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1
There is a tightness in the air tonight.
A feeling of apprehension Lan Wangji can't quite shake off. Perhaps it's the new guest disciples that will be entering over the next week. While these new arrivals will be quiet the first night, Lan Wangji knows that they will begin to disturb the peace of his home soon, one way or another. Throwing a bunch of rambunctious teenagers into a space would do that anywhere.
While the guest disciples are all old enough to know basic etiquette, and how to control themselves, most won't have mastered any fine-tune control of their pheromones yet, and Lan Wangji dreads the barrage of unfamiliar scents that will infect his home. The first few weeks after the guest disciples arrive are always the worst, making him glad that his residence is off the main paths. At least that safe haven will remain intact.
He looks off the wall over the Cloud Recesses, pulled from his reverie when his patrol talisman begins to shake. Lan Wangji looks down, frowning. It is not supposed to do that. It is supposed to play a series of notes, not rattle like an insect in a jar. He flips the talisman over. It appears to be in working order otherwise– none of the lines are chipped or colors faded.
There must be a ward in need of replacing, Lan Wangji decides.
That’s when he hears a clattering further down the wall. Who is trying to break past curfew? He walks quickly in that direction. The figure wears guest-disciple robes, nimbly perched on the wall.
“Entering the cloud recesses past curfew is forbidden.”
Lan Wangji catches no scent off the figure, who tilts their head to gaze at him with sparkling grey eyes. “Is it?”
“Yes.”
“I'm new here,” the figure says, gesturing to his robes. “Surely you can give me a pass since I didn't know.”
“It is on the wall of rules.” Lan Wangji glares. Surely the figure already knows–they had to walk up the stairs to get here, passing the Wall of Discipline.
“That old thing? There's like… a million rules on there. You can’t expect me to remember them all.” The figure grins.
That is… a valid point. “It is still against the rules.”
“How about we strike a deal?” the figure grins, rummaging through his robes. “I give you a jar of Emperors Smile, and you let me through, alright?”
Lan Wangji gives him a flat stare. “Alcohol is forbidden”
“Ah, but nobody will know if we don't tell them!” the figure winks
“I will tell them.”
“Ah, that's no fun!” the figure pouts. Lan Wangji looks at them. Their brazen behavior. They must be an Alpha. Alphas are always allowed to get away with more, and this one, being quite possibly the most beautiful Alpha Lan Wangji has ever seen, probably made people even more lenient.
The figure looks up. “So… alcohol is forbidden in the Cloud Recesses?”
“That is correct.”
The figure’s smile turns devious. “In that case, drinking it on the wall should be fine right?”
Oh no.
Lan Wangji did not start his evening planning to take care of a drunk Alpha, and he did not want to. The figure opened the jar, raised it, and began to drink.
Lan Wangji’s breath caught in his chest. If the figure had been handsome before, well-muscled with shining hair, then the figure drinking the wine was a masterpiece. A priceless painting playing itself out before him.
The wildfire of chaotic energy melting away until it's just the moon, the breeze, and a boy with moonlight shimmering across the disheveled folds of his robes. A drop of glistening wine slips past the boy's lips and traces down the column of his throat.
Lan Wangji swallows. He knows he should yank his eyes away, but he finds himself physically incapable, his eyes arrested by the figure before him. The figure sets the jar down and wipes a hand across his lips, spreading the wine and making his lips glisten.
“People aren't wrong– Emperors smile really is the good stuff.” The figure holds up the second jar. “Are you sure you don't want it?’
For the first time in his life, Lan Wangji wants to take someone up on that offer. He wants to drink not only the jar, but lick the wine off his neck, and then his lips. He wants every last drop and then more.
Lan Wangji stiffens. How dare he? How dare he tempt him with debauchery?
How dare it almost work?
Lan Wangji draws his sword and points it at the figure, who laughs. His laugh solidifies Lan Wangji's resolve as his need to tackle the man surges. He lunges.
The figure draws his sword to meet him.
Lan Wangji was proud of his sword work. He often resented his secondary gender for the expectations it gave people of him, but he felt at home when swinging his sword. It made him feel closer to his mother, who had used her strength to make her sons feel safe and loved instead of using it to suppress like other Alphas did.
When their swords meet, the sword glares crackle between them as the figure smiles. They began to exchange a flurry of strikes. The figure fought with the Yunmeng Jiang sword style.
Lan Wangji is surprised to find that figure was his match; his strong, decisive blows were all met with swift slashes as the figures' feet sweep across the roof tiles, sending gravel clattering to the path below.
It doesn’t take long for Lan Wangji to find himself on the defensive but with a strategic slash, flips the tables and sends the jar of wine in the figure's hand flying.
“Hey! I know you don't want it but I still could have drank that!” the figure exclaims, defending from Lan Wangji's next blow. A slip of his pheromones break loose, betraying his emotions to be a hint of annoyance and far too much delight. He smells incredible, like summer lakes and spicy chili.
And he's an Omega.
Lan Wangji trips, tumbling off the wall, and the Cloud Recesses swirl towards him as the ground rapidly approaches. His robes are too tangled to get on Bichen safely, and he braces for impact.
But instead of hitting the ground, Lan Wangji's descent is halted by an arm rapping around his ribcage. His breath catches, and his nose fills with the scent of the Omega whose body he is now pressed against. His mind blanks, inhaling sharply as the Omega gently places him on the ground.
The figure hops off his sword and sheaths it. “You Lan’s are so pretty, even when you stumble. Truly, you should leave some for the rest of us!” He laughs. Not a mean laugh, but as if he simply holds too much joy and it just bubbles out of him. He flashes Lan Wangji a rakeish grin.
“Since I caught you, do me a favor and forget you saw me, yeah?”
Lan Wangji wants to respond, but he seems to have forgotten everything that isn't how good that Omega smells, and all he can do is silently stare as the figure’s robes flash around the nearest corner, in the direction of the guest disciple quarters.
2
Lan Wangji soon learns that the mysterious figure is called Wei Wuxian,and that he is the Head Disciple of the Yunmeng Jiang sect. He also discovers that Wei Wuxian is not any less frivolous during waking hours…
Or in class.
Lan Wangji did not learn the Omega's name because they were introduced, but because it was the name his uncle shouted as he kicked Wei Wuxian out of the classroom–the first time in his entire teaching career he has ever done so.
Wei Wuxian grows like a vine into Lan Wangji's life. Rapidly taking over each space and stubbornly refusing to leave. He doesn't know if he loves it or hates it, but he knows he's addicted to it. That his eyes seek Wei Wuxian every time he turns a corner. That his ears are always listening for that bubbling laugh. That a part of him is pleased that Wei Wuxian will be disrupting another one of his spaces today.
Lan Wangji copies texts as he waits in the library; the familiar feel of the brush on paper grounding him.
When Wei Wuxian enters, Lan Wangji glances up.
“Hello Lan Wangji!” Wei Wuxian strides forward, dumping his books onto the table before taking a seat.
Lan Wangji can't help but think his level of enthusiasm inappropriate for someone who is supposed to be punished. He replies stiffly, “Today you will be copying the first section of the Rules of Discipline.”
Wei Wuxian pouts.pouts “No hello? Lan Wangji, are you not excited to spend more time with me?”
“Ridiculous.”Lan Wangji wishes he could say that no, he isn't, but lying is forbidden, and while Wei Wuxian seems to have made a goal of breaking every rule possible during his time here, Lan Wangji does not intend to join him in that pursuit.
“Begin writing.”
To his credit, Wei Wuxian does start writing…untilwriting…Until about five seconds later, Wei Wuxian stops and leans forward. “You know, I really wasn’t trying to be rude on the wall, right? I really didn't know alcohol wasn't allowed, and I didn't mean to offend you.”
Lan Wangji does not respond.
“And if you're worried about me telling people I saw you trip, I promise I won't. Not that there's anything wrong with tripping. Everyone trips sometimes!”
“The library is a place to be quiet.”
Wei Wuxian keeps talking. “If this is about the scent thing, you really can't blame me. The Jiang clan is more open with our pheromones. I was trying my best, but you caught me off guard, throwing the wine! I didn't expect you to be so–!”
Wei Wuxian's mouth fights the silencing spell that Lan Wangji has put in place.
“Write,” Lan Wangji says.
First, he doesn't blame Wei Wuxian for what happened that night. Second, because he is terrified of what Wei Wuxian would say next. Lan Wangji has barely interacted with him directly for 5 minutes, but he doesn't think he could stand it if Wei Wuxian called him aggressive.
Lan Wangji watches Wei Wuxian struggle, and the feeling in him surges. He looks down at his paper.
After Wei Wuxian has stopped fighting the spell, and appears to be studying well, Lan Wangji lets it fall away.
Wei Wuxian immediately notices, perking up. “Lan Wangji, why would you do that? I was apologizing! It's not friendly behavior to silence your friends.”
“We are not friends.”
“Arent we? I saved you when you fell from the wall that day.”
“Does that make us friends?”
“Of course!”
Friends. Lan Wangji had never had a friend before. The closest thing he had was Xichen, and he didn't think his brother counted. He was familiar with the Young Masters of the prominent clans, but wasn't close to any of them. His brother and Mingjue both had tried to get him to befriend Huaisang, but that didn't go anywhere as he didn't really share any interests with his brother-in-law.
“Can we fight again?” Wei Wuxian props his chin up on his hand, grinning. “That was fun!”
Lan Wangji’s hand tightens around his brush. He wanted to be friends, and now he wanted to fight? Had he not been serious? “Fighting is prohibited.”
The Omega leans back on his hands “How did you learn to fight like that if fighting is prohibited? You're really good! Even Jiang Cheng doesn't push me that hard!”
Lan Wangji furrows his brows. “Scheduled spars are allowed in the training grounds.”
“We should do that then!” Wei Wuxian promptly abandons his brush, ink splattering across the paper when he leans forward. “Can we spar instead of copying the rules?”
Was Wei Wuxian just trying to get out of the punishment?
“No. Write.”
“Aiya… you're so cold to your friend, Lan Zhan!”
Lan Wangji stiffens.
“Did I pronounce it wrong? I could have sworn that's what Xichen said it was.”
Lan Wangji makes a mental note to give his brother a pointed glare the next time he sees him.
“Since we are friends. You should call me by my birth name too! Mine is Wei Ying.”
“Frivilous.”
“Say it, Lan Zhan! I want to hear you say it.”
“Ridiculous.”
“Please.” Wei Ying pouts.
“This is a punishment. You should be writing.”
“But Lan Zhannnnn, writing is so boring!”
“If Wei Ying finds it boring, perhaps he should do it faster, so it is over sooner.”
“Lan Zhan, I think that's the most I've ever heard you say! Are you warming up to me?”
Lan Wangji lifts his head to look at the Omega, and Wei Wuxian looks back at him. His smile is so bright that Lan Wangji's heart hurts with how beautiful it is. To his horror, he finds that Wei Wuxian is correct. Lan Wangji looks back at his paper.
“Ridiculous.”
“It is okay, Lan Zhan. The lectures have just started, so I have plenty of time to win you over.”
“Don’t push yourself.”
Wei Wuxian gasps, and then laughs. Did Lan Wangji say something wrong? Did he misunderstand something?
“Lan Zhan, nobody told me you were funny!”
Lan Wangji can feel his ears burn. He's never received that compliment before. His brother was the only one who ever understood his jokes.
“Beautiful, a talented cultivator, and funny? Whoever marries you will be so lucky, Lan Zhan!”
“No.”
“Now you’re the one who's being ridiculous; you’re the best!”
“I will not marry.”
Lan Wangji didn't like the idea of getting married. Of letting a stranger come into his house and move his things. A stranger he would be expected to talk to. A stranger who would expect him to settle down, and go on fewer night hunts.
“Of course, how silly of me. You're so focused on your cultivation.”
Wei Ying understood?
“Mn.”
“I think we will have to work on your flirting skills then. You don't want to spend your ruts alone.”
What? Lan Wangji’s ears are so warm, he's worried his ribbon may catch on fire.
“You're so handsome, people are going to assume you're taken.” Wei Ying leans over the table and whispers in his ear, “If you're worried about finding a room, don't worry, I can teach you that too.”
Wei Ying is so close. His scent gland is mere inches from Lan Wangji’s face. The feeling that has been rolling through Lan Wangji spikes, and he wants to bite him. He wants this dazzling Omega to be stuck with him forever.
He wants.
Oh.
That's what this feeling is.
Desire.
Realizing what it is does not make it conveniently disappear.
Wei Wuxian leans back and winks at Lan Wangji. “Aren’t you lucky to have a friend like me, Lan Zhan?”
Lan Wangji puts the silencing spell back in place. “Copy your lines.”
Lan Wangji has a feeling these punishments are going to feel very, very long.
3
“Wangji,” Xichen calls from the path behind him. “I have an assignment for you.”
An assignment? The guest disciples were going to leave soon.
“Mn,” Lan Wangji says.
He doesn't want to lose what little time he has left with Wei Ying before he has to leave.
“You don't want to go? I suppose I can send someone else to go on a Night Hunt with Wei Wuxian then.”
“That will not be necessary.”
“Naturally,” Lan Xichen replies. “I will fill you in on the details while we walk to dinner. You both will set out in the morning.”
Lan Wangji enjoys Wei Ying's chatter as they walk along the path. They had spent the day searching for and killing a Spider Yao whose webs had been blocking the walking trails and making them impossible to traverse at night. The simple task was something a single cultivator of their caliber could certainly have handled.
Wei Ying had been surprisingly focused during the hunt. Lan Wangji had expected his skill, but from his experience, Wei Ying was a bit all over the place. But while they were seeking the target, Wei Wuxian hadn't strayed from their task at all.
And the fight.
Lan Wangji generally preferred to hunt alone, as other cultivators slowed him down. He enjoyed the occasional hunt with his brother, but even they would get in each other's way once the actual combat started.
It hadn't been like that at all with Wei Ying. He and Wei Ying matched each other perfectly. While it felt awkward to fight with his brother and get in a blow, it felt easy with Wei Ying. It felt like fighting with him instead of around him. It was fun. Intoxicating even.
Was this how other people felt when they fought with others?
Wei Ying turns away from the bird he was watching. “I've had so much fun today, Lan Zhan! Usually I have to hold back when I'm fighting with other people, but I didn't have to at all with you!”
“Mn.” Had Wei Ying read his thoughts? It was scary sometimes, how Wei Ying seemed to see right through Lan Wangji. But at times like this, it felt so good. It made him want to hold on to Wei Ying's hand and never let go.
“You know, Lan Zhan. Once I'm older, I want to travel and Night Hunt like this all the time. See the Jianghu. I talked to Jiang Cheng about it, and he said it's okay. Not like I am exactly marriage material.”
Lan Wangji stares at Wei Ying in shock. Not marriage material? In what world was Wei Ying not marriage material? He is literally the perfect partner. Smart, kind, and a strong cultivator. It’s obvious how much he cares about the people he loves.
Even Lan Wangji, whose stance on marriage had been made clear, would love to marry Wei Ying. To get to wake up to Wei Ying every morning, to sleep with Wei Ying in his arms every night. He wanted to drink tea with wrong, and play music with Wei Ying, and Night Hunt with Wei Ying.
Not that Wei Ying would ever want that. To tie himself to Lan Wangji. He was so full of light and life, and Lan Wangji was, well, Lan Wangji. A “fuddy-duddy”.
Even though he doesn't feel that way, he knows he comes across as cold. He knows the Cloud Recesses aren't to Wei Ying's liking. Wei Ying deserved better. He deserved someone who would laugh at his jokes and who was just as loud and chaotic as he was. He deserved to live somewhere without so many rules to buckle under.
It hurts.
To think of Wei Ying with someone else. He can’t stand the thought, but he knows it's going to be true someday. That his time with Wei Ying was going to be a limited, golden few weeks, and that Wei Ying would go back to Lotus Pier and forget about him.
“You should come with me.”
Lan Wangji walks into a tree.
“Are you okay?!” Wei Wuxian exclaims. “Did you get hurt?” Wei Ying frets over him. Lan Wangji didn't think he’d ever been so happy in his life. Wei Ying wanted to keep traveling with him? Wei Ying tugs one of the folds of his robes.
“How do your robes stay so white all the time?”
Lan Wangji feels a rush of affection for the Omega and feels his ears start to heat.
“Ah, I guess not all your clothes do.” And then he reaches up and brushes Lan Wangji’s forehead ribbon.
Time stops.
He looks at Wei Ying's face and he can tell Wei Ying doesn't mean it. Lan Wangji's scent slips out, distressed, hurt, and betrayed. Lan Wangji stumbles back.
Wei Ying follows him. “Whoa, it's okay, Lan Zhan, I can get it out, just give me a second.”
“No,” Lan Wangji says, and there's too much emotion waiting to go into it.
Wei Ying reaches for the ribbon again. “It will, I promise! It's just some surface dirt.”
“Wei Ying, stop.” Lan Wangji snaps, grabbing his wrist. “Do not do things you do not mean.”
The Omega looks at him, clearly startled by the outburst. “What do you mean, Lan Zhan? Of course I mean it.”
It is too much. Lan Wangji can't.
The sounds. The smells. The look on Wei Ying’s face, perfectly confused. Not fearing him even when Wangji has snapped like this. That Wei Ying is so perfect.
“No, you don't."
“I–” Wei Ying goes to speak, but Lan Wangji doesn't want to hear it. He doesn't think he could handle being hurt worse today. He gets on Bichen and he flies in the direction of the Cloud Recesses, setting a brisk pace.
Wei Ying keeps up with him no problem. Because he is Lan Wangji's equal. Because he's perfect. It hurts.
Wei Ying reaches out tentatively when they land. “Lan Zhan I…” He trails off, and for the first time since Lan Wangji has met the Omega, he looks lost. “I’m sorry.”
The crack in his heart grows as he turns away and makes for his house.
Chapter 4-
The next time Lan Wangji sees Wei Ying, it is at the Jin cultivation conference.
Wei Ying enters the arena to a flood of flowers. As he should, Lan Wangji thinks. The Omega looks a bit tired compared to before. But his energy remains the same, bright and endless. Lan Wangji enters the arena a moment later and is surrounded by his own shower of flowers.
One of them hits him in the face. What? The audience is far enough away that they shouldn't be able to hit him. He looks in the direction the flower was thrown from, and Wei Ying laughs and waves to him. He feels his ears redden.
Although it is almost certainly just teasing, he can't help but feel pleased. That stubborn part of him preens at the idea that Wei Ying thinks he's pretty. That despite his cold demeanor, he is still worth throwing flowers to.
“Ridiculous, ” Lan Wangji reprimands himself. It doesn't stop his hand from tucking the peony into his sleeve.
Jiang Wanyin yanks Wei Ying’s hand down with a sharp look. A surge of protectiveness rises within Lan Wangji. Wei Ying should be allowed to make his own decisions. Wei Ying is smart and talented; he doesn't need Jiang Wanyin to hold him back.
This is proven a few moments later when Wei Ying shoots his bullseye blindfolded.
Lan Wangji wanders the woods, slaying whatever he finds. He hasn't run into anything challenging so far. Just some mid-level Yao. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t hoping to run into Wei Ying while hunted. He wanted to hunt together again.
Even if it meant being teased.
After the night hunt, Lan Wangji had locked himself in seclusion in the Jingshi until the guest disciples had left. A part of him had hoped that Wei Ying would knock on his window and break into the Jingshi. To tell Lan Wangji that he never wanted to leave. That would never happen.
Then, Lan Wangji hears a dizi.
The sound is smooth and clear, perfectly executed. The music swirls its way through Lan Wangji’s head, pulling him closer. Despite the song being in a brighter chord, the music is undeniably tinged with longing. Wishing for something far away. It reminds him of Wei Ying. It would compliment the song he has been composing perfectly, Lan Wangji thinks. It could dance around the guqin notes the same way Wei Ying sword work compliments his own.
Lan Wangji lets himself be pulled by the music, and he catches a faint smell. He smells him before he sees him. Spice and summer.
It is Wei Ying.
The Omega sits atop a branch covered in dappled light. He is breathtaking. Lan Wangji is drawn forward in a trance. The Omega hasn't even taken his blindfold off.
He is within arm's reach when a twig snaps under his foot and the Omega looks up.
“Who’s there?”
Lan Wangji freezes.
“Come on now, I don't bite.” Wei Ying beckons, easy and relaxed.
Lan Wangji wishes he would.
The Omega's scent hangs leisurely in the surrounding air, and Lan Wangji can't help but lean in. Wei Ying turns his head, and their noses bump into each other. Wei Ying almost falls and Lan Wangji's head is pulled forward as Wei Ying's fingers loop around his forehead ribbon and clutch his robes to stop himself from falling.
“Aiya, you should have said something! I didn't realise how close you were. Your robes are probably all rumpled now.”
He shouldn't. Lan Wangji knows he shouldn’t.
Wei Ying smiles. “Did you like my playing? I am rather good, if I do say so myself.”
Lan Wangji kisses him.
It is worse than he imagined, and so, so much better. They were both stiff, and it felt strange. Lan Wangji's mind races–this was Wei Ying, he was kissing Wei Ying.
Then, Wei Ying tilts his head, suddenly it's perfect.
Lan Wangji's mind stops. He presses forward, wrapping an arm around Wei Ying's waist and bracing the other against the tree.
Wei Ying makes a breathless noise, and Lan Wangji can taste it. He wants more. He licks into Wei Ying’s mouth and the Omega melts in his arms, pulling his robes harder. Wei Ying's mouth is bitter and sweet, and their scents weave together in a way that makes Lan Wangji’s heart stutter.
Wei Ying pushes him back. “I need–to breathe.”
Lan Wangji realises he’s right; both of their chests are heaving. He goes to take a step back, but Wei Ying doesn't let go of his robes.
Lan Wangji feels a flush of warmth. Wei Ying wants him to stay. He looked at Wei Ying's face. He is so beautiful, cheeks flushed, and the blindfold tied behind...
The blindfold.
Wei Ying didn't want him to stay; he didn't even know it was Lan Wangji. And then it hits him–what he just did. What he just did to Wei Ying, his zhiji, his best friend, an Omega who had trusted him to be safe and in control.
Lan Wangji throws himself back, wrenching his robes out of Wei Ying's hands. Then he runs.
He runs till the clearing is out of sight, and then keeps going trying to outrun Wei Ying's scent, stopping with what is almost a sob when realises he can't, because the scent is stuck to his robes, and is in his hair. He scrubs at his face, but it doesn't help. Wei Ying's scent on his hands too, still sharp and wanting. His chest begins to tighten. How could he do that? Why was he like this? Did he have to ruin the only friendship he had? Lan Wangji stops and strikes a tree with his palm.
Crack! Half the tree falls to the ground. He swings at another. Crack!
“Lan Zhan?” Wei Ying’s voice calls from behind him. “I didn't know you were in my area.”
Lan Wangji whips his head around. How didn’t he know? Did Lan Wangji’s pheromones not spread as much as he thought?
“Can I ask you a question, Lan Zhan?”
Lan Wangji braces himself. “Mn.”
“Do you know anyone who smells like sandalwood?”
He can’t lie. “Mn.”
Wei Ying looked disappointed. “Ah, I suppose you don't know many people's scents. If you ever hear about someone, let me know.”
He didn't recognise Lan Wangji’s scent? A part of Lan Wangji wants to press his wrist to Wei Ying's neck and nose. To make not only him, but everyone else realise who made out with him. Lan Wangji stamps it down. He turns to leave, and Wei Ying calls out.
“Lan Zhan?”
“Mn.”
“Have you ever kissed someone?”
Lan Wangji's gut twists.
“What was I thinking, of course not!”
Lan Zhan flinches, glad Wei Ying cannot see. Of course, even without knowing what he'd done, Wei Ying thought he was unkissable. Before he can stop himself, he asks, “Have you?”
Wei Ying laughs, and it sounds tighter than usual. “Of course, lots of people.”
Lan Wangji’s mind screams as he walks away.
Chapter 5-
Lan Wangji did not like banquets. He did not understand why anybody liked them. They were loud. They meant eating food he did not like for the sake of being polite. It meant he had to sit through random people trying to scent him, and Jin Guanshan jabbing elbows into his side while trying to get him to join in the disrespect of perfectly dignified women. His brother protected him from banquets as best he could, but sometimes they were unescapable.
Another thing Lan Wangji did not like was Jin Zixun. This, on the other hand, was a popular opinion. Even Jin Zixuan couldn't hide his dislike of the Beta, and that was his cousin. Jin Zixun was a living display of the Jin sect's flaws.
Rude, sexist, and so full of himself, Lan Wangji was surprised his ego didn't visibly leak out of his ears.
Lan Wangji chews his over-seasoned tofu while being sadly subjected to both of these things. He looks past the loud Beta.
At least Wei Ying is having a good time. The Jiang Head Disciple is using a chopstick dipped in wine to scribble something on his napkin. Whatever he is drawing, he’s focused enough that he doesn’t notice that his hair is about to get on his plate.
Lan Wangji feels the need to fix Wei Ying’s hair and move his plate so Lan Wangji could feed him while he works. Maybe while he was at it, he could find Wei Ying some more comfortable robes. Then he could give Wei Ying a kiss on the forehead. And the lips. And his–
“He’s not even listening to me! Does he really think he’s so far above me that I am not worth a conversation with?” Jin Zixun shrieks.
Lan Wangji gives the Beta a flat stare. He does not think Jin Zixun is not worth his time. He knows Jin Zixun is not worth his time. Jin Zixun is not worth most people's time.
Sadly, Jin Zixun isn't done spitting over his food.
“This is a disrespect to the Jin clan, and a sign that you do not see us as equals.”
“Lan Wangji is not ignoring you. His face just looks like that,” Nie Huaisang says.
“Well, he hasn't spoken a word to me this whole time.”
“He hasn't spoken a word to anyone this whole time,” Lan Xichen points out.
“Exactly, so he is disrespecting all of us!”
Now, people around the room have started to murmur about the scene.
“To make up for it, you should have a drink with us,” Jin Zixun says, taking two untouched cups of wine from a passing servant, and placing them before Lan Wangji and his brother.
So, that's what game he was playing. The blood-red liquid sloshes in its cup, and Lan Wangji’s stomach turns. This is why Lan Wangji hates banquets. He wants to refuse, but he knows that refusing now would be a show of disrespect. He had been cornered into being entertainment.
It was common knowledge that the Lan’s didn’t drink, and that their tolerance was low. Lan Wangji wasn't good at this. He looks at his brother, at the way his arms tense and eyes flicker, even as his smile remains perfectly in place. His brother is nervous.
“Jin-gongzi, while we are truly honored, Lan’s don't drink.”
Jin Zixun smirks. “In the Cloud Recesses. This isn't the Cloud Recesses, so drink with me!”
“Very well,” Lan Xichen says. He throws back the alcohol,his face twitching at the flavor.
“That wasn't so bad, was it?” Jin Zixun sneers. “Now, Lan Wangji.”
Lan Wangji hears his chopsticks click, and he puts them down before anyone notices how badly his hands are shaking.
“Well?” Jin Zixun says.
Lan Wangji reaches for the cup as dread pools in his stomach.
Then, there is a flash of black and red. A clarity bell tinkles.
Before Lan Wangji can move another inch, slender hands, callused and ink-stained, grab his cup and swing it up toward their owner's mouth, who finishes it in one gulp.
“As his friend, it is my pleasure to take the drink in his place. Surely Jin-gongzi doesn't mind?”
Wei Ying stands between Lan Wangji and Jin Zixun. And he is incredible. Confidence rolled off of him.
Flipping Jin Zixun’s scheme back onto him as easily as breathing. He stands strong and sure, protecting Lan Wangji.
Jin Zixun goes to speak, and Wei Ying's hand twitches on Suibian's hilt. “Of course, it's my pleasure to drink with the Yunmeng Head Disciple,” Jin Zixun says, making the phrase sound like an insult.
Jiang Cheng calls from across the hall, “Wei Wuxian, what are you doing? Get over here and sit down!”
Lan Wangji wants to move, to speak, to do anything, but he is still frozen. He can only watch as Wei Ying smiles at him.
“See you later, Lan Zhan!”
Why can't he move? He watches Wei Ying walk back to his table, robes swishing. Smart, brave, and kind. He thinks of the Omega blocking his table. He saved Lan Wangji like it was second nature. He thinks of summer breezes and chili oil. He thinks of their kiss. Lan Wangji feels his ears heat.
Then, he feels a wave of shame. What was wrong with him? Why couldn't he stop thinking like this? Wei Ying had only ever been kind to him. The first person ever to make an effort to be his friend, Wei Ying deserved his best.
But Lan Wangji couldn't do so much as thank him for defending him. Lan Wangji had repaid Wei Ying's kindness with ,, and his trust with betrayal. Wei Ying deserved better.
And better was not Lan Wangji.
“Are you alright, Wangji?”
“Brother. I would like to leave.”
“Alright, shall we meditate together before bed? I can meet you at your chambers.”
“I would like to leave,” Lan Wangji repeats, tightening his hold on his robes.
Lan Xichen looks surprised. “I thought you had plans to spend time with Wei Wuxian tomorrow?”
Lan Wangji looks away.
“He may be upset if you cancel without telling him,” Lan Xichen warns gently.
Lan Wangji knows. He hates himself for doing this. He hates himself for hurting Wei Ying.
Lan Xichen looks sad. “I will see you at home, Wangji. Have a nice night.”
Lan Wangji nods. “You as well.”
He stands silently and leaves the hall, mounting his sword in the first courtyard he can find. He feels his heart breaking as he watches the trees zip underneath him.
This is the only way. Wei Ying will never leave him on his own. So, Lan Wangji will cut the rope himself. As much as it kills him. As much as it makes every single part of him scream. Lan’s only love once, and Lan Wangji will rip his heart out so Wei Ying can be happy.
+1
For the first time since he could remember, Lan Wangji struggles to sleep. He lies awake staring at the ceiling. His arms ache from the handstands he did upon arriving at his home. The entire set of Lan rules copied once.
It isn't enough.
I might ask for lashes, he thinks. He will certainly go into seclusion. A spike of pain shoots through his chest. He will miss Wei Ying dearly. He already does. This will be worth it. Wei Ying will live a long and happy life this way.
His room is too quiet, and his thoughts burn him, caustic and cruel. He had hoped one day to show Wei Ying his home. To spend lazy afternoons playing his guqin while Wei Ying painted the gentians. He still wants that.
Now everywhere he looks is a reminder of what he will never have. He will have to get used to it. He stares at the ceiling.
Seclusion is the only way to cut Wei Ying off. As much trouble as the Omega has gone to seek Lan Zhan out before, even Wei Ying is not shameless enough to break into the inner family's residential ward of the Cloud Recesses.
Lan Wangji hears a knocking sound. Two soft thunks.
He whips his head to stare at his door. It sounds again, followed by a hesitant voice.
“Lan Zhan?”
Lan Wangji must be dreaming.
“It’s me, Wei Ying.”
Lan Wangji is used to only getting to see his mother in dreams, so he supposes he will have to get used to seeing only Wei Ying here too. He approaches the door.
“Lan Zhan, I came to apologize; please let me in.”
Wait, what? Why would Wei Ying need to apologize? Lan Wangji’s blood runs cold. He stumbles back. This isn't a dream.
Wei Ying continues, “Ah, I didn't mean to invite myself in, you can come out–not that you need my permission to come out! You just do what you like, and I'll talk here, although I would really like to see you while I say this. But you don't have to come out, Lan Zhan. I don't mean to pressure you; I wouldn't want to see me either.”
Wouldn't want to see him? Lan Zhan presses his hand against the door. “Wei Ying?”
“I mean, after all I've done, you really don't have to hear me out at all!”
Wei Ying's voice is slowly filling with panic.
Lan Wangji speaks louder and firmer, hoping to get through whatever anxiety is brewing. “Wei Ying!”
“Lan Zhan?”
“I want to see you.”
“Then why haven't you opened the door?”
Lan Wangji's voice breaks. “I– can't.”
Wei Ying lets out a broken, self-deprecating laugh. “Ah, of course, what was I thinking? The son of a servant can’t enter your house, you're the—!”
Lan Wangji throws the door open and grabs Wei Ying's arm. “No.”
Wei Ying's voice quickly shifts from panic to concern. "It's–Lan Zhan, what happened to you? Are you okay?” His hand flies up to Lan Wangji's face, tucking his hair and dragging his fingers across Lan Wangji's cheeks. “Bring me inside; let's get you cleaned up.”
Lan Wangji obeys without thinking, sitting at the table when Wei Ying directs him. As Wei Ying messes around in his washing area. Lan Wangji begins to realise what a mess he is. He looks down, his clothes are wrinkled, with a small tear from him pulling on them too hard. Dirt crawls across his skin, and he can't imagine his hair is in much better condition.
Wei Ying returns with a basin and a washcloth. “Lan Zhan, what happened to you? You’re a mess!”
He tries to straighten a sleeve with the hand that had touched Wei Ying just a moment ago. He wasn't supposed to do that. Why did he do that? His hands shake.
Wei Ying drops the basin, water spilling across the floor as he grabs Lan Wangji’s forearms. “Lan Zhan, what's wrong? Did something happen?”
Lan Zhan says the one thing that comes to mind, the truth.
“You happened, Wei Ying.”
Wei Ying drops his hands and skitters back.
Lan Wangji had thought he had broken his own heart. A foolish idea, because as Wei Ying backs up, Lan Wangji swears he can feel his heart shatter.
They both speak at once, “I’m sorry.”
Then they stare at each other.
Wei Ying speaks first. “Lan Zhan, why are you sorry? You haven't done anything wrong.”
“I betrayed you. I failed to restrain myself appropriately. And I have taken up your time when you should have been spending it with better people.”
Wei Ying's face becomes more and more confused. “Better people? What better people? You’re the best person I know.” Lan Wangji goes to speak, but Wei Ying cuts him off. “And taking my time? I wish I spent all my time with you! If anything, I’m the one who wastes your time.”
“Ridiculous.”
Wei Ying glares, “No, Lan Zhan, I am being serious.”
Lan Wangji looks at his hands, speaking clearly, “You can not waste my time.”
Wei Ying snorts. “Of course I can, I already have!”
Lan Wangji watches his hands become fists. “No minute spent with Wei Ying could be considered wasted.”
“You're the one who is being ridiculous!”
Lan Zhan looks Wei Ying in the eyes. “I am being serious.”
Wei Ying lets out a sound between a laugh and a sob. “Lan Zhan, who said you could use my words against me! That has to be against the rules.”
“Surely you can give me a pass since I didn't know.”
” That's not how it works!”
“It was how it worked on the wall that night.”
Wei Ying freezes. “Lan Zhan, you remember all the way back then?”
“Mn.”
Of course, he remembers. How could he not?
“Lan Zhan, we weren't friends back then.”
“Mn.”
“Why do you remember that?”
“I remember everything Wei Ying tells me.”
“Why would you do that? I say so much nonsense!”
“I love you.”
This is it. Lan Wangji can't look up, scared to see the look on Wei Ying's face.
“Lan Zhan?” Wei Ying whispers. “You… love me?”
This is it. Lan Wangji could laugh it off and call it a joke, and everything would go back to normal. He lets out a breath. Do not lie. He tells Wei Ying the truth.
“Yes.” His voice breaks under the weight of his feelings, but he doesn't let it make him sound any less sure.
There is no response for a second, before he feels long, calloused hands hesitantly circle his own. Lan Wangji looks up, and Wei Ying is standing over Lan Wangji's chair, looking at him with shining silver eyes.
“You love me? Like me, Wei Wuxian?” Wei Ying says, his sleeves ink splattered and hair falling loose from its braided updo.
Who else could Lan Wangji possibly love?
“I love you, Wei Ying.”
And then he is being kissed.
Wei Ying pulls him in by the collar, and Lan Wangji had forgotten how good this feels, to kiss Wei Ying. To be kissed by Wei Ying. Spice curls around the Jingshi and he pulls Wei Ying onto his lap, revelling in how perfect his thighs feel in his hands.
Wei Ying puts a hand on his shoulder and leans back, using his other hand to cover his neck. He laughs, looking a little sheepish.
“Sorry, Lan Zhan, I can’t help it.”
Lan Wangji tilts his head.
Wei Ying continues, “I’m normally good at controlling my scent, you know I am, but you’re just so distracting!”
Lan Wangji squeezes Wei Ying's thighs. “Mn, not a problem.”
“It's not? I thought the Lan clan was all for controlling their scents?”
“With our families and mates, scent sharing is allowed,” Lan Wangji says, feeling his ears heat at the word mate.
Wei Ying looks excited. “Does that mean– are we mates?”
“Does Wei Ying want to be?” Lan Wangji asks.
“Yes!” Wei Ying exclaims.
“I will tell brother to reach out to the Jiang sect and start planning the wedding.”
Wei Ying looks surprised. “Wedding? Lan Zhan, you want to get married?”
Has he gone too far? Has he misunderstood? “Does Wei Ying not–!”
He doesn’t even get to finish his sentence.
“I want to! I want that so much, Lan Zhan!”
Lan Wangji moves his hands to Wei Ying's waist and stretches up to kiss him again, gently this time. When he pulls away, Wei Ying speaks.
“If we are mates, can I scent you?”
Lan Zhan feels his ears burn as he nods his head. “Mn.”
Wei Ying makes a sound like he's had the air squeezed out of him. “Oh, Lan Zhan, you’re too cute! So eager.”
Wei Ying rubs his wrist against Lan Wangji’s neck and kisses him again, this time licking into Lan Wangji’s mouth. Then he pulls back.
“Is it too much?”
Lan Wangji feels Wei Ying's scent wrapped around him like a blanket.
“Perfect.”
“Lan Zhan! You can't just say things like that! My heart can't take it!” Wei Ying shrieks, smiling all too bright for his words.
“You’ll live.”
“Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying's cheeks flush bright red. He looks down and begins to fidget with Lan Wangji’s fingers. He speaks quieter. “Lan Zhan, would you scent me too?”
Lan Zhan inhales.
Wei Ying rambles on, “It’s okay if you don't want to! I just thought it would be nice.”
Lan Wangji puts a hand on his shoulder. “I would like to.”
Wei Ying remains where he is, staring expectantly.
Why isn’t Wei Ying? Right, he doesn't know. Lan Wangji feels his ears heat again. “Our forehead ribbons act as a sort of scent suppressor. It is customary for our mates to be the ones who take it off when they wish to be scented.”
“Oh!” Wei Ying says, immediately leaning forward to reach behind Lan Wangji and fumble with the knot.
Lan Wangji finds his face pushed into Wei Ying's chest. Lan Wangji decides he likes it there. He moves his arms to hug Wei Ying properly.
His ribbon falls, and his winter air and sandalwood begin to tangle with Wei Ying’s summertime and chili oil. Wei Ying’s scent spikes with joyful surprise.
“Lan Zhan, that was you?”
Lan Wangji's own scent spikes with worried anxiety. The woods. He goes to pull back, but Wei Ying pulls him back into the hug.
“Why didn't you tell me back then?!”
First he feels relief, but it's replaced with frustration. He pushes Wei Ying “Why aren't you angry?”
Wei Ying tilts his head. “Why would I be angry?”
Lan Wangji glares. “I kissed Wei Ying without permission. I betrayed him.”
“I was clearly receptive at the time!” Wei Ying sighs. “But I see your point. Are you gonna do it again?”
“Not without speaking to Wei Ying first.”
“Good. Well, I wasn't holding it against you in the first place, so consider yourself forgiven.” Wei Ying's expression shifts to a smirk as he leans forward. “If you want, you could make it up to me by kissing me some more?”
It's all Lan Wangji needs to hear before he starts kissing Wei Ying again.
Lan Wangi moves one hand up to cradle the back of Wei Ying’s head, in his hair. The Omega's hairpiece hits the ground with a clatter. Wei Ying melts, arms draping over Lan Wangji's shoulders and weight shifting forward. He moves to kiss along Wei Ying’s cheekbone and down towards his neck.
Wei Ying's voice cracks as he tries to speak. “Lan Zhan?”
“Mn.” Lan Wangji kisses behind his ear
“Scent me?”
In the morning, Lan Wangji wakes up to the light gently streaming through the window, and the sound of birds warbling. Wei Ying’s scent and his own scent settled perfectly in the surrounding air. He looks down, and his heart flutters warmly at the sight of Wei Ying. Their legs tangled under the sheets, and his face quietly drooling on Lan Wangji's chest. He combs his fingers through the Omega's hair.
Eventually, he pokes Wei Ying’s cheek.
Wei Ying mumbles into Lan Wangji’s chest and hugs him tighter.
Lan Wangji smiles, covering Wei Ying's shoulder where the sheet had fallen away.
He wants to kiss Wei Ying’s forehead.
And so he does.