

Inside is a vision for sore eyes; Lan Wangji has taken out his intricate hairstyle, setting aside the ornaments, and letting his long hair cascade down past his hips in a black fall. He seems to be applying some oils to his well-maintained instrument. His diligence, even when out of public view, is truly admirable; Wei Wuxian knows many people who put up a front while falling short in private. But this is where Lan Wangji is extraordinary; from he wakes until he sleeps, whether others will see or not, he is perfectly dutiful.

A completely different caliber than a chaotic slacker like Wei Wuxian.

With this self-reflection to chew on, Wei Wuxian purses his lips and turns to lean his back against the window frame, glancing out towards the sky. Then, when Lan Wangji is quietest, probably finishing up his qin care, Wei Wuxian whistles.

It’s a curious melody. He caught only glimpses of it earlier, as he tailed that cheeky guy through the woods.

Inside the Jingshi, as soon as he starts, there’s a hush. For a few notes of the song, he’s stuck anxiously wondering how the other boy will react – before a familiar gleaming white blade slips before his chest.

“You are not allowed to be here.”

“Ah, Lan Zhan, my good friend, I do think you have a wonderful way to greet your guests!” Wei Wuxian chuckles as he flicks his finger on the silvery metal and hears it resonate clearly. “Or is it an invitation to duel? You know, ever since our first little scuffle, I’ve really looked forward to having another swordfight with you.”

Lan Wangji remains quiet, so Wei Wuxian glances to the side at the boy leaning out through the window. His expression isn’t enraged, but instead as calmly neutral as ever, despite his unwanted visitor. And though he holds Bichen firmly against Wei Wuxian, the rest of his stance isn’t too alert – which Wei Wuxian takes to mean he’s just making a show of annoyance without really meaning it.

Putting a fingertip to the blade and guiding it away as he turns to face the window once more, Wei Wuxian puts on an easy smile. Lan Wangji lets him, though he still doesn’t sheathe his sword, merely stepping back and watching him carefully.

Wei Wuxian leans his elbow onto the windowsill and rests his chin in his palm. “Mind bidding me some tea?” He invites himself. “I’m sure hospitality is one of Gusu Lan’s virtues, right?”

Lan Wangji looks at him quietly for a few moments, as if he could make him vanish with a glare. “Hai Shi is soon. You are not permitted to be outside by then.”

“And if I’m in here, I won’t be.”

They stare at each other for a bit longer, as Wei Wuxian marches two fingers along the window frame and tilts his head with an innocent smile. Lan Wangji’s expression doesn’t change, though his eyes flicker back and forth between Wei Wuxian and the setting sun behind him.

Finally, his shoulders lower and he sheathes Bichen, before turning around. And though he does not speak a word, Wei Wuxian takes it as allowance, and quickly raises himself up and through the window.

There’s something exciting about seeing Lan Wangji’s personal space. Wei Wuxian can’t help from looking all about, to study the place this secretive person lets himself be most free and expressive.

However, soon his grin turns to a pout: there is absolutely no sign of personality in these quarters. He’d bet a pretty coin it had been set up by some elders years ago, and Lan Wangji has done nothing to change it ever since, beyond stocking his personal educational work and texts on the shelves. There is no piece of decoration, no quirk or divergence to hint at Lan Wangji’s personal tastes. Instead, every single furniture is the perfect example of a traditional Lan product. Even the table for his guqin and the sword stand are bog-standard.

With a huff, Wei Wuxian trails the other boy, who continues not to acknowledge his presence. “Are you gonna call your uncle on me?”

“If you do not make trouble, there is no cause for punishment.” Lan Wangji answers matter-of-factly as he grabs a tray with cups and a teapot. When he turns, Wei Wuxian steps in front of him and shakes his head.

“I wasn’t serious about the tea thing.”

“And yet, I am serious about Gusu Lan’s hospitality.” Lan Wangji says, walking around him.

Wei Wuxian’s mouth drops open before he grins and follows. “Was that a joke?”

“It was a statement of truth.”

“The best jokes often are, Lan er-gege.” Wei Wuxian huffs and slaps Lan Wangji’s shoulder lightly, though the boy glares at him for it.

“Do not call me that.”

“Why so prickly? Aren’t we close?” Wei Wuxian falls haphazardly onto a free cushion by the table Lan Wangji is setting the tea down. “We already share a unique bond of experience, after all.”

Lan Wangji closes his eyes as if he takes great offense to calling the visions they have in common a shared bonding experience. “Being the victims of shared delusion-”

“-Or curse!-”

“-Is no grounds for being close. State your business here and leave before Hai Shi.”

“Hah – what did you say about hospitality again?” When Lan Wangji aims a particularly sharp glare at him while pouring a cup of herbal-smelling tea, Wei Wuxian raises his hands in surrender. “Right, alright, okay, fine! Look – I never got to finish sharing my discoveries earlier today.”

Lan Wangji pauses, then pushes the cup towards Wei Wuxian. “There truly is no need…” He says quietly.

“Of course there is! Lan Zhan – we need to find out why we’re seeing these things!” Wei Wuxian gestures with his hand, mindlessly picking the cup and taking a sip he regrets the moment bitterness spreads on his tongue. Containing a grimace so as not to be rude, he clears his throat and continues, “Listen, the other day I saw the two of them sitting atop a roof, right?”

Lan Wangji eyes him and thins his lips, though he keeps his posture perfect otherwise. Wei Wuxian also can’t help the annoyance in him as he recounts. His knee bops up and down, and his fingers fiddle with the cup of nasty-tasting tea.

“They were being all kinds of cuddly, like usual… But then,” He clicks his tongue, clamping a hand on his restless knee. “Then the dude in black called the other ‘Lan Zhan’…” He finishes quickly, his voice a little petulant.

He sees Lan Wangji’s fingers flinch ever so slightly around his cup, though the boy contains his expression otherwise. “… I see.”

“Doesn’t it frustrate you?” Wei Wuxian can’t help but ask. “Whoever cast this curse, and for whatever reason – isn’t it ludicrous they are depicting you – Lan Wangji, the second jade of Gusu – as someone who would ever think of getting with a shameless person like that?!”

It annoys Wei Wuxian at least! He knows better than anyone that Lan Wangji wouldn’t approach that type of person even with a stick…

At least, unless there’s just something about Wei Wuxian in particular he dislikes. And that idea… It sits too bitterly for him to entertain further.

“Luckily, it seems I’m the only other person who can see those defamatory visions,” He continues when Lan Wangji remains quiet. “I swear, I’m taking this very seriously – once we’ve figured out who is behind and what they’re getting at, nobody else will have to know someone has tried to mischaracterize you like this!”

Maybe it will be the catalyst for their friendship to strengthen! Wei Wuxian can prove to Lan Wangji he’s not just a troublemaker, and Lan Wangji will be grateful for his efforts-

“No need.”

Wei Wuxian blinks.

“What? But-”

“There is no need.” Lan Wangji takes a sip of his cup, then puts it down primly. “The issue will go away by itself. No need to dig into it and risk worsening the situation.”

There’s a tinge of desperation to his words. Wei Wuxian wonders if he’s just trying to tell Wei Wuxian not to waste the energy out of humbleness – and if so, there’s no way he’s backing down!

“How can you act so unbothered?! This must annoy you to no end!” Wei Wuxian leans forward and taps the table. Is it only Wei Wuxian who’s been so affected by what they’ve been seeing?

“As you said, we are the only witnesses, so it should be no problem.” Lan Wangji replies quietly. “Why seek the cause when the visions aren’t creating issues? Better to ignore them and focus on our studies. After all, as you agree,” He swallows, “What they depict is preposterous. Unbelievable.”

Somehow, this ticks Wei Wuxian off. What about it does Lan Wangji find so unbelievable? Does he also think it’s ridiculous, impossible, that he would ever feel affection towards someone – well, someone even slightly similar to Wei Wuxian?

Is that truly… Out of the question…?

“Ignoring something that we could find answers to – that’s not the approach I expected of you, Lan Zhan!” He huffs, stuffing down the feelings in his chest. “What if more people – people who will gossip – start seeing as well?”

“Should it happen, I will act.” Lan Wangji answers firmly. “Otherwise, there is no need to worry about scenarios that might not come to pass.”

“You’re really intent on avoiding this problem?!” Is it because he’d have to spend time with Wei Wuxian to do it? Is that such a bad prospect?

Lan Wangji breathes out, hesitating. When he speaks, his eyes are lowered. “Say we find the person behind – what would you ask them?”

“Ask them?” Wei Wuxian mulls it over for a moment, before shrugging. “Well, of course – I’d ask them why they chose to make the two of us witness an older version of you being together with – with that-”

“Man?”

“Yeah!”

“Right.” Lan Wangji swallows. “And if it’s someone trying to ridicule me…”

“Then I’d make sure they regret making such a mischaracterization of you!” Wei Wuxian huffs, puffing out his chest and crossing his arms. They could have found far more believable things than that to tease Lan Wangji with – Wei Wuxian is a master in that!

“… ‘Mischaracterization’…” Lan Wangji hums. “And if the person can’t explain why or how those visions appeared to the two of us in particular…?”

“Why wouldn’t they be able to?” Wei Wuxian furrows his brow, and Lan Wangji remains quiet. “Curses are always intentional… But if the visions have been created by accident or through some other measure, I guess… Still, that person should at least know why they depict you with someone like that?”

Lan Wangji’s fingers clench. “A man?”

Wei Wuxian shrugs. “An idiot! Surely you agree that you’d be with some proper and elegant person in the future…” Wei Wuxian peters off. “… I mean, isn’t that the unbelievable part…?”

Then, it hits him: Lan Wangji has not mentioned the man in black’s personality whatsoever. It’s as if for him, the bigger issue is…

“… Or is it just the fact it’s a man?”

Of course. Makes sense. Wei Wuxian also always assumed Lan Wangji would be with a woman! It’s just, seeing those visions so often must have made him forget – the insane part of this is that Lan Wangji would never be with a man.

Never. No matter the personality.

“I think we should end this conversation here.” Lan Wangji states and straightens, making to get up.

“Right. Of course.” Wei Wuxian says, mostly to himself as he realizes he’s been focused on the wrong part in this. “You’re disgusted with being shown as a cutsleeve…”

“Wei Wuxian!”

“What?! I get it! You’re not…” Wei Wuxian gestures strangely and clamps his jaw shut.

“You… ‘Get it’…?”

“Yeah, of course, you wouldn’t ever…” Wei Wuxian swallows, waving his hand around aimlessly some more. “I mean, who would want that? Being shown in such a wrong way?”

Lan Wangji stands looking down at him for a moment, quiet.

“… Get out.”

“What?”

But the boy does not elaborate. He marches to Wei Wuxian’s side and grabs him by the collar like so many times before. But Wei Wuxian isn’t done – they’re not done with this! They can’t just let things be as they are; Wei Wuxian’s mind can’t handle this turmoil!

As Lan Wangji drags him from the table, kicking and twisting, he manages to knock the table. In the mess, he hears one of the cups tip over, the herbal smell spreading once more, but he doesn’t have the wherewithal to care.

“What’s up with you?” Wei Wuxian writhes in Lan Wangji’s grasp. “Does it make you so offended to be shown as a cutsleeve? Is there a problem with it?”

Why does it hurt? Lan Wangji can’t change who he likes. It shouldn’t matter.

“Stop resisting and be quiet!” Lan Wangji hisses, grabbing Wei Wuxian’s arm and pulling him to his feet.

In turn, Wei Wuxian wraps himself around Lan Wangji’s upper arm, pursing his lips and blinking up at him mockingly, his mouth running from him as it does when he doesn’t know how to handle his emotions. “Honorable Lan Wangji just can’t bear for it to be known someone has decided to show him together with a man, mm? Kissing in the moonlight, wrestling in the sacred pool, cuddling on top of roofs-”

“Wei Ying!”

But Wei Wuxian’s big mouth isn’t tired of dragging himself deeper into this mess, his chest constricting, and a sour feeling bubbling in his throat. He pulls and shoves against the boy pulling him to the door, a tight smile on his face. “Ah, I wonder what he’s been feeling, seeing himself canoodling another man! How embarrassing!”

“Enough!” Lan Wangji shoves him bodily up against the door, both of them panting into the space between them. The boy’s jaw works around the words he grits out. “Get out-!”

“Even though I haven’t even finished my drink?” Wei Wuxian clicks his tongue dramatically.

Lan Wangji nods over his shoulder sharply, and Wei Wuxian sees his cup overturned and the liquid trickling over the edge of the table. “You have emptied your cup.”

“Is this how Gusu Lan treats its guests? Manhandling them when all they’ve wanted to do is help?”

“I do not need your assistance.” Lan Wangji reaches for the handle. “Now, leave-!”

-Gong-

… There it is.

Wei Wuxian smiles sneakily as Lan Wangji freezes, still holding onto him with an iron grasp. The sound echoes out beyond the perimeters of the Cloud Recesses.

“Well,” Wei Wuxian hums, fluttering his lashes and leaning closer to the other boy, a gleeful undertone to his whispered words. “You know, if I leave now… I’ll be breaking curfew.”

“You-” Lan Wangji hisses, leaning back from him, though he still doesn’t let go. He bites his lips for a moment, appearing quite conflicted, before opening his mouth – however, he’s cut off.

“Aha! That’s the sound of my dear husband’s bedtime, is it not?”

Both of their eyes widen, recognizing that sweet voice, before they scramble. Wei Wuxian pushes forward to follow the voice back inside the Jingshi, but Lan Wangji frantically locks his arms around his midsection, causing them to stumble over each other. Degenerating to such childish wrestling despite their age should be embarrassing, but Wei Wuxian can’t think of that; he catches a glimpse further inside the room where two familiar figures have suddenly appeared.

“Wei Ying, you-” Lan Wangji seethes, his ears tinting red, possibly a result of his exertion, trying to wrestle Wei Wuxian’s writhing limbs into place. “Cannot be here!”

“Haaah? And let you have the show all to yourself?” Wei Wuxian huffs back as he twists underneath Lan Wangji’s body. “Ah, so naughty second master Lan! You want to peep on them all in private?”

Wei Wuxian turns his head. Where they had just been having tea, one cup still sitting overturned, two older figures now exist. ‘Lan Zhan’ is sitting rod straight, brush in hand and mid-writing, though he has been rudely distracted.

Standing behind him is that man in black. The cheeky bastard has bent forward and pulled ‘Lan Zhan’s’ jaw upward, so they look each other in the eyes upside down, all while wearing an annoyingly self-satisfied grin.

“Look at this poor, hardworking thing.” The man simpers, patting ‘Lan Zhan’s’ cheek. “Shouldn’t your husband play with you a little before bedtime?”

Something churns in Wei Wuxian’s stomach. Who speaks like that?! And especially to someone like Lan Zhan?! That’s so disrespectful! Lan Zhan’s partner wouldn’t be someone so crude – this curse is all wrong!

He huffs and turns his face back up at the boy looming over him – only to find his eyes also distracted.

What’re you looking at?! Those two? There’s nothing for you to see! Don’t let those visions debase you – look… If you’re curious about romance, I have all the material you need to look at!

“Lan Zhan!” He chastises, pushing the boy’s shoulders. “What did I say? Looking might worsen it!”

Lan Wangji’s eyes fall back down on him, wider than before, and his ears blush brighter. The only other times Wei Wuxian has seen him so ruffled were due to his own pranks – so to think someone else made him look like that… Well, it makes him seethe!

“I- I-” Lan Wangji stutters – stutters! – before lifting his hands from Wei Wuxian with an almost guilty expression. “I didn’t mean to-”

“Mn. My husband may entertain me as he sees fit.” A deep, slightly amused voice mutters. It’s so similar to Lan Wangji’s when contrasted like this.

Wei Wuxian mindlessly looks back at them. The man in black grins wider, before slowly crouching down over ‘Lan Zhan’s’ back, knees bracketing his back and pulling his head closer. “Oh, be careful, er-gege… You never know what this one might come up with…”

Wei Wuxian’s jaw clenches upon hearing his nickname for Lan Wangji spoken so sultrily. The annoyance in his chest burns brighter when he sees the man in black slide his fingers down over ‘Lan Zhan’s’ shoulders and into the lapels of his robe.

He looks away before he can see that cursed hallucination kiss Lan Wangji or fondle him indecently. From feeling a lack of control, his body surges up on its own, reversing him and Lan Wangji’s positions. After a confused scurry, he manages to place the boy beneath him, and his own palms atop his eyes.

He can’t see something like this! It’s wrong! He’s too pure, and he doesn’t appreciate being depicted acting like this with someone so shamelessly!

“How ludicrous!” Wei Wuxian cries, trying to drown out the sounds and sweet mutterings of the other pair. “Whoever the caster of the curse is must be delusional – to depict you acting like this… There’s no way you’d want something like this!”

Beneath him, Lan Wangji is quiet, safe for swallowing deeply. But of course, the poor boy is being portrayed like this – who wouldn’t feel overwhelmed!?

That’s it, Wei Wuxian thinks as a blush spreads from his cheeks down his neck, whoever did this – whoever paired Lan Zhan with such a scandalous figure – they will regret it!

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian will help Lan Wangji before those visions become a bigger problem. Of course, he’d also feel awful about being depicted in a relationship he never wanted to be in. A relationship that would hurt his reputation.

Wei Wuxian understands!

And he has plans, with or without Lan Wangji’s cooperation.

One of those plans involves tweaking some radicals and characters on a few talisman designs – before testing them out on those two lovebirds. As he makes a brave escape through Cloud Recesses, having not so unceremoniously been thrown out of the Jingshi by Lan Wangji, he visualises how he can tamper with the specific alignments of those standardised spells. If he does it just right, he might be able to trace the origin of the curse right back to its caster.

Luckily, seeing as Lan Wangji isn’t the one patrolling, Wei Wuxian has very little trouble getting back to his and Jiang Cheng’s room in the dormitory. He needs to jot down his thoughts before they slip from his mind. Still, rather than risk the hallway, he sneaks up to the window and nudges it just right to slide the panel to the side.

“Jiang Cheng!” He whisper-shouts as he crawls through. His shidi will probably tear his head off for being out late once more, but if he explains he was helping Lan Wangji, he’s sure all will be forgiven. After all – bonding with the second heir of a Great Sect couldn’t possibly be awarded a scolding!

He not-so graciously lands inside with a huff, then beams at Jiang Cheng’s bed – only to pause.

“… What happened to your face?”

Jiang Cheng scowls at him over the shoulder, looking like he’s just been awoken, face illuminated by the moonlight from the window. His lip is clearly busted, and a bruise is sprawling across his forehead. He looks upon Wei Wuxian as if he just made a bad day worse, then turns over once more.

“Shut up. Get yourself to bed.”

Wei Wuxian stands dumbfounded for a moment.

“Didn’t you hear me?!” Jiang Cheng shouts. “You’ve already gotten to fool around late into yet another night, and I don’t need you to catch any more problems for us, okay?!”

“… Okay.” Wei Wuxian says slowly. “… So… Who did you fight with, scarface?”

He ducks just in time to avoid the unlit lamp Jiang Cheng flings at him.

“If you had been around, you would’ve known! Fucking ran off and left me, asshole…” Jiang Cheng grunts, lying back down. “You can figure it out tomorrow when it’s all people will prattle about. Enjoy being out of the loop for once.”

“Aiyoh! Is that any way to treat your shixiong?!” Wei Wuxian cries, before crawling to Jiang Cheng’s bed and shaking his shoulder, though he’s repeatedly shoved away. “A-Cheeeng, tell your beloved big bro what happened, and I promise I’ll give you peace… Come on, I don’t handle curiosity well!”

“Will you grow up and fuck off?!”

•••••

As it turns out, it’s the Jin peacock Jiang Cheng had gotten into a scuffle with.

Wei Wuxian doesn’t even need to ask; the moment he sees the pompous jerk saunter into the classroom with his head held high as if he wasn’t sporting blue eyes eating up nearly half his face, Wei Wuxian knows. He stifles a laugh that earns him a few Jin glares, before hitting Jiang Cheng’s shoulder with glee.

“Coulda said it was the peacock!” He whispers, patting his shidi a few times. “Well done, well done…”

Jiang Cheng huffs and rolls his eyes, but Wei Wuxian can see just a hint of smugness on his face.

“Bastard asked for it.”

Wei Wuxian snorts. That is something he absolutely believes. “I gotta get the whole story later.”

“Fuck off.”

However, as glad he is that his shidi stood up to the Jin, in what he learns was their perfect and amazing shijie’s honour, he does not appreciate the consequences: a letter stating Madam Yu is on her way and Jiang Cheng getting locked in the library for punishment, much alike Wei Wuxian had been many a times before.

The first consequence goes unappreciated for – obvious reasons. He’s sure he’ll somehow bear blame for the incident in the good madame’s eyes, one way or the other.

He’s annoyed with the second consequence not out of care for his shidi (who would surely go a bit easier on Wei Wuxian now they have shared this pain), and more for a tangential reason; Lan Wangji supervises Jiang Cheng.

Which means, Lan Wangji doesn’t have time for Wei Wuxian.

“Who else am I going to delight with my presence?” He sighs dramatically, letting his head drop back atop the rock he’s resting on beside the stream some other boys are catching fish within.

“Wei-xiong, talking like that would make someone feel you would prefer to be in the company of the Second Jade over themselves, would it not?” Nie Huaisang pouts beside him, fanning his face with fervour despite them sitting shaded from the summer sun under the leaves of a tree.

“You know that’s not what I mean,” Wei Wuxian huffs, puffing a piece of hair from his forehead. “It’s just – I’ve recently come up with a ton of ideas for how to ingratiate myself with Lan Zhan – whomst, I surely need not remind you, is the second heir of a prominent clan! But now, I cannot put them into practice…”

“Wei-xiong…. Need I remind you, that I am also the heir to a clan?” Nie Huaisang sniffs. Wei Wuxian snorts, but the abusive fan he’s hit with tells him Nie Huaisang doesn’t realise him and Lan Wangji are of completely different calibres. Nie Huaisang is fun and playful, which Wei Wuxian appreciates. Lan Wangji is exclusive and otherworldly.

Plus…. Wei Wuxian is on a mission that heavily involves the Second Jade. The experimental talismans scribbled on wrinkled scrap paper late the night before and currently resting in his sleeves testify to this.

But Nie Huaisang need not know this. The fewer involved, the safer Lan Wangji’s secret.

A clamour comes from the group of boys messing around in the water, one of them having seized hold of an immensely lively fish, and everyone else encroaching on him to help contain the catch. Their shouting and wrestling splashes a few wayward droplets towards Nie Huaisang’s robes and he shifts with a wrinkled nose.

“You don’t look particularly pleased with present company yourself either!” Wei Wuxian points out with a grin.

“Look, since you find us all so much less exciting than Lan Wangji, I’m sure Jiang Cheng wouldn’t mind switching places”, Nie Huaisang huffs, still trying to flap his robes dry.

“Honestly, now you mention it….” Wei Wuxian sits up, his head tilting towards the library pavilion. “I do wonder what the two of them are up to?”

•••••

Lan Wangji cannot believe he would ever think this.

But.

He really does miss when Wei Wuxian was the one he supervised.

And not necessarily because he was easier. If he’s honest, he doesn’t even really know what he prefers about Wei Wuxian’s time in the library. The constant disobedience? The practical jokes? The lack of respect? Certainly not.

But he sure would appreciate if Jiang Wanyin did not make the whole room feel as if a murderer has stepped inside. Most the other students have already fled, Jiang Wanyin’s angry glare nearly burning holes in their backs, seeing as they could choose to leave while he was stuck.

“Done.” He grumbles, placing down a stack of papers. At the neighbouring table, Jin Zixuan is suffering the same punishment, the two sect heirs having still not recognized each other’s presence. He glances sideways with a frown, hearing his fellow detainee seemingly finish before him.

Lan Wangji does not sigh. He shakes his head and keeps his tone even when Jiang Wanyin raises his brow questioningly. “You are to copy two more sections of the rules, and all three sections five times.”

“What the fu- I mean, where… I did not understand the punishment like that.” Jiang Wanyin grits out.

“… Dumbass…” A voice to their side whispers, though Jiang Wanyin’s look of death quells any further comments from the Jin.

Lan Wangji does not react to Jin Zixuan’s mutterings, nor does he tell Jiang Wanyin that his lack of recollection is because he was given his punishment directions with a freshly-punched head. Instead, he looks at the boy and his swollen brow with a telling silence. Their quiet showdown drags for longer than expected before the Jiang sect heir huffs and, with great annoyance, picks a fresh piece of paper.

Jian Zixuan scoffs lightly and continues his own transcribing.

Lan Wangji knows Jiang Wanyin usually keeps his calm better when in front of those his family wishes to make connections with. It seems this punishment must really be testing this calm.

Well. Then he ought to remember that the next time his fist thinks about connecting with someone else’s face.

Besides – if Wei Wuxian could handle this punishment with a raised chin and a positive attitude, surely the heir could show the same amount of humility?

Lan Wangji blinks, staring down at the text he is copying. He had never expected himself to compare someone to Wei Wuxian for an example of upstanding conduct. He shakes his head once to clear it of such foolish notions.

“Wei Ying… You are brilliant.”

He freezes. For a second, he’s unsure if the words left his own mouth – or if they’re in his head. But he’s sure they came from within the room. Then, he realises; he knows that voice – it’s the voice of his older doppelganger.

Without making it too obvious, he turns his head ever so slightly from side to side, his pupils whisking around, searching for the origin. Luckily, the two brawlers before him are too preoccupied with their contrite scribbling to notice.

“You can’t say that before we’ve found out if it works. Now, which poor junior should have the honours?” Another eerily familiar voice replies, helping him place the two men right behind himself, out of his periphery. However, a new question arises.

Lan Wangji blinks a few more times making sense of what he’s hearing. That voice surely belongs to the darkly clad man he’s been seeing as well. But…

Why did the older Lan Wangji just call him Wei Ying…?

“Sizhui would be honoured.” Said older Lan Wangji continues, and Lan Wangji himself sits frozen still, listening.

Then, his heart pulls to a stop.

“Lan Zhan! I can’t keep playing favourites on our son…”

The man’s chuckle only just barely makes it past the dawning horror of realization walling out the rest of the world in Lan Wangji’s mind. Son? Whose son?!

Of course, the visions care little for Lan Wangji’s turmoil at their words. The man huffs once, adding, “Plus, I know Sizhui would do it perfectly right – but I need to see how easily the spell is to mess up!”

“No injuries.”

“Of course! If there was any risk of that – I’d have tested it on myself!”

“Wei Ying…” Lan Wangji’s older self sighs, repeating that name as if to vanquish any doubt that Lan Wangji had misheard at first.

Unconciously, his head wants to shake in denial, but he catches himself. Sneaking a glance at the sect heirs copying in front of him, neither show even a single hint suggesting they have heard anything; Jiang Wanyin still rests against his knuckles with a frown as his other hand cuts aggressive strokes across his paper and Jin Zixuan’s proud posture and appearance of calm is betrayed by the thin line of his lips.

Lan Wangji realizes his fingers are trembling around the brush in his hand and a lump is forming in his throat. Even if he wants to, he cannot turn around and study those visions, question them, trying to figure out their purpose. If he tried, the other boys would surely think him insane.

Besides, he feels rooted to the spot in shame.

At the same time… He cannot bear to be out in view. Not right now. He feels like everyone sees him, sees his secrets, looks upon his heart, exposed and bleeding. A part of him clings to the idea the others aren’t witnessing what he is – but a more terrified part of him fears that they are and are simply pretending not to be. The walls shrink in around him and everyone is playing a joke on him. It’s a setup. They’re all laughing at this caricature of the feelings he can’t control but has otherwise stoved away so well.

Someone must be, at least. Someone has to be making this mockery of him, so publicly. Right?

Who?

Who could have found him out?

He clenches his teeth. He is growing paranoid, simply because of the utterance of one name. He knows those men, those visions, must be of his own, unconscious making, somehow. His desires made manifest. Or maybe, his fate.

The boys in front of him do not yet see. But how long will it last? How long before others start to see? Those who must never?

After all, someone else has. It is not all in Lan Wangji’s head.

With horror, Lan Wangji realises – Wei Ying cannot hear that man be called his name by Lan Wangji’s lips. If he does – then he’ll figure Lan Wangji out.

Husband – Wei Ying – Son

Lan Wangji feels ill.

The man in black cannot be some illusion attempting to depict a future Wei Ying; their faces have entirely distinct features, their hair differs in texture and hue, and the smiles they carry are too dissimilar, even if their effect on Lan Wangji’s heart feel the same.

No, it must be another man.

Of course, Wei Ying would also never marry a man, even in some delusional fantasy of Lan Wangji’s. Rather, Lan Wangji knows he would need to settle. Settle for someone else. Someone similar enough.

Someone he could pretend was…

He straightens at once, his jaw locking tight. Jiang Wanyin flinches slightly, looking up as if Lan Wangji has caught him doing something wrong, and Jin Zixuan freezes in turn.

“I am reminded of something urgent. We will end earlier today. You are both dismissed.” Lan Wangji declares, swiftly but neatly arranging his utensils and sweeping up his books and paper.

“Uh-” The Jiang sect heir blurts, looking rather bewildered.

“So, are we just…?” The Jin sect hair raises a hand.

“Return at the same time tomorrow.” Lan Wangji says as he stands, making a quick nod of a bow to both, before moving briskly out of the library. He can almost feel the awkward and confused silence in his wake.

Even while he strides along hallways and out onto the stone paths of the gardens does he feel eyes on him. Judging him. Laughing at him. His hands clench into fists where they carry his items, only obscured by the fabric of his sleeves.

He feels utterly humiliated, shutting the door to the Jingshi behind him and almost throwing his texts onto the table as he passes to the most hidden corner of his chambers. He wants to cower and hide, scared that any moment now, such a pathetic and desperate version of his future self will be revealed to the one person he most fears will see him as such.

To call another Wei Ying out of such desperation…

These visions must be some karmic retribution from a higher plane. A punishment for having developed these disgraceful emotions, for having had such outrageous thoughts. Not only is this version of himself, his most pathetic future, forced in his face – but his unwanted feelings are so ruthlessly laid bare to the victim of his attention.

Are those visions a manifestation of his heart – or a vision of his actual future?

He does not know which is worse.

•••••

He just ran off suddenly, Jiang Cheng had shrugged when he returned from punishment far too early and Wei Wuxian had blamed him of being favoured because he’s a sect heir. Go run after him if you missed him so much, loser.

I might just! Wei Wuxian had haughtily announced before doing just that.

Is he miffed that Lan Wangji goes easy on Jiang Cheng but not him? No. Not at all. But he just thinks he ought to make it clear not everyone would accept such unfair treatment, that’s all!

Besides, Lan Wangji has gotten his wish all day to be without Wei Wuxian’s company. Now he can’t get to escape it any longer.

But just where did he go?

This would, for many, be a headscratcher. Luckily, Wei Wuxian has plenty of tricks up his sleeve to find the answers he wants. He knows how to make people give him information, without even making them suspect it.

A number of said tricks involve a little bit of sweettalking and a little bit of bribery.

“Oh yeah, I only snuck that stuff in today because Lan Wangji was on detention duty,” He grins, nodding to the candy he has fed another exchange disciple. “Good thing I made it in time – just found out he’s roaming about again already!”

“Yeah, I think someone mentioned spotting him rushing to the Silent Room of the Lan’s private quarters earlier.” The kid shrugs as he bites through the crisp, syrupy coating of a fruit. “Dunno what could’ve gotten him in such a hurry.”

“Oh? So, he just went home?”

Shaking his head, the boy finishes the fruit and swings the stick around. “I think he just went to pick something up quickly. At least, I saw him wandering to the back hills not too long ago!”

Wei Wuxian raises an eyebrow and clicks is tongue. He has a sneaking suspicion he knows where the boy went.

“Welp! I guess I gotta avoid that area for a little while!”

“You’ve got more goods to smuggle?”

With a wink, Wei Wuxian turns on his heel. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

As he scurries off, he fakes moving away from the hills only long enough to be out of view, before sneaking around a corner and doubling down a longer detour.

He quite enjoys the wilder nature outside the carefully maintained Cloud Recesses gardens. The forest sprawling along the sides of the Gusu mountains is lush and lively, while the view of foggy hill ranges in the distance has a calming effect.

He can understand why a monk would settle here with the love of his life.

However, he isn’t out to get lost in romantic thoughts; no, he traces the paths that he recalls will lead him to an opening of vast grassy fields. And, as if on cue, when he finds his way there – he spies a glowing white figure settled into the plush grass, two fluffy bundles surrounding him.

Instantly, Wei Wuxian quiets his breath and slips behind a tree, as light as a forest animal. He’s not sure why, when he had intended to torment the boy a little, but seeing him in the meadow, looking so soft… He doesn’t have the heart to disturb Lan Wangji quite yet.

He watches around the trunk of the tree as Lan Wangji reaches out and lets one little bunny nibble on some greens in his hand. Wei Wuxian thinks he might be seeing things when the other boy’s shoulders ease slightly, as if letting go of a bit of built-up tension.

In his curiosity, he steps out a little too far, and, like a story told with many-a slapped foreheads from listeners, a branch crunches under his foot, causing Lan Wangji to whip around with a glare.

Their eyes connect, and for a short moment, Lan Wangji’s widen, something almost akin to horror streaking across his expression – though it vanishes quickly once more.

“Oh, well, curious running into the famous Lan er-gongzi out here!” Wei Wuxian grins, stepping out from his hiding place with lifted hands. He strolls casually down the path, and Lan Wangji rises to his feet, thought the bunnies stay rooted in their spots at his side, trusting his presence to keep them safe. “And would you look at that…”

Lan Wangji grits his teeth slightly as Wei Wuxian wriggles his brows, nodding to the small balls of fur by his feet.

“… What was it? ‘Pets are not allowed’?” He hums. “It would seem my good Wangji-xiong is breaking the rules. Is it… Because I, your favourite classmate, gave them to you?”

“Enough.” Lan Wangji says, his words a little more snappy than usual. “You are not supposed to be here.”

“Why not? I don’t have classes, and I have no punishment or duties to tend to – which, by the way, I heard you, of all people, skipped on earlier!” He tuts, shaking his head. Then, with a shrug, he glances appreciatively at the nature around them. “Besides, is it not better I stroll and meditate in the outdoors instead of running into town and getting drunk? You always seem so prickly about that, after all!”

“What do you want?”

Wei Wuxian huffs. “So cold, Wangji-xiong. What is it? Embarrassed I caught you paying attention to the bunnies I gave you, which you pretended you didn’t want, mm?”

Lan Wangji breathes out sharply, before squaring his shoulders and making to move past Wei Wuxian. But as their shoulders brush, Wei Wuxian catches hold of his wrist and tuts at the angry glare he receives.

“Come on, what has you in such a sour mood today? Ah, let me guess, let me guess… Having to spend hours in Jiang Cheng’s grumpy company must’ve rubbed off on you, right? I understand, truly!” He chuckles, as Lan Wangji yanks to pull himself free, serving only to draw Wei Wuxian closer. “Easy, Lan Wangji! No need for this.”

“Let go.”

“But we just got our chat started! Come one, come on, settle down, lets feed your cute pets together, and then you can share all your woes!” Wei Wuxian tugs playfully on the boy’s wrist, pulling him towards the meadow.

Lan Wangji glares where he is being held, refusing to budge. “They are not pets.”

“Oh?” Wei Wuxian looks over his shoulder at the bunnies who have drifted away slightly, mindlessly nibbling on grass. “Sure looks like it, with how well fed and domestic they are.”

Lan Wangji does not reply to this, instead glaring away. Smiling at the acquiescence to his point, Wei Wuxian starts walking backwards, further into the open fields, and pulling Lan Wangji along gently. At first, the boy stays stubbornly rooted to the spot, but something gives, and he trails Wei Wuxian with trepidation.

Wei Wuxian falls back into the grass with light giggle and a flutter of robes. The sun is comfortably warm on his face and the air is breezy. He’s in a good mood for the first time this day. “There we are, not so bad, ey? Look I was planning to chew you out for going easier on Jiang Cheng – but seeing your demeanour, I guess it wasn’t out of favour but annoyance that you let him off early…”

“That is not-”

“So that means – you enjoyed keeping watch over me more, mm?” Wei Wuxian grins up at him, tilting his head where he lies in the grass. Lan Wangji looks stunned for a moment, before he slowly sinks to his knees at Wei Wuxian’s side.

“… Nonsense.” He mutters, still carrying a hesitant air.

With a huff, Wei Wuxian waves his hand dismissively. “Fine, as you wish then. If you won’t admit, I won’t force you!”

Lan Wangji does his best not to roll his eyes.

“Alright other matters,” Wei Wuxian hums, reaching to adjust Lan Wangji’s collar, though his hand is pushed away. “Will you admit to liking the bunnies?”

“Killing is not allowed. Therefore, I simply released them.” The boy argues with a lifted chin. “They are free to roam as they please and are not being kept.”

“You’re speaking around my question, Lan er-gege,”

“Do not call me that.”

“Do you like them?”

Lan Wangji stays quiet. Wei Wuxian huffs and rolls his eyes, grabbing a handful of grass and throwing it at the other boy’s lap, receiving a glare in return.

So solemn; he won’t even admit he likes cute animals! He huffs in his mind. But then he purses his lips, glancing to the side up at the Lan. Well, at least he’s staying here – not fleeing my presence. Maybe I can whittle him down a little.

“I was bored today,” Wei Wuxian speaks into the air. “I had no one to pester.”

“I believe you maintain quite the numerous company,” Lan Wangji replies indifferently. “Surely, they would keep you plenty entertained.”

“But none of them are you!” Wei Wuxian huffs. It seems to make the other boy stiffen slightly, so Wei Wuxian sits up and tugs on Lan Wangji’s sleeve. “Listen, listen – who can compare to the diligent and perfect Second Jade? I’ll tell you: no one!”

“Flattery.” Lan Wangji huffs, though Wei Wuxian is certain he sees some colour to the boy’s ear.

“Oh, you think I’m trying to suck up to you?” Wei Wuxian grins. “And what for?”

“I do not. But…” Lan Wangji looks pensive for a moment. “… Your flattery always has ulterior motives.”

“What? No, it does not! When has my – absolutely honest and true – compliments ever brought anything but blushing and giggling?!” Wei Wuxian defends with fervour, his honour as a charmer on the line.

Lan Wangji doesn’t deign him a response beyond a dead-pan stare, which quickly serves to remind Wei Wuxian of a few times he might’ve praised Lan Wangji just slightly with the intention of teasing him. Sheepishly, he grins and the boy looks away with a sigh.

“Aiyoh, come on, what’s a little bit of good-natured playing around between friends, hmmm?” He rests his chin on Lan Wangji’s shoulder, though he’s shucked off immediately. “Look, jokes need to prod at some truths, so I couldn’t exactly run around calling you dumb and ugly in jest – I have to praise your genuine traits, right?”

“That does not follow.”

“Are you truly so hurt by it? Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, I know you’ve pushed me out of windows and chased me with swords for teasing a little – which, looking back, don’t you think is a bit of an overreaction, hm? – but surely, deep down, you actually…”

As Wei Wuxian trails off with his best gremlin grin, Lan Wangji shoves his shoulder and makes to stand from him again. Wei Wuxian bursts out laughing and clutches onto him, trying to yank him down into the grass alongside him.

“Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan! Don’t be mad! We were having so much fun, right? Don’t go, stay!” He laughs brightly, fighting to keep hold of the other boy.

Right as he’s losing grip, he catches his ankle around Lan Wangji’s knee and pulls enough to destabilize him. They fall into a tumble full of Wei Wuxian’s bubbling laughter and Lan Wangji’s continued attempts to free himself of Wei Wuxian’s relentless, octopus-like arms.

“You!” Lan Wangji bites, continually rolling and twisting to get free. “Nothing but disingenuous words and plans of trouble!”

“I can’t help it! I like you, so getting you so worked up – Lan Zhan, it’s great to actually see emotions on your face!” Wei Wuxian laughs, before his jaw is pushed up, his head shoved into the grass. “Ey, ey, manners, Lan Wangji – where’s the famous gentleman, who is impossible to stir? Hahaha!”

“Quiet!” The boy snaps, finally whirring around and catching Wei Wuxian’s shoulders, shoving him harshly into the ground. It pushes a breath from Wei Wuxian’s lungs, but does not stop his uproarious laughter, even if it now sounds slightly winded.

However – it has an echo.

As soon as Wei Wuxian hears someone laughing in the grass beside him, he knows what he’ll find there. His laugh catches on a gasp and his eyes spring open, seeing dread settle over Lan Wangji’s expression.

Of course, as soon as he turns his head, falling into the meadow right beside them is-

“Er-gege! I swear I didn’t mean to – no no no, ha ha ha, listen, listen – I had no idea that could be a side effect, on my word!” The man in black shrieks in laughter as the older Lan Wangji shoves him to the ground, not much unlike how the younger one currently holds Wei Wuxian. “Hey, hey, believe in me!”

“Lies.” The older Lan Wangji mutters, his face neutral, though Wei Wuxian is certain he can sense just a hint of amusement somewhere in him.

In the blink of an eye, Wei Wuxian sits up, bringing himself close to a frozen Lan Wangji. He taps the other boy’s chest rapidly with excitement. “It’s them!” He whispers. “They’re back! Look, look!”

Excitement and a hint of hunger surges through him, seeing such a private and playful scene – though he also feels an odd sensation almost akin to being left out. Which, of course, he ignores promptly.

“Lies?!?! Did my husband just accuse me of lying?!” The man in black brings an offended hand to his chest.

There it is again. Husband. Some mischievous man has gotten his claws on someone as good as Lan Wangji. But Wei Wuxian? Lan Wangji treats him like he’s nothing but trouble…

It is not fair.

“Is ‘withholding pertinent information’ better?” The older Lan Wangji mutters, causing the man in black to break into a wider grin.

“We must leave.” The younger Lan Wangji announces abruptly, making to stand just as quickly. However, this time Wei Wuxian needn’t reach out for him to keep him here – Lan Wangji is already yanking Wei Wuxian with him with far too much strength.

“What?! Wait! No, I need to try something first!” Wei Wuxian cries, now becoming the one to try and break free. A part of him simply wants to continue peeking on the scene, see it play out, some morbid curiosity similar to flipping through indecent artbooks.

But beyond that – he has plans! Plans to help rid Lan Wangji of this vision problem!

He pulls one hand free and fishes through the other sleeve, while Lan Wangji, with honestly impressive strength, drags him away. “Here, look! I tweaked this spell! I think like this, my talisman might-”

“-My talisman might need some readjustments, sure – but you can’t say it didn’t do its job!” The man in black overlaps Wei Wuxian. “Just because the little ones grew a few long and fluffy ears doesn’t mean they didn’t also gain the instincts of said animals!”

“We must leave.” Lan Wangji urges again, not listening to Wei Wuxian’s explanation of his new spell. He grabs hold of Wei Wuxian’s collar and pulls it back, causing him to cast the first talisman a little off-target.

It flies just over the head of the older Lan Wangji, who scoffs, none the wiser. “Ridiculou-”

“Ridiculous, I know! But Jingyi said he could spot things much farther away, right? And remember what beast he was channelling? That’s right – a tiger!”

This time, rather than announcing anything, Lan Wangji simply hooks his arm around Wei Wuxian’s waist and hoists him onto his shoulder. Of course, Wei Wuxian cries indignantly and kicks at the boy, making it much harder for him to rush away.

“I also recall the striped tail he is still suffering with,” The older Lan Wangji hums back, still keeping the man in black pressed into the grass. “Which still shows no sign of falling off.”

Wei Wuxian fusses and makes Lan Wangji tip just a little to the side, enough to wrangle himself onto solid ground again. Still, the boy catches his fingers in his ponytail and holds it tight, enough for Wei Wuxian to go a little taut in his spine.

“I’m sure the effects will wear off soon enough.” The man in black dismisses casually, running his hands up Lan Wangji’s shoulder. “And nobody’s too angry, right?”

The two boys stumble to their knees and shove at each other, one trying to get back, the other trying to get away. Wei Wuxian finds the whole mess just slightly funny, his mouth nearly parting on a laugh.

That is until he hears a sigh-

“… Wei Ying…” The older Lan Wangji breathes with a headshake.

And both of them freeze.

“That’s me!” The man in black (…?) giggles, patting older Lan Wangji’s cheeks. “Bahaha, don’t look like that! I know they’re already having fun with it – for as long as it lasts of course!”

“Unremorseful,” The older Lan Wangji hums. “It seems the punishment needs to be doubled.”

“What? How cruel! Archaic! This is no way to treat your cute husband! Spousal neglect!”

The older Lan Wangji leans down and presses a few kisses to the complaining man’s forehead. “Very much.”

“No, no! You can’t! I object! Such a mean punishment!”

“Indeed.” He whispers, kissing the man’s cheek.

“Stooop!”

Though soon, the fake objections are replaced with the continued laughter, though it is muffled into a few soft shared kisses. In private, it’s a heartwarming scene.

But for the two boys lying in a heap not too far away, it has shocked them still.

Wei Wuxian stares with pure shock at the two adults, the syllables of his own name spoken by the older Lan echoing in his mind.

Wei… Ying…

Wei Ying.

Wei Ying.

The man in black – is also called Wei Ying…?

His wide eyes snap to Lan Wangji, looking up at him over his shoulder in their awkward tumbled position. It seems he looks away from the adults the same instance Lan Wangji does, their eyes locking for what feels like an eternity.

The man in white is an older Lan Wangji.

The man in black… Is a Wei Ying…?

And they are… Married?

“Lan-” Wei Wuxian barely manages to breathe, before Lan Wangji springs away from him, utter horror falling like a curtain over his eyes.

The boy stumbles back, falling over his own robes, more ungraceful than Wei Wuxian has ever seen him before. Then, as Wei Wuxian parts his lips to say something, anything, else – Lan Wangji seals them.

Wei Wuxian manages a confused, indignant noise, before Lan Wangji turns around and escapes in a rather beautiful flutter of snow-white robes, a contrast to the panic of his movements.

And then – Wei Wuxian is left alone, accompanied only by two little bunnies and the vision of the lovebirds.

The spell on his lips lasts for long enough that Wei Wuxian can collapse into the grass again, hearing and eyeing the affectionate pair not too far from him, their sweetly whispered words and kisses now causing an entirely new storm of emotions to kick in his chest. Something he dares not put a finger on and identify. Something far, far too dangerous.

Then, a puff of air leaves his lips when they are released, Lan Wangji too far away. Wei Wuxian stares up at the fluffy clouds passing by and hears the last whispers of the couple vanish into nothing.

He has no idea how to ever feel his limbs again or have his heart beat at a normal pace.

Chapter Text

Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong.

“Xiongzhang,” Lan Wangji breathes as the two of them make their way to their uncle’s study for tea. “Might I still be able to return to self-study?”

Lan Xichen looks to the side at him with confusion written in his eyes. “Self-study? Full-time?”

Lan Wangji nods but does not meet his brother’s gaze.

“Why? After our recent talk with Shufu, I was under the impression you didn’t mind being with the visiting disciples and helping them. That is why I argued for you staying.”

Lan Wangji knows, so he nods once. “I do not mind.”

“Yet you ask to study alone again…?”

Lan Wangji remains silent. He cannot lie, but he cannot argue properly for his wish.

In front of them, someone moves around a corner, and for a split second, the swing of their long hair makes him jolt. Luckily, it is not the one he fears, but rather, a servant carrying laundry. Lan Wangji breathes out, though the tenseness remains in his shoulders as he returns a nod of acknowledgement while they pass the man.

He can feel his older brother’s eyes bore into him, as if trying to figure him out. Lan Wangji does not want any more people to learn any more of what he does not willingly share, so he steels himself and remains quiet.

“… I see,” Lan Xichen whispers, though Lan Wangji has said nothing.

“So, may I?” he reiterates, hoping not to sound like a petulant child.

“Let us have tea first. I will discuss with Shufu later.”

Lan Wangji nods. It is not approval yet, and he can sense a bit of hesitation in his brother, but it is better than nothing.

As they step into private quarters, the tension in him finally eases; out of public view means being away from anywhere he might be. Lan Wangji has never felt this anxious about crossing someone before, though he refuses to acknowledge his fear. Of course, he is well aware that keeping a distance will change nothing about what that person now knows or is running around telling those around him.

But at least, it means Lan Wangji is not forced to see it happen. Not forced to confront that face as it contorts into disgust at the sight of him.

•••••

“Look, at this point you’re starting to make me worried.”

Wei Wuxian turns his head and wrinkles his brow at Jiang Cheng, whose skin is glistening with droplets of sweat that he dries with an already drenched towel.

“Worried about what?”

“You.” Jiang Cheng crouches, wringing out the towel close enough that Wei Wuxian drags his feet closer with a disgusted huff. “Refusing to go hunt pheasants, skipping classes, and not wanting to spar? You’re not yourself.”

“I always skip classes.”

“Skipping more classes. And don’t ignore the other stuff!” Jiang Cheng says, poking harshly at Wei Wuxian’s sternum. “Look, you’re being a downer, and I’m tired of looking at it. What’s up with you?”

“Awe, is this how I learn you actually enjoy my troublemaking?” Wei Wuxian grins, slapping Jiang Cheng’s shoulder, only to receive a shove in return.

“You’re insufferable. Fine, if you don’t want me caring, I won’t. I’ve got plenty on my plate already not to worry about you running around looking like a Lan Wangji impersonator – as if having to stare at his sour face all afternoon isn’t enough punishment.”

Wei Wuxian just barely avoids rolling his eyes. Of course, his shidi just had to bring up that specific person. He looks at his fingers, scratching some non-existent dirt from under his nails. “Hmm. How’s the copying going?”

“Oh, that’s all I had to do to get you chatty? Mention my detention?” Jiang Cheng huffs, standing upright once more. “Bet you think I’m hogging your stick-in-the-mud. Say, could it be he’s the reason you’re so gloomy? Did he infect you? Or did he finally give you a punishment that has had an impact?”

“Just making conversation, since you’re being such a fuss.” Wei Wuxian shrugs, then leans back against the tree he’s sat by, crossing his hands behind his head and resting a foot over his knee. “But if you’re not interested, bugger off and play with your friends.”

“I’m telling shijie about you in my next letter, just so you know.”

“You want to make her all worried over nothing?” Wei Wuxian says with a fitting amount of reproach in his voice.

“Unless you either fess up or pull yourself together, yes,” Jiang Cheng snaps back, before turning around when some of the guys he’s been sparring with call for him. Clicking his tongue and shaking his head, he throws a glance at Wei Wuxian. “Your choice. I’m off.”

Wei Wuxian tuts and loosens his outer robe to pull it over his eyes so he can nap a little.

“Oh, I almost forgot – here.”

Before he can lift the fabric away from his face again, a lump falls heavily enough onto his stomach to punch the air from his lungs. Looking down, a small, bundled-up book rests in his lap. With a frown, he lifts it, turns it over, but finds only a blank cover.

“Courtesy of Huaisang,” Jiang Cheng explains.

“More naughty art?”

“No, you pervert. Poetry.”

Frowning further, Wei Wuxian flips the pages, finding endless lines of writing. The text is well transcribed in clear lettering, but not usually the stuff Nie Huaisang shares with him. “For what?”

“Ask him. He said you might make a better impression if you studied it a bit.” Jiang Cheng shrugs before finally turning and running back to the other boys.

“Better impression on who…?” Wei Wuxian mutters, mostly to himself, as he checks a random poem. When his eyes fall to the bottom, he finds the author’s name.

Lan An.

Wei Wuxian clicks his tongue and rolls his eyes, stuffing the Lan poetry collection into his sleeve. As if he needs to impress any Lan! He sure doesn’t have any intentions towards any of them. And further, none of them have any intentions toward him!

In fact – one specific Lan is horrified by the mere prospect of Wei Wuxian’s companionship…!

At least…

He must be.

Dismissing Wei Wuxian’s every attempt at making friendship; punishing him harshly for the smallest things; looking like that when the two of them saw some hallucination of an older Lan Wangji call his partner ‘Wei Ying’…

All of it can only mean one thing.

Even though that person doesn’t even look like me! Wei Wuxian despairs. But this fictional partner simply sharing my name is enough to make Lan Zhan livid…

Wei Wuxian pouts and kicks some pebbles near his feet, shifting against the tree.

He has no idea what the culprit creating these visions is trying to get at. He’d wager they might be trying to mock one of them, somehow. But while Wei Wuxian sure would like to ask them, Lan Wangji seems determined to hinder him and his attempts at getting to the bottom of this. In fact, he seems desperate to avoid the problem altogether.

I bet he hates how this experience has forced us closer… Wei Wuxian purses his lips, pulling the robe back over his eyes. After all – he’s been ignoring me.

Wei Wuxian hasn’t seen Lan Wangji for three days. The first day was probably just as much his own fault – he’d lain awake all night, hearing the echo of those annoying lovebirds playfully flirting and kissing and whispering Wei Wuxian’s name – and as a result, he had slept even later than usual, in spite of Jiang Cheng’s attempts at waking him.

But as he understood it when asking around later, Lan Wangji had not been present either. Still, it wasn’t like he had been attending every single class with the visiting disciples in the first place. So, a single day doing some second heir of the clan duties didn’t mean much.

… But three days in a row…?

What happened must have affected him greatly.

‘Wei Ying’, Lan Wangji’s older, deeper, yet somehow also softer, voice speaks in Wei Wuxian’s mind once more. ‘Husband.’

A ludicrous notion! Wei Wuxian shakes his head and gets to his feet, his restless mind making it impossible to meditate or nap or sit still in general. That person isn’t supposed to be me. We look nothing alike. And even if he is and just looks odd for some weird reason – it’s just some asshole causing these illusions, probably trying to get a rise out of the two of us!

He paces a bit, trying to decide whether to tell the others he’s going to relieve himself or simply scurry off while they’re distracted. However, looking at the boys fooling around without a care for his internal struggles, he decides they won’t notice his retreat, and sneaks off.

As he disappears down the paths back towards their dorms, he feels unmoored and out of his depths. His walk is too brisk to be casual, but not upbeat enough to mimic his usual liveliness. He’s walking by himself, too, which makes him feel worse, out of his comfort zone, lonely.

He’s never one to be bogged down by wistfulness; he’s always cheerful, sociable, always surrounded by friends. So this – this loneliness, stuck alone with his shitty thoughts, it makes him feel even worse!

But it’s his own fault.

Usually, he finds himself most at home in a rowdy group. With others around to laugh at his jokes or listen to his tall tales, it’s easier to feel confident. Easier to take his mind off things. Had he been surrounded by others, he could distract himself, act like nothing was out of the ordinary.

But as it is, with this odd, hollow feeling in his chest, being around others right now simply irks him. Somehow, people’s company reminds him of the one person who doesn’t want him near.

He feels too aware of every awkward bone, limb and movement, too conscious of his own existence. Whatever he tries to do with his hands looks less casual and more fiddly, so folding them behind his back is all he can do to keep himself from vibrating out of his body.

‘Wei Ying’, someone without a name says in his head with so much care that Wei Wuxian can’t help but want.

It’s not fair.

But I bet that’s the whole point, he concludes sourly. Maybe… Maybe someone is making fun of me. Maybe someone thinks I’m – because of how much I like Lan Wangji – or because of my flirting – or whatever – maybe it all made them suspect I have certain ‘feelings’ – though I do not! – and think they can hurt me, mock me – or whatever – with this… This ridiculous show…

But they’re wrong!

Wei Wuxian isn’t one to let something like this bother him. What most people think or assume of him doesn’t matter. Truly!

He just hates that they’re making Lan Wangji hate him more. He hates that Lan Wangji has gotten caught in the crossfire. Maybe, without this plaguing them, he could’ve wheedled his way into a friendship with Lan Wangji by now!

Instead… Lan Wangji has to constantly be shown visions he finds disgusting. Wei Wuxian understands how that would sour anyone!

Maybe Lan Wangji even suspects that Wei Wuxian is the prankster, even though this is the one time he is not. Then his anger would be even more reasonable. But if it were up to Wei Wuxian, all this would end now! Then he could finally make peace with the Second Jade, and they could finally get to know each other.

It’s not fair that he’s being sabotaged.

It’s not fair.

Wei Wuxian pauses, realising he’s digging his nails into his palms. He untenses his fingers and lets his arms fall back to his sides, rolling his neck slightly. His jaw is tight, and his lips are trembling. Looking up, he recognises where he’s unknowingly brought himself; he’s been walking circles between the study halls and the private quarters. As if hoping to (entirely accidentally!) run into someone specific.

He really needs to learn when to accept that his presence is no longer wanted.

He swallows, turns, takes a step – and pauses at the sound of a distant whistle. It takes just a moment too long to realise he’s heard the flute player’s melody before, back when he was chasing a certain dark figure through the forest – and then he’s off.

“’Scuse me!” he calls, weaving between a flock of younger disciples moving towards class. Their petulant cries about not running almost drowns out the airy and near-intangible sound of the flute, but he turns a corner, and the wind carries it with more clarity.

His feet bring him across the stone paths alongside a long wooden building, and the song grows louder and louder. He’s so certain he’ll find his target just on the other side of-

“Oh! Young master Wei!”

Wei Wuxian passes through a circular opening in one of the many garden walls, only for Lan Xichen’s voice to make him halt. Looking to his side, further down the wall near a small pond, the older boy smiles at him with friendliness, an unfinished letter lying before him on the table.

“Uh – greetings, Zewu-jun!” he manages quickly, folding his hands before himself and bowing briskly. His ears still catch the musical notes, but they’re fast growing more distant again, making him impatient to continue onwards.

“This is great – I meant to look for you,” Lan Xichen says, packing his items away. “You don’t have any more classes today, if I’m not mistaken?”

“No, I uhm, I don’t,” Wei Wuxian stutters, his eyes darting in the direction he had been going. “But, I mean…”

“Great!” Lan Xichen gestures at the seat opposite his table. “Would you mind joining me for just a bit?”

Wei Wuxian blinks in confusion. He has absolutely no idea what Zewu-jun could ever want from him – unless Lan Wangji has talked…

But surely not. Right?

“I’m not very presentable…” he objects meekly, now hearing only the faintest trace of the flute player.

“Don’t fret, this is nothing serious. You’re plenty presentable!” Lan Xichen nods encouragingly. Wei Wuxian swallows and steps towards him, though his feet long to follow the now-lost notes of the song.

“… Am I in trouble?” he can’t help but ask – though he’s well aware he almost always is – only for the older boy to chuckle lightly at him.

“Not at all.”

He sits primly and stiffly on the other side of the table, and Lan Xichen replaces the letter with an extra cup and a bowl of nuts from a nearby tray, before fanning his hand in an encouraging manner and smiling. Wei Wuxian returns the smile, but he does not have the guts to touch the offered snacks, and sips only lightly at the tea he is poured.

“I have heard of Yunmeng’s famously spicy treats, so I did my best to procure something similar in Gusu town – I couldn’t trouble you to give it a taste?”

Wei Wuxian blinks. He picks up one of the nuts from the bowl and sees the orange powder coating its surface. As he chews it, he can’t help but think that, surely, the other boy did not buy it for his sake. Right?

“It’s very similar to home. Very delicious.” He smiles and nods.

“That’s a relief! Given our incoming guest, I’m eager to serve something enjoyable.”

Wei Wuxian pauses for a moment before realising who exactly is on their way here, readying a whip for his and Jiang Cheng’s backs. He breathes a puff of a laugh. “I would bet you’ll be given some Yunmeng specialities in turn – for all the trouble.”

‘The trouble’ being the two Jiang disciples who have plagued the Lans’ library for punishments.

“Oh, there would be no need to, but the sentiment is kind.” Lan Xichen smiles, tasting a nut himself – though quickly and gracefully, he brings a cloth to his mouth and hides a wince. “Well, it gladdens me you like them – you may have more, young master Wei.”

“Oh, I can’t possibly…” Wei Wuxian lifts his hand, doing his best to reflect a humble disciple for once.

“I insist!” Zewu-jun smiles, though there’s a minuscule tinge of desperation to it. Wei Wuxian does not laugh when he realises the boy wants to be rid of the spicy snack.

Acquiescing with a nod, he brings another to his lips and wonders if all Lans are sensitive to spice. It would make sense, given their diet. Maybe Lan Zhan also-

“I can tell Wangji to keep an eye out for more of these, if you find yourself missing home?”

It takes everything Wei Wuxian has in him not to spit the nut right back out, hearing the older brother mention the little brother the same second Wei Wuxian thought about him.

“Lan Zhan doesn’t need to worry about that now,” he laughs awkwardly as he waves his hand. “He’s got so many other responsibilities, he wouldn’t have time, right?”

After all, Lan Wangji would hate Wei Wuxian more if he made Zewu-jun tell him to keep an eye out for snacks!

“Oh, if you’re referring to Wangji being away recently, I can assure you, his tasks will be cleared again shortly. I intend for him to return as scheduled.” Lan Xichen nods. “Besides, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind helping a – friend.”

Wei Wuxian baulks again. He’s not sure if the word ‘friend’ was said in any specific tone on purpose, or if it just strikes him so strangely given the fraught nature of his and Lan Wangji’s actual relationship, but he tries his best to keep his mask.

“Really? Ah, I know he’s kind, but still…”

“Then it’s settled – I’ll inform him.”

Wei Wuxian does not sigh. Though approachable, it seems Lan Xichen can also be difficult to manoeuvre.

“Am I allowed to eat something other than the standard diet here?” He scratches his neck. “I wouldn’t want Lan Zhan to think even worse of me for craving forbidden snacks after all the trouble I’ve made, you know?”

“Worse of you?” Lan Xichen tilts his head. “Ah, your misadventures notwithstanding, it’s clear you’re very talented. I’m sure my brother agrees and admires your brilliance, young master Wei.”

Wei Wuxian doesn’t think he’s heard anything so absurd. He doesn’t quite manage to keep the scepticism out of his voice. “Lan Zhan – admires me?”

“Absolutely!” Lan Xichen nods. “The two of you might be quite different, but friends play to each other’s strengths, do they not?”

Again with the ‘friends’…. Wei Wuxian sighs internally. Even if Zewu-jun was once right about Lan Zhan having any respect for me – it seems, by now, there is none left…

Lan Xichen breathes out, his shoulders slumping slightly. “But you see, Wangji can be precarious and a little difficult to read…”

Wei Wuxian piques up and misses the way his reaction draws Lan Xichen’s eye. “Even for you?”

Smiling paternally, Lan Xichen hums. “While I’m better than most, still it seems, recently Wangji has been…”

Wei Wuxian swallows. Recently, Lan Wangji has gotten harder to read for his brother. Recently – because of what happened…?

“… Wangji has seemed troubled,” Lan Xichen continues, swirling the tea in his cup under his nose to smell its fragrance, though he eyes Wei Wuxian with a certain look. “I couldn’t be so lucky that you have any idea what is going on?”

Wei Wuxian feels struck and must fight not to let it show on his face. Could it be this conversation wasn’t about getting a Jiang disciple to approve of the snacks the Lans are planning to serve the Jiang delegation on its way – but rather, that he’s trying to wheedle information out of Wei Wuxian regarding what happened between him and Lan Wangji?

He must tread carefully then.

“Lan Zhan has changed? I haven’t noticed… He’s been away from class and all that,” he purses his lips. “And I haven’t seen or heard anything.”

‘Lying is against the rules.’

Lan Xichen’s eyes drop to where Wei Wuxian is fiddling slightly with his own teacup, but he stills his fingers quickly.

“I see…” the older boy hums and nods. “Then – would you mind helping me figure it out?”

“Figure it out…?”

“Yes! After all – a friend might know things that one keeps from one’s family.”

Wei Wuxian blinks. He hadn’t thought that Lan Wangji would ever be the teenager to keep secrets from his brother. But then again, he knows exactly the secret in question, and surely, that is too much even for Lan Wangji to readily offer his family as explanation for his troubled mood.

Still, Wei Wuxian can’t tell the older boy what he knows – and yet, he can’t quite turn down the heir of another clan either!

“I shall keep an eye out,” he swears seriously.

It seems to satisfy Zewu-jun, who nods in thanks. “You’d do this worrywart of a brother a great favour indeed. It’s not easy for us older siblings, mm?”

Wei Wuxian puffs a chuckle when he realises who Lan Xichen is referring to. “I think I cause Jiang Cheng more worries than vice versa. But I get you.”

And that makes it even harder for me that I must keep the truth from you, he sighs in his head. But it’s not my place to tell him that his little brother is in a bad mood because someone has been making us see scandalous visions of an older, cutsleeve Lan Zhan…

Especially when his phantom partner is called ‘Wei Ying’.

Wei Wuxian is pretty sure he would sound like a madman if he tried, anyway. If Lan Wangji had wanted Lan Xichen to know, he would have told him already.

“You are a good friend, young master Wei.”

Wei Wuxian is not. Not in this case, at least. But Lan Xichen’s smile is disarming, and Wei Wuxian finds himself huffing and smiling slightly. He thinks that maybe, after all, he could get along well with Zewu-jun – and despairs a little that the Second Jade doesn’t resemble the First in personality quite as he does in appearance.

Yet, then again – Lan Wangji’s reserved and pristine personality is so very enticing. Quiet without being unnerving, righteous without being stuck-up, and chivalrous to his core.

Wei Wuxian likes this specific interplay of his traits. Lan Wangji is someone worth admiring.

He picks up another nut and wonders if he could learn more about the reserved boy from his older brother. Just as the snack crunches between his teeth, and his mind has figured something interesting to ask Lan Xichen about – another voice bellows from the nearby buildings. A voice that makes the hairs on his neck stand up.

“Wei Wuxian. Come here.”

Chills creep their way down his spine. It’s been a while since he’s heard Madam Yu’s coldly furious commands, and he’d almost grown accustomed not to fear her dragging him in to kneel for a day or two at any small sign of troublemaking.

As his eyes fly to her figure, chin raised high and back straight, he can spy Jiang Cheng behind her form, looking akin to a kid hiding among his mother’s skirts – had he not been about as tall as her, and surely never one to seek solace in her presence. No, this meek lowered gaze – Wei Wuxian can tell he’s already gotten an earful.

“You will return to the audience hall with us immediately.”

… And now, it seems, it is Wei Wuxian’s turn.

“Ahah, well – I guess that’s my cue!” he chuckles nervously and sets his cup back onto the tray, though he notices the confused look Lan Xichen wears upon hearing the madame’s tone.

“Oh, so the honoured Lady of Jiang has arrived – but why is she seeking you?” Lan Xichen asks, also packing up, possibly to go greet the esteemed visitor. “Was it not for young master Jiang that she came?”

“Well… Me being in trouble usually means Jiang Cheng being in trouble – and the other way around as well.” Wei Wuxian smiles awkwardly. “Better not to delay. A tip regarding your guest – it’s never a good idea to let the lady of Lotus Pier wait!”

He bows quickly, thanks Zewu-jun for his tea and the nuts, then quickly scampers towards the building Yu Ziyuan stands by with crossed arms and a furious frown. Behind her, Jiang Cheng peeks out, looking like a subdued child instead of the teenager he is, eyes beseeching Wei Wuxian for emotional support.

Wei Wuxian readies himself mentally.

•••••

“The Violet Spider is as vicious as they say!” a young disciple from the Nie sect whispers to another as Lan Wangji passes by. “The whole building felt electric with her anger when she was disciplining her son and the Jiangs’ head disciple!”

“Really?! I would still wager it has nothing on Nie Zhongzu’s wrath!”

Lan Wangji continues briskly past, though he cannot help but frown at what he has overheard. The only one currently in punishment is Jiang Wanyin, so he wonders why Wei Wuxian has gotten in trouble as well. It must be because his uncle has informed Yu Ziyuan of some of the boy’s previous troublemaking…. Right?

He shakes his head and banishes any thoughts or worries for Wei Wuxian. He’s in deep enough as is already, after all.

The evening air is cool in his lungs as he steps through the garden and towards the Jingshi, and it helps settle the unrest within him. He has been on edge for a fair few days following – well, that day. At first, he’d been sure Wei Wuxian would have told the entire clan about the fantasies Lan Wangji had been having, yet nothing seems to have come of it.

Could it really be Wei Wuxian hasn’t pieced together what’s going on with the visions, even now they’ve heard Lan Wangji’s imaginary self call another man ‘Wei Ying’?

He shakes his head. He knows not to trust a deceptive peace.

In the past days, he has taken on a few extra duties which, coincidentally, have let him avoid the classes with the visiting disciples. Today had been meetings and writeups in the morning, and, following Yu Ziyuan’s departure, he had spent most of the latter half supervising the two brawlers’ continued punishment.

Tomorrow will be a rest day, so he needn’t worry until the following day for how to continue escaping confrontation. He’s sure he can structure a plan and prepare some reasonable arguments for his family as to why he ought to be absent, his presence more pertinent elsewhere.

Spineless, a voice tells him.

It is not honourable to act as he has been. He should either seek full release from the classes or attend them as usual. But the mere thought of sitting in a classroom where every whisper is about him and what he has failed to keep secret leaves him feeling ice-cold. Imagining how Wei Wuxian’s eyes would no longer sparkle with mischievous delight at him – it is too painful to bear.

The door to his sanctuary closes behind him, and he breathes out more deeply than he intends. He doesn’t exactly flee to his guqin, though some might perceive it as such. It’s a meditative task to polish and maintain the instrument, and he is in quite dire need of the distraction.

He sets out his tools, cloths and oils, rearranging them a few more times than usual, before starting the sedate task. His mind knows not to wander and cause him distress, falling naturally into a still quiet.

Time passes differently like that. His senses feel odd. It is nice. Calming.

As he wipes the last few strokes across the wooden surface, his finger grazes a string. Almost without conscious thought, he brings it back and tugs the note once more. It is one he has gotten strangely familiar with.

The next few come just as instinctively, before he realises what he’s doing. Recently, he has been unable to help himself. It is not a song from any book or class. It is not imbued with any qi. It is indulgent in a way he seldom is; it is music simply for the sake of playing.

The resulting song is a composition of his own, if one could call something so incidentally formed as such. Compared to the great masters, he has not sat down and pondered over each pass, the tempo of every note, the melody’s cohesion. It has come entirely by accident. By mindlessness.

A melody so natural, so instinctual, as if it’s borne directly from his soul.

When did it start showing up during his play sessions? And why?

The first time he tugged the first of those notes, all foreign and wrong – it was after he had returned from a meadow that now held two small additions to his life.

Not pets, for they are not allowed. Gifts.

Something in the back of his mind screams at him to understand why that moment bore this song, but he still won’t let himself. Not in specifics, at least. Not yet. For now, he can accept that the song is some kind of byproduct of this chaos that has appeared within him recently. It must be his body’s reaction to all these things he has been feeling, its only way of expressing them, letting it out – other than inappropriate outbursts.

He has had enough of those recently, after all. Moments where he has raised his voice or stormed off, unable to handle what he has been subjected to. His steady façade cracking with a force he has never before experienced.

It seems… The melody must be an expression of his emotions.

The realisation makes him still. He had not dared to pay the cause of this frivolous song any thought, unconsciously knowing, if not accepting.

The melody… It is the sound of all he can’t speak into words. All he dares not. His feelings.

What feelings? He can’t help but ask. Anger? Frustration? Hatred? Despair?

No.

When he plays, he knows his head fills with the visions of a smile, the distant echo of a chuckle, his body overwhelmed by the feeling of a beating heart and shaking fingers. He knows who, but he won’t accept. He hasn’t let himself dwell on it. Called it annoyance, even though he knows it is not.

He plucks those few notes again, more polished than the first time they started forming at his fingertips, but still incomplete. And as he listens, he can feel what he doesn’t want to.

But then, right as he falters – the song somehow continues. Somewhere in the room, someone else is playing his song. Or – something sounding very much like it.

Except it’s fuller, well-rounded, more thought-out and intentional. It’s played confidently and without shame.

And it continues, beyond what he has composed himself, beyond the notes he has established so far. It sounds right. Perfect. He knows it is what his song will one day become, when he has sat with this turmoil and understood it, shaped it into something else. He knows.

His fingers shake where they hover over the strings of his instrument, and he tries to ignore the other musician in his home.

However, like dust scattered by wind, just as the melody crescendos, a knock breaks through its cacophony, and it vanishes from Lan Wangji’s senses. He flinches to sit upright, looking about the Jingshi but finding no sign of his older self.

Quickly, he stands from his instrument and checks his robes before moving to the door. His older brother smiles kindly on the other side of it, unaware of the ghostly melody still echoing in Lan Wangji’s mind.

“Sorry to disturb your practising, Wangji,” he says gently.

Lan Wangji shakes his head and steps back, letting his brother inside. “No need. I was not studying.”

I was being frivolous.

“Yes, I did find the notes unfamiliar,” Lan Xichen hums, as he follows Lan Wangji. “Where is it from?”

“I… I don’t know if it’s from somewhere. It is simply a melody that has been stuck in my mind,” Lan Wangji says, bending the truth without lying. “It is not a spiritual song.”

“I see… But it did sound beautiful.” Lan Xichen sits when Lan Wangji indicates near the tea set, before setting water over for heating.

Lan Wangji clears his throat as he pours in the water. “I figure that is not why you are here.”

Lan Xichen hums and brushes out the edge of his sleeves. “I wish to talk with you regarding your classes.”

Ah. It seems Lan Wangji cannot continue evading lectures with the other disciples without being found out. Well, he had asked his brother to be exempted after all – so it must’ve been obvious what he’s been doing.

“I see,” he says slightly hoarsely.

“You impact the other students positively, Wangji, I hope you know that,” his brother says as Lan Wangji hands him a cup.

“What makes you say so?”

“Well, young master Wei-” Lan Xichen begins, and Lan Wangji’s mind grinds to a halt. “-Has been a little distracted recently, from what I’ve seen. More than usual, that is. Or rather – listless. And I have the feeling it’s related to your absence.”

Lan Wangji’s mouth feels parched. Wei Wuxian must indeed have been impacted by what happened. What he heard. What he found out about Lan Wangji.

“Oh. That has not been my intention,” is all he can say.

“Of course. But a stable classmate who can outbalance his exuberance might have benefitted him more than at first appearance.” Lan Xichen takes a slow and appreciative sip of his tea. “So – would you consider returning, if simply to support your classmates? I’m sure a kind deed like that will bring about good bearings later on.”

Lan Wangji can do nothing but nod his acquiescence. Lan Xichen doesn’t know that Wei Wuxian isn’t wayfaren at the loss of his righteous classmate, but instead, disgusted by what he has found out about said classmate. But Lan Wangji cannot bear to explain this, least of all to his older brother.

And in the end, he knows: it is not virtuous to ignore one’s problems and pray they vanish.

“I shall attend as planned. I will postpone the duties I had been partaking in in the meantime.”

That is, however, easier said than done.

After a day of rest that felt more nerve-wracking, Lan Wangji sits perched by his table in the classroom, trying not to look the anxious wreck that he is inside. Before him, his utensils and note paper are lined out perfectly, and he tries not to aimlessly readjust them, though his nerves ache to.

He is the first present, but that is nothing new. He thought it would be easier this way, so that he did not have to walk into class seeing all the eyes skip to him in hushed surprise – but now, instead, he gets to dread every new arrival.

And yet, once the other students begin to filter in, few pay him any mind. As if his reappearance does not surprise them. As if his lack of presence hadn’t been whispered about.

His face reveals nothing, muscles relaxed and breathing even, despite a rapid pulse.

The classroom fills out and the teacher – a distant uncle – takes his place, laying out materials for the lecture. To no one’s surprise, a few notable people are missing up until the very last moments. But then, of course, the distant chatter of those certain approaching voices reaches Lan Wangji’s ears.

He knows that giggle, that energetic playfulness, that friendly banter. Wei Wuxian can be heard from far away, prodding at his shidi and playing coy with his friends, as ever. It’s so normal that Lan Wangji second-guesses his older brother’s claims to Wei Wuxian’s odd behaviour. It is so normal, he questions if the vision in the fields was real, the one he believed ruined everything.

Of course, those questions fall to the wayside when the group reaches the door, and Wei Wuxian’s voice dies with the snap of a finger. His sudden quiet draws everyone’s attention, but Lan Wangji stares ahead. Still, he can feel the boy’s eyes on his back.

It takes everything he has not to let his fingers tremble where they rest in his lap.

“What’re you gawking at?” Jiang Wanyin snaps under his breath, and Lan Wangji hears a dull thud, like the sound of pushing. “We’ve just barely made it, don’t block the door!”

Wei Wuxian huffs. With the sound of footsteps, Lan Wangji assumes the boy has come out of his shock and is moving into the room.

However, the footsteps do not stop where Wei Wuxian’s usual spot is. Lan Wangji only realises too late that they draw far too close.

“Where are you – Wei Wuxian, get back here!” Jiang Wanyin whisper-shouts.

“Sorry!” Wei Wuxian chuckles right behind Lan Wangji’s back. “Got a new tablemate for the day – please have understanding!”

Lan Wangji does not have the opportunity to prepare for what is apparently happening, before Wei Wuxian falls onto the seat next to him. Still, he resolutely does not acknowledge the presence beside him, paying no mind to the obvious stare his seatmate aims at him.

“I was getting worried you had caught some nasty illness, Wangji-xiong!” the boy grins. “But I guess it’s just that the Second Jade is too busy to dedicate all his time to us…”

Lan Wangji breathes out and picks up his brush, seeing the teacher stand as if ready to educate. But Wei Wuxian does not catch on – unless leaning in and whispering is his attempt at showing deference to the class.

“Come on… Can’t you at least say Nooo Wei-xiong, I enjoy your company! or something?” he pouts.

Lan Wangji can’t help but suspect this is simply another of Wei Wuxian’s attempts to ridicule him. He hums lowly and dips his pen in ink as the teacher in front hangs a few famous works from the Lan masters along the wall so that all the disciples can see.

“Class has started. Turn your attention to it,” he whispers. “Unless you seek further disciplining.”

The words are spoken before Lan Wangji recalls who last gave Wei Wuxian a stern talking to. Out of the corner of his eye, he catches the boy’s expression shift slightly.

“You’re right, Lan Zhan – can’t cause Madam Yu more grief. Neither Jiang Cheng nor I need any more punishment from her.” He lifts his own brush, looking slightly pensive. Then, as if struck with mischief, he glances at Lan Wangji and speaks; “I mean, making a good impression on the famous Second Jade is already proving to be a taller ask among her demands – I have the distinct feeling he’s especially frosty to me!”

“Nonsense,” Lan Wangji mutters before he can think it over. Surely, Wei Wuxian has not been asked by Yu Ziyuan to befriend him. Surely, it’s further fooling around. He forces down the urge to roll his eyes when Wei Wuxian’s familiar smile returns to his face, before he (finally) turns his attentions towards the teacher’s voice.

And yet – Lan Wangji feels warmth for the first time in days.

He cannot help but get the slight feeling that, maybe, things needn’t have changed too much between them.

•••••

“Wanna know what I saw down in Gusu town the other day?”

Lan Wangji does not reply to Wei Wuxian’s whisper. This is a meditation garden, and Lan Wangji has been trying, unsuccessfully, to assume the lotus pose and fall into deep focus – but the boy who has tailed him all day, every day, since his return to classes, makes it difficult.

Said boy is now picking at the stones surrounding them as if he had nothing better to waste his time with than ruining Lan Wangji’s daily peace. As if he doesn’t have plenty of friends to entertain him.

When enough time has passed without getting a response to his question, Wei Wuxian forges onward.

“I saw this cute little boat, bobbing up and down in the water, not too far from the river shore,” he continues, stacking a few small pebbles atop each other until his tiny tower collapses. “And, usually, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought – but guess who I saw in it.”

Lan Wangji does not even hum.

“Well, I bet you know already,” Wei Wuxian tuts after a while. “It looked like a little date, I’d say. Enjoying the weather, eating a snack, sharing each other’s company, sailing in the summer breeze – doesn’t it sound cute?”

Ignoring the feeling fluttering lightly in Lan Wangji's chest, he refuses to agree. How could he ever admit how much he longs for that vision to be his someday? To do such things with this frustrating boy?

Wei Wuxian has been shown too many of Lan Wangji’s secrets already. Lan Wangji doesn’t need to dig his grave deeper.

“… Sure made me feel a little envious,” Wei Wuxian huffs finally. “Some people have it all, ey?”

Silence hangs in the air between them. Lan Wangji does not know what the boy is trying to say.

Wei Wuxian has indeed been… Odd, since Lan Wangji returned. Persistent, at least in his clinging. But somehow there’s an almost melancholic mood to him. His playful prodding jabs less at Lan Wangji and more at himself now.

‘Ah, but I bet one such as yourself cares little for what one such as me thinks,’ he has said after chatting for a while without receiving any response from Lan Wangji. ‘The Second Jade sure doesn’t seem fond of this little Wei.’

Lan Wangji had been unable to say anything then as well. Scared of being caught in a trap, somehow. But Wei Wuxian had not seemed mischievous. Rather, he had appeared almost resigned as he huffed at Lan Wangji’s silence.

Lan Wangji does not know what the other boy is acting so strangely for.

But at least, things haven’t turned the way he had feared; Wei Wuxian does not avoid him in disgust. In fact, he has been even more seeking, as if glued to Lan Wangji’s shadow.

It might have been a relief if it had not felt a bit – painful. For Wei Wuxian’s laugh sounds hollow, his smiles are more stiff, and every time Lan Wangji ignores him, something shifts in his face.

But why?

It wasn’t Wei Wuxian who was so painfully exposed, was it? Lan Wangji is the one full of hollow shame. How come it is the other boy who seems so dejected?

Lan Wangji’s lips part slightly, but no words make their way to his mouth. He does not know what to say, has no idea how to disentangle Wei Wuxian’s signals without risking making a bigger fool of himself.

So instead, he closes his eyes and breathes out.

“Be quiet.”

“… Right. I will,” Wei Wuxian says, a smile probably on his lips, though it isn’t audible in his voice.

Still, Wei Wuxian’s sullenness makes Lan Wangji grow a bit of leniency, if it can be called that.

‘Please, won’t you come with me to Gusu town today?’ Wei Wuxian had begged first thing in the morning. ‘We don’t have classes – I know you’re free!’

Lan Wangji was not free. He had studies to maintain, duties he ought to keep up with, and plenty of elders who might appreciate a hand. Going to frolic with Wei Wuxian was so far down the list of what he should be doing that he shouldn’t spare it a thought.

But the mere idea of seeing the honest pain of rejection trace Wei Wuxian’s features even slightly was too much.

‘… Alright,’ he had said, not even asking why Wei Wuxian wasn’t instead dragging his clanmates or friends with him as usual. Not asking why he has been stuck to the side of the one person he must surely find repulsive, given what he should know about Lan Wangji now.

But he can’t ask, too terrified it will break the spell. Terrified it will make Wei Wuxian impose a distance.

And so, he lets Wei Wuxian lead him down the mountain, listening to his pointless chatter along the way. Everything that crosses Wei Wuxian’s mind seems to make it over his lips – and all of it, Lan Wangji etches into his own memory.

Why must he cling to such useless drivel?

Why can’t he help himself?

Lan Wangji’s heart is stuck somewhere in his throat all the way down.

There’s no real purpose to this trip, Lan Wangji finds. Wei Wuxian meanders through the streets and markets, chatting about everything and anything. Lan Wangji had expected he needed something, but instead, the boy seems to just – be wasting time?

And for some reason… Lan Wangji can’t make himself dislike it.

“Were you looking for anything specific?” he asks at one point.

“Specific?” Wei Wuxian shrugs. “Nah. Not really.”

And that’s that.

Lan Wangji has the urge to say this is all pointless. Yet he doesn’t.

In the end, Wei Wuxian, and Lan Wangji by extension, is lured in by a charismatic street promoter to a quaint rooftop restaurant. The surrounding mountains are in easy view from where Wei Wuxian eagerly picks their seat, and it feels homely in spite of the noise that Lan Wangji would never find in his actual home.

He settles primly on the worn cushion and tries not to let his fingers tremble when Wei Wuxian turns back from enjoying the vistas with the most stunning smile Lan Wangji knows.

“I knew this place would be great!”

“Mn.”

“I’ve developed quite the sense for these things, you know?”

“Mn.”

“And that’s why I keep telling you – you gotta come visit me in Yunmeng!”

“Mn.”

Lan Wangji doesn’t even know what he’s agreeing to anymore. If the elders knew how shamefully he’s gotten caught up in exactly the kinds of emotions they warned him off, they’d have him repeat that section of the Lan code a thousand times.

It’s terrifying how correct they were about the power of these feelings. He had not realised before, always shaking his head at those who failed so easily to stand by the rules – unknowing of just how much he would one day fall himself.

Wei Wuxian is animatedly talking about the selection and making recommendations before Lan Wangji can really think the choices over, taking simply what Wei Wuxian claims he will enjoy. Maybe it shouldn’t be surprising when their food is brought out that the plates he has ordered are so red that Lan Wangji fears he’ll never be able to taste again once he’s eaten some.

And yet, he takes a bite, because Wei Wuxian looks so expectantly at him.

Sure, he sips at his drink almost immediately after, but at least he manages to keep his calm mask just a few more bites, before Wei Wuxian inevitably notices his constant drinking.

“Aiyoh!” the boy laments as he picks the few dishes of unseasoned vegetables and rice and places them closer to Lan Wangji. “Strong in everything but palate! Gusu Lan ought to train their disciples for this – how shall you move about the world with such a limited diet?”

“… We cook for ourselves,” Lan Wangji says, trying not to let his voice sound hoarse.

“So you either drag the supplies with you or waste money getting them on location? How wasteful! There’s always an inn cook around who could prepare your food!” Wei Wuxian shakes his head. “And even when not, there’s plenty of hunting to be had, yet you guys refuse to! Why make night hunting tougher on yourselves?”

Lan Wangji does not berate him about the rule regarding taking life. But he does send a sharp glance at Wei Wuxian, who returns it with a cockily lifted brow.

However, suddenly, the other boy’s face stiffens, his eyes skipping to the side, glancing at something behind Lan Wangji. The shift is sudden and noticeable enough for Lan Wangji to tilt his head in question, before trying to twist in his seat.

Except, he doesn’t make it far.

Wei Wuxian reaches across the table and grabs Lan Wangji’s face, turning it back. Lan Wangji sends him a momentary scathing look, but Wei Wuxian simply meets it with his own stubborn gaze.

“Lan Zhan,” he says resolutely. “You can’t look.”

Lan Wangji furrows his brow. Then, he hears an unmistakable giggle right behind him – one he has heard far too often. One that tells him just who is sitting there.

“Don’t pay them attention.”

Is Wei Ying… Sulking…?

There is no way.

After all – Wei Wuxian is the one constantly chatting about the visions, describing in detail whatever he has seen them be up to, to Lan Wangji’s chagrin. How can he now be petulantly refusing Lan Wangji to look himself?

Is it simply that he finds what he sees so revolting?

Or… Could he be feeling some strange form of – jealousy…?

… Surely not.

•••••

Lan Wangji does not despise Wei Wuxian.

Not enough to send him away when he follows like a duckling, at least. It’s obvious Wei Wuxian still grinds his nerves, of course. But Wei Wuxian can live with that, if for just a few more chances at making a friendship!

Still, his mouth often runs away with him and ends up stabbing his own heart. He can’t help it sometimes – testing to see how far Lan Wangji will tolerate him. Not because he wants the boy to hate him, but because Wei Wuxian’s mind can’t help but dig its own grave.

He’s his own worst enemy sometimes.

His eyes catch something fluttering by the window of the classroom. Instantly, his attention is drawn away from another boring lecture, and his heart speeds up at what he sees. Without thought, he scribbles a quick message and slides the note discreetly to his seatmate.

Except, of course, Lan Wangji is not one to read secret messages in class. He glares at Wei Wuxian and grabs the note to throw it into the bin tray – when his eyes catch Wei Wuxian’s.

Please, he tries to beg with sheer force of will. Read it.

Lan Wangji hesitates, and Wei Wuxian is certain it’s a lost cause – until the other boy folds out the paper. As expected, as soon as the words are understood, Lan Wangji’s gaze snaps to the window.

In the shade of a tree, red and white ribbons dance in a breeze. ‘Wei Ying’ smiles as he chatters at ‘Lan Wangji’, though the two of them are too far away to hear what is said.

Wei Wuxian’s heart tugs. But, of course, Lan Wangji closes his eyes with a furrow and drops the note to be discarded. Wei Wuxian should know better by now – if he keeps pointing them out to the boy who hates those visions, isn’t he just going to piss him off?

It seems he’s the only one longing for what those visions show. A crooked smile spreads on his lips, and he rests his head on top of his folded arms as he watches the older men have what he can never. He feels Lan Wangji eye him with a complex look. He does not let himself try to understand what it means.

Still, when Lan Wangji’s gaze returns to those two lovebirds outside, Wei Wuxian feels that bitter feeling in his chest. He really should stop pointing them out. Not just because it obviously annoys Lan Wangji – but because he ends up making himself feel this way.

Look at me instead.

Don’t see what they have that I want and which you despise.

Ignore them. If you do, maybe I can convince you that our closeness could be enjoyable.

He scribbles a half-hearted doodle of a penis on his notepaper, crumbles it up and rolls it to Lan Wangji’s table. The furious glare he’s sent in reply is worth it. Anything to keep the boy’s attention. Even if it’s only possible to have his annoyance.

Except…

No. He no longer wants just any reaction. He wants Lan Wangji to see something good whenever his eyes fall upon Wei Wuxian. But that’s too late now, isn’t it?

Wei Wuxian has made himself seen. And it’s obvious what the other boy felt about who he saw.

“Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian’s attention is drawn instinctually. But when he turns away from his friends and the diabolo tricks one of them is proudly showing off, he realises he isn’t the one being called for; that older ‘Wei Ying’ peeks up from a nearby pavilion, a wide smile spreading on his lips. On the table and benches of the pavilion, Wei Wuxian spies a scattering of paper and writing utensils, stones stacked on top of them to hold them in place against the mountain breeze.

That man had not been there when Wei Wuxian arrived, of that he is certain. But it is no longer surprising for these two to manifest around him throughout the day.

‘Lan Wangji’ walks along the stone steps leading to the pavilion, eyes glancing at the mess ‘Wei Ying’ has caused.

“Ha ha, look… If I tell you this is all for the juniors' education, will my dear husband believe me?”

Wei Wuxian feels that twirl of annoyance in his gut when he hears ‘Wei Ying’ speak so casually to Lan Wangji. His expression must show it, because Jiang Cheng shoves his shoulder and frowns at him, but Wei Wuxian waves him off, ignoring the other boys and turning his attention back to the vision. Jiang Cheng looks in the same direction briefly, but groans and rolls his eyes.

“Weirdo…” he grumbles and turns back to the diabolo game.

Wei Wuxian doesn’t pay him any mind. The so-called ‘dear husband’ hums in that way Wei Wuxian’s current Lan Wangji is so prone to, neither accepting nor denying. He picks up one of the strips of paper, clearly some kind of talisman, though Wei Wuxian can’t recognise its design.

“You intend to use spells of resentful nature against them?”

Wei Wuxian frowns. He has not heard of any talisman made with resentment. That is, not beyond the time he joked about something along those lines himself and got kicked out of class for it.

“Aiyoh, you word it as if this evil Laozu will be tormenting them!” ‘Wei Ying’ cries, snatching the talisman back. “Do you trust me so little?”

“I trust you with my life,” ‘Lan Wangji’ states matter-of-factly, and the honesty of it takes Wei Wuxian by surprise. ‘Wei Ying’ seems rather used to it, cooing and reaching up to tug at ‘Lan Wangji’s cheek. “But you believe them ready?”

“To go up against the Yiling Patriarch? Of course not. But ready for a few more challenges in their education to prepare them for the much less nice ghost cultivators out there? Absolutely.”

Wei Wuxian gets to his feet now, ignoring the questions his friends mutter as he leaves. But having grown used to his recent absentmindedness, they turn their gaze to Jiang Cheng, who shrugs and spits, “He’s just acting strange for attention, ignore him,” before the chatter of the play returns.

Wei Wuxian steps close enough to the pavilion that the visions would have to acknowledge him if they knew he was there – but yet, he cannot even see himself reflected in their eyes. It is the only visual cue that proves they are not of his world.

“Do not terrify them too much.”

“Me? I would never.” ‘Wei Ying’ smiles, waving his ‘husband’ down to sit beside him. “And should it happen unintentionally, I promise I’ll hum them back to sleep when they awake from nightmares of the demon from Yiling.”

Wei Wuxian looks around him for a moment. Nobody else can see them as far as he knows, so he only intends to check if Lan Wangji is nearby before he does anything. When he finds the boy nowhere in sight, he steps into the pavilion beside the couple, glancing down over the curious talisman designs.

Some of them are clearly experimental, sections crossed out and pieces of paper crumbled up. Others a standardised, common for night hunts. But even among those, there are unusual traits – characters drawn to have the opposite effect, such as drawing in resentful energy rather than repelling it. And a few specific ones are even odder; the radicals and characters are clearly reliant on demonic qi and yin energy.

From what he can surmise about their effects, they can do a lot of damage.

He is struck utterly speechless. For something so – unholy – to be within the grounds of Cloud Recesses… Well, surely this is something the Lan clan would only reward with banishment!

And yet ‘Lan Wangji’ seems to show little worry. In fact, he is more concerned with pulling the other man into his lap as if he were some pretty, young maiden. Wei Wuxian barely manages to contain an eyeroll and reaches down to rifle through the papers to study the spells with more attention. However, as he probably should have expected, his fingers do not make contact with the talismans, instead passing through and touching the table surface.

Right. Not of this world.

“So what did you come find me for? Maybe I had been hiding out here to make my husband a present – and then you would have ruined it!” ‘Wei Ying’ chuckles from where he’s sat in ‘Lan Wangji’s lap, kicking his feet and playing with the man’s ribbon.

“Apologies. I shall take this into consideration in the future,” ‘Lan Wangji’ replies, showing not a bit of annoyance at the man touching him all over, making Wei Wuxian purse his lips and glare away. “Xiongzhang wishes to speak with you regarding the transfiguration talisman.”

“Really?!” ‘Wei Ying’ pipes up with excitement. “Did he try it? What animal did he use? Wait, imma guess! Did he grow wings like a heron? Or maybe – the ears of a hare to hear better?”

‘Lan Wangji’ huffs. “He did not try it himself. But a nighthunt expedition used it to see better in the dark.”

“Ah, I see! Using a predator’s night vision would make it possible to stay hidden, but still be able to see, even without turning on any lights!” ‘Wei Ying’ hums excitedly. “Did it go well?”

“I believe that is what he intends to discuss.”

“You think he has ideas for how to improve it?”

“If so, you will surely be able to do it.”

‘Wei Ying’ chuckles with glee and kisses the other man’s cheek obnoxiously noisily. “Are you buttering me up? If so, keep at it, it’s working.”

‘Lan Wangji’ glances at him with earnestness in his eyes. “I am not saying anything I do not mean.”

“Hmmm – but what if I have to resort to using resentment in the next version of the spell? Will Zewu-jun mind that?”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widen. Absolutely not! Are you out of your mind? Even if Zewu-jun doesn’t immediately throw you out, as soon as old man Qiren hears, surely you will be as good as dead-!

“Brother allows your other inventions; I should not see there being a problem.”

It’s unbelievable; whoever is composing these ludicrous hallucinations has no idea what the Lans would and wouldn’t allow. Even just these yin-based talismans on the table are pushing the line – to imagine some transformation spell based on resentful energy is out of the question!

“Ah, how the world has changed from when I first started making these things…” ‘Wei Ying’ sighs, resting his head on his husband’s shoulder. Wei Wuxian thinks this is an understatement, assuming this is supposed to depict some strange future conjured in some madman’s mind.

Ignoring the two men, he turns his attention back to the talisman designs scattered on the table. He has no idea who in the world came up with them, because they’re nothing like anything he’s seen before.

And therefore, they’re absolutely fascinating. He’s itching to test and prod them himself a little, see what they do. Of course – it will have to be somewhere out of sight, unless he wants Lan Qiren to throw him down the mountainside for playing with demonic forces. He pulls out some of his own talismans and turns them over to the blank side, before quickly transcribing some of the designs he spots on the table. If he can get a little time to study them, he’s sure he can piece them apart and understand their inner workings.

Maybe this can even help him solve his own talisman problems; namely, a spell to trace the origin of the visions.

He is so focused on his task that the couple’s chatter falls to the back of his mind. He registers some wistful reminiscing of memories that are foreign to him; experiences of living on a mountain and farming radishes, of digging up graves for unholy purposes, and a war he hasn’t heard of.

All of it makes him increasingly certain this man is not meant to be him, after all. Because none of those are his experiences.

At least, until he hears of memories he does recall, and his writing slows down.

Shijie’s cooking.

Bathing in Lotus Pier.

Training the younger disciples.

“… The world has changed so much since then. So much while I wasn’t here, too,” ‘Wei Ying’ mutters, and ‘Lan Wangji’ rests his cheek into the man’s hair.

Something seems to shift between the two men. A hint of sadness fills the air; there’s a pain Wei Wuxian can’t quite put his finger on. Before long, the older Lan Wangji runs his fingers over ‘Wei Ying’s hair, and the softest melody echoes from his throat.

Something possessive cuts across Wei Wuxian’s heart. Again, this song haunts him. The two men look so comfortable in each other’s embrace, so adoring and safe. They hum under their breaths, some tune that seems full of meaning. Full of love.

It’s not fair. Wei Wuxian wants it, too, but this is not his. These two are nothing but a mirage. A teasing taste of what he now knows he desperately longs for, but clearly is not supposed to have. A cruel joke.

The song is not his. So, he ignores it, shaking his head slightly, and turns his attention back to the spells.

But he can’t help ponder over what that man spoke of. Those foreign memories. Trying to make heads and tails of it is about as easy as figuring out the meaning of a chaotic dream. If he hadn’t been sharing these hallucinations with Lan Wangji, maybe he would have even thought that is what they are: some manifestation of subconscious thoughts mixed into a nonsensical alternate reality.

Wei Wuxian huffs and continues scribbling. As it is, however, it is more likely someone is behind them, some lunatic with obscure intentions. Someone mixing strange ideas of the future with common knowledge about Wei Wuxian’s life and making this ‘Wei Ying’ blabber about it.

In any case, it’s pointless to speculate. Instead, he will finish his tracking spell, and once he has identified the culprit, he can get the answers he wants.

“… You know, er-gege,” ‘Wei Ying’ whispers after the melody comes to an end. “When I was itty bitty, I was so sure I would become a famous cultivator. Of course, not like how I ended up being, hah…”

Wei Wuxian pauses again, attention perked.

“Actually, to tell you a secret,” the man continues. “When Uncle Jiang picked me up, I thought for sure he would take me to a heavenly mountain. I think my mom had told me about her own training, because I thought all the kids without parents would one day get to be trained like that.”

Wei Wuxian blinks, turning his eyes to this older ‘Wei Ying’, his pulse quickening in his throat.

“Instead, Lotus Pier was a wide expanse of lakes. Quite confusing, I must say.” With a soft chuckle, the man shrugs. “Although, in the end, I did end up on my heavenly mountain, didn’t I?”

‘Lan Wangji’ hums and presses a few kisses to ‘Wei Ying’s forehead, before that haunting melody resonates once more behind his lips. ‘Wei Ying’ chuckles and whispers a soft ‘sweetheart’, before he slowly joins in again.

But Wei Wuxian doesn’t really register any of it.

Because…

Nobody should know that.

He has never told anyone about his childish dream of studying under a secluded immortal like his mother, knowing he had no right to ask for more.

So how… How could it show up in this vision?

The culprit could not know this about him. Could not have made this illusionary ‘Wei Ying’ speak these things. Only Wei Wuxian should know.

So – how…?

He stands back upright, his fingers trembling where they clutch the copied talismans. Slowly, he backs out of the pavilion, his heart stuck in his throat. The ridiculous lovebirds do not pay him any mind as they hum their love song, looking at each other like fools.

Wei Wuxian’s heart is stuck in his throat. He wants that song.

Is it his? That melody of longing and adoration? There is no way this is his to have, is there?

He isn’t supposed to have something this – lovely.

It is just a curse, he reminds himself. Even if he doesn’t understand what its purpose is, or why these scenes, this strange looking ‘Wei Ying’, are being shown to him – surely it’s a curse someone else is plaguing him right. Right?

Even if he has no idea how they could’ve known that.

Nobody else knows that.

It has to be a curse, but yet, it cannot be.

He looks at the strange man in Lan Wangji’s lap and wonders – if it is himself. If he is to have this.

Could this be – the future…?

He needs to figure out what causes these visions. He cannot think before he knows.

•••••

Someone else is sitting beside Lan Wangji in the classroom.

Wei Wuxian freezes in the doorway when he sees it. Jiang Cheng shoves past him with a muttered curse word, but Wei Wuxian doesn’t care.

Someone is sitting where he’s supposed to sit.

And Lan Wangji has let him. Even though the two of them are – well, they’re – that is, even though they are supposed to stick together through their ordeal!

Wei Wuxian steps closer, and the two others look up at him.

“Hi,” he smiles at the boy sitting where he’s supposed to. Some Lan disciple that Wei Wuxian might’ve seen around but not cared to recall the name of.

“Good morning,” the boy says without sounding like he means it. “Can I help you?”

Wei Wuxian looks at Lan Wangji, who turns his attention back straight ahead as the teacher steps into the class. He’s not even in the slightest trying to help Wei Wuxian get his seat back.

So. That’s how it is. Well, Wei Wuxian doesn’t care.

“Nah, nothing. Just wanted to greet a new classmate.”

“Well. You have greeted. I suggest finding your seat – class is about to start.”

You’re sitting on it, falls just on the edge of his tongue. But instead, he smiles tersely and walks over to Jiang Cheng’s table, dropping down between him and Nie Huaisang, the two of them shuffling to make space.

“Dumbass, there’s plenty of other seats!” Jiang Cheng grumbles. “Thought you were done sitting with us? Is it cuz Lan er-gongzi is preoccupied, so you demean yourself to your second choice?”

“Jiang-xiong, don’t be like that – Wei-xiong, you can sit with us.” Nie Huaisang whacks Jiang Cheng’s shoulder in reproach, then turns his attention to Wei Wuxian, who drops his head onto his knuckles with a pout. “Did you fight with Lan Wangji?”

“No,” Wei Wuxian says with a smile that does not reach his eyes, as he stares holes in Lan Wangji’s back. “But he’s not one to save a spot, I guess. Not for someone he doesn’t like, anyway.”

It comes out more bitter than he intends.

But it’s not fair. Something of his being taken from him usually does not frustrate him like this, so why….

Lan Wangji and he – there's a chance the two of them one day will be something more to each other. And yet, this random guy just drops himself in the middle for no reason? If everyone else only knew what Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji have been seeing… Maybe they’d respect the bond the two of them share more.

Wei Wuxian huffs at himself. Well, the bond he tries to share, but which clearly isn’t returned.

He’s being ridiculous. He still has no clue if he’s seeing some prophecy of his future or not, so acting betrayed because of it is absurd.

But still… It might be.

Maybe he wants it to be.

He knows he’s acting up. Lan Wangji must notice as well.

“Lan Zhan – come eat with me,” he says, stepping up to the Lan before the boy enters his family’s dining hall.

Frowning, Lan Wangji turns to him. “What for?”

In a swift decision, Wei Wuxian puts on his most serious expression. “We need to talk.”

Lan Wangji blinks, before a hint of discomfort shifts across his face, his eyes glancing just past Wei Wuxian’s shoulder. He’s probably assuming Wei Wuxian wants to talk to him about that one specific issue they currently share.

Wei Wuxian, of course, has no plans of talking with Lan Wangji about that – or anything else of importance. But he knows Lan Wangji won’t stay in his vicinity just because Wei Wuxian wants him to, so he needs to pretend there’s a good reason.

“It is prohibited to talk while eating,” Lan Wangji says.

“Fine. We eat, then we chat,” Wei Wuxian urges, reaching for and tugging on Lan Wangji’s sleeve. “Come ooon!”

His insistence should help give the impression there’s a pressing development he is eager to divulge – though there’s not, and he’s just being childish. Wei Wuxian will have to come up with something to tell Lan Wangji to make it worth his time, or risk becoming the boy who cried wolf.

But that’s a problem for future him – current him just needs the boy to agree.

“I’m sure Wangji would love to join you, young master Wei – isn’t that right?” Lan Xichen steps up from behind his brother, smiling a paternal smile at Lan Wangji – who closes his eyes briefly before nodding tersely.

Wei Wuxian contains his chuckle, seeing the older brother force the younger to socialise. ‘Go outside and make some friends!’ is written in between his words.

“Alright,” Lan Wangji mutters, though Wei Wuxian senses just a bit of annoyance. “I will go.”

Smile widening, Lan Xichen looks at Wei Wuxian. “If you’re seated with the other visiting disciples, I can have Wangji’s food brought there?”

“Ah, I was thinking of going to the Yashi’s garden?” Wei Wuxian grins cheekily at the older boy. Lan Xichen lifts his brows as if he has realised something, before he hums and nods with an approving smile.

If he’s thinking Wei Wuxian will be trying to ‘help’ Lan Wangji like he’d promised when they had tea together, well… Anything that gets Wei Wuxian his way.

But Lan Wangji looks between them with an increasing frown. “That place is not for eating.”

“Oh, but Wangji, I seem to recall the two of us eating watermelon there when we were young, correct? Go ahead, it’s a lovely day to dine outside,” Lan Xichen encourages, indicating with his hand towards the garden paths. “I’ll have someone bring the food and tea for you.”

It’s all the approval Wei Wuxian needs. With Zewu-jun’s backing, he doesn’t hesitate to greedily seize as much of the Second Jade’s precious time. He tugs Lan Wangji’s sleeve again as he turns, but he feels a few annoyed yanks the other direction. Still, when he doesn’t easily let go, Lan Wangji mutters something under his breath and follows where his annoying classmate forces him to, his older brother failing to stifle a chuckle.

Still, in spite of Lan Wangji’s obvious annoyance – Wei Wuxian is feeling nothing but excitement. Just the two of them sharing a meal in the garden on such a lovely day… His stomach thrills.

He can tell Lan Wangji about the strange new type of talisman he saw those lovebirds discuss!

Or he could show the most recent version of the qi-tracking spell he’s working on that might be the solution to their problem!

Although, he will also definitely have to chew the boy out for letting someone else take his seat! Does Lan Wangji really dislike Wei Wuxian’s company so much?! Surely not! There must be a misunderstanding he needs to clear up.

Anyway, there’s so much to talk about!

Such as-

As…

… Well, there’s also -that thing-…

The fact that older ‘Wei Ying’ knows something only Wei Wuxian should…

“Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian’s eager march is pulled to a stop, yanked back by the fingers he still has wrapped into Lan Wangji’s sleeve. The boy tailing him has halted, so Wei Wuxian turns around with a frown.

“… We should turn here.” Lan Wangji nods towards a gateway leading to the rock garden surrounding the Yashi.

“Right!” Wei Wuxian faces him properly, acting as if he hadn’t just been so caught up in his thoughts that he nearly walked past. “I knew it was around here!”

Lan Wangji eyes him warily yet follows at his side. Wei Wuxian likes it when the other boy isn’t too obstinate like this. He grins up at him and bumps his shoulder, which earns him a deeper frown.

“Say, isn’t this a bit like strolling the garden estates with a suitor, mmm?”

“… Ridiculous.” Lan Wangji glares away in an almost-eyeroll. Wei Wuxian cackles – if anything, Lan Wangji would be the suitor in any such situation! So then, Wei Wuxian would be…

Before his thoughts can loop back around to made-up visions of made-up guys who happen to appear like them and act married and stuff – Lan Wangji’s eyes return to him a little hesitantly. “… Wei Ying… Did you have something to tell?”

“Hmmm?” Wei Wuxian hums, obnoxiously innocent. “Tell? Young master Lan must be more specific for this one to understand…”

“Wei Ying-”

“Oh, would you look at that! Our exclusive seating!” Wei Wuxian spreads his arms dramatically towards a paved terrace with stools and a table. Then he covers his eyes against a sun that isn’t glaring enough for it to be needed, peering behind them. “And I’m seeing a diligent little disciple bring our infamously bland food! Why, how lovely.”

He drops theatrically onto one of the stools, which is normally intended for students studying calligraphy by copying poems in the garden. Lan Wangji breathes out slowly, before following Wei Wuxian’s example, though with far more poise.

The little Lan disciple bows for his second young master when he sets down Lan Wangji’s food, and noticeably less towards Wei Wuxian, who grins at him regardless. Like everything else the Lans do, he’s efficient and precise as he sets the kettle out, walking away soon enough.

Wei Wuxian feels Lan Wangji’s eyes on him again, but right as the boy opens his mouth, Wei Wuxian picks up his bowl of rice and smiles, lifting his chopsticks demonstratively, before digging in.

‘No talking while eating’ as Lan Wangji would say. The boy can’t ask him now.

Defeated, Lan Wangji shifts his sleeves out of the way and begins to eat himself.

Wei Wuxian glances up at Lan Wangji’s lowered eyes, seeing the sun cast long shadows from his lashes over his cheeks. Since they are both being quiet, it doesn’t take long for his ears to pick up all the little noises of the garden surrounding them. It’s a peaceful place.

He guesses it wouldn’t be the worst to live here.

Especially if every day could be like this; annoying Lan Wangji but getting his will anyways; having Zewu-jun help him arrange secret dates- that is, secret chats; though of course, most important of all – having Lan Wangji all to himself!

And wouldn’t it be fair? After all, if they’re to be married, isn’t that expected of a husband? That he dedicates his time to his partner foremost?

Surely, a husband shouldn’t be allowing other clan members to sit beside him in class. It’s actually quite rude, in Wei Wuxian’s opinion.

He smiles and bites the inside of his cheek. He’s being silly again, isn’t he?

He can’t be assuming he’ll be marrying Lan Wangji, just because of some words coming from that older Wei Ying – who may not even be him at all, given how different they look – yet who still knew something so private about Wei Wuxian – and what are the chances he shares a name with someone else? – although that’s all ignoring that this is likely all someone else’s doing – but then again, maybe there’s a chance it could be some visage from the future and-

“Wei Ying.”

“… Mm?” Wei Wuxian blinks and lifts his head.

“Have you finished?”

Wei Wuxian looks down at where he’s aimlessly pushing two pieces of rice around his bowl with his chopsticks and realises he got lost in his thoughts again. He chuckles and places the empty bowl onto the tray, then clears the table for tea.

“Ah, Lan Zhan, your company simply had me daydreaming!”

Lan Wangji neither scoffs nor blushes, but he does lower his eyes slightly. He turns his own cup of tea in his hands twice. Wei Wuxian thinks he looks absolutely endearing; what a lovely husband he is going to get himself.

Might get.

Probably won’t get.

His fingers clench possessively. He has no right to, of course, not simply on the basis of some drivel from some strange hallucination, which he can’t even be sure the origin of. He can’t just assume it’s his future he’s witnessing.

But then again…

It might be.

It probably isn’t.

“You have been acting strange.”

“Rude.” Wei Wuxian purses his lips at the other boy. “I’ve been exactly the same as ever.”

“You have been insistent on my presence. You weren’t before.”

“What? I’ve always been intent on making you my friend. Are you forgetting all the fond memories we share?” Wei Wuxian settles his head in his palm. “We’ve seen each other nude, I’ve shared my beloved porn with you, and we’ve even established a furry little family!”

“Wei. Ying.” Lan Wangji grits out. Wei Wuxian gets that tickly feeling in his stomach when he’s walking the fine line of getting a rise out of Lan Wangji without setting him off entirely. “Must you act a fool in every conversation?”

“Only for you.”

Wei Wuxian cackles when Lan Wangji glares at him, a deeper shade beginning to colour his ears. He really does find glee in this cat-and-mouse game. Will it be- that is, would it be like this, once- if they get married?

He’s seen those older guys be all lovey-dovey. But sometimes they play. Tease. Fool around.

Would Lan Wangji be like that – will he learn to play along with Wei Wuxian?

The idea makes him breathe in deeply.

What is it like being married to a man in the first place? He has always assumed cutsleeves struggle, but those two… They seem so publicly domestic, so openly – happy.

Is it mine to have, someday?

If that ‘Wei Ying’ can mention something only Wei Wuxian knows – how can it be anything but a premonition about the future?

Yet, of the stuff he’s learned from these visions, there are so many points of confusion. How can Wei Wuxian’s future possibly include being married to someone like Lan Wangji? How could he end up living so far from Lotus Pier, in the stuffy Cloud Recesses? How did he come to look so different? And, especially, somehow the two of them will end up – having a son?!

Thinking it through, the first point is not… A terrible thought. At all. He wouldn’t – mind. He’s pretty sure of that.

The second… Is tougher. But he might be misunderstanding – seeing as neither of them are female, maybe they live partly in Gusu, and partly in Yunmeng? Then he could still get to serve the Jiangs, see his shidis and shimeis, and play in the lakes!

Besides, even if Lan Wangji theoretically would be more ‘crucial’ to his clan in any supposed marriage negotiations – isn’t he also the prettiest of the two of them? As graceful as even the finest young maiden! Surely, that should counterweigh who gets to be the husband-husband in this arrangement!

… Somehow. Wei Wuxian isn’t quite sure exactly how all that works.

The third strange observation continues to be a mystery. Wei Wuxian is still at a loss as to why his future self would look so strange – but maybe he suffered some tragic disfigurement or something.

Look, he hasn’t quite figured this all out!

However, that final piece of information… It warms Wei Wuxian oddly.

To have a family. A child.

Certainly not of blood, given the nature of this marriage – unless someone has come up with some truly incredible talismans that Wei Wuxian would love to study – but at least, someone to call his.

All in all – not the worst fate he has envisioned for himself. Even the bland food could be bearable if endured for love, right?

He huffs, then baulks.

Love?! Who – who said anything about – love?!

Not him!

What is he thinking?! This whole ordeal has stirred up his brain thoroughly, that’s for sure!

What’s next – is he going to try to actually court the other boy? Flirt with him purposefully? Wrap Lan Wangji around his finger? Touch him, pull his cheek, pet his hair, hold his hand, hug him – even try things like kissing…?!

Just imagining it is…

He doesn’t know, okay?! He’s barely thought of all that for now!

Only like – a few times.

And well, it hasn’t been the worst fantasies, right? After all – those lovebirds seem very eager to be all up in each other’s space! So, it must be… Quite nice…

And he sure doesn’t want anyone else to do it with Lan Wangji!

“… You shouldn’t let others sit beside you…”

Lan Wangji blinks, looking as if it were the last thing he expected Wei Wuxian to bring up in this ‘serious chat’.

“I’m sorry?”

Wei Wuxian pouts at him. ‘Yeah, you should be sorry! Is it any way to treat your future husband?’ he wants to say. Instead, he sips his tea. “… I focus better when I sit beside you. Nothing more.” He puts his cup down and rummages in his sleeves. “I guess you keep me in check.”

Lan Wangji is quiet as Wei Wuxian lays a few of his talismans out. “I see. Then… I shall assist you with focusing in the future.”

Damn right, Wei Wuxian huffs in his head. You better!

Then he taps his finger on the spell he’s been working on, turning the conversation in the direction he assumes Lan Wangji had been expecting. “Alright, tell me – are you good at experimental talismans?”

Lan Wangji’s expression turns studious as he picks up Wei Wuxian’s latest scribbled attempt at a solution. “This design… I have not seen this combination before.”

“Ergo, the experimental part.”

Lan Wangji’s intense gaze bores into Wei Wuxian’s, unreadable. “You’re the creator of this?”

Unable to tell if he’s being judged for his fiddling, Wei Wuxian shrugs. Lan Wangji should know by now that he has creatively unorthodox tendencies. “Playing around with some ideas. It’s nothing dangerous.”

“So, you have tested it?”

“… Nothing dangerous as far as I know,” Wei Wuxian corrects. “And shouldn’t be, if my calculations are right!”

“Which we will only find out by testing it.”

“Whiiich is why I’m asking you check it over before I light it up next time we see those two paramours!” Wei Wuxian smiles, flicking the edge of the talisman paper in Lan Wangji’s hand.

“What do you want it to do exactly?” Lan Wangji asks warily, trying to decode the purpose of the spell from the characters alone.

“Well – obviously, it’s to trace what’s – I mean, who’s the cause of the visions!” Wei Wuxian says with excitement. Lan Wangji’s eyes widen ever so slightly, but Wei Wuxian barrels onward. “See how ‘qi’ aligns with ‘origin’ in this axis? I think, if I can activate the spell close enough to them, whatever energy they’re made up of can be traced back to its creator!”

“… Its creator. The one who caused this...” Lan Wangji echoes in a low voice.

“Exactly!” Wei Wuxian folds his arms with pride. “I think it’s a solid spell. But I swear I’ll only light it once you’ve given it the all-clear.”

Lan Wangji’s eyes are locked onto the characters written on the talisman, and he swallows thickly. Then he nods once, carefully putting the paper in his sleeve. “Alright. I shall check it over.”

“Awesome! If it’s got your go-ahead next time we see those two, maybe we can finally find the culprit behind these visions!”

… Or learn that there is no culprit, Wei Wuxian does not say. For if he’s right – if these visions are some echo from the future… There should be no culprit, and the spell shouldn’t work.

What will Lan Wangji think then? Will he be more open to seeing Wei Wuxian as a possibility? Would he see that they could be close? That they could be friends?

Then maybe, Wei Wuxian can tell him what that older ‘Wei Ying’ said – and what it must mean.

Wei Wuxian feels cautiously excited.

He does not realise Lan Wangji looks down into his teacup with deep foreboding in his heart.

•••••

Lan Wangji abhors what he must conclude: there is nothing wrong with Wei Wuxian’s spell.

It will most likely work exactly as intended.

He cannot lie, and yet, he cannot break a promise. As he pores over the design one last time in the last light before hai shi, he hopes he finds something wrong with it so he can tell the other boy not to use it.

But he does not.

“I believe it will have the effect you’re seeking,” he tries not to mutter as he hands Wei Wuxian the talisman back the next morning. The boy sits beside him once more, as they had established he should, and Lan Wangji realises it might be the last time he does, should they see those two men again and learn once and for all whose fantasies have caused all this.

“Really?! That’s great!” Wei Wuxian says, happily snatching back the spell that will cause Lan Wangji’s final heartbreak. “I'll make a few copies so we’re sure to have some on hand next time we – well, you know, see them.” He whispers near the end, eyeing the class around them.

“Mn,” Lan Wangji croaks in the back of his throat.

In his excitement, that frustrating boy doesn’t notice how Lan Wangji’s fingers tremble around his brush at the prospect. His mind easily supplies him with visuals of numerous expressions of shock and horror on Wei Wuxian’s face when his talisman inevitably reveals the truth.

“---  So it’d be best if we stick by each other until then, alright?”

Lan Wangji blinks and turns to Wei Wuxian. “Why?”

Wei Wuxian rolls his eyes slightly, pushing Lan Wangji’s shoulder. “Distracted er-gege?”

“Do not call-”

“Once I cast the spell on ‘those two’,” Wei Wuxian leans in and whispers far too intimately for Lan Wangji’s comfort, goosebumps breaking out over the skin of his neck. “We have to go confront the culprit together! So, we should stick by each other until we see them again, okay?”

Lan Wangji can barely breathe. “Mm,” he hums, trying not to let Wei Wuxian’s proximity mess him up any further.

“Good!” Wei Wuxian leans back, a gleeful smile spreading over his lips. Lan Wangji cannot understand how the boy can look so satisfied when he finds himself forced to be near the ‘stick-in-the-mud’ he finds so boring. Wei Wuxian keeps seeking Lan Wangji out for this ridiculous pursuit, as if his hands are forced – yet he never lets it show.

Rather confusingly, he seems happy being tied to Lan Wangji through this.

Does he really have no clue yet? Or is he just looking forward to exposing Lan Wangji’s unwanted feelings fully?

It is all so terribly vexing.

The glare of the sun reflects in Bichen as Lan Wangji polishes its blade.

He is a bundle of exposed nerves, anxious for any moment of surprise. Wei Wuxian is at his side all day, every day – to the frustration of Lan Wangji, though he tries not to show it – and to the grumblings of Wei Wuxian’s other friends, who dare not approach the Second Jade even for the sake of hanging out with the charismatic Jiang head disciple

And yet, for some ludicrous reason Lan Wangji cannot explain, he has found himself enjoying Wei Wuxian’s proximity, even indulging his frivolous suggestions – and often living to regret it.

“Lan Zhan – what do you honestly think is the cause for these visions?”

Such as now. Sitting beside Wei Wuxian and polishing their weapons, readying for a practice duel he shouldn’t have agreed to.

“I cannot know,” he says truthfully, though it feels far too close to a lie in his mouth. Wei Wuxian apparently has yet to piece the evidence together, but Lan Wangji feels terribly certain he knows who is to blame.

“Neither of us knows! I wanna hear what your best guess is!” Wei Wuxian huffs, getting to his feet and dropping the polishing cloth unceremoniously, swinging his ridiculously named sword a few times in practice.

“As you have suggested, it is likely someone playing a practical joke,” Lan Wangji says, acting as if he truly believes it any longer.

Oh, but he hopes. Hopes it’s someone making fun of him, something he would at least be able to deny. If so, he could punish that person accordingly and finally be relieved of all these nerves.

He tries to tell himself he would not just be taking his shame out on whoever is ridiculing his feelings.

Wei Wuxian’s swings grow slower and slightly more unfocused. “… And if it’s not?”

Lan Wangji furrows. Is this not the theory Wei Wuxian believes himself – that a prankster is behind? “What else could it be?”

A reflection of your hidden longing, something deep in him accuses. But you are too cowardly to admit it to him. You would rather make yourself a fool in this scheme.

“Well, I mean, could it be, like – I dunno, like some strange future premoniti- Ah, never mind, never mind, don’t listen to me Lan Zhan – I’m rambling now!” Wei Wuxian laughs tightly. “I’m just trying to cover all bases, you know!”

Lan Wangji stares at his own reflection in the metal. He has other theories too, but to speak them aloud would be…

“I guess… It could be a projection,” he says before considering the words fully. He snaps his mouth closed as Wei Wuxian turns around.

“Projection of what?”

Lan Wangji should stop speaking.

“Someone’s imagination,” he says anyway. “Unwillingly manifested.”

Why does he keep speaking?

Wei Wuxian freezes. Of course, he freezes. He must know what Lan Wangji is insinuating. He must have finally pieced it together.

He must be disgusted.

Lan Wangji bites his lips and rubs hard enough on Bichen’s blade that his knuckles turn white.

“Someone’s… Imagination…” Wei Wuxian echoes, and Lan Wangji wants to run away. “As in… Oh. You mean-”

“Or a manifestation of something else,” he rushes to suggest, hoping to cover his own slip-up. “Possibly similar to a dream. Maybe some coagulation of strange energies. Or something entirely different.”

“Ah. Ahah. Right.” Wei Wuxian sounds strange. “Yeah, surely not, right? I mean – how would something in my hea- I mean, it surely isn’t possible.”

“Right.”

“Yep.”

They stay silent for a few painful moments before Wei Wuxian stretches audibly, twists towards Lan Wangji and lifts Suibian in challenge.

“Well – if you’re ready?”

Lan Wangji breathes out, folds up his cloth and stands. Wei Wuxian walks backwards to the centre of the practice ring, eyes on Lan Wangji as he stalks after him. There’s a smile in his eyes that makes Lan Wangji feel even stranger still, and he really shouldn’t have said yes to a duel.

As they step into place, Lan Wangji positions his feet for the most standard defensive form, holding Bichen at his side until he can evaluate Wei Wuxian’s plans. However, the other boy does nothing by the book; he grins, his sword lifted into a half-hearted sword-form.

“Ready?” he grins.

Lan Wangji lifts an eyebrow and glances at Wei Wuxian’s feet, as if pointing out the lacklustre form. But when the boy does nothing to adjust, he lifts Bichen.

“Yes.”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes squint with his smile – before a flurry of robes tails his charge towards Lan Wangji.

It’s a bold but easily defended strike, and Lan Wangji sidesteps without even moving his sword.

And yet, as he does, Wei Wuxian shadows him, following his blind angles no matter how Lan Wangji turns. He does not strike, probably knowing it would take too long and give Lan Wangji the chance to counter, but his laughter is nonetheless cocky and teasing just behind Lan Wangji whenever he twists.

“Oh, Lan Zhan, I think you’ve tied your pretty little ribbon wrong!” he sing-songs. Lan Wangji flinches when he feels fingers graze his hair, and swipes his leg backwards, catching the back of Wei Wuxian’s knee. The boy yelps but manages to turn his fall into a roll and gets to his feet fast enough, his hair slightly dishevelled as he smiles at Lan Wangji and lifts his sword once more.

“Quick one!” he praises.

“You’re playing around,” Lan Wangji says, twisting his hand and letting Bichen bear down on the other boy. Wei Wuxian quickly lets Suibian meet his blade, sliding Bichen away from himself.

“And you’re being too serious!” Wei Wuxian charges brazenly once more, though Lan Wangji backs away this time, not letting the boy get behind him again. “I’m having fun! Aren’t you?”

Lan Wangji speaks in between their swords clanging against each other, countering every strike Wei Wuxian makes. “Training is not for fun.”

“Then does this have to be training?” Wei Wuxian ducks when Lan Wangji swipes at him, using his free hand to strike Lan Wangji’s elbow, trying to make him drop his weapon, though with little success. He falls back quickly when Lan Wangji reverses his strike and swipes Bichen at him from the other direction. “We- we’re just having a friendly match!”

“A match requires even more intention than training, even friendly ones.” Lan Wangji glares at Wei Wuxian, choosing not to tail him as he walks an arch around Lan Wangji, evaluating his stance and trying to spot any openings.

“Aha! So you admit we are friends?” Wei Wuxian’s smile widens, and he tilts his head.

Lan Wangji frowns, the muscle under his eye twitching. “That is not a logical inference from my words,” he says – and in the same moment, he dodges away from Wei Wuxian’s sword, feeling the wind of it tickle his cheek.

“Ah… Are you so cold to everyone, or am I special to you?” Wei Wuxian huffs, though his words are far too close to Lan Wangji’s face. He shoves the boy off him with his elbow, and Wei Wuxian falls into the dirt cackling, even as Lan Wangji lifts his blade to his throat.

“Such nonsense,” Lan Wangji grits out.

“Gege, gege, so cruel!” Wei Wuxian says, though his laugh undermines his attempt at sounding pitiful. “Is this any way to treat your husband-?”

Lan Wangji sees Wei Wuxian’s eyes widen, before he clasps a hand over his mouth. He feels his own heart stagger in his chest, and his fingers tremble where they clutch Bichen tighter.

“Ah, Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, don’t be mad, I was just – joking! Just joking!” Wei Wuxian rushes to explain, smile now nervous and a hand lifted placatingly. As if making fun of their situation, of what Lan Wangji’s fantasies revolve around, is no big deal.

He still finds this all a joke.

“The duel is over,” Lan Wangji declares, stowing Bichen in its sheath.

“And you won! Lan Zhan, you’re so talented!” Wei Wuxian jumps to his feet, rushing to get around Lan Wangji before he turns and walks away. But, if he thinks praises will make Lan Wangji forget his constant ridiculing, he is wrong. “Hey, wait, let me have another go? I know I can win, okay!”

“You have no intentions of taking it seriously.”

“I have all the intentions! I already did this time!” Wei Wuxian defends, stubbornly stepping in Lan Wangji’s way whenever he tries to walk around. “My fighting style is just a little unique – can’t you appreciate variety, young master Lan?”

“Is humiliating others part of your style?”

“Humiliating?! Who was – Lan Zhan! Wasn’t I the one in the dirt? My behind is the one all dusty now – if anything, you’re the one who humiliated me!” Wei Wuxian crosses his arms.

Lan Wangji wishes he knew how to manoeuvre this person, but time and again, he’s proven he is out on waters he does not know.

“Yet I did not speak any crudeness to you.”

Wei Wuxian falters slightly. He swallows and looks to the side. “Right. Sorry – I really was just joking. Don’t take it seriously, okay? I didn’t mean to offend you.”

Lan Wangji grows quiet. All his emotional suffering in this situation – to Wei Wuxian, they’re to be laughed at or ignored.

The boy has no decorum. Even Lan Wangji has been taught how to turn down a maiden’s feelings with grace.

Maybe, since he is no maiden, Wei Wuxian sees no reason to afford Lan Wangji the same honour.

Maybe he’s so insistent on being near Lan Wangji simply to seek out more reactions he can mock. Driven by a need to make the boy who has so foolishly fallen for him feel even more shame for it. Maybe catching the ‘culprit’ of their visions is just an excuse.

Wei Wuxian’s eyes return to Lan Wangji’s face, skipping around and growing worried at what he sees. “Please don’t be angry with me?” he says, his voice a little smaller, a hint of fear in it.

Lan Wangji does not know how to read him.

He doesn’t have time to anyway – not before a shrill melody announces what he’s dreaded; their uninvited guests have shown up again.

A blur of black passes before his eyes as he turns towards the sound of the flute, and it is quickly followed by a flash of white. The deep thrum of a guqin string shakes the ground beneath them, making Wei Wuxian stumble and clutch onto Lan Wangji, before he, too, turns to look at the older men.

‘Wei Ying’ leaps backwards, a hauntingly familiar smile playing on his lips, even as his mouth presses onto his dizi and his fingers move methodically to produce energy pulses that counter the ones rushing towards him. The older ‘Lan Wangji’ dons a familiar neutral expression as he pulls a row of strings Lan Wangji knows well.

But this time – there are others.

Lan Wangji furrows his brow, trying to catch the ghosts of new voices – unfamiliar ones. He twists, trying to locate them, but they’re intangible.

‘Wei-qianbei really is Hanguang-jun’s only match!’ some youthful voice declares, though it’s barely audible.

‘No wonder their styles fit together so well – they counter each other perfectly too!’ another agrees.

There are more cheering and indecipherable exclamations, but he cannot discern them. And, before he has a chance to listen further – he sees Wei Wuxian pull something from his sleeve, his eyes intent only on the two figures still weaving around each other almost as if in a choreographed dance.

Lan Wangji’s heart plummets when he recognises the spell.

“Wei Ying-”

Wei Wuxian has activated the talisman before Lan Wangji can reach out and stop him.

He watches the paper shoot towards the ground the two men move across. Of course, it passes through them as if they weren’t there – but it sparkles with qi when it does, resonating with whatever energies make up their forms.

Lan Wangji has a single moment to feel ill, watching that flickering condense into a shimmering golden tether, before it shoots towards him.

He closes his eyes, refusing to see the way Wei Wuxian’s expression will shift when he realises who the ‘culprit’ is.

Then, the next moment draws out painfully.

But he hears nothing. Feels nothing. The distorted cheers of some younger audience and the sound of the battling melodies dancing around him are all he registers.

“… What…?” Wei Wuxian finally whispers, sending goosebumps down Lan Wangji’s back.

‘I can explain’ is stuck somewhere in his throat.

But Wei Wuxian says nothing further, so Lan Wangji ventures to open one eye…

… And sees that golden line vanish into Wei Wuxian’s abdomen.

Not his own.

Lan Wangji blinks, confused at what he is seeing.

Wei Wuxian looks just as perplexed, moving a hand over his stomach, watching with stunned silence as it passes through the string. The other end of the tether billows after the two fighting figures, and Lan Wangji’s mind finally connects.

Except – he doesn’t understand.

The source of the visions…

How – how can it be Wei Ying…?