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Chapter Text

The petals fall gracefully around him, filling the air with their light scent. The day is peaceful, the sound of the waterfall, the birds chirping as Wei Wuxian dozes off on a thick branch. The lush green of the meadow relaxing, the sunlight peeking through the canopies making it the perfect spot for napping. It is all perfect.

That should have been the first sign. Wei Wuxian should have known, from all the years that peace can never stay for him. They don’t mingle well, it seems. And once again, his theory is proved right when Jiang Cheng’s voice reaches him.

“Wei Wuxian! Come out right now!” He is yelling, dripping with the usual grumpiness. Wei Wuxian would ignore it, had it not been for the urgency of his words.

Wei Wuxian is pushing himself off the tree, landing gracelessly on the ground. He keeps his wings tucked in, choosing to walk to Jiang Cheng instead.

“Jiang Cheng! What a delight to see you here!” he cheers, waving to catch his attention.

Jiang Cheng turns as he hears him and speed-flies to him. Had it not been of his reflexes kicking in, he would have collided with Wei Wuxian.

“You! Where have you been? Me and shijie have been looking all over for you” He exclaims, wasting no time in grabbing him by his shoulders.

Wei Wuxian yelps as Jiang Cheng tries to drag him ahead but Wei Wuxian digs his heel in, stopping him. “Hey! What has gotten your wings twisted today, Jiang Cheng? You missed me this much?” He tries to lighten the mood, but his words fall on deaf ears.

Jiang Cheng merely sighs, “Don’t make me do the explaining. It will not sound good. Mother asked me to get you to the main hall.”

Wei Wuxian is immediately on alert, his wings popping out of his back. “Yu furen is looking for me? Why?” He asks but gets no reply. This is suspicious, really suspicious. He is sure he did not do anything, not anything he remember at least.

He is used to by now, Yu furen punishing him. It will not be the first time. She has been extra hard on him since the day Jiang shushu brought him to Yunmeng. A child she never wanted. He understands her, he really does. Adopting a child is a family decision, not to be made by only one member of the family.  She was never asked her opinion about it. Just expected to live with it. Wei Wuxian can never find a fault in that. No matter how she acts with him.

A trouble-making son of a servant is what he has been in Yunmeng. Even though he can’t do anything about the second part, he has tried several times to act properly. To not cause any trouble. But he fails every single time.

Wei Wuxian and rules just do not fit well. Rules are not meant to be broken; they are made to be bent whenever necessary. And that is exactly what Wei Wuxian does. But it makes Yu furen angry and that is something he does not want. And so, he tries to bend the rules whenever Yu furen is not there to see it. It is an easy solution.

But right now, he comes up empty. This had been his longest streak of not causing any mischief. So, he does not understand why Yu furen will be calling him. And that scares him even more.

“Don’t zone out on me now, Wei Wuxian. Come with me or I will break your legs” Jiang Cheng says again, breaking Wei Wuxian out of his mind. He starts to pull him again, making Wei Wuxian almost fall on his face.

“Aiyah, fine, fine” Wei Wuxian grumbles, letting his wings flutter behind him and pushes himself in the air. Jiang Cheng follows quietly behind him.

Wei Wuxian can only hope that nothing goes wrong.

Oh, how wrong he had been.

Wei Wuxian could feel the palpable tension in the room the moment he stepped in.

Jiang shushu and Yu furen were sitting together on a low table, facing the door. And seeing their expressions told him enough. He bowed to them and Jiang shushu tried to smile but it looked so fake that Wei Wuxian winced.

“A-Cheng, leave us” Yu furen ordered, not leaving any room for Jiang Cheng to argue. He heard Jiang Cheng leaving and closing the door. The room had become painfully silent. He could hear his own heart pumping in his chest.

“A-Xian, come sit” Jiang shushu said, motioning him to sit in front of the two.

The moment he sat down, straightening his posture, Yu furen said, “A letter arrived today.” She had taken a sip of her steaming hot tea, eyes cast to the cup; a small, pleased tilt on her lips. For some reason, that movement made the bubble of anxiousness grow inside of him. The words had been calmly said and not the icy calm that Wei Wuxian had come to recognize. And that worried him.

Wei Wuxian nodded, not understanding why that had anything to do with him. He waited patiently for Yu furen to elaborate. He wished he had run away that very exact moment.

He had turned to look at Jiang shushu instead, the better alternative out of the two. But he merely remained silent, looking everywhere but at Wei Wuxian.

Unlike Jiang shushu, Yu furen’s patience ran thin. “A proposal letter arrived from the Lan clan. Lan Zongzhu has proposed a betrothal between you and his younger brother, Lan Wangji.” She almost snapped the words out, eying her husband.

Wei Wuxian felt all the air leaving him, his heart freezing in his chest.

He had always known this day would come. He always dreaded the day the betrothal proposals would start to pour in for him. He always thought he would marry for love. He wondered what it would be like, falling in love with someone. Knowing: ahh, this is someone I would like to spend my forever with.

The story of his parents was a well-known tale in all Yunmeng. The love that made them give everything up. No boundaries, no restrictions, just them and their undying love. All he remembered of his parents was a hazy memory. His mother sitting on a treetop, while his father had gazed upon at her like she had hung the stars and moons up in the sky. Or maybe, she had been the moon and stars for him.

He remembered her mother smiling, making funny faces at him while he giggled. And then she lost her balance. But there had been no fear in her eyes, only trust. His father helped Wei Wuxian down and caught her in his arms. And they had laughed and laughed. Wei Wuxian had thought that was how it was going to be for him. That kind of love or nothing at all.

“But, Yu furen—” Wei Wuxian whispered, his voice barely audible to his own ears.

“But?” She spat the word out. “After everything we have done for you, Wei Wuxian. You dare to refuse? You dare to question? Is this how you pay us back?””

Wei Wuxian felt his mouth open and close, but no words came out. He didn’t know what he could have said. She wasn’t wrong. Had it not been of Jiang shushu finding him that day in Yiling, things could have been so different.

“My lady— “

“With the Wens attacking smaller clans and growing their influence, a marriage alliance will only benefit us. The Lans have strong hold over the neighboring territories. With Yanli bringing in the Jins, it is only right to have an alliance with the Lan family” Yu furen explained, every word feeling like a stone on Wei Wuxian’s chest.

The Wens had become bolder in the past years. News of a smaller clan being decimated had become everyday gossip. The bigger more influential clans had been playing it safe, trying to gain power, and forming alliances wherever the opportunity arose. An alliance by a marriage would be the strongest of them all.

Jiang Yanli had been betrothed to that peacock Jin Zixuan even before they were born. Just a typical stuck up rich heir who thought himself to be better than anyone else. As for Jiang Cheng, Yu furen had found no suitor worthy of him.

Being the adopted son and the first disciple of the ruling family of Yunmeng, he had the honor to stand with his siblings, live with them, get the same respect as them. Even as the son of a servant, his rank in the sect had never been questioned.

It wasn’t like he remembered much of his childhood before coming to Yunmeng. Just some fragments here and there. One memory of his parents but nothing much of his time in the harsh streets of Yiling. From that time, he merely remembered feelings. Like a phantom pain with no recollection of the reason. Pain in his right leg, the ache in his left arm. And the worst of all, the agony of his wings being torn apart. The only visible clue of his suffering being that tenderness in his red wings.

Wei Wuxian owed the Jiangs a debt he would never be able to repay. This is the least he could do, the bare minimum to show his gratitude to them. His wishes, his dreams did not matter. There was something more important at stake then his feelings.

It hadn’t taken any more than a second then to make his decision. With a deep breath, Wei Wuxian said the words that would seal his fate forever. “I agree to this proposal. Yu furen, Jiang shushu kindly respond to the Lans.” He had bowed and, with a confidence he didn’t feel at all, said “tell them Wei Wuxian agrees.”

The news of Wei Wuxian accepting the proposal spreads like wildfire. The flowers in Yunmeng have ears and they love to gossip. Wei Wuxian should not be surprised even if their distant cousins come here to congratulate him.

By the time Wei Wuxian makes his way back to his room, flying as fast as he can, even Little Apple, the flower assigned as his residence, sings a shrill tune for him. Not welcoming or soothing like it should be but questioning.

“Not you too. This is not gossip” Wei Wuxian whines, flopping onto his bed, his face mushed into the pillow.

Little Apple answers back with a shriller note this time.

Wei Wuxian doesn’t respond.

And then, the shrillest of sounds fills the air. Wei Wuxian screeches, covering his ears. “Okay, okay, fine! I said yes!” He yells, sitting up and flinging his pillow, “It is not anything exciting! The Lans sent a proposal and I said yes. Nothing exciting.” He sounds annoyed. But that isn’t exactly what he feels. It is somewhere between sadness and resignation.

Marrying someone he doesn’t know. Wei Wuxian will be marrying a complete stranger. A fairy he hasn’t even seen once.

Lan Wangji, the second young master of Gusu, the land of the crystal fairies. Only a little is known about them.

As per the rumors, crystal fairies are the most beautiful and powerful fairies to ever live on Cultitopia. Common folks believe they are just a myth; some say they are shape shifters, meant to entice the other fairies with their beauty and kill them mercilessly. Those are just rumors though.

Gusu Lan is merely a sect that keeps to themselves. Their riches can compete with the Jins and yet they live a modest life. Well-structured with their thousands of rules, they barely leave the mysterious mountain that housed the Cloud Recesses.

Being one of the five most powerful and influential sects, the other ruling sect leaders have met the Lans. In the absence of the previous sect leader, Lan Qiren had taken the responsibility as the temporary leader. A few years back, Lan Xichen, the eldest of the Twin Jades of Gusu had taken the command. He had attended the various Discussion conferences held in the recent years.

From what Wei Wuxian had heard, the beauty of Lan Xichen was unparalleled. Even Madam Yu had shared some words here and there, marking all the rumors true. The only fairy who had been a mystery for everyone was the second Twin Jade of Gusu, the second young master and Wei Wuxian’s soon-to-be husband, Lan Wangji.

He had never been seen in any conference. Never accompanied his brother or uncle. There had been countless gossips in the streets; from his appearance to his powers. Many speculations surrounded the young fairy.

How many of them are true? How many of them false? Wei Wuxian wonders, hugging another pillow to his chest.

What does he like? Does he like spicy food? He should, otherwise Wei Wuxian will run away. Is he an early riser or a night owl? Never will Wei Wuxian ever rise before the sun rises or even after that. Afternoons are the best time to rise. Does he like meat? The color red? Left side of the bed, or right? Night flights into the starry sky? Swimming in the just-right-for-swimming, lake?

There are so many things he wants to ask him, so many things he wants to say.

Why did they send this proposal? Do they know even know him? Does Lan Wangji even want this?

For some unfathomable reason, that is what makes Wei Wuxian uncomfortable. Marriage should be a mutual decision. Even if this is not what Wei Wuxian wanted, he knows he will make it work. If this is what is expected from him, he will do everything he can to make sure this marriage works.

What is Lan Wangji’s thoughts on this though? Will he like Wei Wuxian? Does he already have someone he likes in his life? What will happen to them?

“Lan Wangji, ah, Lan Wangji” He sighs, “What kind of person are you?” closing his eyes to try and picture what he might look like. He is making zero progress trying to picture his husband when Little Apple hums again, informing him that someone is coming. It is not like it is needed though. Jiang Cheng’s voice is loud enough.

“Jiang Cheng, can you lower your voice? I’m already struggling” he mutters, covering his face with his palms just as Jiang Cheng enters.

“You— “

“A-Cheng, A-Xian must be quite shaken with the sudden news. We talked about talking it out?”

The moment Wei Wuxian hears his shijie’s voice, Wei Wuxian’s mood instantly brightens. It is his shijie!

“Shijie!” He almost screams in delight, pushing himself up and flying to her.

Jiang Yanli smiles at him, patting his head just as he stops in front of her, “A-Xian, are you okay? How are you feeling?”

Wei Wuxian does not exactly know how he feels.

“Aiyah, shijie, of course I’m happy!” He says instead of trying to explain the whirlwind of emotions inside of him. He does not want to make shijie worry about him.

But it does not work, of course it does not. His siblings would not be his siblings if they would not be able to read him. Jiang Cheng scoffs, “tell that lie to someone else. Your face looks like your wife left you.” Pausing to reconsider his words, he adds “Or maybe a husband, in your case.”

Wei Wuxian sticks his tongue out at him, dodging the punch Jiang Cheng sends at him. “Shijie! Jiang Cheng is being mean to me!” He whines, hiding behind her.

He does not wish to talk about it anymore. Maybe not talking about it will not it real. Seeing the change of topic as it is, Jiang Yanli holds her brothers’ arms and says, “Enough now you two. Let’s go and have some soup.”

And just for that day, Wei Wuxian can pretend that nothing had happened at all.

The very next day, another letter arrives to Lotus Pier.

This time, Yu furen asks for all three of them in the main hall. 

They think it must be for the further discussions for the betrothal, the ceremony itself, and the more political side of this alliance. One thing is already clear though, it is Wei Wuxian who will be living with the Lans. He does not even need to ask to confirm it. Lan Wangji is the second young master, the second heir to the sect. Wei Wuxian is just Wei Wuxian.

“The Lans are happy with our acceptance of the proposal” Yu furen tells them, pleased by that. It is rare to see her so happy that she cannot even keep her neutral look on her face.

It is Jiang shushu who informs them the real reason they are here. “Along with that, they have also offered an opportunity for disciples from all the sects to study in the Cloud Recesses under the guidance of Lan Qiren.”

He takes turns to look at each of them separately, to see how they take the news. If Wei Wuxian sees Yu furen’s and Jiang shushu’s eyes linger on him, he does not say anything.

“This is the first time in hundreds of years that the Lan sect is opening their doors for other sects. Lan Qiren is a good teacher, you will learn immensely from him. Even Lan Xichen will be providing training. The Nie and Jin sects have already chosen their disciples.”

Yu furen nods along, “And from Yunmeng, you three along with seven more senior disciples will be leaving for the Cloud Recesses next week.” 

It looks like Wei Wuxian will be meeting his betrothed soon.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian is in trouble. Late and in trouble.

It is not his fault. Really! It’s not.

The moment the Yunmeng disciples had landed in front of the Cloud Recesses, tired and ready to just sleep the day off, they had been denied entry. Very rudely at that.

“No invitation, no entry” the Lan, dressed in their signature colors, wearing a crown of some kind on his head, wings still behind him, had said monotonously.

“It is not like you don’t see where we are from!” Wei Wuxian had argued, his wings almost rattling behind him. It was cold and there was no way he would let his shijie wait out in the cold. Even dressed in the Lan colors, white robes with their sect motifs sewed into the fabric, it was too cold. Especially for fairies who had lived in harsh hot weather as Yunmeng. The snow around Cloud Recesses was barely there, a stark difference from what they had seen around the mountain. The air carries the coldness in it.

“Bring the invitation and you can enter.”

That had been the last straw.

“But I’m betrothed to your second young master, Lan Wangji! How would he feel knowing you let his fiancé wait out in the cold?” Wei Wuxian had blurted the words out, before even thinking. It wasn’t like he was wrong.

He watched in anticipation, seeing the Lan fairy falter slightly, “I will be a part of your sect soon. Is this how the great Lan sect treats their future sect member? I’m really disappointed.” That had gotten Wei Wuxian an elbow to his stomach, courtesy of his lovely brother.

But the fairy face had merely twisted. “No invitation, no entry” he had gritted the words out.

“But— “

“A-Xian, it is fine. We can wait. One of us can get the invitation” Shijie had said like the wonderful person she is.

And that is how Wei Wuxian had found himself back to the inn in Caiyi town, a small-town home to some of the non-cultivating families of Gusu, where they had stopped to take some rest.

Cloud Recesses itself was on the top of a mountain, surrounded by a thick fog. Only fairies, trained fairies would be able to fly in such harsh conditions to reach Cloud Recesses.

Wei Wuxian had discarded the white heavy robes of the Lans for easy and quick flying. He had found the invitation with the innkeeper, thanked him, and started to fly back but not before buying some alcohol he had seen on his way, Emperor’s Smile. It had sounded tempting enough that he had bought two jars of it. Then he decided to choose the shorter route for his travel back.

That was his first mistake, he thinks now as the air around him hinders his flying.

Wei Wuxian’s wings flutter to gain control of his movements as the barrier whorl’s pressure pulls him into it. Wei Wuxian lets out a yelp, his body giving out, his wings unable to manage the flight anymore.

Barrier whorls are a pain in the wings, meant to deviate a fairy off their path. Once an unlucky fairy gets stuck in one, it is impossible to know where it will take them. A trip to the demon realm? To the mortals? It looks like he will be finding it out too soon. They are unpredictable and of course Wei Wuxian will be lucky enough to experience it firsthand.

"Wei Wuxian! Don't cause any trouble! Fly back as fast as you can" Jiang Cheng's voice rings in Wei Wuxian's head as he swirls in the air, his mind dizzy, and vision blurry. The whorl glops him out and before Wei Wuxian can let the coherent part of his brain take control, he falls.

“This will be the end of me” he whispers to himself. Bracing himself for the impact, Wei Wuxian clenches his eyes shut.

He can picture Jiang Cheng telling him how stupid it was of him to die like this. Nothing like the heroic end he had read about but instead a comical one the parents tell their children about and laugh. And that too before he is supposed to be married. Lan Wangji, he is very sorry to you.

“Shit” He curses out as his body crashes to the ground, face-first on a thick blanket of something soft and cold? Snow?

 He lets his hand roam on the cold and crisp snow beneath him. A chuckle rumbles out of him. Getting his face struck in cold, numbing snow is not what he was expecting. It is uncomfortable but at least all his bones are intact.

Yunmeng doesn’t have snow. Nor does Lanling, Qishan, or Qinghe. That can only mean he is still in Gusu. That is good. He can find his way back then. He is not too far. He just needs his eyes to see anything that is not white.

Yunmeng Jiang lands are perfect in every way, full of colors and life. No way you can enter their lands and not witness a Butterfly fairy jumping on the flowers and the petals shrugging them off, the sound of chattering. Even the flowers sing in Yunmeng. This is a complete contrast from what Wei Wuxian is used to. The white masks as far as his eyes can see. No life form, no sound, nothing, just plain white. It is that deadly silence, the calm before a storm type. An uncontrollable shiver racks through his frame.

Shrugging his wings to get the snow off them, Wei Wuxian rubs his hands together, trying to warm the chill running through his spine. He tries to fly, letting his wings takes control but he stays firmly on his feet.

“I needed this on top of everything” he grumbles, crouching himself slightly and giving his all to make it work. Relief floods into him the moment his feet lifts above the ground. He can finally find his way through this, find his way out and get back—

Wei Wuxian falls back again. He tries to summon his qi, tries to imagine it flowing through his meridians. But all he gets is a flicker of qi which dies down as quickly as it came.

This is it. This is the last straw. As if getting stuck in a who knows where is not enough, he is now unable to fly, unable to use his powers. Perfect, absolutely—

A subtle movement to his right stops all his thoughts.

Wei Wuxian stops, letting his body stay as motionless as he can. It is as if the snow is moving, morphing into what seems like a person, had it not been of the oddly shaped head. It unsettles Wei Wuxian. It has some sort of spikes, something dangling off them. The silhouette looks alarming dangerous.

“Not a demon, not a demon. Jiang Cheng will kill me” Wei Wuxian chants to himself. Well, only if the demon leaves anything for Jiang Cheng to kill.

Wei Wuxian lays there completely still, willing all his muscles to not move even an inch. Maybe it will pass him and go on about its day. He keeps his eyes razor-focused on every single movement and— wait. That does not look like not a demon.

A loud laugh bubble out of Wei Wuxian’s chest. Something must be wrong with his head. He is seeing things. No way anyone can be this—

The figure stops a safe distance from him, morphing into the most magnificent creature he has ever laid his eyes on. The man in front of him, no, the perfect, too majestic to be a real man in front of him is beautiful.

What Wei Wuxian had thought to be horns is actually a crown. Adorning his head is a crown, befitting for this fairy. There is no doubt about his status in his clan. From head to wings to toe, he screams royalty. The crown is full to the brim with opulent, extravagant jewels. As he moves elegantly, close to Wei Wuxian, he finally makes out the small moons, and the star dangles on the side, cupping the order of his head. His forehead is embellished by a bigger moon, illuminating blue light as he stops in front of him, movements careful.  

His face, cheekbones high like the highest peak of the Mountains of Lanling. His golden eyes, so alluring, like the heaven themselves, poured their sacred molten nectar in those irises. His wings were like a thin sheet of snow webbed into thin threads so fragile. So delicate that Wei Wuxian is afraid that one touch and they will break. The light seems to have a thing for them as well, as it gently bounces on the fragile wings, making them gleam under it.

Lost in waxing poetic of the sheer beauty this fairy possesses, it takes him way longer to put two and two together. This fairy is a Lan, a high-ranked Lan. And by going through the rumors, he must be one of the Twin Jades of Gusu.

Lan Xichen is older than Jiang Yanli and the fairy in front of him is not him. He looks closer to Wei Wuxian’s age. And that can only mean one thing.

The fairy in front of him is his soon-to-be husband.

No freaking way, Wei Wuxian yells in his head. Is he really going to marry someone this beautiful?

Wei Wuxian now understands, completely understands why everyone says they are ethereal. No one should be allowed to look like this. Wei Wuxian’s sensible part of the brain is telling him to stand up and greet him. But Wei Wuxian is never known for his being sensible, he is reckless and untamed.

If the fairy’s death glare is anything to go by, he is not liking the lack of greeting. But Wei Wuxian cannot manage to be upset by that. If someone like him will be the one to cause his death, Wei Wuxian will gladly accept it.

The fairy finally speaks, his mouth not even moving but the sound deep and practiced, "Who are you?"

There is something about that rich timbre that makes Wei Wuxian’s heart stutter.

Without a filter on his stupid mouth, which he really should have because what he says next is too much! Even for the shameless Wei Wuxian!

With all his chest, still lying on the ground, covered in snow, his wings fluttering shyly behind him, the fairy dust covering his back, Wei Wuxian breathes out, “Yours”

The glare that greets him, oh fairy gods, save him. Wei Wuxian can feel his knees going weak under him, the only thing keeping him from flopping back to the ground is the intense gaze of the fairy, pinning him to the ground. His jaw pulled so tight that it should be quite painful.

“Don’t mind me! I was just joking! By the way, has anyone ever told you that you are beautiful? Because you are!” He keeps on talking, his mouth losing all its filters.

“Ridiculous” the fairy grits out, looking even more displeased than before. It is the first time Wei Wuxian has seen anyone acting this way after a compliment. Interesting, very interesting.

Wei Wuxian stands on his shaking legs. Completely lost in the beauty in front, he finds himself unable to look away. Which might look creepy, but it is not his fault, okay?

"I’m…..." Wei Wuxian trails, not finding his voice.

Gather yourself together and stop acting like a lovesick maiden, Wei Wuxian!

Putting his brightest and charming smile on, Wei Wuxian introduces, “I'm a butterfly fairy from Yunmeng" carefully keeping his name out of the introduction.

The boy's face remains impassive, and Wei Wuxian feels his grin faltering. When he gets no answer to his introduction, he continues, trying to keep up the already failing conversation, “Nice to meet you. May I know your name?”

But to his dismay, the stranger keeps his blanks face and asks, “Yunmeng?”

“Yes!” Wei Wuxian steps a bit closer, only for the fairy to take one back. “I’m a little lost here, gege. Can you help a fellow fairy out?” he says, a little excited now. Usually by this much coquettish-ness Wei Wuxian finds himself free from the clutches of trouble. Seems like his betrothed will be a challenge and Wei Wuxian is not the one to shy away from one.

Wei Wuxian changes tactics. He lets his body lose, letting his bottom lip jut out, eyes glistening with tears of helplessness. He is pretty sure he looks like the perfect picture of innocence. No way Lan Wangji will be able to resist this.

“Gege, can’t you see this little fairy just needs some handsome gege to help him? Won’t you help poor me, gege?” he adds some small sniffles at the end just for some more realism.

But it is either that Wei Wuxian has lost all his skills or Lan Wangji is really carved from the coldest of jades for all he gets is a curt, "Follow me."

"Huh?"

"You need to come with me” the fairy says, taking a steady step towards him. Wei Wuxian darts away from the touch.

"So forward you are, gege. Listen. I accidentally landed here due to a whorl" he says, swinging away as Lan Wangji tries to catch him again.

"I have no intention of harming you or your land! I’m W—" He decides to let his name slip this time. Better to let his act fall than getting to experience whatever Lan Wangji is planning to do with him. His golden eyes are blazing with anger, the only part of him Wei Wuxian can read just a bit.

 But it seems like Wei Wuxian is late. Before he can even get his name out of his mouth, he feels his lips seal together. He flails his arms, hands clawing at his mouth.

“Mhmm, mhmm mhmm. Mhmm mhmm!” He hums which roughly translates to “Ah? Did you do this?” He tries to lift his arm, move his head but nothing happens. “Hey! Get me out of whatever this spell is!" he protests to his best of abilities.

It does once again, nothing. And then, Wei Wuxian feels his body freezing. As if someone had—

“Mhmm! Mhmm!” He could only say as Lan Wangji, this man, just picks him up as if he weighs nothing.

Wei Wuxian is a proud fairy. He isn’t buff in any way. But he is definitely heavy. But Lan Wangji just picks him up like—so easily. This should not be possible. Is Wei Wuxian really going to marry a strong man? Wow, that ticks another box.

Dangling like this on his shoulder, Wei Wuxian is having a good view. Lan Wangji’s wings as accordance to his first explanation, are perfect. As they flutter in the air as he flies along with Wei Wuxian. His grip is firm on his waist, while the other is on his back. But his fingers are as if he is repulsed by the need to touch.

“You are strong” Wei Wuxian tries to say but it once again comes out like, “Mhmm mhmm mhmm.”

"Do not talk" Lan Wangji says and Wei Wuxian huffs but goes silent. He does not have the energy. He is quite nauseous to be honest, swirling midair, his head repeatedly coming to hit Lan Wangji’s back. That is the only thing about this whole situation that is bringing him joy right now.

Wei Wuxian closes his eyes and can only let Lan Wangji carry him back to Cloud Recesses.

Wei Wuxian just wishes he could fly and hide somewhere. That is not something he usually finds himself doing. He enjoys attention, revels in it. Wei Wuxian and attention are synonyms. But right now, under the scrutinizing gaze of Jiang Cheng and amused smiles of Lan Xichen and Jiang Yanli, he wishes to hide away. He is embarrassed. Very much embarrassed.

Meeting his future family while his future husband carried him over his shoulder was not how Wei Wuxian was planning it to go. He was thinking more of him wearing the colors of Gusu Lan, being on his best behavior, giving the small gifts he had prepared for them. Certainly not half dangling over Lan Wangji’s shoulder, unable to defend his honor.

Absolute silence is what had greeted them the moment Lan Wangji had stepped into the threshold of the hanshi. But it seems like that even Lan Wangji is surprised at the company they have.

“Jiang guniang, it seems like we can put our worries aside now” Lan Xichen says after a long pause where he slowly takes in the no doubt funny image of his brother carrying his betrothed, the amusement quite evident in his voice.

From his odd position, Wei Wuxian sees his shijie trying to control her laughter and a fuming Jiang Cheng and accompanying them of course, his future brother-in-law, Lan Xichen.

“Xiongzhang” Lan Wangji greets, his voice stiff, almost letting Wei Wuxian lose his footing as he lets him down on his feet.

“Wei Wuxian, what did you do? What happened?” Jiang Cheng asks and turns red when he does not receive any reply. Well, it is not like Wei Wuxian is able to say anything, all thanks to the multiple spells on him.

“Wangji, please free Wei gongzi from the body locking and silencing spell” Lan Xichen says politely, and Wei Wuxian finally feels his body going loose like a puppet cut off its strings.

The first words out of his mouth comes out as a loud complain, “Lan Wangji! How can you do this to your betrothed?” His throat scratchy from the aftereffects of the spell.

Lan Wangji, to his part, looks just a tad bit ashamed and evenly shocked. But one blink and you would have missed that. So, Lan Wangji had not even guessed it might be him. It was not like Wei Wuxian gave him any clue to go by.

Lan Wangji collects himself quickly, the shock disappearing from his face, “He broke the rules.” Lan Wangji informs his brother and uncle and then turns to Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng, bowing to them, “I apologize for my lack of propriety, Jiang guniang, Jiang gongzi.”

Wei Wuxian scoffs, “You did not need to put a spell on me though! That is the wrong thing to do! I was innocent, Zewu Jun!” He turns to Lan Xichen, the only one who is smiling and not just judging him without any evidence. Wei Wuxian skillfully ignores Jiang Cheng’s hiss.

Lan Xichen nods, not looking at him but instead at Lan Wangji, having what looks like a whole conversation with him just through their eyes. They must have reached a conclusion, for Lan Xichen nods and looks back at Wei Wuxian, “It seems like there was a misunderstanding between Wei gongzi and Wangji.”

Wei Wuxian is ready to defend himself but Jiang Cheng cuts him off, “Zewu Jun, Lan er gongzi, my brother have caused some trouble to you. I apologize on his behalf” Jiang Cheng really apologizes when it is not even needed!

“Jiang Cheng! It was not my fault! Lan Wangji put the spell on me and did not even give me a chance to explain! I got stuck in a whorl and landed there! If only we would have been granted entry in the first place, this would not have happened” he huffs, stomping his feet and eying Lan Wangji who is ignoring him.

Zewu Jun is pleased by everything happening, his smile never slips off his face.

Wei Wuxian examines him. He bears a striking resemblance to Lan Wangji. The difference being the polite smile that makes Zewu Jun seem approachable. His tone when he speaks is like the way Jiang Yanli speaks, that kindness shining through his words. While Lan Wangji, well, he is the complete opposite. His words are like spikes of ice. His face is impassive and cold.

“Wangji, you should have let Wei gongzi explain. And Wei gongzi should have not played into it further and just tell him your identity if you had found out who he was.” Zewu Jun comes to stand in front of them, hands clasped behind his back.

“I apologize, Xiongzhang”

“I’m sorry, Zewu Jun”

Both Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji speak at the same time and then whip their heads to glare at each other. It is Lan Wangji who looks away first and Wei Wuxian smiles triumphantly.

Lan Xichen’s face must be tired of smiling for so long really. There is something eyes in Lan Xichen's eyes as he takes turn to look at them that Wei Wuxian cannot yet understand. “Since everything is clear now, I hope everyone can rest before the classes begin tomorrow,” he says.

They all bow, and the siblings turn to leave.

Just as Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng are out of the door, Wei Wuxian turns his head and does not need to search for Lan Wangji’s eyes who are already watching him. He sticks his tongue out and watches pleasantly Lan Wangji’s face twisting. He flies out to Lan Xichen’s laughter and a wide grin plastered on his face.

Chapter Text

After his disastrous meeting with the Lans, they are escorted to their respective rooms. Jiang Cheng gives him an angry and loud lecture on appropriate behavior. To which, Wei Wuxian presents a jar of Emperor’s smile as a peace offering. It is well received.

Wei Wuxian spends the night in his room, even though his body wants to fly, his mind wants to explore. He is lost in the thoughts of his husband-to-be.

Is he really going to marry someone so inflexible? It is hard to believe.

That night he tosses and turns in his bed, his room nothing like the one in Yunmeng. He has gotten used to the slight humming of Little Apple to keep him company. He falls asleep to the face of Lan Wangji constantly appearing in his eyes, unable to leave him alone even in his sleep.

Gusu is nothing like Wei Wuxian had expected.

It is breathtakingly beautiful. The land of the crystal fairies is as the legends described them, even more majestic.  The constant snow that surrounds the boundaries is barely there inside. Instead the whole path is lined with crystals. Actual crystals of all varying sizes. It must be even more breathtaking at night. Wei Wuxian vows to himself to take a fly through the clan after curfew.

Even though it is pleasing to the eye and Wei Wuxian can picture his life here living in such a calm place, it is the people whom he finds difficult to deal with.

All the guest disciples are sitting in the classroom, backs straight and utterly silent. He has not gotten much time to meet any other visiting disciples. He had barely been able to wake up on time and be in class. He had never flown this fast before.

By the time he stumbles into the class, every other disciple had already been in their seats. The only one available had been next to none other than Lan Wangji, who had taken it up as his only job to glare at Wei Wuxian whenever he was in the vicinity.

Wei Wuxian thumps into his seat proudly, waved a good morning to Lan Wangji and fluttered his wings just for the extra sparkle. He watched proudly as some of the fairy dust fell over Lan Wangji’s knee, who acts so repulsed by it that he almost growls at him. He hopes the shiver that wracked through his frame had not been seen by anyone.

Wei Wuxian is barely able to keep his eyes open, the recitation of the three thousand Lan principles making him sleepy. It is boring listening to the rules that makes absolutely no sense. There are rules pertaining to appropriate behavior, personal virtues, training, all the same as the other clans but more severe. Some of the rules should not even be there. Flying fast is forbidden, running fast is prohibited, talking while eating is prohibited. Excessive use of magic is prohibited. Sleep at 9 and wake up at 5? What is the need of that?

Wei Wuxian shakes his head to get the sleepiness away from him. It does not do much. What he does not understand is how Lan Wangji is sitting straight as a sword, not a hair out of place as he listens attentively to the rules, he must be hearing for the thousandth time. He is sure Lan Wangji knows all of them by heart.

Wei Wuxian finds himself studying Lan Wangji. He is the only person in the room interesting enough to him. He is expressionless as always, hands resting on his lap, eyes moving along every word Lan Qiren is saying.

What makes a fairy like Lan Wangji smile? He wonders. It has merely been day since he has met him and yet Wei Wuxian finds himself inching closer and closer, to poke and tease. What will make this cold jade break?  He is almost in a daze as he tilts his face to consider the many possibilities. Sweets? Pets?

He blinks back to reality only when he feels a pair of eyes on him, glaring holes in his head. Wei Wuxian already knows who it is. He merely smiles at Lan Wangji and turns his attention back to Lan Qiren.

It is a very long and tiring class.

The moment the class is over, Lan Wangji is the first one to stand up. He does not spare a single glance at Wei Wuxian as he flies right past him.

“Lan Wangji! Wait!” Wei Wuxian flies up, chasing Lan Wangji before he loses the sight of him. He hears Jiang Cheng call for him but pays it no mind.

The Lan fairies around him stares at him as if he had committed a crime. He reaches Lan Wangji, flying next to him, “Lan Wangji, wait. I just wanted to talk to you” he says with a smile.

Lan Wangji keeps flying, but does say stiffly to him, “Yelling is forbidden in Cloud Recesses.”

“Okay fine. See? I’m not yelling anymore. Can we just talk?” Wei Wuxian whispers, continuing to fly by his side.

That does make Lan Wangji stop, although his looks like he would be anywhere than here right now, “What do you wish to talk about with me, Wei Wuxian?” he asks as if he cannot believe why anyone would talk to him. Why is he so surprised with that? Wei Wuxian shelves this thought to think about later.

Wei Wuxian flies until he is facing Lan Wangji and smiles widely at him, “I want to get to know more about my betrothed, of course And stop calling me Wei Wuxian. It is too formal. We are familiar now. Just call me Wei Ying.” Usually, Wei Wuxian is able to read a person. His time before Yunmeng had taught him how to learn body languages and even the tiniest shifts in expressions. Sometimes the words that were spoken to him with the sweetest tones were the ones that had wanted something much more sinister. He had learned this lesson the hard way, but it is quite a useful tool now.

But reading Lan Wangji difficult. Wei Wuxian has only been able to read his obvious anger on him, nothing else. Even now, seeing the way Lan Wangji is reacting is odd to him.

“Please? Don’t you want to know about me more? I want to, even if you don’t. I know this arrangement was political, but we can make it easier for each other and actually get to know one and other.” Wei Wuxian holds his breath as he waits for Lan Wangji’s answer. He seems to be considering his words at least. That is an improvement, right?

“Ridiculous” Lan Wangji huffs out, flying away before Wei Wuxian can even process his reply.

“Hey!” He protests, fisting his hands. A wave of disappointment washes over him. “Fine by me. Don’t tell me anything then. Stay mysterious.” Wei Wuxian grumbles to no one in particular, his wings drooping down. He was just trying to be friendly to his to be husband. What is wrong with getting to know each other? They must spend their whole lives together.

Wei Wuxian flies back to the classroom where Jiang Cheng is having a conversation with what looks like a Nie clan fairy around their age and shijie is standing next to a Jin clan fairy.

“You look like your wife left you” Jiang Cheng says as Wei Wuxian comes to hover next to him. He elbows him in his side when he gets no reply. “I saw you chase after Lan Wangji. What did you do to irritate him this time?”

“A-Cheng, you wound me my brother. Why do you think it was my fault again? I just wanted to get to know him, and he brushed past me. Who does he think he is? Does he think I’m dying to know him? He thinks too highly of himself.” He wants to sound nonchalant about the whole situation, but his words come out sulkier even to his own ears.

“Is my A-Xian bothered by his behavior? Maybe I should try talking to Lan er gongzi?” Shijie laughs, her face kind but there is that same look in her eyes he had seen in Lan Xichen’s yesterday.

Wei Wuxian sniffs, threading their arms together, “shijie, not you too” he grumbles. “Don’t tease me.”

“You have known him for a day, Wei Wuxian. Look at you.” Jiang Cheng tuts, patting his arm in consolation, “Every lion gets its tamer. Maybe Lan Wangji is yours.”

Shijie and Jiang Cheng laugh loudly, joined by the two other fairies Wei Wuxian is yet to be introduced to.

“Betrayed! By own siblings. I cannot believe the world has come to this” Wei Wuxian cries dramatically, hiding behind shijie. His cheeks are flushing red which does not go unnoticed by anyone.

“Jiang Guniang, your brother has it bad.” The Jin fairy tells Jiang Yanli, and they share another laugh.

It is the Nie fairy, hiding his face behind an intricately designed fan who says, “Wei gongzi, don’t worry. I’m with you”

And that is how they make friends with Luo Qinyang and Nie Huaisang.

The five of them gets along perfectly.

While shijie and Luo Qinyang, who Wei Wuxian has nicknamed Mianmian, which she absolutely hates, spend time together talking and sharing everything about their clans. The trio spends their time trying to have as much fun as they can without being caught by anyone Lan.

They find a small river nearby, lined with large crystals which gleams when the sunlight hits them. It is relaxing to have something that is familiar to him in the Cloud Recesses. In Yunmeng, Wei Wuxian loved swimming in the warm lakes, racing along Jiang Cheng and all his fellow disciples. Teaching them, enjoying all it brought.

Wei Wuxian sprawls on top of one of the crystals, letting the warmth of the shining sun to settle the melancholy within him. Lan Wangji has not paid any attention to Wei Wuxian since that conversation which was two days ago. And nor does Wei Wuxian try. He can give Lan Wangji some space, he thinks. It must be new for him to suddenly have a betrothal thrown on him. Maybe Wei Wuxian needs to show his sincerity more. Show Lan Wangji that he is serious about this and not just playing around.

Wei Wuxian sits up abruptly, an idea already forming in his head.

Jiang Cheng, who has been busy splashing waves of water at Nie Huaisang, stops mid-splash, eying him warily, “I do not like that look on your face, Wei Wuxian. What are you going to do?”

“Nothing!” Wei Wuxian replies cheerfully, “I promise, Jiang Cheng. It’s not anything bad”

Jiang Cheng sighs, not believing a single word coming out of his mouth, “Don’t get caught if you are going to do something stupid. I won’t be saving your ass”

“Aww, Jiang Cheng. You do love me!”

“Shut up. Who loves you?”

There is a big flaw in his plan.

Wei Wuxian does not know what Lan Wangji likes. He scavenges his brain to come with ideas, but they lead him nowhere. So, he asks shijie for help. She is better at this then him.

“I’m sure Lan er gongzi will make anything you give him A-Xian” She had told him which is not helpful and only works to make him more anxious.

He even asks Nie Huaisang after a class ends, pulling him away from the crowd before he can be anywhere else. “Wei Xiong, why are you asking me that?”  he stutters out, covering his face with his fan.

“Your and his brother are close I heard. Aiyah, Nie Xiong, help me out here! Aiyah, okay. Any disciple you know who is close to him?”

Nie Huaisang looks around as if searching for something and then lowers his voice, “I have only seen him on his own. He stays mostly in the library and spends the rest of his time practicing. To be honest, I think the other disciples fear him.”

“Fear him? Why? He is a little unapproachable, but he is not scary.” This notion does not sit well with Wei Wuxian. He has found himself to be fascinated by Lan Wangji from day one. Scary, Lan Wangji? No, definitely not.

“Everybody says he is too principled and boring. I don’t think he even does anything other than reading and punishing others. Even Da ge was worried about him. Zewu Jun thought that meeting other clan disciples might benefit him to make more friends”

Wei Wuxian turns around, trying to catch Lan Wangji in the crowd. He sees him flying away from the classes, his back straight. He sees the way eyes of all the fairies follows him, parting to let him pass through. Fairies who are talking among themselves, going silent as he nears.

Wei Wuxian feels an unexplainable twinge in his heart at it. It must be lonely, he thinks. And this only further ignites the flame of wanting to impress Lan Wangji. He is about to fly and search for someone else when Nie Huaisang stops him, “I think Zewu Jun will be happy to help you, Wei Xiong. I do have some other material through which you may find interesting.”

Wei Wuxian finds himself waiting outside of the Hanshi, unsure of how to even begin this conversation. He has flown here with confidence before but now he is not able to think about what to do.

He wills himself and finally knocks on the door.

“Come in.”

Wei Wuxian takes a deep breath before sliding the door away and flying in. “Zewu Jun” he greets. Lan Xichen, who looks like he is in middle of looking through some documents, looks up at him in surprise.

“Wei gongzi, what a pleasant surprise to see you here.”

“Zewu Jun, I apologize for disturbing you in the middle of your duties.”

Lan Xichen shakes his head, giving him a polite smile, “Please take a seat, Wei Gongzi. Uncle has been wishing to have a conversation with you, but the sect has kept him busy. Please forgive us for not showing you the courtesy you deserve. Tell me: how can I help you?”

“Oh, I’m also looking forward to meeting him properly. I haven’t been respectful and greeted him right away. I hope he forgives me”, Wei Wuxian says, coming to sit opposite to Lan Xichen, “Um, I— I wanted to—" he fumbles with his words, fingers fidgeting with the hem of his robes.

Lan Xichen patiently waits for him, ready to listen, “You do not need to feel confined, Wei gongzi. Please talk freely.”

“Actually Zewu Jun, it is about Lan Wangji” he confesses, getting a look of surprise from Lan Xichen. “Wangji? Did something happen between you two?”

Wei Wuxian shakes his head, too fast for his liking, “No, nothing happened. I just wanted to ask about, um, what he likes.” He lets out the last sentence faster than he had intended to, but Lan Xichen seems to get him all the same.

A delighted smile appears on his face as he chuckles, “You wish to know what Wangji likes.” He pauses before adding, “It is not my place to ask, but let this brother pry. May I know your intention behind this?”

“I—" Wei Wuxian trails, “I wanted to give him a gift but I’m unsure about his likes and dislikes. I asked him to talk with me but that did not end well. So, I’m here with you.”

Lan Xichen is pleased by his explanation and offers a cup of hot tea to him, “You have come to the right person, Wei gongzi.”

And that is how Wei Wuxian finds himself learning about Lan Wangji, feeling his heart bursting with fondness at every little detail he finds.

“I’m sure Wangji would like anything you will give him.”

“Thank you Zewu Jun. I will start with it right away.”

“I should be thanking you, Wei gongzi. Thank you for trying for him.”

Wei Wuxian does not have an answer to that, just bows and flies away with a new foreign feeling taking a root in his heart.

It does not take long for Wei Wuxian to get punished.

To be honest, he was thinking it would have been way earlier than that. Jiang Cheng had even put a bet on it, but Lan Wangji has kept his mind and busy.

“Copy all the rules two times” Lan Qiren angrily yells at him, breaking two rules at once with his outburst. He had been ready to counter that because who in their right mind would be able to copy the rules twice? All 3000 of them?

“Wangji, you will see to his punishment.” Lan Qiren adds and suddenly all the fight had left Wei Wuxian. Lan Wangji had been actively avoiding all of Wei Wuxian’s advances to talk to him. And Lan Qiren had just given him an opportunity on a silver platter.

If Wei Wuxian had walked out of the classroom happier then he should have been given his punishment, it was his and his business only.

Wei Wuxian hums to himself as he flies to out of the training grounds. The adrenaline from doing physical training still thrumming through his veins. Sword practice never fails to put him in a good mood. Suibian sings in his grip, finally happy to be wielded again.

Lan Xichen is the one teaching their sword training and Wei Wuxian has to say he is fascinated to see the Lan moves.

While the Jiang techniques are sharp and aggressive like an untamed fire, the Lan techniques are like water, calm and precise.

They learn some basics today, but Wei Wuxian is mesmerized by one particular Lan. Watching him gracefully move in the air, wielding his sword Bichen as if it’s an extension of himself. Wei Wuxian wants to spar with him one day.

Nie Huaisang flies along with him, almost leaning into him, “Wei Xiong, I’m so tired. Da ge always wants me to practice swords but it not for me. They are so scary!”

Jiang Cheng had accompanied Jiang Yanli back to her quarters to make sure Jin Zixuan does not try to even hover near her. That peacock is annoying, and he should be thankful he has a fairy to impress for Wei Wuxian would have planned a whole attack on him.

“Aiyah, Nie Xiong. They are not that bad once you start training though.”

“But you actually like doing it. I would rather sit and paint.”

Wei Wuxian huffs and is ready to pat his arm when Nie Huaisang suddenly flinches away from him, eyes looking straight ahead. Wei Wuxian follows his gaze.

Lan Wangji is standing near a classroom, holding Bichen in his hand, staring at the two of them fiercely. Wei Wuxian waves at him enthusiastically.

“Nie Xiong, why don’t we—" He turns to his side only to find Nie Huaisang not beside him anymore. He frowns at the empty space, confused. He is weird sometimes, this Nie Xiong.

“Lan er gege! Fancy to see you here. Were you waiting for me? I’m flattered really.” He smiles, stopping near him so that his shoulder is touching his.

Lan Wangji narrows his eyes at him, “You have punishment.”

“Lan er gongzi, I know that. That is why I’m here. Come on, you can play along sometimes. Do you think your uncle can reduce my punishment? I can copy the rules once! It will save your time. Just do it as a favor. You can just tell him I did copy them.”

“Lying is for forbidden” Lan Wangji recites, flying away without him.

“Hm, boring” Wei Wuxian huffs, following him.

They arrive at the Library Pavilion and Lan Wangji flies straight to one of the desks in the middle of the room. He does not talk to him at all, just takes his seat with all his Lan elegance.

While Wei Wuxian is frozen at the entrance, eyes wide in awe. The library pavilion is huge. Shelves reaching the roof stacked to the brim with books, scrolls with all type of knowledge crammed in them. He had known that Gusu’s Library was said to be the most well conserved with all any cultivating fairy might need, even more.

“Lan Zhan! Why did you not bring me here before? Your library is so cool!” He cheers, flying at the speed of lightning to one of the shelves.

Talismans, the label read. A whole shelf just for Talismans? This was a dream come true. Curses, spells, cultivation techniques, Wei Wuxian keeps reading, his winds fluttering behind him enthusiastically. He feels so happy that he might burst. The library in Yunmeng had been of considerable size but Wei Wuxian had already finished going through every text it had. He had been craving for something new, something more.

“You know if you would have just brought me here the first day, I would have married you on the spot! This is brilliant!” He grins brightly, just fluttering from one shelf to another, fingers brushing against every book.

Wei Wuxian is not facing Lan Wangji when his voice reaches him, “You would have not married me otherwise?”

Lost in his excitement, it takes Wei Wuxian a while to register the words Lan Wangji said. “Otherwise? What do you mean?” he pauses in his ministration, turning to face Lan Wangji, who is already starting back at him, golden eyes unreadable. Yet there is a touch of an emotion in his words which Wei Wuxian has never heard before from him.

“This betrothal was sudden.” Lan Wangji says simply, lowering his eyes back to the paper in front of him.

A strange coldness washes over Wei Wuxian. He flies down to sit opposite to Lan Wangji, his limbs oddly still, “Are you against this marriage?” he asks, scared of hearing the answer. He had accepted this betrothal the day Yu furen had told him about it. He was not given a choice but even if he had it, he would have still gone through it. It was easy for him because he had no one else in his heart. But maybe Lan Wangji does. Maybe Lan Wangji already has someone else in his life.

“Are you in love with someone?” Wei Wuxian blurts the question out before he even thinks it out. Suddenly, it is the most important question of his life. As if he would perish right here if he does not get a clear answer.

“What?”

“Lan Wangji, you do not have to be shy.” Wei Wuxian goes for a teasing tone, but it comes out sounding nothing like that. He does not meet Lan Wangji’s eyes as the words tumbles out his mouth, “Maybe we can have an arrangement of sorts. Canceling the betrothal will be a big move we cannot handle at this stage. But if you wish to meet your loved one after we get married, I’m fine with it! You do not need to be bound to me just because of it. We are not obliged to each other in this way.” He fidgets with the parchment lying in front of him.

Wei Wuxian’s throat is tight, his heart thumping in his chest as Lan Wangji does not say anything. So it’s true then. He does have someone. Wei Wuxian can work with that. It will kill him to keep Lan Wangji away from his loved one. He can set some clear boundaries—

“Wei Ying, I do not have anyone I love.” Lan Wangji’s voice is low, as if coaxing a child. The horrible feeling receded, just a little.

Wei Wuxian’s head whips to him, fast and uncaring of the slight crick in his neck, “Really? No one? Not even a crush?” he knows he certainly sounds hopeful, but he can’t help it.

Lan Wangji hums, silently observing him for a while before saying “No one.”

Wei Wuxian swallows the tightness in his throat, his heart lighter in his chest.

“Does Wei Ying?” Lan Wangji asks, avoiding his gaze, eyes trained on the table. There is a downturn of his lips, just a little twitch but Wei Wuxian sees it all clearly. He does not even react to the fact that Lan Wangji is finally calling him by his birth name.

“Huh?”

It looks like it physically hurts Lan Wangji to ask it again, “Does Wei Ying have such a person in his life?”

Wei Wuxian bites on his lower lip, feeling, he does not know how exactly. He chuckles softly, “Ah, Lan Zhan, who do you think I’m? Of course, I don’t!” He sees Lan Wangji visibly relaxing at his words.

And then, the teasing glint returns to him, and Wei Wuxian leans onto the table until his face is a mere inch away from Lan Wangji, “You will be my first, Lan er gege. Treat me good, okay?”

This close, Wei Wuxian can make out the way Lan Wangji’s eyes widens, just a bit, his lips parting and to Wei Wuxian’s utter delight, his ears turn rosy red.

Wei Wuxian sprawls over the desk, his wings fluttering coyly behind him, “I’m just a little delicate virgin fairy, gege. Do not be too rough or else I will break” he pouts, jutting his lip out.

His eyes flickers to his lips almost unconsciously, he immediately brings them back up in time to see Lan Wangji’s eyes burning hand crumbling the paper. “Shameless” he grits out. His red ears give him away though. Who knew Lan Wangji was this cute? Lan Wangji returns to what he is doing, and Wei Wuxian sighs and sits back at his place, beginning to copy the thick rule book of the Lans. He is maybe done by a quarter of it when he starts to feel that restless energy in him, propping his head in hands.

“Lan Zhan. Lan Wangji. Lan er gongzi. Lan er gege.”

Lan Wangji does not look up at him, “Wei Ying, do your work. Stop calling me.”

“But I like calling your name. I’m bored.” He cannot help but fly back to Lan Wangji’s desk, propping himself right next to him this time. Close enough that their wings are a mere inch away.

“Then Wei Ying should not have gotten in trouble.” Lan Wangji looks up, “It was a consequence of your own actions.”

“I hardly even did anything. I merely gave a suggestion to improve. You Lans are so upright. Can’t even think of something unconventional. It is not a big deal, survival usually makes one resort to such techniques when everything else fails” he tuts, sneakily sliding the special gift from Nie Huaisang in front of Lan Wangji .

Lan Wangji silently observes him before shaking his head slightly and turning his attention back to the book. Wei Wuxian sees the exact moment Lan Wangji registers what is in front of him. He can sense the fury in his eyes.

The drawing is nothing more than two men doing things a marital couple should do. Their clothes halfway down, wings flat against the wall as the other partner does his thing.

Wei Wuxian immediately bends into laughter loud and bright, holding his stomach, rolling on the floor, “Lan Zh— Zhan. You should have seen your face!”

He thinks he sees Lan Wangji shred the book into millions of little pieces. He does not care about that; he can get more of that from Nie Huaisang later. It is the exact reaction Wei Wuxian has been craving to see and Lan Wangji delivered exactly that.

“Shameless” Lan Wangji pants out, breath heavy as if he had just run here. His sword is unsheathed, anger streaking every line of his face.

Wei Wuxian gets to his feet, dancing away just in time before Lan Wangji’s sword aims for him. This fairy!

“Lan Zhan. What the actual fuck? It’s just a porn book. You cannot act like this when we are going to be married soon! This is what two married fairies do together! You cannot—" He flies away, picking up Suibian, bending over his desk and turning around, blocking the attack with his sheathed sword. The position they find themselves is a reminiscent of one of those positions in the book and Wei Wuxian’s cheeks heats, body aware of the warmth and anger radiating off Lan Wangji. Golden eyes meet silver, stays like that until Lan Wangji pushes his body up and flies away so fast that he must have broken a rule.

Wei Wuxian’s throat feels dry, and he can only hold his hand to his chest, wondering what just happened.

Wei Wuxian was not aware that Lan Wangji’s alcohol tolerance was this low. Had he known about it, he would not have offered it to him. It was just supposed to be a friendly drinking night with friends. How it ended with Lan Wangji going unconscious, and waking only to try to run out of the room to almost waking up the entirety of Gusu Lan to back to unconsciousness.

But that is not what had been worrisome. It had been the prospect of Lan Xichen discovering Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian together in the morning, sleeping in the same room and on the same bed!

Lan Qiren had almost had a qi deviation right then and there, whispering about the scandalous things they must have done together. No matter what Wei Wuxian had said did anything to save him. The disappointed looks he had gotten from Lan Xichen and even shijie had made him feel extremely guilty. Even Lan Wangji had avoided having any kind of conversation with him at all.

Lan Wangji does not remember anything from the night. But Wei Wuxian does. He had asked him some questions he knew a sober Lan Wangji would never have answered.

“Why did you agree to this marriage?”

“Xiongzhang wished to see me happy.”

“What do you like the most?”

“Rabbits.”

But it is all not worth it. Wei Wuxian got Lan Wangji punished. He was used to getting punishment but Lan Wangji? Nothing like that disciple whip should ever touch Lan Wangji.

“Shufu, Zewu Jun, Lan Zhan did nothing wrong. It was all me. Don’t punish him!” He begs, even when the disciple whip slashes his lower back.

Lan Wangji is sitting there next to him, silent and unmoving even through the pain. He keeps looking straight, ignoring every time Wei Wuxian tells him to just put all his blame on him.

There is a crowd forming around them now, some enjoying the scene while some just hiss in pain every time the whip meets their back. Shijie is holding onto Jiang Cheng who looks two steps away from passing out, steady on his feet instead of flying.

Lan Wangji is on his feet just as the last whip moves away from their back and Wei Wuxian makes to stand up only to fall back onto the ground. How Lan Wangji is even standing on his own feet when Wei Wuxian is one breath away from passing out is phenomenal.

Shijie helps his stand up. “Shijie, I need to go Lan Zhan—"

But shijie’s grip remains firm, “A-Xian, let him be. You know you are in the wrong here. Give him some space.” All the fight leaves Wei Wuxian and he slumps onto himself. He really fucked up this time. He had thought his relationship with Lan Wangji was improving. Slowly but steadily. He just fucked up really badly.

Wei Wuxian wants to bolt to his room and sulk for the entire day, but he sees the familiar Lan robes entering his periphery, “Wei gongzi.”

“Zewu Jun. I’m sorry” he says quietly, lowering his eyes. He does not think he can look Zewu Jun in the eyes after what he just got Lan Wangji into. This must be the first time even Zewu Jun had seen his brother getting punished in such a severe way.

“Wei gongzi, I may not be the one you should apologize to.”

“I’m aware.”

“If you wish to apologize, you will find Wangji in the cold springs in the back mountain. It will also help you heal your back” Lan Xichen tells him. Wei Wuxian gives him a grateful smile before limping his way to find Lan Zhan.

The cold springs are cold. Which, of course, they are. Wei Wuxian feel like his wings will shrivel up as he slowly settles in the cold water. 

Lan Wangji does not take well to his company. He thinks Wei Wuxian is lying when he claims that Lan Xichen is the one who sent him here.

“Lan Zhan, I’m sorry” he says honestly, hoping his voice actually carries his guilt. “I should not have gotten you drunk. I know it might not sound sincere to you. But I’m deeply sorry. You did not deserve it. You should have just kept quiet and let me take the blame.”

“The punishment was well deserved. I did get drunk.”

“Only because I made you drink!” Wei Wuxian yells, exasperated. He pinches the bridge of his nose, trying to swallow the tears that threatens to break free from his eyes. He does not understand why he feels this choked by the image of Lan Wangji getting hurt because of him. His voice is softer as he says the next words, “Lan Zhan, you are perfect model disciple. I—I just got you punished. I have not even joined the sect yet and I have already caused trouble for you.”

All his life, Wei Wuxian had gotten used to hearing all kinds of crude comments. Some say he taints what he touches, an unlucky child who brings trouble wherever he goes. He always chooses to ignore them. But situations like today, they make him wonder if all they say is true.

Lan Wangji is the second jade of Lan, an heir to a powerful sect. How dare Wei Wuxian be the dirt tainting the jade?

Lan Wangji must have read the storm of emotions in him, for he moves just the slightest bit closer to where he stands in the freezing water. “A spouse must share the burden of one another” he recites, so monotonously, so Lan Wangji, that a wet laugh bubbles out of Wei Wuxian’s chest.

“Does that mean you forgive me?”

“There was nothing to forgive.”

“Come on Lan Zhan! Just so I can sleep better at night”

“I forgive you, Wei Ying.”

After the cold springs, Wei Wuxian had decided to be on his best behavior. He had diligently finished all his copies of the rules and proudly shown them to Lan Wangji. He had loved to see the wave of surprise on Lan Wangji’s face.

“Calligraphy could be improved” Lan Wangji had said to him, but Wei Wuxian had not missed the twitch of his lips.

Classes had gone by quickly afterwards. Wei Wuxian had almost loved the routine. Classes, bothering Lan Wangji, Classes, Bothering Lan Wangji. It had been the happiest Wei Wuxian had been. Spending his time with all the other disciples and his betrothed had kept him busy.

Jin Zixuan, for his own good came to meet Jiang Yanli and not done shared courting gifts with her. Wei Wuxian had to admit that he was now a little more accepting of him. All he had ever wanted was to see Shijie happy and if Jin Zixuan could do that, it is good for him.

Wei Wuxian had gotten many chances to spar with Lan Wangji. It had been quite a wonderful match. They were equally matched in their skill and that excited Wei Wuxian to no extent. Even at the night hunt he had begged Lan Xichen to take him too, seeing Lan Wangji defeat the demon had been mesmerizing.

One thing had become crystal clear to Wei Wuxian, he was going to miss Cloud Recesses.

During the last night of their stay in the Cloud Recesses, they set off lanterns.

Wei Wuxian watches everyone around him chattering as they paint their lanterns, but he stays close to the one he really wishes to. His thoughts are consumed by Lan Wangji. As if the fairy had decided to invade his mind and just stay there.

Wei Wuxian has been unable to give Lan Wangji his sincerity gift yet. He was waiting for the right time before. He can start small right now. He paints diligently, perfecting his first gift for his betrothed.

When he presents it to Lan Wangji, a bunny pixie drawn intricately on the thin paper, Wei Wuxian sees the moon greeting him itself.

Lan Wangji’s lips twitches up, just the barest hint of a smile and yet, Wei Wuxian thinks, he has never seen anything like it and nor he ever will. He finds a part of him melting, a fondness setting inside of his heart, carving a little space, and calling it home.

Lan Wangji is boring, their natures clashing with one another. Extremes of a spectrum.

And yet, as he stands next to Lan Wangji, both holding the tip of the lantern in his hand, he thinks “ah, I’m going to miss him.”

They release the lantern into the air, his hands clasped together in a prayer, “I wish to live a life with no regrets” he says aloud, “A life with Lan Wangji by my side” going unsaid.

At the entrance of the Cloud Recesses, disciples from all the clans are sharing tearful goodbyes. How the month even passed so quickly does not make any sense to Wei Wuxian.

He finds himself unable to function the next morning. He packs mechanically, waves goodbye to Nie Huaisang and Luo Qinyang. He watches them fly away with their clan, unable to make a move himself. The Jiang Clan disciples stands there long after the others have left.

 Wei Wuxian bows to Shufu and Lan Xichen and then turns to Lan Zhan. He stands next to them silently, refusing to meet Wei Wuxian’s eyes.

They stand there awkwardly, neither finding the right words to say. Wei Wuxian does not want to say goodbye. It does not make any sense to him, this melancholic feeling that has settles in him. It is like the one he had felt leaving Lotus Pier. He is going back home, then why does his heart tell him it’s wrong?

“Do you wish to keep in touch?” Wei Wuxian asks, breaking the silence first, raising his head to just look at Lan Wangji. He notices that Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen had already left.

Lan Wangji nods, just a bare movement of his head but Wei Wuxian feels lighter, if only a bit. “Good, that’s good.”

“Then, I will see you soon?” he shifts from one foot to another, wings unable to stop fluttering nervously behind him.

“Soon” Lan Wangji agrees, golden eyes finally meeting silver.

Wei Wuxian leans in closer until his body is a mere inch away from Lan Wangji’s, his lips right against his ears as he whispers, “Do not miss me too much, Lan Zhan. I have left something for you in the jingshi. They will keep you company until I come back. See you soon, Lan Zhan.” He flies away as fast as he can, his heart thundering in his chest, not having it in him to turn around and look back.

If Wei Wuxian had turned around, he would have seen Lan Wangji clenching his sleeve tightly in his fist, whispering the words back to him, “See you soon, Wei Ying.”

Dear Wei Ying,

I found your gift. They are adorable. Xiongzhang tells me you had asked him about my likes. You did not need to. But your gift is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Lan Wangji

Oh, look at you Lan Zhan! Sending me letter so fast. Lan er gege, did you miss me this much? I cannot believe you just accepted them. I was thinking to get a letter with “Pets are forbidden in the Cloud Recesses” but this is definitely better! What did you name them?

You know I think I got used to the temperature of Gusu. Suddenly it is too hot here! I feel like I ’m melting. There might not be a Wei Wuxian left for you to marry. Help me!

Yours,

Wei Ying

Dear Wei Ying,

The Cloud Recesses is silent and peaceful without your presence. I ’m not sure whether it is good or bad. My condolences for your situation. Please take care of your health.

Share my regards with your family.

Crystal and Butterfly says hello.

Yours Sincerely,

Lan Wangji

Dearest Lan Zhan, it is me again!

Lan Zhan, did you really name them based on us? That is so cute! Hope they are behaving! Tell my kids that I miss them and will be with them soon.

By the time this letter arrives to you, I think you might have already heard that a date has been chosen for our wedding. Three months, Lan Zhan. We are going to be married in just three months. It is weird to think about, isn ’t it? Just a month ago, we were in Gusu together. It has been quite long since you have seen my handsome face, Lan er gege. I hope you have not forgotten your betrothed. Hope Zewu Jun is doing well, and your uncle is gearing up to have me back in the Cloud Recesses.

Yours,

Wei Ying

Dear Wei Ying,

Xiongzhang shared the news with me. He says he is doing well and waiting for your arrival. As for Uncle, your concern for his health is well received. Crystal and Butterfly are well behaved, you need not worry.

Wei Ying ’s face is unforgettable. You need not worry.

Yours,

Lan Wangji

Oh, my to-be-husband, Lan Zhan,

This might be our last correspondence. It seems like even time got wings now. It is just a week from away from our wedding and I ’m nervous. Aren’t you? Anyways, you need not reply to this because I will already be in Gusu by the time. Look at me just writing nonsense. Maybe I should write another letter and throw this one away but I’m too lazy for that. Waiting to see you soon, Lan Zhan!

Yours,

Wei Ying

Chapter Text

As the wedding day approaches, it gets hectic.

Wei Wuxian finds time passing extremely fast and agonizingly slow at the same time.

An auspicious date is chosen for the wedding. Madam Yu is the one in charge of the details of the wedding. Gifts, decorations, invitations and all the formal aspect of the wedding. Thankfully, she had left the wedding attire to Jiang Yanli.

Wei Wuxian is delighted to see his shijie happily preparing for it. It is the happiest he has ever seen her. He does not even need to worry about how he will look on his wedding day now. He knows his Shijie will leave no stone unturned to make sure he looks his absolute best.

The closer the day comes; the more anxious Wei Wuxian gets. He still cannot wrap his head around the thought that he is about to get married to Lan Wangji.

If anything, Wei Wuxian’s stay in Gusu had told him that he does not know what Lan Wangji feels for him. From the beginning till the end, Lan Wangji had shown nothing to tell Wei Wuxian he liked him. Barely tolerated? Yes. Reluctant acceptance of someone you are about to get married to? Yes. But that did not sound like a good basis for a marriage.

Their relationship has improved though. Their letters have at least kept them in touch, kept them away from becoming strangers again.

Gusu Lan is a strict sect. With all their 3000 rules, Wei Wuxian is not sure how he will survive. The whole sect was stifling, really. To think about him staying there for the rest of his life, it does not sit well with him.

Flying fast is forbidden, running fast is prohibited, talking while eating is prohibited. Ridiculous rules, all of them.

Lan Wangji is completely different from him. They are opposites in every way possible. His aversion to touch, his “no rule shall be broken” attitude, the way he talks, the way he does not even look at Wei Wuxian for more than a second. (Not like Wei Wuxian would be able to handle having Lan Wangji’s attention on him even though he craves for it.)

Despite of all of this though, he pictures a life with Lan Wangji. Not a happy marriage, but an amiable one. Maybe even a happy and comfortable one.

Lan Wangji is a gentleman. He is courteous and honorable. He will never make Wei Wuxian do anything he does not wish to do, other than following those rules. That is a whole different situation.

Wei Wuxian can imagine living with Lan Wangji in the jingshi. He can see him waking next to him, smiling as Lan Wangji wakes up at 5 and groaning when he tells him to get dressed. He imagines whining when Lan Wangji tells him to eat their bland food. And yet, he pictures it all too well. Wei Wuxian’s wings flutters behind him at the thought, like a lovesick maiden. He tucks them in, those betrayers.

It brings back the memory of the days in Cloud Recesses, copying the rules in the library, watching Lan Wangji, his wings fluttering behind him. Lan Wangji telling him to stop with his ears turning rosy red. Wei Wuxian screams into his pillow, ignoring Little Apple’s knowing hum. With a swish of his hand, he extinguishes the lamp by his side and tucks himself under the covers. Wei Wuxian’s last thought before he falls asleep is that, maybe, it would not be too bad being married to Lan Wangji.

The wedding day comes too quickly.

One moment Wei Wuxian is getting measured for his wedding robes and then suddenly he is wearing them all pieced together. Ready to be guided to the sedan. It had taken a lot to reach this very exact moment though. He had been awake even before the first light.

He was bathed in aromatic water, filled with rose petals. Dried and dressed in the numerous layers of red robes. His hair had been styled extravagantly. His wedding robes perfectly accentuating his waist. A slight rouge dusted his cheeks, a delicate red gracing his lips. He had only worn a small headpiece, something to do with a Lan tradition which he was thankful for. A small necklace gleamed against his neck, where hung a small butterfly from a delicate looking golden chain. The outline made of a thin string of gold held four pieces of gemstones, Ruby, Wei Wuxian had found out later, representing his status in the Jiang family.

Wei Wuxian had willed himself not to cry when Yu furen had stepped inside his room and presented this necklace to him. As if Yu furen willingly coming to see him had not been enough, the significance of the necklace had done the job.

Whenever a member of the Jiang family had married in to another clan, they had been bestowed with a necklace, a symbol of their connection to the ruling family.  To have had Yu furen give this to him, she might have left the entire Jiang fortune to him, and it would have not measured enough to this very moment.

When shijie came in and immediately stopped at the threshold, “A-Xian, you look beautiful.” She had unshed tears glistening in her eyes.

“Shijie is partial” he said, not knowing what else to say. It had always been difficult for him to respond to compliments. So he had only laughed awkwardly. 

“I cannot believe A-Xian is getting married before me”, Jiang Yanli shook her head fondly, “Let shijie compliment you, A-Xian. I’m sure Lan er gongzi will agree with me”

Wei Wuxian would have voiced his strong disagreement to that. Lan Wangji would rather have a sword fight with him than ever compliment him.

That had made him wonder, what would Lan Wangji look like in the red wedding robes. He already looked way too handsome than allowed in Gusu Lan’s robes. To see him in red, Wei Wuxian had felt himself burning up even at the mere thought of it. He would be seeing him soon.

Now that he is sitting in the sedan, Wei Wuxian is hit with the thought that he is going to leave Yunmeng. Even though he had known this for a while, known that he would leave Yunmeng to live in Gusu, it had not hit him this hard. For Wei Wuxian, Yunmeng has become his home. After years on the street, alone, cold, and scared, Yunmeng had become his everything. Like a beam of light after years of darkness. A roof over his head, food more than just to fill his stomach, and his siblings. To leave this safety net, it scares him.

Wei Wuxian has lived in Gusu. It is not like anyone had treated him wrongly. His ideas had not been received well but nobody had treated him any less than how they treated Lan Wangji.

The bridal sedan arrives to the Cloud Recesses, in all its glory. Colors of the Yunmeng Jiang painting the white of the Gusu Lan purple all until they reach the entrance.

The entrance of the Cloud Recesses is adorned in the auspicious red, befitting for the wedding of the second heir. Wei Wuxian is in awe, seeing how different Cloud Recesses is bathed in red.

Handmaidens are waiting for him already, helping him get down of the sedan. Wedding robes are heavy and uncomfortable, especially to walk in. Flying would have been easier but he had been given strict instructions to not cause any trouble, so he does not voice his complain. It is not like he is a mood for it. His nerves are spiraling out of control.

Wei Wuxian is silent as the handmaiden guides him to a direction he vaguely remembers. From the corner of his eyes, Wei Wuxian sees his family being escorted to the opposite direction. That does not help his already anxious state. He needed Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng with him. Just to have some last minutes of familiarity stay with him before the ceremony. Seems like he won’t be getting any of that.

Wei Wuxian is guided to a room, specially prepared for him. There waiting for him are more servants who quickly makes him sit in front of the mirror. He is given no explanation as one of the servants helps him wear another layer, forming the Lan Clan motif on the shoulders, translucent and delicate outer robe, which looks like to be made from thin strings of silver.

In some ways, it makes Wei Wuxian think of Lan Wangji’s wings: delicate and oh so beautiful. Will Wei Wuxian get to see them tonight? Touch them, run his fingers on the frame?

The servants then present to him a box, which holds a crown. Wei Wuxian is in wonder seeing the same exact crown he had seen Lan Wangji wearing. “We are not to touch it. Please, wear it” the servant tells him as he looks around to see why they have suddenly taken a step back.

Only to be touched by spouse or family, he remembers Lan Wangji angrily telling him. Now, he gets to wear one, gets to have the Lan crown of his own. A hysterical laugh bubbles out of him. Wei Wuxian picks the crown, his hands trembling as he lays it over his head, the crystals dangling over his forehead. It is surreal to think how he went from wanting to touch the crown to wearing one. Life really works in odd ways.

Even through his red veil, he can see how the crown just fits. Against his red robes, the silver outer wear and the crown just fits. It makes him feel a part of the Lan Clan, at least in color.

He is then led to the final step to his wedding.

The rest of the wedding ceremony passes in a blur.

Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian prostrate three times. First to the heaven and earth, second to the elders and third to each other. Through his veil, Wei Wuxian is barely able to see anything. He keeps peeking through to get a glimpse of Lan Wangji, who is silent as a mountain next to him.

He still remembers the warmth Lan Wangji’s hand radiated as he held his hand in his extraordinarily large ones as he had guided him here. He had tried to say something, anything, just to see Lan Wangji twitch but he had not even been able to will his mouth to open. When Lan Wangji’s hand had left his for the bows, he had felt the loss of warmth like a phantom pain.

After the bows, they offer tea to their elders. The last part of the ceremony being Lan Wangji offering him a necklace, holding the most opulent crystal he has ever seen. It is hanging from a silver chain and Wei Wuxian loses himself in just watching Lan Wangji holding it, forgetting what he is supposed to do. It is a clearing of a throat that brings him back. Lan Wangji, who is waiting for him patiently, holding the necklace in his hands.

Wei Wuxian tilts his head down slightly, doing his best as not to shiver as Lan Wangji’s hands comes under his veil, fasting the necklace across his neck. This way, they are so close, closer than they have ever been. Wei Wuxian’s heart beats furiously in his chest even long after Lan Wangji’s arms leaves him. The necklace is heavy where it lies against his chest, warm but heavy with what it entails.

The next is the banquet which Wei Wuxian is surprised to see has actual meat-based dishes. Did the Lan clan just break their rules? His surprise must have been quite evident for after Lan Wangji helps Wei Wuxian sit, he turns his head to him. “It would be more appropriate for the guests” his voice like music to his ears. It has been so long, it seems like, Wei Wuxian has heard Lan Wangji’s rich timbre. It makes his heart flutter, makes him almost lose his control over his wings which are ready to spring out of his back.

Wei Wuxian still does not have his voice back, so he just nods. Lan Wangji observes him, through the veil, the outline of his face, Wei Wuxian can feel Lan Wangji’s golden eyes on him, observing him. Wei Wuxian feels himself faltering, getting hot from the attention. What is wrong with him? It is not like he is meeting Lan Wangji for the first time. He has wanted to hold Lan Wangji’s attention. Now that he is partially getting that, Wei Wuxian does not know how to react. His body does though if his heating cheeks are anything to go by.

Thankfully, he is saved from the attention when they are presented with cups of wine which he downs in one go and watches Lan Wangji swallow it slowly. They are provided the food. Lan Wangji’s plate is all vegetarian, the same cuisine of the Gusu Lan. He nods to Wei Wuxian, waiting for him to start eating. Wei Wuxian smiles and then realizes that Lan Wangji can’t see that, he picks his chopsticks and takes a bite and Lan Wangji follows him. Even though his plate is filled with meat, Wei Wuxian is unable to stomach it. It is not like he does not like the taste. It is mild yes, but seasoned and flavored. Gusu Lan really went out with it.

It is just his nerves pulling him in a spiral. He takes just another bite and then sighs lightly, making sure to not let Lan Wangji hear him. But either that Lan Wangji is suddenly to adept to all things Wei Wuxian or that Wei Wuxian was not as silent as he had thought, for Lan Wangji’s head whips to him.

“Is the food not to your liking?” Lan Wangji asks, his voice low enough for the words to only reach Wei Wuxian’s ears. He is facing him unashamedly now, uncaring of the way everyone’s attention is on them. Wei Wuxian clears his throat, licking his dry lips before saying, “It is good. I—I just—" he braves himself. Better to not start the beginning of their married life with half lies, “I just cannot eat.”

Lan Wangji stays silent, considering him for a few seconds. “Anyway I can help?” He asks which brings out a laugh out of Wei Wuxian. It is cute of him, Wei Wuxian thinks. He cannot do anything to help but it is nice of him. It tugs at Wei Wuxian’s heartstrings.

“It’s fine, Lan Zhan. I can manage” Wei Wuxian tells him, trying to convey how grateful he is. Lan Wangji does not seem convinced, just keeps looking at him. “Seriously, Lan Zhan. Please eat, your food will get cold.”

Lan Wangji reluctantly goes back to eating while Wei Wuxian tries to stomach a few more bites before his stomach begins to protest.

The banquet is silent, in accordance with the silence while eating rule of the Lans which does not help Wei Wuxian’s mood at all. By the time everyone is done eating, Wei Wuxian still has half of his plate full. He is aware of the do not waste food rule, and he himself does not like to waste it but he cannot even manage to look at it now. But to his bafflement, Lan Wangji does not chide him for it. The servants quickly clear the tables.

The end of the banquet is just him trying not to cry as Jiang Yanli cries him goodbye, telling him to promise her he will take care of himself.  Jiang Cheng just punches his shoulder. “Take care, idiot” he grumbles which is as good as him professing his love.

Wei Wuxian only gets to spend a few minutes with his family, only a few minutes to say goodbye before Lan Wangji stops next to him, extending his hand to Wei Wuxian. Taking a deep breath, Wei Wuxian takes his hand in his once again, letting Lan Wangji guide him to the wedding chambers.

The walk to the jingshi is silent. The silence is aiding to Wei Wuxian’s anxiousness, the mere air filled with dreadful anticipation. Wei Wuxian’s hand in Lan Wangji’s hand weighing him down like a shackle.

It had not been the wedding that Wei Wuxian had feared. It is this part, the night of the wedding that scares him. Of all the loud and fake claims he had made in front of Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian had never done anything of this kind before. He had not even kissed another; he had saved it for the one he will love.

Flirting had been just that for him, flirting. He had never done it for it to end somewhere. He had done it just because it had been fun. But that is it. He is scared that it will hurt, he is scared that Lan Wangji will take one look at him and find him repelling and leave. He is scared that Lan Wangji will make him do it, make him—

“Wei Ying” Lan Wangji’s voice cuts through his thoughts like the sharpest of swords. It is then when Wei Wuxian realizes that it is not dark around then now. No sky above him. They are in the jingshi. He had not even noticed when they had not only entered the room but also been standing still in the middle of it. The room is adorned with red and gold. Their marital bed is covered in red sheets, scattered over which are flower petals of all different kinds. A pleasant scent of sandalwood drifting in the air.

The room is lit with countless candles all scattered here and there in the room, giving it a warm hue. If Wei Wuxian was in his right mind, he would appreciate the intimate aura. It seems like a perfect place to do— to complete your marital duties. But that is not what Wei Wuxian is thinking. Wei Wuxian is thinking how to run out of the room and hide somewhere—

“Wei Ying, take a deep breath for me” Lan Wangji’s voice is like coaxing a scared child and Wei Wuxian almost startles away when he sees that Lan Wangji is standing right in front of him, his face just centimeters away from his. It is easier said than done. It feels like the air around him is reducing every passing second. His throat is constricting, his eyes darkening at the edges, Lan Wangji’s face tilting dangerously.

He thinks he hears Lan Wangji call for him, he feels him his hand on his shoulder, the other around his waist. He feels Lan Wangji guiding him to the bed, settling him down gently over the soft mattress. The red on his eyes, the veil is carefully but quickly taken off and kept aside. He is aware that his wings had answered to his panic and popped out of his back. His magic over them getting loose.

“Follow my lead, Wei Ying. Can you do that for me?” Lan Wangji’s voice is soft as Wei Wuxian hears it. He cannot see anything yet, even with the veil off. Despite the panic rendering him useless, he manages to nod. He should not react like this. He knew what saying yes to a wedding would mean. He knew this night would come. Then why is he reacting like this? He should not. It is embarrassing, the way he is reacting. He really—

Wei Wuxian feels Lan Wangji’s hands cupping his cheeks, his palms warm on the skin as he says, ever so softly, “Wei Ying, stop.”

That breaks the haze in his mind. Only enough for the darkness in his eyes to recede. That is when he sees it. Wei Wuxian will never forget the image of this. H is not strong enough to. For there is Lan Wangji, as handsome as ever in the wedding red robes. The whole ceremony Wei Wuxian has been unable to make out the details of his husband through the red veil.

But now without it, Wei Wuxian sees. And oh, he is never going to forget it. If white and blue suits Lan Wangji like stars complimenting a night sky. Lan Wangji in red is like the sun setting in the honeydew sky. Bringing out the golden of his eyes. As if that is not enough to cast a love spell on anyone, Lan Wangji is kneeling between his parted legs.

His golden eyes are concerned, a slight furrow between his brows, “Wei Ying?” he asks again, eyes searching his face.

“Lan Zhan” Wei Wuxian breathes out, his panic finally leaving him. But he is drained, his robes too heavy on his shoulders, the crown of the Lans like a burden he just cannot bear. He is overwhelmed.

Lan Wangji’s face is still carrying the worried look and Wei Wuxian cannot have that. Lan Wangji should never look like that. “Lan Zhan, I did not think that this is how you would be lifting my veil! Quite anti-climactic, wasn’t it?” he adds with a laugh, which sounds fake even to his own ears. He winces as Lan Wangji’s face twists even more.

“Wei Ying, do not joke” Lan Wangji chides, standing up. Thank the heavens for one more second looking at Lan Wangji in that position and Wei Wuxian would have combusted. He sits next to him, just an arm of space between them.

“Sorry, Lan Zhan. I don’t know why I reacted like this. I just— I don’t know” he sighs, rubbing his temples with his thumb. It is difficult to talk about. Wei Wuxian even with his own shamelessness, he cannot just tell Lan Wangji, ‘Hey, I’m scared about being intimate with you and I panicked! See what kind of fairy you just married! Congratulations!’

Lan Wangji stays silent, lets Wei Wuxian collect himself. “Do you wish to talk about it?” He asks once he sees Wei Wuxian is calm enough to talk.

“Do I have to?” Wei Wuxian does not look up, keeps staring at his hands in his lap. He wishes Lan Wangji to say no, sighing heavily when Lan Wangji resolutely says, “I would like to know if you wish to tell me.”

Trembling, just a bit, Wei Wuxian shifts until he is face-to-face with Lan Wangji. There is no way to say it easily. The words do not even come out of his mouth. He has never found himself stuck with words, they come easily to him, like a waterfall. He always has more to say then needed. Why is he unable to say anything right now?

His silence must have been quite telling of his struggle, for Lan Wangji shows him some mercy and says the words he had not been able to say. “Is it related to what is expected from us?” Even coming from him, the words sound odd.

Wei Wuxian nods, ashamed. His breathing gets heavy again, the signs of another similar panic threatening to break free. But this time, Lan Wangji stops it with his mere words, “Wei Ying, we do not have to do anything.” The words are like balm to his soul. He is so relieved that unshed tears fill his eyes. He chokes back a sob, hiding his face in the palm of his hands. He is so embarrassed but the sheer relief flowing in his veins is just too much to handle.

Wei Wuxian has always thought intimacy would be like giving yourself, the most vulnerable of you to someone. I have given you my heart and now you can have me, all of me. It is not that it is sex with Lan Wangji that scares him, it is the whole concept of sex with anyone that scares him.

“That’s good. That’s good.” He laughs awkwardly. He feels Lan Wangji’s scrutinizing gaze on him, he refuses to look at him. He will turn red and run out of the room which will not solve anything.

So, Wei Wuxian goes for the next best option.

“Lan Zhan! Your headpiece is so heavy! How do you even stand straight in this? It feels like I’m holding like five stones over my head. And these robes are so heavy! I’m sweating! My wings were itching being tucked away for so long. Finally, they can breathe. I don’t understand how you keeps them tucked away like this” He is aware that he is rambling, body vibrating with anxious energy that he had no outlet for. Talking, that usually helps. Flying is the best one, but it is not like he will be able to do that here.

Wei Wuxian dares to turn his head, keeping a large smile on his face and sees Lan Wangji gazing at him curiously. His face remains impassive, but his eyes are telling enough. After a good ten seconds, Lan Wangji sighs, just the lightest breath leaving his lips.

“It is not heavy” He ends up saying, hands twitching where they lay next to him, “You get used to it.” Lan Wangji stands up from the bed, making to move away when Wei Wuxian, without even meaning to do it, clutches the end if his flowing sleeves in his hand.

Lan Wangji freezes mid-step, slightly twisting his head, golden eyes looking at Wei Wuxian’s face and then to the hand on his sleeve, questioning.

Wei Wuxian chuckles awkwardly, letting the sleeve fall from his hand, dusting the sleeve just to buy himself some time to think of an excuse. He looks everywhere for it and finally his eyes lands on the robes and the headpiece holding his hair together.

“Let me help you with your headpiece. Don’t tell me you got to sleep wearing that? I’m allowed to touch it now, right, husband?” He bats his lashes just to add a little touch. It gets him his desired reaction.

“Ridiculous” Lan Wangji mutters, but obediently sits back on the bed, his back facing Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian chirps happily, crossing his legs.

“That is me Lan Zhan, that is me” Wei Wuxian says, spending just a second to admire Lan Wangji’s back. There is nothing more about it. Lan magic is different, their cultivation techniques different and strong enough that they don’t need to tuck their wings like the butterfly fairies. Their wings just disappear like they never even existed. Now that Wei Wuxian is here in the Gusu Lan sect, to stay, maybe he will be able to learn this.

Wei Wuxian starts off with the Lan crown first, getting a little up on his knees to give him some leverage as he lets his trembling fingers touch, just a barest of touch on the cold crystal. He feels Lan Wangji going more rigid, as if that was even possible, his breath hitching in his throat as Wei Wuxian leans in, “Is this okay, Lan Zhan? Can I do this?”

“Mn” is the response Wei Wuxian gets. He wastes no more time in reaching for the crown and gently, as gently as he can manage taking it off. It is heavy, just like the one he is wearing. He holds it in his palms, admires it and then keeps it on the bed for the time-being.

Then, he gets on the second headpiece holding his hair. This one is easy, no more only spouse can touch it rule making this wedding more of a reality then it is. He loses himself in the silky locks, just like he had imagined them to be, of Lan Wangji’s hair, letting his fingers run through the straight inky black strands once they are free from all the pins.

It is strange, doing this. But it helps. By the time Wei Wuxian runs his fingers fall through his hair one last time, he is back to his usual cheeriness. He makes a move to Lan Wangji’s shoulders next, getting to remove the silver outer robe he is also wearing when a loud intake of breath and a hand stops his mid-way.

“Wei Ying” he hears Lan Wangji hiss.

“Huh? Did I do something? Oh— I’m sorry Lan Zhan. I just thought that the robes must be uncomfortable for you and did this without even asking you. My bad, I’m sorry. I should not have presumed—“

“It is fine. I apologize for reacting harshly. I was merely surprised” Lan Wangji tells him. “You can continue.”

Wei Wuxian nods, more to himself, surprised and shocked. This Lan Wangji is different than the one he met three months ago. That Lan Wangji’s aversion to touch had been quite evident. While this Lan Wangji, his husband Lan Wangji is more— open?

Wei Wuxian cannot pinpoint what exactly is different, but clearly there is something. One person cannot change this much in three months.

He goes back to the task at hand, lets his hand first move Lan Wangji’s hair to the front and then slowly take off the sheer robes off Lan Wangji’s shoulder. All the while Lan Wangji remains unmoving and silent. Wei Wuxian does not mind this silence. It is calming in a way, relaxing.

Wei Wuxian repeats the motion until all the many layers are off, until Lan Wangji is only his red inner robe. He pats his back twice, “All done Lan Zhan! Isn’t it better now? You must be feeling quite light” he says empathetically, seeing Lan Wangji roll his shoulder slightly and then his neck. Wei Wuxian looks away immediately. He does not know why this small motion seems so intimate suddenly when he just helped his husband undress on their wedding night.

“It is better” Lan Wangji agrees, turning to face him, his face soft under the candlelight. “Thank you, Wei Ying” he says more earnestly then needed.

It brings a flush to Wei Wuxian’s cheeks, that he hides behind a cough, “Lan Zhan you are too earnest for your own good. Think of my poor heart! Do you wish for me to perish on our wedding night? Do you know how scandalous that will be, Lan Zhan?” he exclaims, without any heat of course.

But Lan Wangji, just stares at him again, which he has doing a lot tonight and Wei Wuxian is not adept to handle it yet, and says seriously, “That will indeed make news.”

A lot has happened today, and Wei Wuxian is tired and a weak fairy. Maybe he is delirious. He should be because there is no way in fairyland that Lan Wangji just— he just made a joke!

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian exclaims, “Did you just make a joke? Hey, do not dare to ignore me now!” he jumps on the bed, all his energy coming back into him. This is a monumental moment! The one that should be recorded in all the history scrolls.

And then, Wei Wuxian sees the way Lan Wangji’s lips twitches, just the barest tilt of his lips. He had seen this once before, the time he had painted a bunny pixie on the lantern. Even then he had found himself speechless. Who wouldn’t be when they get to see the sun itself reflecting on the crystal white snow? Who wouldn’t make a fool out of himself just to see that— that ethereal smile?

Even now, Wei Wuxian pauses, his hand stilling in the space between him and Lan Wangji. That is how it should be. The world should still when Lan Wangji smiles. He does not make the rules, it is a fact. What could be more important than seeing that smile? Nothing.

Wei Wuxian is not even saying this, you know, because he is Lan Wangji’s husband now, his cultivation partner. He is merely pointing out that anybody who appreciates beauty would understand his feelings and his reaction. That is all it is, no other feeling attached.

Wei Wuxian visibly shakes himself out of that memory that keeps playing in his mind. He grins widely. “You should do more of that,” he says, his tone softer than he had expected.

“More of what?” Lan Wangji asks simply, gathering his robes in his arms and folding them meticulously.

“Smiling. It is a good look on you” he answers honestly.

Lan Wangji does not move his eyes to him, merely hums and keeps doing what he was doing. By the time he is finished folding his robes, Wei Wuxian plays with the hems of his robes, eyes watching Lan Wangji almost unconsciously.

“Wei Ying” Lan Wangji says like a question, shifting closer to him again, waiting.

Wei Wuxian hums, “What is it?”

“Let me help you. With your robes” Lan Wangji adds, gesturing to his still heavy on shoulders robes. He had completely forgotten about them.

“Oh, it is fine, Lan Zhan. I can do it on my own” Wei Wuxian protests, “You can get ready for bed, just give me five minutes and I will be…” He falters, forgetting what he was going to say when Lan Wangji’s hands comes to rest on his shoulder.

“You helped. Let me” Lan Wangji says simply. Wei Wuxian can only nod, eyes still wide as Lan Wangji settles behind him. His fingers are deft as he starts with taking off his crown, careful to not tug his hair.

Wei Wuxian is still, holding his breath for no apparent reason. Maybe it is the way Lan Wangji’s fingers combs his hair, maybe it is the way Lan Wangji helps him undress to his innermost robes. He keeps his wings from moving too much, holding the tip to make sure they do not hit Lan Wangji in the face.

It is almost mechanical and yet the most intimate, if one can even call it, he has ever been with someone.

By the time Lan Wangji’s hands leaves his body, Wei Wuxian is almost lulled to sleep. He blinks the sleep away, stopping just in time to not topple over the bed when Lan Wangji calls for him. He hums an answer.

“Which side would you be comfortable with?” Lan Wangji asks, and Wei Wuxian sees that he has already folded Wei Wuxian’s robes and now they lie on the table behind the bed, next to Lan Wangji’s, their crowns resting on top. It makes his sleep-addled mind smile.

The bed is big enough, bigger than what Wei Wuxian had in the Yunmeng. Of course, it is because it is meant for two people to sleep in. A couple to sleep in. He is tired enough now that he does not find it in him to not bother Lan Wangji and sleep on the floor instead.

Wei Wuxian chooses the inner side, dragging his body to the wall, “This. If it’s okay with you?”

Lan Wangji nods and with swing of his hand, puts out all the candles. He slips into the bed next to him and Wei Wuxian only then lays down. He tucks his wings in, facing Lan Wangji who in all his elegance, is lying on his back.

“Good night, Lan Zhan” Wei Wuxian whispers quietly, his voice suddenly too loud in the room. He feels his eyes drooping, the toll of the whole day finally catching up to him. But before he drifts to sleep, he thinks he hears, he thinks he sees Lan Wangji tilting his face toward him and whispering back, “Good Night, Wei Ying.”

Life is white and black. Until a bright red light renders his life upside down. Colors it in ways he had thought to be impossible

It is truly unbelievable, how accustomed Lan Wangji had grown to have a fairy with bright red wings with a smile that could rival the sun chase after him, time and time again.

Wei Wuxian is many things. Boisterous, wild and unlike any fairy Lan Wangji has ever met. Possessing intelligence and power. He is aware of the affect he has on others, wields his smile like a weapon. The sharpest of smiles piercing through the crystal around him he had carefully built over the years.

When his uncle had first proposed the betrothal to him first, he had felt conflicted. To marry a stranger, the prospect of having someone unknown in the safety of his home had irked him.

The Lan Clan had stayed away from all the other clans for far too long. The concern of the incoming signs of a war had forced this decision to come to light.

The adopted son of the Butterfly Clan of Yunmeng Jiang, the first disciple, Wei Wuxian. One marriage that would link them with the Jiangs and the Jins. An alliance that would benefit the entirety of the clan.

How could Lan Wangji had said no?

Lan Wangji had never been interested in love. It was futile to expect it. He had seen with his own two eyes what it did to his parents. A lively soul confined far away from their clan. Not allowed to see her own children. A father who had secluded himself. That is what love did to people.

“A-Zhan, love is not anything bad if you fall for the right one.” He still remembered his mother’s words clearly in his head. She had told him this when Lan Wangji had heard the elders speaking ill of his mother. He had been so upset. Then his mother had died and so had his father. For love, they had said. Love had doomed them from the beginning.

I’m sorry, mother. But I do not want love, Lan Wangji had thought to himself. It only bought destruction and nothing else. Why would Lan Wangji wish for something disastrous?

So, he had said yes to the proposal.

Lan Wangji had not wanted much from the betrothal. A political alliance and a comfortable but respectful life with his spouse. Nothing more and nothing less.

And then, Wei Wuxian had flown right into his peaceful life and made it all chaotic.

In his time in the Cloud Recesses, Wei Wuxian had carved a place for himself. An outline of how he would fit in the Cloud Recesses. Which would be, not at all. Every single aspect of their clan clashed every fiber of Wei Wuxian. He was untamed, nothing could ever bound him. Nobody had ever been this touchy and talkative with him before. This ready to be a part of his life.

Lan Wangji had tried at first, not understanding the whirlwind of emotions Wei Wuxian ignited inside of him. It had been foreign, the sheer number of feelings swirling in him. Annoyance, it had been at first, Fascination, the next. Confusion and confusion the rest.

Wei Wuxian had been unpredictable. One moment he had been teasing him relentlessly while the other he showed such sincerity. Lan Wangji had not known what to do with either of them.

“Wangji, he is trying. Why not you try as well?” Lan Xichen had said to him one day, cryptic and pushing. Try? He had wondered. How?

How did one deal with a fire that would burn them alive? Where does one even start to learn?

Lan Wangji had not even put a name to the many emotions he felt when the time for Wei Wuxian to leave had come. One month had passed as if mocking him.

You did not cherish the time you had with him. Now he is leaving, he had heard the wind whisper to him.

The lanterns they had let into the sky together, had sung their own song to him, what’s your wish, for I’m ready to fall.

Lan Wangji had looked at Wei Wuxian standing next to him, eyes closed, and hands folded in a prayer, he had found the answer to that melody. No need, I have what I wish for. For I have fallen already.

Wei Wuxian’s gift to him, two fluffy rabbits, one black and one white, had made his heart swell with such an array of emotions that he had been unable to fathom.

Suddenly, everything had made sense to him. Suddenly, Lan Wangji had found himself liking the sound of “See you soon, Lan Zhan.”

Their correspondence had been quite frequent and had kept Lan Wangji from going insane with longing.

How could one person miss another so adamantly? That the mere thought of not having them beside you is unthinkable?

Lan Wangji had found himself missing the constant laughter, the unpredictable presence by his side. The library had become too silent, the paths leading to the classrooms dull and lifeless.

Lan Xichen had always been attuned to read him. It had not taken him long before he had finally brought the question up, “Wei gongzi is quite lively, isn’t he?”

Lan Wangji had not taken the bait. He had known where it was going.

“I find myself missing the liveliness. Don’t you, Wangji? I think he was a breath of fresh air that we all needed.” That amusement had been quite evident in his voice.

“I do not” he had said rather curtly. “The silence is welcoming.” His voice had sounded contrary even to his own ears.

“Is that why I see you fostering the rabbits? You have never been good at lying, Wangji. I can see you missing him” Lan Xichen said softly, as if feeling sorry for him.

“A gift should not be disregarded.” Lan Wangji lowered his eyes, not wanting to keep the conversation going. It hit him a little later, “How does Xiongzhang knows about the rabbits?” he had inquired. He had, to his best of abilities, hidden the rabbits. Pets were forbidden in the Cloud Recesses but not honoring a spouse’s insightful gift was worse of an offense.

“Wei gongzi had come to me before the alcohol incident and inquired about your likes and dislikes” Lan Xichen explained.

That had made Lan Wangji pause. Wei Wuxian had come to Xiongzhang? To ask about what Lan Wangji liked? Why? 

“He wished to give you a gift, Wangji. Something meaningful to you to show his sincerity. I see that he was successful” he told him, a knowing smile on his face.

If Lan Wangji had held the rabbits in his palms that night, let them stay in the jingshi even later then the curfew, had watched them hop around in his space, thinking about Wei Wuxian, it had been his and his business only.

Lan Wangji had known red was Wei Wuxian’s color. The first day he had seen the butterfly fairy clad in his red robes, his wings fluttering behind him, maybe his reaction had been his shock in discovering such an irresistible fairy. But that had been nothing, nothing at all to prepare himself for Wei Wuxian is the red wedding robes. If he had been beautiful before, he had looked as if the god of beauty themselves had decided to grace them with their presence.

Once again, Lan Wangji had been reminded by the fact that he was marrying Wei Wuxian. He was marrying the most beautiful fairy.

Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian had become husbands, cultivation partners with heaven and earth as their witnesses.

Being entangled in his own feelings, Lan Wangji had not stopped to consider the marital duties that happened in the wedding chambers.

Even as he held Wei Wuxian’s hand steadily in his, the anticipation had made his insides tremble. He imagined his hands on Wei Wuxian’s slim waist, the tempting arch of his back. How he would kiss his plump pink lips, bite them hard. How they would glisten after he had devoured them numb. How Wei Wuxian would sound, moaning his name. Lan Wangji would try to mimic that image he had seen in the porn book Wei Wuxian had shown him. He would pin him against the wall and take his first right there. He would tie his wrists, leave marks on his chest to show his claim.

Then Lan Wangji had felt the shame burn in his belly, the utter shamelessness of his thoughts. His stomach had churned seeing Wei Wuxian scared, so scared of him. Had he really thought Lan Wangji would force himself on him? Had he held such little faith in him? Lan Wangji had felt suffocated. His previous thoughts made that shameful guilt rising in his throat.

When Wei Wuxian’s fingers had carded through his hair, his hand touching the crown, it had made him shiver. He had helped Wei Wuxian strip to his inner robes, willing his eyes to stay unmoving and not give in to the desire to glimpse at that milky skin.

They had slept together on the bed meant for their marital activities. It had felt strange to lay down on it, having Wei Wuxian lying still next to him. Lan Wangji’s body is hyper-aware of every single movement of his body.

Lan Wangji had stayed awake long after the curfew, just watching Wei Wuxian sleep, watching the rise and fall of his chest. He had fallen asleep to the light sound of Wei Wuxian breathing.

Chapter Text

When Lan Wangji wakes up, he wakes up to the sensation of having a heavy wait on his chest. His eyes flies open, hand ready to grab Bichen, only to find something much more dangerous than a sword.

In his sleep, Wei Wuxian had somehow managed to entangle his limbs into his, his leg thrown over his own, head resting on Lan Wangji’s chest. It takes minutes for Lan Wangji to remember it not being a dream. They had gotten married last night, had slept together in a bed. Wei Wuxian, had become his husband and Lan Wangji had become his.

A myriad of emotions floods into Lan Wangji’s chest, his heart skipping a beat. Wei Wuxian has always had been irresistible for him since the day he had met him. But seeing this softness, Wei Wuxian’s eyes closed, snoring lightly, his breath tingling the bare skin of his neck, it does unexplainable things to him. A jolt running through his entire body.

Getting to see him, this comfortable, this vulnerable, lying on top of him, on his bed, on their marital bed, it is like an image from his fantasies. Wei Wuxian’s wings rests calmly on his back, covering his body. His hair are in a disarray, framing his sunlight kissed face. His inner robes had slipped off his shoulders, exposing the milky skin of his shoulders to him, right against his face as if the gods wanted to test his patience. Patience that was running low.

But that is not woke him up from his sleep.

Lan Wangji is hyper aware of every single point their bodies are touching. Wei Wuxian’s right knee is snugly settled right on his groin. His length is hard, straining against his thin inner robes. He makes to move, just a light shift of his body, wincing as Wei Wuxian climbs more firmly over him, his knee enthusiastically pressing over his aching cock.

Lan Wangji blinks, reciting all of the three thousand rules in his head. He swallows the dryness in his throat, his breath shaking. He pictures all kinds of repulsing things in his head, willing the erection to go down.

It is not the first time he had woken up with such an issue. If it had been just another day, Lan Wangji would have mechanically stroked himself to completion or solves the problem with cold water.  He had never found pleasure in such an act.

But that had been before Wei Wuxian.

Now what he desires, what will bring him pleasure is the mere thought of Wei Wuxian straddling him, moaning his name loud and shameless. The image is so vivid that Lan Wangji almost comes right then and there. He will need to punish himself later for such disgraceful behavior.

How would Wei Wuxian react if he was to wake up now? Would he tease him relentlessly? Or would he let Lan Wangji take his fill?

Lan Wangji needs to get free. He slowly but carefully peels Wei Wuxian’s limbs, one at a time. A sleeping Wei Wuxian is as restless as awake, for he begins to grumble and shift, almost hitting Lan Wangji again, making him hiss.

Holding his breath, Lan Wangji waits for Wei Wuxian to settle, his hear fond as he adorably mumbles in his sleep before going silent again. Lan Wangji pushes himself up from the bed and all but flies fast into the bath area.

The feeling of Wei Wuxian’s warmth still lingers on him, sticking to his skin. He sinks against the wall and reaches down into his pants. Lan Wangji pulls his cock free, aching to be touched. He strokes himself, just one touch sending overwhelming sensation into his body.  His breathing is harsh as he loses himself to the pleasure, his cock leaking.

It takes only three more strokes for him to come. He muffles his groan against his arm, his vision going dark as he comes harder then he ever had before. It is intense and fast, so much like Wei Wuxian.

Lan Wangji lets his head hang in shame, collecting himself from throes of pleasure. This should not happen again. Wei Wuxian does not deserve someone like him who cannot even suppress his carnal desires. Especially when his spouse had shown obvious discomfort regarding the matter.

Lan Wangji will not let this happen ever again.

Wei Wuxian wakes up next morning to an empty bed.

Not like was expecting anything else. Gusu Lan’s wake up at 5 rule is absurd and definitely not in accordance with Wei Wuxian’s natural wake-sleep cycle. 

What he is surprised with is that Lan Wangji did not wake him up. He was fully expecting to be woken up by his right at 5, his face hovering above him, shaking his shoulder. From light flickering in the room, it is for sure way later then 5 AM.

Wei Wuxian touches the side of the bed Lan Wangji slept in and finds it cold. It has been a while seen he has gotten up then. He stretches his arms above his head, getting himself ready to stand up and go about his day. He still is not sure what he is supposed to be here. He knows he is the spouse of the second heir of Gusu, but that is not all he can be, right?

In Yunmeng he had been the first disciple. Teaching and learning everything he was able to. But here? What is he supposed to be in Gusu?

Wei Wuxian is thinking about this when the door to Jingshi slides open, the sound light and Lan Wangji stands there, carved out of the sunlight. He freezes when he sees him awake as if not expecting him to wake up at whatever time he did.

 Lan Wangji is as put together as ever, his crown in place, robes creased into perfection. And here is Wei Wuxian, his robe slipping off his shoulder, hair sleep brushed. It is funny to see the difference. See Lan Wangji, this is the kind of person you married, he wants to say.

“Lan Zhan! My dear husband! Good morning!” Wei Wuxian exclaims, sitting up. Covering himself up for some modesty. He does not ask why he did not wake him up early. He suppose the day after the wedding is an exception if they had engaged in intimate activities.

Lan Wangji shakes his head before continuing to walk inside and shutting the door close, “Good Morning, Wei Ying”

Still sleepy, Wei Wuxian fails to notice that Lan Wangji is carrying something. It is only when he lays it on the table does Wei Wuxian sees it clearly enough.

On a tray are six bowls, three of which are the same bland food the Lans loved to eat. It was the other three that catches Wei Wuxian’s attention. The difference is stark. They are red, not just oh they must have accidentally spilled some spice in it red. But the amount of red Wei Wuxian likes. He rubs his eyes, just in case he was seeing things. But the red bowls stays the same.

“Is that…” he trails, whipping his head to Lan Wangji. There is no way the cooks just decided to show Wei Wuxian some mercy and gave him spicy food. Then that leaves only one other possibility. The possibility that makes Wei Wuxian’s heart swell in fondness.

“Lan Zhan, did you make them? For me?” he asks lowly, knowing the answer already but just wanting to know he is not dreaming it all up.

Lan Wangji sits next to the table, looking everywhere but at Wei Wuxian, “Wei Ying did not eat well last night. This is more in accordance to your taste. Please eat before it gets cold”

Wei Wuxian’s body moves on autopilot as he maneuvers himself from the bed to the table. He picks his chopsticks, but stares at the dishes again.

Lan Wangji made these for him. He woke up early, went to the kitchen and prepared food specifically for him. His heart beats frantically in his chest, his stomach twisting with an unknown feeling.

Wei Wuxian opens his mouth, to say something only to quickly shut it close. Why? Wei Wuxian wants to ask. You barely even talked to me when I was here three months ago. What changed, Lan Zhan?

“I appreciate it, Lan Zhan. I hope you know that” Wei Wuxian says with a fond smile on his face.

“Eat your food” Lan Wangji says, “Talking while eating is forbidden” calmly going back to eating.

Wei Wuxian does not find it in him to ruin this fragile moment. He chuckles and starts to eat. For the first time in his life, Wei Wuxian finds himself enjoying the silence.

After the breakfast, they clear the plates together. Lan Wangji tell him that they have to visit Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen to pay their respects as a married couple to them.

Wei Wuxian wishes to protest but swallows his words and reluctantly goes about his morning routine. The first problem he encounters is that the bath tub is slightly smaller for him to take a comfortable bath. His wings barely fit in the tub and he has to struggle a lot to get himself clean. He will need to have a conversation with Lan Wangji regarding their bath tub size. Not everyone know wing hiding magic like them.

“Lan Zhan, you should go easy on the layers. How do you all even fly with so many layers weighing you down? Tsk, you Lans and your strange fashion” Wei Wuxian yells from across the dressing screen as he finally puts together all the layers. It takes him near to half an hour to finally get himself ready in the customary Gusu Lan robes.

The next problem arises when Wei Wuxian tries to put his hair in a respectful looking bun. He combs through the strands repeatedly only for the bun to look crooked every single time.

Wei Wuxian groans, giving up on it. If it was Yunmeng, he would have just tossed his hair in a lose ponytail and called it a day. But it is his first day here as Lan Wangji’s husband. He does not mind what people say about him. But Lan Wangji has a reputation to keep and Wei Wuxian would rather punish himself then dare to tarnish the jade.

“Wei Ying?”

Wei Wuxian jumps high into the air, startling at the sudden voice behind him. He flips around quickly to come face to face with a shocked Lan Wangji who has froze as well at his outburst.

“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian breathes out, his hand on his chest, “You scared me. Come on make some noise when you go around. I did not even hear you come here”

Lan Wangji nods seriously as if Wei Wuxian had just told him something very important. “I apologize” he says gravely.

Wei Wuxian laughs heartily, “Aiyah, Lan er gege, you really are too serious for your own good” he shakes his head. He looks back into the mirror, his hair in a disarray in comparison to the put together Lan Wangji.

They make a good couple, Wei Wuxian notices as he gazes into the mirror. Wei Wuxian is just a few centimeters shorter than Lan Wangji and a bit narrower from his shoulders.

“Look what a good couple we make, my husband” The words leaving Wei Wuxian’s mouth without any filter.

Something undecipherable flickers on Lan Wangji’s face, but it is gone so fast that Wei Wuxian wonders if he had imagined it, “Mn” He answers.

“Do you wish for me to help you?” Lan Wangji speaks before Wei Wuxian says something else embarrassing.

Wei Wuxian startles, “You don’t need to. I have this under control” not expecting Lan Wangji to even offer. Yesterday’s activities had called for such an action. They were meant to disrobe each other last night. It was what the night had demanded. But in the broad daylight, the offer is affecting Wei Wuxian much more.

Lan Wangji raises his eyebrow, just a little twitch as he gazes down at the mess of his hair, do you really?, His expression screams.

“Fine. No need to be so mean about it Lan Zhan” Wei Wuxian grumbles, handing him the comb, settling on the low stool. He feels Lan Wangji sitting behind him and then there are his long fingers combing his hair. He de-tangles every single knot gently, more carefully then Wei Wuxian has ever done. The touch is really soothing, making his belly tingle.

“Tie my hair like you do yours” Wei Wuxian tells him. Lan Wangji’s hairstyle is much more intricate then his and must be quite time consuming but Lan Wangji only replies with a low Mn and keeps going.

Once his hair are in respectful style, Lan Wangji pauses behind him, “Your crown? Can I—“ he asks as if unsure.

“The crown can only be touched by Spouse and family” Wei Wuxian finds himself reciting the rule, “We are husbands Lan Zhan. Why do you need my permission to touch it? Go on, we will be late”

Wei Wuxian tilts his head to look at Lan Wangji, surprised to see his eyes shuttering close. He moves away before he can be caught.

The crown is heavy on his head as Lan Wangji gently settles it over his head, pinning it in place. It is over way too quickly.

“It is done”

“Then shall we meet our family, Lan Zhan?”

“Mn”

The tea ceremony goes better then how Wei Wuxian had imagined it to go.

They are definitely late then they should have been and Lan Qiren’s fixed scowl he had kept solely reserved for Wei Wuxian. It did not look like Lan Qiren cared about Excessive emotions are forbidden rule too much whenever Wei Wuxian was concerned. They do make some small talk once Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji serve tea to their family on their first day of being married.

The talk is well, very Lan. Lan Qiren is content to let Lan Xichen take the conversation ahead. Not like Wei Wuxian minded that. Even Lan Wangji stayed silent and let his brother and him continue. He was asked if he was comfortable, if he needed anything else they would be happy to provide.

Wei Wuxian politely says nothing to the offer. It has only been one day yes, but for some odd reason, Wei Wuxian thinks it is not that bad. Lan Wangji had broken his clan rules for him on the first day, it did not get any better then that.

It is only once Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian are out of material to talk about does Lan Qiren speak up, “Wei Wuxian”

Wei Wuxian does not startle at the tone, “Shifu”

Lan Qiren’s expression twists at that. Did Wei Wuxian do something wrong? He is sitting straight as a ruler, he is sure his attire is appropriate and he had made zero attempts to break any rule.

“I understand that the nature of this union was political. But you have married into our clan, Wei Wuxian. You are a Lan. If you wish to continue calling me Shifu, I will have to make you copy the rules three times” Lan Qiren says, his jaw tight as if saying these words is making him hurt physically.

Wei Wuxian opens his mouth to speak, but no sound comes out. He does not think he is capable of that right now. Did the Lan Qiren just asked him, no demanded him to call him Shushu?

It is comforting to see that the shock is not limited to only him. He can see Lan Wangji staring at his  uncle, lips slightly parted in surprise. Lan Xichen is chuckling, shaking his head as if finding great joy in the situation.

Wei Wuxian feels like someone had stuffed cotton into his mouth as he hurriedly bows, hoping his shock is not too visible on his face, “Yes, Lan Shushu”

Lan Qiren makes an approving sound, refusing to meet his eyes, “We are to discuss your role in the clan in the coming few days after you have settled in the Cloud Recesses. In the mean time, you are to follow all the rules. Any rule breaking will not be taken lightly” he does not give him time to answer, just stands up and walks out of the room as if in a hurry.

Wei Wuxian turns towards Lan Wangji who is watching him back with the same surprise showing in his golden eyes, “Lan Zhan, I’m awake right? There is certainly no way your Uncle just initiated that conversation? Tell me I’m dreaming. Let me just—“ he rambles, pausing to pinch his skin hard, “Ow, okay that hurts like a bitch. Sorry Zewu Jun”

“Your surprise is quite reasonable. Uncle is ready to build a new bridge with you, Wei gongzi” and then, “Welcome to the family”

Life in Cloud Recesses is surprisingly comfortable.

Wei Wuxian spends most of his time in the extensive library of the Cloud Recesses, reading all the different materials it provided. He is so engrossed in it that Lan Wangji has to actually come to retrieve him right before lunch and dinner.

Lan Wangji to his delight, had kept the bunnies he had gifted him.

“You kept them? I though pets were not allowed in the Cloud Recesses?” Wei Wuxian’s surprise had known no bounds, as he had climbed over the desk where Lan Wangji was meticulously copying an old manuscript.

Lan Wangji had sighed, in that, Come on Wei Ying should already know that tone of his, “I wrote in the letter I did” he had carefully kept his brush back, folding the paper to keep it away from Wei Wuxian’s body.

“I thought you were saying it to keep my heart. When can I meet them? I can meet them right? I miss our kids Lan Zhan” He had said with a sniffle, “They must have gotten so big. I cannot believe you kept us separated for so long. So cruel”

Lan Wangji had ignored his antics, going back to writing, “We can. After I finish”

And they had. In a clearing near the Cloud Recesses, Lan Wangji had built them a small hutch. Butterfly and Crystal. They were adorable. But it had been quite clear who their favorite parent was. Wei Wuxian couldn't have blamed them though, Lan Wangji should always be everybody’s favorite. He already was his.

Wei Wuxian’s heart had thrummed in his chest, watching Lan Wangji gently rubbing the tip of his thumb over Butterfly’s head who stayed still under his ministration, delighting under the attention.  It had been maybe the first time he had seen Lan Wangji this—this free. There had always been a winded up tension he had carried on his shoulders. Even in the Jingshi, Wei Wuxian, could point it out.

But here, the difference was stark. Lan Wangji was unraveled. His straight white hair fell around his ethereal face, his golden eyes so soft and tender that it had taken Wei Wuxian’s heart away. The seed that had planted itself in Wei Wuxian’s heart back when he had first met Lan Wangji, had grown then. Grown in to a bud, ready to bloom.

Wei Wuxian had raised a shaky hand to his own chest, willing his heart to calm down,. The sheer amount of feelings he had felt that moment had been enough to choke him,. He had cleared his throat, propping down next to Lan Wangji and tried to pick Crystal in his arms.

Wei Wuxian had made an affronted sound when Crystal had jumped away and bounced behind Lan Wangji instead, “I’m being neglected by own family” Wei Wuxian had pouted, wings flickering behind him in mock anger. 

Lan Wangji huffs, the sound reverberating in Wei Wuxian’s chest as he had leaned closer to his side, “They are afraid of sudden movement. Stay still. They will come to We Ying on their own”

Wei Wuxian had stilled his body, waiting anxiously. It had been Crystal first who had poked his little face from behind Lan Wangji. He had sniffed his way across to his lap, circling around him. Wei Wuxian had yipped when he had felt a nip on his wing, spinning around in shock, “Hey!”

“Unfilial! Is this how you raised our children Lan Zhan?”

“They are not our children” Lan Wangji had said, words tight.

Wei Wuxian had jumped to hold Crystal in his arms, covering his ears, with the palms of his hand, “Don’t let the little ones here you. How could you say such a thing?”

Lan Wangji had looked at him as if he had grown another head, an exasperated breath leaving his mouth, “My apologies to the little ones” he had indulged him and Wei Wuxian had grinned bright and wide.

Wei Wuxian does break some rules though. He would not be Wei Wuxian if he does not. The white mourning robes of the Gusu Lan are not a fit for him. Even if he does not walk on the ground, they always ends up getting dirty anyways.

Lan Qiren refrains from punishing him. But he does get a sour look on his face whenever he sees Wei Wuxian roaming around with a streak of dirt on his crystal white robes.

But that does not mean the elders of the Lan clan share the same sentiment. One of them finds him trying to sneak back into the Jingshi after he had successfully experimented on a new talisman idea he had. It had went a little more explosive then he had anticipated but at least he had a prototype.

“Wei Wuxian!” The elder had snapped, freezing Wei Wuxian midway, “Why are your robes in such a terrible state? Where are all of your manners?”

Wei Wuxian had gulped his words down knowing he was at fault here, “This one apologizes for his mistake” he had hoped that the conversation would end right then. But when had Wei Wuxian been so lucky?

The elder’s face had remained full of anger, his voice rising, “This is not the Jiang clan where you can do whatever you please. Your actions reflects on our clan and Wangji. Look at your condition. I’m ashamed to see Wangji’s partner acting so frivolously. How he even tolerates you is beyond me”

Wei Wuxian had not said anything, just lowered his head. Ashamed, he had said. Tolerated, he had said. Was that what everyone here thought of him? Had Lan Wangji?

“You are to kneel in the courtyard for three hours. Now!” The elder had barked out. He had made his way back to the courtyard silently and without much thinking.

The elder had been write. It was not Lotus Pier where Wei Wuxian had lived like a wild bird, without any care of his responsibilities. There he had been just Wei Wuxian.

But here, he was Lan Wangji’s husband. He had a certain image to hold. He could not let his actions reflect upon his husband. A husband who been nothing but kind and accommodating to him.

Wei Wuxian had knelt in the courtyard foe he hadn’t known how long when he had felt a hand on his shoulder and a sweetest, “Wei Ying”

Wei Wuxian had smiled in relief, finally having his comfort with him. Lan Wangji’s face had been taut with confusion at first but then Wei Wuxian had gazed closer into those golden irises to find concern floating within.

“Lan Zhan” He had breathed out, closing his eyes and shaking his head, “When did you come back?”

Lan Wangji’s voice is low when he had said, “Just now. Wei Ying, stand up first” He had helped Wei Wuxian get back onto his feet, legs slightly wobbling. Lan Wangji’s hands had held him upright, had let him gather himself as he had slowly lifted him into the air.

They had made their way to the Jingshi before Lan Wangji had finally probed, “Would you tell me what happened?” and stared at him all too intensely. Wei Wuxian had winced slightly as he moved his knees, the stone that had dug into his skin making them sore.

Lan Wangji worried gaze pinned to his knees immediately. His fingers had gently brushed against his knee, almost angrily. Wei Wuxian had shivered but that had nothing to do with pain.

“I won’t take nothing for an answer” Lan Wangji had said sharply even before Wei Wuxian had opened his mouth to say something in his defense.

“I was punished” Wei Wuxian told him quietly. He had leaned closer to Lan Wangji who sat next to him, just the barest touch of their shoulders together.

“By whom?” Lan Wangji had asked, a strange tension in his shoulders.

Wei Wuxian had hesitated, “An elder I do not remember his face, let me tell you this before you ask me. And I did break a rule so the punishment was justifiable”

Lan Wangji had not looked even a bit convinced, “I do not think Wei Ying did it intentionally. What did you do?”

“Your trust in me in admirable gege. I was out testing a talisman and got my robes dirty. See? It was quite lenient if you ask me” Wei Wuxian had said flippantly, waving his hand.

But that had been the wrong thing to do. For Lan Wangji jaw had gone tight, his nose flaring. Not all much in how Jiang Cheng did it. In a very Lan way which meant only seen if you had been looking kind.

“I would have to talk with uncle. You had grown up in a different atmosphere. It takes time to adjust. Getting your robes dirty hardly calls for such punishment” Lan Wangji had looked ten seconds away form flying to his uncle and make it all bigger then it actually was.

Wei Wuxian’s heart had squeezed at that. Oh, Lan Zhan. You are too considerate. Wei Wuxian had looped his arm into his, pulling him closer. Lan Wangji had let me. “Come on Lan Zhan. It was just kneeling for three hours! It was nothing I haven’t done before. Don’t go out now. You barely just got here. And besides, I’m hungry. Would you let me go without food any longer?”

Lan Wangji had stayed still in his hold, weighing his options. He had sighed later on, “I will get us some food”

Wei Wuxian’s smile had brightened and he Lan Wangji’s cold hand had brushed against the palm of his hand. The movement seemingly intentional.

That had been that. He had not known whether Lan Wangji had mentioned this to his uncle or not. He had found no traces of it. But Wei Wuxian had found it odd to not come across that particular elder anymore. He wondered if Lan Wangji had any hand in that particular thing.

It had also been the day Wei Wuxian had woken up to a package wrapped in parchment, large and thick. He had rubbed the sleep away from his eyes, picking up the little white note attached to the package.  He had kept the note away, opening the package carefully.

The moment the content of it had came into light, Wei Wuxian’s heart had thumped loud and meaningful in his chest. He had scrambled to find the little note. As he had read the note, every word in the precise calligraphy of his husband, he had felt breathless.

“What a way to wake up your husband, Lan Zhan” Wei Wuxian had whispered to himself, holding the note to his chest.

Wei Ying need not worry about robes anymore. Red looks good on you.

-Lan Wangji

Lan Qiren does ends up giving him his duties in the Cloud Recesses, albeit a little hesitantly. He was to teach the Lan Juniors, little adorable Lans who had just reached the age to start cultivating.

Wei Wuxian had almost fainted at the sight of them the first time he had walked into the class, Lan Wangji right beside him.

“I don’t know if I will do well”

“Your skills are unparalleled. They will greatly benefit from your teaching” Lan Wangji had said firmly as if he really believed in him.

“You trust me” Wei Wuxian had stated, noting the the way Lan Wangji gazed back at him with affirmation.

“Wei Ying is good” Had been the only sentence he had received. The bud of love furling inside of his heart, just a little more.

The invitation of Jiang Yanli’s wedding reaches Cloud Recesses a few weeks after his own wedding.

Wei Wuxian is just coming back from teaching the Lan Juniors as class on basic talismans, tired but content with his teaching. The Lan juniors, unlike their adult counterparts are much more open to learning different methods. Their eagerness to learn is what pushes him to do more and more, teach them everything he knows. He makes his lessons as easy as he can, spends nights on preparing a proper lesson plan. Lan Wangji has to coax him back to bed sometimes but it is all worth seeing the Lan juniors eyes flashing with fascination as he shows them a new talisman.

He is humming as he flies to the Jingshi, wanting to have Lan Wangji’s company. Despite of their busy schedules, they have made a pact to eat lunch together. Wei Wuxian really enjoys their time together. And after such a tiring day, he craves to be near Lan Wangji’s steady presence.

Wei Wuxian spots Lan Wangji standing on the porch of the Jingshi, one hand behind his back, “Wei Ying” he sees him mouth his name and Wei Wuxian already finds every drop of tiredness seeping out of him.

“Lan Zhan! Hello!” He smiles, “You are back earlier then me today”, falling a step behind Lan Wangji

“Mn. I wrapped classes early”

 “Early? Why?” Wei Wuxian pauses as Lan Wangji extends a red envelope towards him.

“A letter addressed to you arrived today. I had to be the one giving it to you” Lan Wangji tells him, being extra cryptic.  A letter for him? Why would he be getting a letter? He did not cause any trouble.

Wei Wuxian slowly opens the invitation, reading the words written. It takes him a little longer too actually register the words.

Wei Wuxian lets out a shrilling scream, covering his mouth with his free hand, “Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan!” he jumps, flying a little too high in his excitement.

A rebuke is forming on Lan Wangji’s lips but Wei Wuxian sees him stopping himself from saying it out loud. “Mn”

“Shijie is getting married. In a few weeks she is going to get married to that peacock. And we are invited. You will go with me right? To the wedding?” he flies back down, grabbing his arm.

“Wei Ying. I’m your husband. Of course I will” Lan Wangji states and Wei Wuxian’s heart skips a beat at the husband.

“Promise?” Wei Wuxian extends his hand to him, sticky his little pinky out. Lan Wangji had stared at it for a few seconds, back and fro to his face before sighing and winding his finger around his, “Mn. Promise”

Regardless of everything, after one full month of staying within the boundary of the Cloud Recesses, Wei Wuxian starts to feel craving for something else. It was maybe excitement at first, to explore a new place. Of understanding and learning what this new land not many had a chance to explore. It was enticing.

The library still holds immense knowledge he had not touched. Many places he had not visited. And yet, he wanted something else.

Staying put in one place for too long is something Wei Wuxian is used to.

“Wei Ying, you are quite tonight” Lan Wangji says, putting his chopsticks down. There is a furrow between his eyebrows, his voice concerned.

“I’m just tired. You even broke the rule, Lan er gege. Are you okay?” Wei Wuxian lies, not raising his head. In the month Wei Wuxian has become Lan Wangji’s husband, he has found out that lying to Lan Wangji has become impossible for him. He does not want to lie to him. This must be the first time he is breaking that rule.

He knows he has not convinced anybody with his lie, even made it worse actually when Lan Wangji says quietly, “I have already finished”

Wei Wuxian raises his eyes sharply and indeed, Lan Wangji’s bowl is empty, lying on the table. He looks up in time  for the line of concern on Lan Wangji’s face deepening even more.

“Aiyah, my husband. Don’t look at me like that. I’m perfectly fine! See?” he wiggles his eyebrows ,keeping his bowl back on the table. He raises his arms to do a little dance to make Lan Wangji see he is alright.

Lan Wangji does not looks convinced. His brows furrows in uncertainty, something Wei Wuxian has never seen on him, “Are you happy?”

Out of every question he had been ready for, this was certainly not one of them, “Happy? Of course I’m Lan Zhan. What kind of question is this?” he answers, “I have a lovely husband who cooks for me everyday, I get to teach the junior Lans who I must say are so adorable. Were you like this too, Lan Zhan? Chubby cheeks and the classic icy Lan expression?” he wonders, cooing at the image of a little Lan Wangji in his perfect robes, chubby cheeks as he recites all the rules he must have memorized the day he was born.

But Lan Wangji does not take the change of topic, insisting, “Happiness does just amount to that. I understand our rules can be stifling. I do not wish for you to feel contained”

Wei Wuxian does not understand where this is stemming from. Had he done something for Lan Wangji to get this impression?  That he was not happy here? Wei Wuxian had already stroked lucky with Lan Wangji. He already had more than he could have wanted.

When Wei Wuxian stays silent for too long, Lan Wangji sighs lightly, “Wei Ying, you enjoy moving around. I do not think I’m wrong to presume that stagnancy is not for you. It is not you”

Wei Wuxian cannot disagree to that. He has never stayed still, it was just not for him.  He loved to explore, to learn. Who would not when the world had so much still left to explore? But he was aware how it appeared to other, this restlessness. He is surprised and warm that Lan Wangji actually sensed it. Put a name to that feeling of doing something, that Wei Wuxian has himself never understood.

“I see you have been restless. You need not hide it from me. I wish to help” Lan Wangji says, staring at him intensely. Wei Wuxian does not think he can slide his way out of this conversation. Not under that knowing golden eyes.

Wei Wuxian swallows the lump in his throat, “Can we pretend this conversation never happened?”

Lan Wangji shakes his head, firm and unmoving, “We cannot”

Wei Wuxian sighs, “I don’t want to make you think that you are doing anything wrong. I’m actually enjoying staying here way more than I think I would. You are making sure I feel comfortable, even breaking rules for me. That is really more then I could ask for, Lan Zhan. This will pass. Don’t worry that pretty head of yours”

“You talk as if you are a guest, staying here just for the time being. That is why I worry. Cloud Recesses is as much of a home to Wei Ying as it is to me” Lan Wangji says quietly. And oh— had he really been doing it? The concept of home has been quite different in his head. Home was just walls without people in it. Home was not Lotus Pier. Home was Jiang Yanli and Shijie. Even Jiang Shushu and Yu furen. Home was also—

“I wish to visit Caiyi with you tomorrow. Would Wei Ying be amenable? Please?” Lan Wangji suggests, cutting through the Wei Wuxian’s thoughts. As if the suggestion was not tempting enough, Lan Wangji had to say please in that soft tone of his.

What was Wei Wuxian going to say? No? Absolutely not.

“Of course, my dearest husband” Wei Wuxian smiles, “Take me out on a date”

Caiyi town is bustling with people, the sun high in the sky as Lan Wangji walks behind Wei Wuxian who is eagerly bouncing from one stall to another. His red wings flicker behind him which absolutely crushes Lan Wangji’s heart with it cuteness.

The smile that has been losing its brightness is back in full bloom as Wei Wuxian takes in the town. Lan Wangji should have brought him here sooner, if only to see that smile.

He is content to just watch Wei Wuxian fly around, buying whatever catches Wei Wuxian’s attention for more than one second. Wei Wuxian catches him when he is in the process of acquiring a wooden butterfly. His silver eyes flickers from the butterfly to the candy he is holding in his other hand. And then his eyes gets that alluring gleam. He is in trouble.

“Lan Zhan!” He flies at the speed of lightning, almost crashing into him, “Since when have you been buying this? Please tell me these are the only things you got”

Lan Wangji does not give an answer, just turns away, guilty.

A cackle of laughter echoes in the entirety of the town, some people looking their away just as enamored by that melody as him. He glares at everyone who dares to. He is not to share his husband’s charming laugh. It was what made Lan Wangji beginning to fall.

The unbridled joy on Wei Wuxian’s face as he plucks the little butterfly from his hand, his cold fingers brushing past his the back of his hand. “Lan er gege, you cannot just buy whatever I look at” he chides, examining the toy with a childlike curiosity.

Lan Wangji can and he will. He has the funds and a reason to. Selfish reasons but reasons all the same. “Consider them a gift” he says simply, carefully keeping his line short. It is not lying, just an omission of the truth.

But Wei Wuxian seems to pick on them the same. It is concerning really, how easily he reads his silences. Never has anyone other then Xiongzhang read him so accurately.

Wei Wuxian sighs dramatically, leaning onto his shoulder, still flying a feet above the ground, “I have committed a sin. I have taught the second jade of Gusu Lan how to lie. I’m a bad influence, the worst of husbands” he cries, a hand on his forehead. His head sways close to his own, his breath tingling the exposed skin of his neck.

Lan Wangji’s entire body heats as Wei Wuxian’s voice takes a gentler tone, nothing teasing, just honesty lacing it all of it, “Lan Zhan, I like gifts. I really do. But I do not need any thing. Just having you with me is enough”

Lan Wangji holds his body still, the thrumming of his head loud in his own ears, “Mn” he responds, mind muddled by such close proximity. It will just take a slight tilt of his head, just that much more his lips to meet Wei Wuxian’s plump ones. Just one single risk.

This close, Lan Wangji can feel Wei Wuxian’s eyes boring into his, he can feel his body closing the distance every second. He finds his own resolve weakening, just one crack at a time. Lan Wangji can take this risk. It isn’t wrong if Wei Wuxian is—

“Daozhang, I’m sorry to interrupt but some of us have businesses to run” A new voice breaks the world Lan Wangji had found himself in. Wei Wuxian flinches away from his body, the warmth of him leaving Lan Wangji cold and craving for more.

Lan Wangji keeps his expression impassive even when he feels nothing but pure shame, “My apologies” he says, looking at Wei Wuxian hovering above the stall, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Shall we go, Er gege? Where were you planning to take me? Can we go there now? I’m so curious! How good is this secret place?” Wei Wuxian asks before Lan Wangji can even open his mouth.

Lan Wangji clears his throat, taking the change of topic the way it is, “Lunch first”

Wei Wuxian descends to the ground, tugging at his sleeve, “Be cryptic then. I would push you more but I’m really hungry. You will have to feed me by your own hands, my husband. Mine are numb from all the shopping”

Fondness swells in Lan Wangji chest, the image of feeding Wei Wuxian branding him, “Mn. You did not buy anything. It is a null request”

Wei Wuxian cocks his head, watching him with a bemused expression, “Tsk, this is the second time you have surprised me Lan Zhan. Who knew the great Lan Wangji could tease this poor husband of his with such a neutral face?”

Their walk to the inn is filled with Wei Wuxian’s nonstop chatter, the sound of his voice like a balm to his soul. Even with how talkative Wei Wuxian is, he has always carefully brushed away any topics that steered close to revealing about himself. He has heard him talk about Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli, even Jiang Fengmian and Yu furen. But nothing about his own.

But today, Wei Wuxian shares all and yet not enough. His little home he calls Little apple. The naming of his sword, his favorite hiding spots and that bruise on his knee that he got from when a flower had shrugged him off to the ground. Lan Wangji files every single detail in his mind.

They order their food, one spicy one that makes Lan Wangji’s throat hurt just from looking at it but Wei Wuxian devours it like it is the best thing in the world. Lan Wangji can’t find it in him to reprimand him. He does not think he can anymore.

The obvious surprise on Wei Wuxian’s face as Lan Wangji pushes the jar of Emperor’s smile towards him will be the highlight of this day. His doe like eyes goes wide, a little drop of the soup trailing down his chin. Lan Wangji wipes it by his thumb almost on instinct. He pretends he does not see Wei Wuxian’s shuddering intake of breath at the action.

Once the alcohol enters Wei Wuxian’s system, he gets loose lipped. Like someone has unleashed the tight control over his mind and the words flow out of him untamed, “It’s not nice, you know. Living on the streets” He says out of nowhere as they walk back to the road leading to the mountain.

Lan Wangji looks off at him but Wei Wuxian’s eyes are trained at the bunch of kids playing around, their clothes slightly torn. He has heard about the passing of Wei Ying’s parents, but mostly in tight conversation from his uncle during the beginning of the betrothal.

How he had bravely fend himself on the streets for 3 whole years, scared and alone. Wei Wuxian is far off, his arm wound around his own, steps matching his.

“What was it like?” Lan Wangji asks, unclear of what to else to say.

“Not nice of course. It was torture at first. Not knowing what exactly happened to my parents and suddenly being pushed into the world I did not understand how to navigate through. I hadn’t even learned how to fly yet. Food was difficult to come by. People thought you were just not worth their time. The worst for me were the dogs though. One almost bit my wing off I think” he chuckles bitterly, all the traces of a smile gone from his face.

Lan Wangji pictures a young Wei Ying, barely at the age to understand what loss and grief is, just forced to take care of himself in this harsh world all on his own. He was just a little kid. How lonely he must have been. So scared. And yet he came out of it all like a blossoming flower.

Lan Wangji does not notice that his hand has shifted to Wei Wuxian’s, their fingers locked together. He must be squeezing his hand too hard, for Wei Wuxian free hand drifts to his cheek, finger grazing  the skin under his eye, “You don’t need to feel bad for me. I know it’s a sob story nobody likes to hear. It is nothing actually, you can just forget I said anything,” Wei Wuxian says quickly, eyes averted.

The way Wei Wuxian is ready to brush away all his suffering as if they don’t matter, it makes Lan Wangji’s body go cold with fury and pain. “It is not nothing. Wei Ying went through situations that no child should ever suffer. You went through them and yet came out stronger then ever. It is not a feat anyone can achieve”, he says honestly. Never has he met anyone with such kindness in them, such selflessness. “Your parents would be proud of who you are Wei Ying”

Wei Wuxian stops walking abruptly, his hand going lose in his grip. Had they be holding hands since then? Why did it feel so right?

Only a few times has Lan Wangji seen Wei Wuxian this silent. He thinks he imagines the way his bottom lip quivers just a bit, eyes getting that shiny gleam of tears in them. A part of Lan Wangji wants to kiss that sadness away from him. He does not get the time to.

The very next moment Wei Wuxian’s face brightens like the twinkle of a million stars, his voice breaking, “Lan Wangji ah Lan Wangji, the things you say with that lovely mouth of yours.” He shakes his head and then adds, “If I was a young maiden, I would have fallen in love with you three times by now”

Have you?, Lan Wangji wishes he can ask,  Haven’t you fallen in love with me? For I’m maybe too deep. A sour feeling settles within Lan Wangji’s stomach.

The rest of their flight back to the Cloud Recesses is silent but too fragile to test any waters. The sun is almost buried in the horizon when Lan Wangji guides Wei Wuxian to the Cloud Recesses. But before they can enter through the gates, Lan Wangji stops Wei Wuxian with a light tug on his wrist.

“Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian looks at his questioningly.

“There is somewhere else I would like to take you Wei Ying”

Wei Wuxian does not question, just flies silently by his side. Lan Wangji swallows the tight feeling his throat as they keep flying to the back of the mountains, every inch of his body going fraught with tension the closer they come to their destination. It has been quite long since Lan Wangji has come here with someone else.

The Gentian House remains as immaculate as it has always been. Just as peaceful as the sound of the breeze brings back the memories of a time he misses so adamantly.

A small cottage, two little boys and a mother confined to loneliness. Lan Wangji shakes his head. It is not the time for sad memories. He is here for letting her mother meet the only other person who has become his life.

The gentian cottage is in the middle of the crystal valley, the mere source of the Gusu Lan’s powers. Crystals lines every single inch of the paths, illuminating them in all the different colors. Even the trees glimmers along.

Lan Wangji chances a glance at Wei Wuxian who had silently stood next to him since the moment they stepped in. And—

Oh. Oh.

Wei Wuxian has always been beautiful. The kind of beauty who demands for attention even when miles away. But all he has seen of Wei Ying is nothing like what he sees now.

Maybe it is the absence of distance that politely been kept between the too. Or maybe it is the way the light of the crystal dances upon every curve of Wei Wuxian’s face. His silver eyes like holding millions of stars in them, his parted lips gleaming, the slight tilt of his lips.

As if that hasn’t taken Lan Wangji’s breath away, Wei Wuxian turns to stare at him, silver meeting gold.

“It is beautiful, Lan Zhan” his voice carries over the breeze to his ears. The smile he gives Lan Wangji, oh the smile he gives Lan Wangji is unlike has ever seen. It isn’t like the warm sun but like the serene moon, pure and gentle.

Lan Wangji gulps the seer amount of feeling too much for his mortal body to contain, humming as he leads Wei Wuxian to the little stairs in the front. He helps him sit first, getting a grateful smile in return.

It is peaceful, sitting next to Wei Wuxian. He is humming lightly, a song Lan Wangji has never heard. It is beautiful just like everything Wei Ying does.

“It must have been quite lovely living here,” Wei Wuxian says quietly, shaking Lan Wangji awake from the lull of sleep he had found himself in. “Whoever lived here”

Lan Wangji thinks of the coldness and the stubborn tears, the rules, and a mother’s smile and answers ruefully, “It was lonely”

When Wei Wuxian does not say anything, just waits for Lan Wangji to continue, he does, “My mother lived here, alone. I was only allowed to visit her once every week. She had a lovely home but not anyone who made it home”

“What was she like?” Wei Wuxian inquires softly.

“She had the brightest smile, a gentle tone. I regret I do not remember her face clearly, time has worn the memory out. But I remember that she loved me and I loved her”

A myriad of emotions fills his chest all at once. Lan Wangji feels like he is drowning under all of them. Talking about it with someone who has not seen all of it, it is different.  A different kind of ah, it really happened. It makes it even more real than it has ever been.

But then a beam of light is cutting through all of the muddy water, paving a path from his to the daylight. He open his eyes that he had not even realized he had shut off to Wei Wuxian’s understanding smile. They gaze at each other, gold to silver, no words need to be spoken between them.

I might not understand your pain, but I’m here for you through it all.

Wei Wuxian covers the palm of his hand with his own, not holding but resting above his, tethering him to reality. He is not looking at him anymore but ahead at one of the bigger crystals in the front. But Lan Wangji does look at him, for once understanding the real emotion that has been so clear to him, and yet he has not been ready to accept.

“A-Zhan, love is not anything bad if you fall for the right one”

And watching Wei Wuxian now, face gleaming up as his humming feels in the very place that used to bring him comfort and suffering, Lan Wangji thinks it really is not. It was inevitable.

 Like the existence of the sun is to rise every single day, the moon at night, perhaps falling for Wei Wuxian is the reason for Lan Wangji’s existence.

Chapter Text

There is a certain shift between them, since the night in the Crystal Valley.

Wei Wuxian feels it in the way his husband does not shy away from his touch, sees it in the way the tension Lan Wangji had carried on his shoulders seeping away from him. He hears it in the way the Lan Wangji is even more indulgent to his antics, letting out a soft huff every time Wei Wuxian spouts his regular nonsense.

It is a dream domestic life that Wei Wuxian had always dreamed about. How did he get so lucky with Lan Wangji? From wondering about whether he would be able to breathe to this? Whatever this was between them? One could say they made the picture-perfect couple. Wei Wuxian had what he had hoped for. An amicable married life. Then why was he feeling it was not enough?

They were husbands in all aspects except one. Lan Wangji did not shrug his touch away anymore as if a mere brush of skin burned him. Now he could casually throw his arm around his shoulder. Could pull him closer by a hand around his wrist. But Wei Wuxian wanted more. Needed more. He knows he was being selfish. But he could not stop.

At night Wei Wuxian wonders what it would feel like to just take the extra step he so adamantly longed for. What would happen if he just rested his head on Lan Wangji’s firm chest, his steady heartbeat lulling him to sleep. Would Lan Wangji’s lips be soft just as they seemed to be? How his huge hand could easily map the expanse of his entire waist, how it would feel around his hip. How they would wrap around his—

“That is a lot of letters husband,” Wei Wuxian says as he flies in, seeing the stack of letters on his desk.

Lan Wangji blinks, which is his version of being startled, stance changing from alarmed to gentle. Like this, without any crown on top of his head, his silver-ish white hair falling freely on his shoulder, the desire pools deeper in him.

“Are these still congratulatory letters? Or is my husband getting letters from his admirers?” He teases, plopping down next to him.

“Requests for aid” Lan Wangji sighs, the frown deepening as he keeps reading the letter. The teasing immediately leaves Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian’s curiosity is piqued already and he leans over Lan Wangji’s shoulder to have a look. He makes an inquiring sound, “Drowning cases? But isn’t this village near the river? Sounds unlikely to have so many drownings in such a small-time frame”                                                                                                                                                       

Lan Wangji seems to be on the same page as him, lines of concern etching into his face, “Mn. The last case happened just three days ago" he says gravely, “The 14th drowning in the past month”

Wei Wuxian sees the letter in Lan Wangji's hands, his mind whirring. Night hunts have always excited him, that familiar excitement crinkling through his skin, “Lan Zhan, please tell me we are going for this night hunt. We can leave tonight actually!”

Lan Wangji stacks all the letters first, before his eyes flicked to him, “Rest tonight. We will leave in the morning”

Wei Wuxian sleeps that night with the familiar thrum of excitement on his skin.

Wei Wuxian is flying next to Lan Wangji, sword tight in his grip. They had left the first thing in the morning. For the first time in his entire life, Wei Wuxian had woken up before the crisp of done, energetic and chatty. And proud to say, he had woken up before Lan Wangji

“Lan Zhan” Wei Wuxian had tossed Lan Wangji a greeting, clad in his red and black robes who had blearily gazed up at him, surprise clearly visible on his face. He had etched that image in his mind, forever to keep.

It is now way later in the evening, the sun almost setting back into the horizon as they make their way to the village. Jiaju Village, near Caiyi town where the drowning cases occurred. 

They land in the middle of the bustling street, attracting the attention of the passers-by in their extravagant robes. More like Lan Wangji is catching the attention. He can see the way everyone just stares seconds longer at him than Wei Wuxian. "Lan Zhan, look at the crowd you are attracting. Who told you that you can be so beautiful? How is your husband supposed to handle others looking at you?" He huffs, stressing on the word a little louder. 

"Ridiculous" Lan Wangji says, looking away. Wei Wuxian grins, throwing his arms over his shoulder. Lan Wangji does not shrug it off. The market is packed with all kinds of stalls, the buildings in the area solid. The village is well off. The people around them, some fairies, some non-cultivators staring at them curiously.

“Let’s head to an inn first, husband. We might get some information from there” Wei Wuxian elbows him, “What are your thoughts on the case? Any culprits in mind?” he asks lightly, hand brushing against his as they move ahead.

“Mn” Lan Wangji says, face pinching minutely, “The river is our clue. A water ghoul”

Wei Wuxian nods, agreeing to it. He had come to the same conclusion. A water ghoul is the first thing to come to his mind. They just need to find when it all started and if there is something common between all the victims.

The inn is almost full as they walk inside. The innkeeper notices them immediately, rushing to them, “Daozhang, please take a seat. What would you like to have?” A man appearing to be in his 40s greets them as they sit in front of the table.

“Gongzi, we are new here, get your best spicy dish and one regular along with a jar of your best wine,” Wei Wuxian says, leaning onto the table, “We humble cultivators are here to investigate the drownings. I was hoping you could share some insights with us”

The innkeeper shares a gleeful look with them as if he had been waiting for the very opportunity, “You have come to the right person, Daozhang!” he exclaims, looking around before leaning over so that only they can hear him, “5 young couples went missing over the past month. 2 this week only"

"All of the 14 victims were couples? And if 4 cases had happened this week only, then why did you ask for help so late?" Wei Wuxian asks. 

The innkeeper sighs, "Daozhang, it is not new to see young couples run away from the village. We have seen our fair share of it. Family pressure or love usually. It was only a while back we connected them together. That poor Li Changming, we found him and his wife four days back. We were not sure it had anything to do with the river at first. If it wasn't for a passerby to see their bodies washing ashore. We all did a small investigation that day and found out all the other two missing couple’s belongings nearby the river and immediately sent the request.”

Wei Wuxian makes an inquiring sound, sharing a look with Lan Wangji, “You were only able to recover two bodies?"

“Yes, so far only those two. I would spare you the details of how they were found. I can send someone to take you to the mortuary after you finish eating” The innkeeper tells them. “Daozhang, anything else you would like?”

Wei Wuxian smiles, “Nothing for now. Thank you, gongzi.” He immediately turns to Lan Wangji, “Lan Zhan, should we go and investigate now? The river is nearby”

“Food first. Wei Ying should eat” Lan Wangji says, dusting the hem of Wei Wuxian’s sleeve that had somehow procured a white stain.

The food arrives soon enough and they finish eating with Wei Wuxian filling it all with his chatter while Lan Wangji nods and gives insights once in a while. Somehow the topic drifts to weddings.

“The Jins better throw her a wedding she deserves. If I see anything lacking, I will throttle Jin Zixuan myself” He complains, flinging his arms around to make his point.

Lan Wangji listens to him attentively, saying, “Your sister will be sad”

“You have a point there” He huffs out, “No matter how much I hate him, he is actually making Shijie smile and taking care of her well. So, I don’t think I should complain”

Lan Wangji nods, keeping his chopsticks on his bowl and picking up the jar of wine. He carefully pours it into Wei Wuxian’s cup. The gesture is so routinely as if he had been doing it for years. Wei Wuxian’s heart does a somersault in his chest.

“What was your dream partner like?” Wei Wuxian asks, downing the cup of wine. “Come on. You must have at least thought of it once”

 Lan Wangji shakes his head, “Did you?” He has finished eating, just staring at Wei Wuxian unmoving.

Wei Wuxian had a lot of time. It has been a while since their wedding and he is now comfortable with this mutual comfort in their marriage. But it does not matter anymore.

“I used to” He confesses, twirling the empty cup in his hand, “Thought I would marry someone I love and who loves me back just as much.” It is surreal to think how he already has the first part.

Lan Wangji swallows, averting his gaze. “Shall we leave?”

Wei Wuxian nods.

The moment they finish eating, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji visit the mortuary first. At first, Wei Wuxian had thought the innkeeper was bluffing at the conditions the body was found in. But one look at it, Wei Wuxian is proved wrong.

The body is just horrific to look at. During night hunts, Wei Wuxian had seen his fair share of dead bodies. But he has never felt such uneasiness as he feels now. The bodies are as if something had sucked their life essence out of them, leaving them nothing but a shriveled shell.

But what makes his heart twinge painfully—

“They were found like this gongzi. We dared not separate them” The attendant tells them, shaking his head gravely as he notices him watching the couple still holding hands. You will have me even in death and beyond.

Wei Wuxian looks away, breathing out raggedly. His reaction is not missed by his husband. Lan Wangji steps closer to him, his hand gently brushing his shoulder, “Wei Ying”

“We should visit the families of the deceased” Wei Wuxian shrugs his hand away, moving forward. Why he feels such an intense reaction to this, he does not understand. Lan Wangji, bless his soul, does not press him any further but his face does have that concerned line etched into his face and he follows him outside.

They learn some new information from the families. Only three things are common among all of the records. Nightmares a few days before and disappearing before into the night without any of their belongings. Their love for each other. Among the couples one was married, two to be engaged and the rest not connected in any ceremony but at heart.  

“Since it is love that connected them all, I think we have something to go by,” Wei Wuxian says as they walk back to the inn.

It is Lan Wangji who asks for two rooms for the night and another question. “Have there been any other cases of disappearances?”

“Disappearance?” The innkeeper asks

“Hm.  Any person suddenly disappearing that you found odd this year?” Wei Wuxian presses. Both of them had come to a conclusion that it must be a suffering spirit taking vengeance for something they did not get to have. Only vengeful spirits could cause such cases.  

The innkeeper looks in deep thought as he tries to remember. Then his face lights up, “A year ago, a woman named Hui Yin disappeared.  She was beautiful if I say so myself. You should have seen her gongzi. Truly a once in a lifetime beauty. But she was coveted for it by all the men, some who wished to court while the others. But she remained resilient that she will only marry someone she will love. In the end, she fell for the one who did not love her back. We don’t know what exactly happened just that she disappeared without any trace”

“Did anyone try to find her?” Lan Wangji asks.

The innkeeper averts his gaze, rubbing the back of his head, “Some of the villagers did visit her cottage, I’m ashamed to say we did not pay much attention to it”

That night, as Wei Wuxian lays down next to Lan Wangji in a bed little smaller than what they had in the Jingshi, bodies slightly pressed together, unable to sleep, he finds himself wondering, "It must have been quite bad, huh?” 

It is way past the Lan curfew, so Wei Wuxian is not expecting an answer. He startles when he does get a low hum of inquiry from Lan Wangji, "Hm?"

Wei Wuxian keeps staring at the roof where there is a scratch in the paint, “Being in love with someone who does not love you back” he says, shivering a little from the cold air that suddenly seeps into his bones. 

There is a silence next during which Wei Wuxian thinks Lan Wangji must have fallen asleep and he twists to look at him when Lan Wangji whispers, “Love does not come from reciprocation. Sometimes it just happens regardless of it ever being returned"

The words are said so sorrowfully that Wei Wuxian wonders, how do you know Lan Zhan? Was there someone you loved? Is there still such a person that you love to say such words?

Wei Wuxian opens his mouth to ask him anything really, not sure what. In the dark, Wei Wuxian can make out Lan Wangji's profile. His eyes are not looking at him, just staring at the roof. And yet Wei Wuxian can clearly see that he almost looks as sorrowful as his words had been. Wei Wuxian snaps his mouth shut, having nothing to add. It is as if Lan Wangji had stolen the beats of his own heart and made them into words. 

Wei Wuxian sleeps that night, wondering, is this how it feels? To love someone who does not love you back?

When the morning comes, they leave right after breakfast to investigate Hui Yin's cottage after getting the directions from the innkeeper. 

It is a small cottage, from what they can see from above. It does not take much to see that it has clearly been abandoned months ago.

Even from this far up in the sky, Wei Wuxian’s skin prickles with the resentful energy. It is not much, just like a crinkling in the air barely detectable. If he had not been searching for it, it would have been easily been ignored. 

When they descend into the courtyard, the resentful energy gets stronger. They survey the area

"Be careful,"  Lan Wangji tells him, observing the broken ceramic on the ground.

Wei Wuxian nods and smiles at him assuredly, "I’m always careful Lan Zhan. Worry about yourself” he says back. 

The door of the cottage is half-open, barely hanging by the hinge. When they enter, cracked windows and broken furniture lay on the ground. The closet is just as bad, torn clothes thrown haphazardly outside. 

It is unclear whether the cottage had been ransacked by local robbers or this had been done by Hui Yin herself. 

Wei Wuxian runs his finger over the broken dusted table, blowing the dust off. He moves the pieces of a lamp away, opening the drawers, shuffling through the items. There is not anything related to the case he finds. 

Lan Wangjis is busy moving the closet when Wei Wuxian's eyes fall on something peeking out from behind the desk. "Lan Zhan," he says as he moves the desk away. 

Lan Wangji follows him, picking the leather-bound diary that lies on the ground. He dusts it off before opening the first page. The pages are slightly yellow and frayed at the edges but the writing is still legible. 

Qin Luan, won't you look at me? Just once? 

The first entry reads. "Maybe we should take a look at the river now? We can go through this tonight. Just confirm if the spirit in the river is Hui Yin"

They choose to go later into the evening to the over, the time when the spirits are usually more sensitive.

“That does not look good” Wei Wuxian points out as they fly over the river shore. 

The moment they descend down, the ocean roars at them, a clear warning to not approach.

 “That was not a very warm welcome” Wei Wuxian raises a single eyebrow, “This won’t be easy. We should still try talking it out first” A shiver runs through his body the moment his feet touch the ground.

“Mn” Lan Wangji agrees, landing next to him. There is something eerie in the air, suffocating him, screaming at him to go back.

“I will perform Inquiry” Lan Wangji agrees, summoning his guqin. The air is stale, the drop in the temperature noticeable as they steer closer to the water. 

Lan Wangji settles over a flat stone, resting his guqin on his lap. He closes his eyes, hands ready over the strings. The moonlight illuminates his outline, his silver hair flowing delicately around him.

Wei Wuxian watches, enchanted by the otherworldly beauty of his husband. The familiar lines of his face, his fingers gently plucking the strings of the guqin. Wei Wuxian’s mouth runs dry.

“Beautiful” he finds himself saying the words out loud, smacking him and over his mouth. Thankfully, nobody seems to notice his struggles, eyes glued to Lan Wangji as he plays a few chords.

The notes hang in the air, the water coming to a standstill under them. Eerily silence takes over the roaring of the waves as they wait for an answer.

It comes minutes later, a discordant note one after the other. Lan Wangji’s expression remains calm as he strums another question. The answer this time is longer, notes after notes stringing in the air.

“It is Hui Yin,” Lan Wangji confirms, “She does not like us here. She says she does not need help”

“Ask her if she is the one who drowned the couples,” Wei Wuxian asks.

Lan Wangji silently plays again, “Mn” he nods. “All of them”

"An honest spirit then. Can you get to the spirits of the drowned?" he asks and watches Lan Wangji playing the chords again and waiting for the response. Seconds pass and then a full minute. But no responding chords come. 

Strange.

It must be quite strange for even Lan Wangji looks at his guqin with an expression that resembles surprise.

"Is there any way that when called, a spirit cannot answer on its own?" Wei Wuxian tilts his head, an inference cementing in his mind as Lan Wangji shakes his head. 

"What do you suggest we do next?" Lan Wangji asks as his guqin disappears into blue light, coming to stand next to him. 

"I have a theory. But I think we should get to that diary of hers first. Just to get some insight" Wei Wuxian tells him and they head back to the inn. 

By the time Wei Wuxian shares what he thinks happened to the spirits and reads the diary, it is well near to the Lan curfew. They have both already changed into their night robes, lying in the bed as Wei Wuxian reads her entries out. They end up with little information when they finish reading.

The diary merely contains Hui Yin's story of falling in love.

The man, Qin Luan, a boy from another village which she had fallen in love with when he had helped her carry her groceries back to her cottage. How she tries everything and anything to catch his attention. But it leads her nowhere. When one month later, she hears the news of him returning back to his hometown, in a desperate attempt, she confesses up front, only for Qin Luan and all of his servants to laugh at her and belittle her. 

"Qin Luan, I will do anything for you, won't you accept me? Please, I love you, I love you!" 

"A poor girl like you marrying our young master? Tsk, don't aim for the sky"

"I was kind to you, Hui Yin, but I don't like you. You are beautiful but that cannot provide me anything better than one night"

She is kicked out of the house right that instant. When she goes back to her cottage, dejected by the rejection, she writes, 

"I have had this beautiful face all my life. People have been vying for my attention. But what use does it have if I cannot have the one I love?"

There are ink splatters on the page, teardrops staining the written words, "Would the river be cold? Or would it feel warm? Would it embrace me the way you did not?"

That being the last words from her. Wei Wuxian closes the diary with a heavy heart as he keeps it back on the table by the bedside. "We have her motivation confirmed. We can leave in the morning to suppress her. Whatever her reaction calls for" He says, stretching his limbs. 

Lan Wangji does not reply which is odd now since he can very well feel that he is awake. "Lan Zhan?" He whispers, shaking his shoulder to get his attention. 

A full-body shudder runs through Lan Wangji's body, "Wei Ying?" He asks, eyes hazed over. Concern immediately wraps over Wei Wuxian's heart. He has never seen Lan Wangji so distracted before. "Are you okay Lan Zhan?" 

The only response he gets is a low hum but before Wei Wuxian can even say anything, Lan Wangji turns his face away from him and breathes out, "Good night Wei Ying"

Wei Wuxian lets his worry settle down, "Goodnight Lan Zhan"

It hurts, doesn’t it? Being so close to the one you love and yet remain so far?

He stays with you out of duty, my boy. This arrangement is what makes him stay.

Let me ask you this, would he have chosen you otherwise? Would he have chosen you in a room full of desired beings?

Lan Wangji does not move, he cannot as the words play like a haunting melody inside of his head. He tries to move his hand, to push away this voice away from his mind but his limbs remain unmoving by his side. He floats in the realm of subconsciousness as if in a dream. 

A greyish figure appears in front of him, almost translucent in appearance. It moves away from him as he tries to approach it. Its robes remind him of someone. Someone he had missed ever so dearly. He stares down at his own self, finding it way younger than he should be. 

"A-Zhan, love is evil. Do not fall in love" The figure's shrill voice echoes in his mind. "Do not fall in love. It brings pain and pain and pain. Do not fall in love" 

Mother

Lan Wangji thinks he yells for her greyish figure to stop, but she does not. She disappears into the night, branding her words on his chest. 

The scene changes. Lan Wangji finds himself in the library, older than his previous self. 

"Lan Zhan? Who do you think will fall in love with him? I would rather die than get married to him" Another familiar voice complains. Lan Wangji watches him walk away, a hand on his friend's shoulder, a familiarity that pierces his heart.

Wei Ying

"I did not want to marry you. You imprisoned me here Lan Zhan. You are nothing better than your father" The same boy with the brightest smile he fell in love with that very day outside the Cloud Recesses, spits out at him, face raging with anger. Lan Wangji cannot answer back. 

The light changes again. This time he sees an image he will never forget in his entire life. He has a girl, beautiful and smiling, pinned against the wall of the Jinghsi, as he kisses her senseless, "What would happen if your husband found out?" She breathes out. She only gets a laugh, "Who cares. It is not like I love him"

Lan Wangji's heart breaks there into millions of tiny little pieces. He catches them together, confines his beloved into the Jinshi. He feels the satisfaction run through his veins. "I won't let you leave" he whispers to his beloved's cold face, kissing the bridge of his nose. He runs a finger on his bright red wings, "Red suits you, my love"

It is suddenly night, the clear day morphing into a stormy rain. The pitter-patter of the rain mocking him as he flies back to his home, to his beloved. His heart thundering in his chest as he pushes the door open and—

Lan Wangji freezes. His body goes absolutely still as his eyes take in the blood streaking the floor, all the way to the door.

His heart stops beating. For there lying on the floor curled upon himself is his beloved, his Wei Ying. Crimson Blood stains the entirety of his back, forming a dark pool around him. Where there should have been his bright wings now lay two large cuts, red and burning.

Lan Wangji sees white. Anger and pain wrenching him open as he takes heavy steps, falling to his knees next to Wei Ying.

“Wei Ying” He breathes, voice a low whisper. His hand trembles as he rests it on his shoulder, sending his energy through him. It works, just barely. Wei Wuxian shakes like a trembling leaf, his silver eyes going wide. Lan Wangji’s name is a broken sound from his lips, "Lan Zhan"

“Wei Ying” He cries. Wei Wuxian lets out a heart-wrenching sob, his head resting on his lap. Lan Wangji holds onto his hand, "Why" he hisses out. 

Wei Ying smiles, rueful, "You said red suited me. So, I took them out" He laughs, and then his eyes close off, his heart-stopping in his chest. 

Lan Wangji thinks he lets out a loud cry, unlike what he ever has. It is raw from pain and hurt and loneliness. He holds Wei Ying's body close to his chest. He keels over and cries his heart out. Cry for the pain his beloved went through just to get away from him.  He is aware that he is trembling, part anger, and part pain.

He watches numbly, the red of Wei Ying's blood staining his own white and he thinks, "What am I to live for if my beloved is gone."  

Lan Wangji picks his sword lying uselessly on the floor, unsheathing it. He kisses his beloved's cold lips once, murmuring, "I will meet you again, Wei Ying. I will make you mine" 

Then the world goes dark. 

Love is no reason to stay. He breaks his morals for you and yet you do not do anything but bring trouble.

You will ruin everything for him. You will ruin him, the peerless jade.

Tell me, would you still be so selfish to stay with him? Taint the jade?

Wei Wuxian hears the sweet voice, the words pinching his heart. He hears a piercing cry and water rushing up towards him and it goes away just as quickly as it comes. 

In the middle of the night, Wei Wuxian feels the spike in resentful energy around him. It feels different, like a calming wave washing over him and then suddenly receding back. The sudden shift in the air is what makes him scramble awake, the dream feeling like reality, his hand reaching out for Lan Wangji on instinct. "Lan Zhan"

But when his hands meet soft sheet and not solid muscle, he knows exactly what has happened. This is how Hui Yin has been luring the couples away. And, she has Lan Zhan. 

Pure raw fear runs through his entire body, his breathing getting heavy, no. Not Lan Zhan. Wei Wuxian gets shakily on his feet, picking his sword. He notices Bichen, which laid next to Suibian missing. His fear grows until it is ready to consume him whole. He flies to the river. 

Panicked eyes keep searching for a trace of his husband as he rushes to the shore, every single breath becoming difficult to take as he comes empty. 

If something had happened, if he was too late— 

No, nothing can happen to Lan Zhan. He won't let it happen. Please be okay, Lan Zhan.

The ocean laps at him, angry waves crashing against the stones. The wind so strong that Wei Wuxian almost loses his balance, frantically looking for—

Lan Zhan

The moment he spots the brilliant white among the blackness of the river, Wei Wuxian descends down sharply, sword at the ready. 

But what he sees next, Wei Wuxian will never forget. He sees his Lan Zhan unsheathing Bichen and then turning the shape blade onto himself. 

"Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian yells, filled with so much agony that it blinds him momentarily. "Lan Zhan! Stop! I'm here Lan Zhan!" He screams from the distance, fear clogging him as the tip of the blade reaches his husband's chest—

He can't lose him. He cannot! 

Wei Wuxian rushes against the pressure of the wind, breaking through the barrier, trying to send a body locking talisman. The storm around them flings it away before it can land where it needs to.

"Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian yells one last time, sending all his magic into one single blow and pierces through it.  

Suddenly, he sees Lan Wangji pausing. His golden eyes flicker at him as if confused by everything he sees, breaking through the hallucination. "Wei Ying?" He mouths, staring at Bichen in his hands and then back at him as if he can't imagine he is here. 

Wei Wuxian reaches closer to him, just a mere arm's length away. He is fine, you stooped it. Lan Zhan us fine. But before Wei Wuxian can take a sigh of relief, he sees a black figure swirling behind Lan Wangji. 

Hui yin reaches out a smoky black hand to Lan Wangji's shoulder and Wei Wuxian acts without even thinking. He pushes Lan Wangji away with all the strength his body could muster, watches his husband's eyes going wide in panic.

"Wei Ying!"  Wei Wuxian thinks he hears Lan Wangji scream. he has never heard him make such a loud sound before. He thinks he feels a cold grasp at him, holds him still. He cannot breathe nor can he move. He hears aloud wail, water enveloping him whole. 

But all of it does not matter, Wei Wuxian thinks as he begins to feel his consciousness seep out, Lan Zhan is safe and that is all that matters.

And Wei Wuxian gives himself to the darkness.

When Wei Wuxian comes back to consciousness, his body resists every single moment he makes. He groans. His back feels as if someone had stomped over it multiple times, his wings aching. His throat is parched, painful to move. 

The last thing he remembers is the screeching of Hui Yin as she had reached—

Wei Wuxian scrambles awake, trying to sit up only to fall back onto the bed with a groan, "Lan Zhan." He blinks the haziness away from his eyes and sees not the river but the inn, their room in the inn. 

Does that mean Lan Wangji eliminated the spirit?

Wei Wuxian snaps his eyes to scan the room and— “Lan Zhan” Wei Wuxian sighs in relief, even that small motion hurting. His eyes flicker to Lan Wangji who is sitting beside him on the bed, checking a bandage that is wrapped around his torso. He did not even feel it. It must have been quite a while then since Lan Wangji saved him. 

Wei Wuxian is fully expecting Lan Wangji to look at him the moment he calls his name. But Lan Wangji does not move even an inch, as if carved by jade. He is still as a statue, scarily unmoving. It makes a strange anxiousness settle within him. This has never happened before.

“Lan Zhan” Wei Wuxian tires again, frowning when the result remains the same. “Lan Zhan, why are you ignoring me? Hey, er gege, you should be proud of me really. I found you before anything could happen! And you managed to eliminate the spirit! I don't know how you did it, so you need to fill me in right now!"

But nothing. He gets nothing. It angers Wei Wuxian, this cold treatment when he does not even know what he did wrong. His back hurts and Lan Wangji refuses to indulge him.“What? Are you angry that I did not help you, Lan Zhan, I did not think you were this petty” His words came out angrier than he expected. He is fully are that what he just said is complete nonsense. He just needs a reaction from him. And the reaction they get him, makes Wei Wuxian immediately regret them.

When Lan Wangji turns to him, there is no tenderness in those golden irises that he has become so used to. There is a myriad of emotions on his face, none of which Wei Wuxian can discern.

“Your recklessness knows no boundaries” Lan Wangji glares at him, eyes flaming in fury.

From his position, Wei Wuxian feels like a prey pinned by the intense gaze of a predator. He swallows before trying to speak, “My recklessness?” he scoffs, “I needed to do something there Lan Zhan! She was going to attack you. She would have—” He stops himself before he reveals his very own feeling. She would have killed you; she would have taken me from you, Lan Zhan. And that scared me more than anything else, he does not say.

Wei Wuxian shakes his head, shameful anger simmering inside of him, “Are you really scolding me here for saving you? You got her eliminated, Lan Zhan. Are you mad at me for doing exactly what we came here for?” he makes to move, to stand up and defend himself.

But Lan Wangji pushes him back down, a hand on his shoulder, the touch gentle, unlike the words he says next, “I did not ask you to push me back. You were reckless, so reckless. You do not get to ask me why I’m angry, Wei Ying. You do not” he spits it out, the angriest Wei Wuxian has ever seen or heard him. It is the last sentence, spoken much softer than the others that pierces his heart, “I do not want to be here”

“Lan Zhan” Wei Wuxian whispers in anguish as he watches his husband’s face closing off completely, seeing the way his eyes shutter close. The thorn embeds itself deeper into Wei Wuxian’s heart when without even looking back at him, Lan Wangji walks away from him, shutting the door so hard that it rattles. Leaving Wei Wuxian alone and cold and hurting.

Tears come unbidden to his eyes at the words for some odd reason. The fear, the pain, and the words letting the tears fall down his cheeks, sobs wracking through him, the final exhaustion pulling him into a restless sleep.

Chapter Text

They return back to Gusu once all of Wei Wuxian's injuries heal enough to fly back.

It is pure agonizing torture, living with Lan Wangji and not having the presence of his attention on him. Lan Wangji does not talk to him, nor does he touch even for a fleeting moment. He cleans his bandages, applies the medicine but it is so clinical and mechanical that it makes Wei Wuxian hurt even more than his injuries. 

Lan Wangji refuses to share anything regarding the night hunt with him. What he saw in that hallucination for him to act this way. 

Wei Wuxian expects things to go back to normal once they reach back Gusu. For his anger to simmer down to nothingness. They do not. It aggravates even more than anything else. 

All his attempts are ignored. It is as if Wei Wuxian does not exist by his side anymore. He does not mention the night hunt again. For whenever he does, Lan Wangji bolts out immediately. 

Wei Wuxian brings up his Shijie's wedding as an excuse to get to have at least one conversation with him. 

“Lan Zhan, whatever this is” He gestures between them, “we are doing, does not change the fact you are my husband”

Lan Wangji is sitting on the table in the center of the room, face illuminated with the light glow of the candles. He does not acknowledge his words, not even the barest of a shift in his body to indicate he is even hearing. But Wei Wuxian knows he is. He does not know what he will do if he does not.

Wei Wuxian waits, just in case Lan Wangji is taking some time to understand what he said, hoping it is. But minutes pass and Lan Wangji does not. Wei Wuxian does not let it hurt him. “I do not want to go to my Shijie’s wedding alone,” He says, his mouth dry as he adds what he really wishes to know, “You will go with me, right?”.

His voice sounds pathetic to his own ears, he knows Lan Wangji does not miss it. Sees it in the way his husband’s body winds up straighter, as a string pulled tight. He hates that he is the reason.

“Mn” Lan Wangji hums, the sound barely carrying over the space between them. If it had been another night, Wei Wuxian would have wound his arm around Lan Wangji’s shoulders, talking his ears out to explain the gift he had been making for his Shijie. But it is not that night. There is a space between them that has never been there and Wei Wuxian is the one who caused it. It is all his fault, he fucked up.

“Good. That’s good” Wei Wuxian whispers, chuckling just once to see if that made Lan Wangji to at least look at him. It did not. Lan Wangji merely stands up, turns towards the bathing area, and brushes past him as if Wei Wuxian was not even there.

Wei Wuxian lets out a shaky breath, blinking away the tears that threaten to fall free. He swallows the tightness in his throat, refusing to embarrass himself any longer. He rubs his face with the palm of his hands and shrugs the robes away. He does not have it in him to fold them and keep them as Lan Wangji likes. He had already disappointed him. What difference does one more make?

He mechanically climbs onto the bed, putting much more space between his and Lan Wangji’s side. He does not cry himself to sleep, his eyes tings but he does not. He lets the horrible feeling in his heart consume him whole, watches through the privacy screen the outline of Lan Wangji. He falls asleep fitfully that night, to the sound of the light splashes of water and his husband’s shadow far away from him.

In the week leading up to Shijie’s wedding, things do not get any between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. If anything, it gets worse.

Lan Wangji is gone before Wei Wuxian rises and when he comes back to the Jingshi, right before the curfew, he changes and goes to sleep as soon as possible. They do not talk, other then giving each other important information.

Wei Wuxian has not heard Lan Wangji say his name for so long. His mere soul craves for it. Craves for the way Lan Wangji’s lips form around his name as if it was meant just for him. He tries calling out to him, trying to reach out to him in every small way he can. Nothing works.

They leave for Lanling a day before the wedding. It will take them a day to reach on time. They make small stops in between for food and freshening up but it is all painful for Wei Wuxian. The journey to Lanling is silent. The silence piercing every single inch of Wei Wuxian’s body like the sharpest needles. Lan Wangji does not even look back at him, does not fly next to him, slightly behind as if to catch him if he stumbled.

Wei Wuxian had gotten used to having Lan Wangji’s attention on him. Whenever he had been in a crowd, away from Lan Wangji, he had been sure that when he would look back, he would meet Lan Wangji’s golden eyes staring at him with an intensity that Wei Wuxian did not understand. He feels the absence like a night sky without its’ moon. When had he gotten so used to it? When had his body been so attuned to everything Lan Wangji that not feeling his eyes watching him makes him so restless?

They reach Lanling on the day of the big day. They had made one last stop at a small inn in a nearby village where Wei Wuxian had changed into the white extravagant robes of the Lans. His crown had sat on his head like a weight too heavy to bear. They shared a room and yet the distance between them had never been this long. He knew he must be looking funny for he had no Lan Zhan to help him this time, just silly old him.

Lanling is, to sum it up in one word, ostentatious.

They love to show the wealth their clan possesses and do not shy away from it. The sun is bright and high, peeking from between the mountain tops.

Wei Wuxian would have sang countless poetries by now, just to get an exasperated but fond Wei Ying from Lan Wangji. But he does not. There are holding by a fragile thread as of now, ready to break if tugged hard. He keeps silent as Koi tower finally comes into view.

Wei Wuxian has only been to Koi tower a handful of times when they were younger. He had beaten Jin Zixuan up then, when he had made an insulting comment on Jiang Yanli.

They land in front of the many stairs leading up to the tower. They were supposed to walk up and not fly. A tradition that made absolutely no sense to Wei Wuxian. They were fairies! And it would save them so much more time.

If it was another day, Wei Wuxian would have saddled up to Lan Wangji, leaned onto his shoulder and whined, “Lan er gege, my strong husband. My feet hurt. Can’t you carry me up?”. He can imagine Lan Wangji’s reply perfectly in his head.

Wei Wuxian shakes himself out of his stupor. He really should stop doing this. He goes to stand next to his husband, watching the grand decorations that adorned the entirety of the stairs. The Jins had really left no expense to make this wedding grand. Good. Shijie does not deserve anything less then the most grandest of weddings.

“Wangji, Wei gongzi. Let’s make our way upstairs” Lan Xichen’s voice suddenly enters ears. Huh, Wei Wuxian had totally forgot he was even here, so immersed in everything going inside of his head.

Wei Wuxian sees Lan Wangji nod and beginning to walk ahead with out a second glance. He thinks he feels Lan Xichen’s eyes boring into the side of his head but he ignores it to follow his husband.

The hall is loud and cheery. The Lans are guided by a servant to their seats where Wei Wuxian finds comfort in seeing that he is going to sit with Lan Wangji. He is about to sit down when he sees the flare of a familiar purple wing among the crowd and he immediately flies to Jiang Cheng.

“Jiang Cheng! Brother, how are you?”, He exclaims, too brightly then needed. Jiang Cheng visibly startles, eyes wide as he turns to look at him.

“Was doing great before you showed up” Jiang Cheng scoffs as if irritated but Wei Wuxian clearly sees the way he is happy to see him too. Wei Wuxian definitely is. He does not miss Jiang Cheng inspecting him, “Do those Lans even feed you anything? You look like shit” he says, raising an eyebrow.

“Aiya, A-Cheng. Enough about me. Did you see Shijie? Can I see her? I wanted to give her something before the wedding. I can, right?”

“What, did marrying a Lan cut your ties to the Jiangs on something. I’m already quite busy. Let’s go. Shijie was asking me about you” Jiang Cheng look up at something behind him, his eyes going steely. He grumbles some indecipherable words before suddenly pulling Wei Wuxian out of the hall and outside, ignoring all the protests from him.

“Did you and Lan Wangji have a lover’s quarrel? He looked ready to cleave me in half. He should be coming to greet father and mother to but he is just sitting here like someone stole his wife”

Wei Wuxian huffs a the choice of words. He is happy that at least Lan Wangji was looking at him. That was progress, right?

Wei Wuxian does not reply, just throws his arms over Jiang  Cheng’s shoulder, “My dearest brother, we can talk about me later. Let’s not keeping Shijie waiting” he voice comes out sulkier then he wanted. If Jiang Cheng notices it, he does not say anything.

“Come on then”

Jiang Cheng leads them to the farthest room from the hall. The halls are adorned with red, a stark contrast against the gold of the Jins. It oddly reminds him of his own wedding day. He swallows the lump beginning to form in his throat.

They stand outside the room and Jiang Cheng pushes the door and—

“Shijie!”

“A-Xian!”

Jiang Yanli and Wei Wuxian screams at the same time as she gets up to fly to him. Wei Wuxian hurries to her first, gently pushing her down to the seat, “My Shijie is so beautiful! The prettiest fairy in the entire world!”

Jiang Yanli smiles. She looks absolutely beautiful in the red robes.  No one could ever compare. Jin Zixuan better treat her right. She swats his arm away, ruffling his hair just a bit, “A-Xian, look at you. Shijie missed you so much”

“I missed you more, Shijie” he whispers, “I missed you more”

Jiang Yanli pats his back comfortingly and Wei Wuxian rests his head on her knee, “How are you, A-Xian? Have Lan er gongzi been good to you?”

Wei Wuxian’s smile immediately drops off his face. H puts on his bright voice, not raising his head to look at her, “Of course, Shijie. He has been. He is a gentleman. A perfect husband. Lan Zhan is—“ He stops. He is not talking to me. I fucked up. He wants to scream out.

“A-Xian” Jiang Yanli lifts his head up, her eyes having that knowing look in her eyes, “Are you going to lie to me?” she asks sternly.

Wei Wuxian feels all his defenses melting, until all he is a little fairy, scared of everything among fairies he does not know in an unfamiliar home. “It’s not. It’s not” Wei Wuxian croaks out, the veil of tears he had been carefully wearing finally breaking away.

“Oh, A-Xian” Shijie sighs, wrapping him in her comforting embrace. Wei Wuxian cries and cries. He did not know he even could. The sadness in his chest like a void pulling him inside.

Lan Wangji, he likes him. Loves him. And to not get to hear his voice, to see that coldness of his directed his way, it hurts, it hurts so much. Shijie lets him cry his heart out, uncaring of the tears that must be staining her robes. She pats his back soothingly, voice constantly whispering assurances, “It is fine, A-Xian It is okay”

Jiang Cheng’s voice is heavy with anger, as he demands, “Did Lan Wangji do something? Is that why you have been avoiding him?”

Wei Wuxian sniffs, his voice weak as eh protests, “I’m not avoiding him”

Jiang Cheng scoffs, “Yes, you are. You are usually glued to the hip with him. It is weird to see you this—” he coughs, “Far away”

“A-Xian, would you tell us what happened? If Lan er gongzi has really did—“

“No! No, he did not do anything Shijie” he says quickly, turning his face away from their gazes, “It was me. I fucked up”

Jiang Cheng frowns, coming to sit next to him, “I would usually agree but just tell me if I need to kick his ass or something”

Wei Wuxian chuckles at that. Jiang Cheng is usually not this agreeable. His concern is very much comforting. “I would keep that in mind. But it really was all me, Jiang Cheng”. It does not seem like either Jiang Cheng or Shijie believes him. He did not need to explain but the worried gaze of Shijie and the angry one of Jiang Cheng, both of them who are ready to barge into the main hall and confront Lan Wangji on their own, he decides against it.

Sighing heavily, Wei Wuxian begins to explain everything that occurred on the night hunt. Cutting the more gruesome details out but keeping the important ones. He downplays some of his injuries, not wanting to make much more of a scene.

“You got hurt? What the actual fuck Wei Wuxian? Why did we not receive any letter about it? Why did you not tell us?” Jiang Cheng hits his arm, his own way of showing his worry.

“It wasn’t bad. I just want Lan Zhan to talk to me. That is all I want. I don’t know what I did wrong but I don’t like fighting with him. I miss him” Wei Wuxian confesses, feeling another wave to tears washing over him.

“A-Xian, have you tried talking to him?”

“I did. He won’t even look at me, let alone talk. He runs away whenever I even mention the night hunt” he says bitterly.

“Would you look at me?” Shijie’s eyes are soft as he turns around, “I think the reason you think he is angry is wrong. Try once again, A-Xian. Think what exactly happened for him to get angry. It isn’t that you saved him. It is that you got hurt while saving him”

After the conversation, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng makes their way out of the room, Shijie’s words relaying in his mind.

It is that you got hurt while saving him.

Wei Wuxian flies back to the main hall, sitting next to Lan Wangji silently, considering what Shijie said Is it true? Did Wei Wuxian read it all wrong? He sneaks a few glances at Lan Wangji, trying to gather his strength. Lan Wangji stays rigid and uncaring beside him.

But before he can say anything at all, the wedding ceremony begins. It is grand, just like his Shijie deserves. She looks beautiful as she walks in, her smile visible from even within the veil. She is happy. Married to someone who she likes and who likes her back. How does that feel?

They exchange bows to the heavens and earth and to their family. Jiang shushu is close to tears and for the first time in his life, Wei Wuxian sees Yu furen tearing up. They make such a wonderful couple, Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli. Despite his dislike for Jin Zixuan he has to admit, that the way he makes Shijie smile, nobody else can do that.

Why had Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian not smiled like that? Like the other had hung the moon and all of the stars? Why had their wedding been nothing joyful but a duty instead? Why hadn’t they been in love? Why is Wei Wuxian bitter over it all?

 The banquet begins immediately. The couple is surrounded by sect leaders as they congratulate them. He is itching to fly to Shijie and congratulate her but it won’t look good if he is to go alone. He has lost all his interest in the food served, taking just three bites before giving up. Lan Wangji does not eat his either.

Wei Wuxian chances a side glance at his husband, only to find him gazing at the couple with indecipherable sadness in his eyes. A sadness that mirrored Wei Wuxian’s own.

 “We should greet them” he says hoarsely, covering it up with a cough. The relief to meet Lan Wangji’s golden eyes can amount to no other. He can cry, the familiar tingling burning the back of his throat.

“Mn” Lan Wangji replies calmly, standing up. He waits patiently for Wei Wuxian. He is almost shaky as he stands, lifting himself off the ground. He does not think he can stand on his own.

“It is a joyous occasion, why don’t we toast to the new couple?” A new voice yells before the two can move ahead. Both of them turn around to come face to face with a Jin fairy.

The Jin holds a cup of alcohol in his hand, wobbling in the air as his wings fails to hear his command, “Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji. Won’t you toast with me?” he sneers, some alcohol sloshing out of the cup and onto the floor.

The familiarity that he takes Lan Wangji’s name with, it makes him want to punch him. “I will, Jin gongzi” he smiles mockingly, bending to pick up his neglected cup of alcohol.

“Wait wait, Wei Wuxian. Don’t you think we need your husband to drink with you?” Jin Zixun interjects, “This way we can find out if the rumors of him hating you are true or not” he laughs as if told the funniest joke.

Wei Wuxian moves on instinct, his hand grabbing Lan Wangji’s arm to stop him right in time. Lan Wangji is not angry, not to an untrained eye. But to Wei Wuxian, he is seething in anger.

“Jin gongzi, alcohol is forbidden in Gusu Lan. You must have heard it too if you had time to hear such false rumors about our marriage” Wei Wuxian chuckles, but his words sounds hollow to him. Were there actual rumors about them of such kind? He had not even heard.

The Jin fairy’s face morphs into anger quickly, his face going blotchy red, “Don’t act like you are above me, Wei Wuxian. Just because you married into the Lan clan does not mean anything. You are a son of a servant and you dare to act disrespectful to me?”

Wei Wuxian grits his teeth, ready to put whoever this Jin was to his place when he feels Lan Wangji stepping in front of him. His wings brushes against his cheek as he fully shields his body with his own. His wings vanishes then, back rigid. Did Lan Wangji always had such a fine and broad back?

“Your comment on my husband are unnecessary and rude. I must ask you to stay in line, Jin gongzi” Lan Wangji’s voice carries over to everyone in the hall, who have now stopped to watch the scene in front of them. Wei Wuxian can see Jiang Cheng and Jiang shushu trying to walk over but Yu furen stops both of them, wondering eyes trained on Lan Wangji.

Jin Zixun, not expecting Lan Wangji interjecting, loses his footing, stumbling with his words, “Lan Wangji, tsk. To have Wei Wuxian as your husband, I feel sorry for you”

Wei Wuxian stares at Lan Wangji’s back muscles flexing under the robes, his voice icy steel like the sharpest of swords as he says, “Wei Wuxian is my husband. A husband who is my equal in every aspect. Any slander to him is a slander to me. And in turn to Gusu Lan. If you dare to speak such nonsense, do not expect me to be courteous”

Blood rushes to Wei Wuxian’s face at such a bold announcement. He does not look to be the only one. Loud gasps fills the entire hall, not at all expecting such a bold display of affection.

It is that you got hurt while saving him.

Wei Wuxian blearily remembers the concerned lines of Lan Wangji’s face, the tears in his eyes that had fallen like crystals down his cheeks. The fear that had wrenched him open as he had cradled him to his chest. And suddenly, it all begins to make sense.

It is that you got hurt while saving him.

“As for the alcohol” Lan Wangji says, turning and pulling the cup out of Wei Wuxian’s hand before he could have stopped him, downing it one single sip. “To the couple” he bows.

From his position, Wei Wuxian delightfully watches Jin Zixun flushing in embarrassment. He looks around to see everyone's attention on him, some laughing. He takes an angry sip of his own alcohol before flying out of the hall.

Wei Wuxian rushes to Lan Wangji, cupping his face and gently making him face him ignoring the crowd they must be attracting. “Lan Zhan, why did you drink for me?”

The alcohol has already done its damage if the high rosy flush on his husband’s cheeks is anything to go by. Wei Wuxian steals the cup from his hand, putting it down on the table. He winds an arm around his waist, tugging him closer to his body. Although they are roughly of the same height and built, Lan Wangji is heavy. Especially when he is leaning most of his weight onto Wei Wuxian. “ You don’t handle your alcohol well. Aiya, my husband. Look at you”

“Couldn’t let him insult you” Lan Wangji whispers, slurring. He needs to get him out of here. Ignoring the alarms of fool, Wei Wuxian, you are an idiot Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian catches Jiang Yanli’s eye, nodding at her to take his leave. Jiang Yanli smiles and mouths, “Good luck”

Wei Wuxian slowly takes Lan Wangji out of the hall, which becomes even slower as Lan Wangji refuses to fly and in no way would Wei Wuxian be able to haul him up in the air. He glares at anyone who dares to wrongly look at Lan Wangji who’s eyes had closed, his lips parted. He was already asleep.

A servant takes one look at him and guides them to their quarters. Thankfully, it is not far away and Wei Wuxian is able to prop his husband down on the bed. He rushes to close the door and is right in time to save Lan Wangji from falling down the floor.

Wei Wuxian sighs, gently taking his crown off and laying him down, “Tsk, tsk. One cup and this is how you get my lovely husband. You did not even talk to me and yet stood up for me there. You know how hot you looked? If you weren’t drunk I would have stolen a kiss from—“ He does not even get to finish his sentence when a sudden force pulls him down. Wei Wuxian crashes onto Lan Wangji’s firm chest. “Oof, Lan Zhan!” he protests, wiggling to get free of the iron grip Lan Wangji had on him.

Wei Wuxian raises his head, only to find Lan Wangji’s golden eyes wide open. “Are you still drunk, my husband? That was quite a show you made there” he stutters, unable to function under the intense gaze.

“Not drunk. Not show. Standing up for my husband” Lan Wangji states and then, “Wei Ying said he wanted to steal”

The change in conversation was too fast for Wei Wuxian too compute. His body is on fire wherever they touched, “Steal? I don’t think—“

“Wei Ying said he wanted to steal a kiss. I’m not drunk. You can steal”

Huh. Wait, what?”

Wei Wuxian pushes away Lan Wangji’s hand as it raises to cup his cheek. His heart hurts at the petulant pout Lan Wangji gives him. “Are you telling me” he says, mouth dry, “You want to kiss me?”

Lan Wangji’s eyebrows furrows, “Wanted to. For so long” he slurs out. Wei Wuxian does not think he is strong enough for this. To have Lan Wangji not talking to him to having him tell him he wanted to kiss him?

Wei Wuxian shakes his head, a small smile on his face as he gazes down at his husband, “Not now, Lan Zhan. Tell me this when we wake up. Ask me this in the morning again and I will say yes” he says softly, intertwining his hand with Lan Wangji’s own and holding it tight. He brings it to his lips to leave a gentle kiss, “Can you do that for me, Lan Zhan?”

Lan Wangji’s face morphs from confusion to determination, nodding enthusiastically, “Anything for Wei Ying”

Wei Wuxian smiles, trailing a finger all the way down to Lan Wangji’s chin, “You won’t let me go though?”

Lan Wangji closes his eyes, “Mn” he hums, his arms winding up tighter around his small frame. Wei Wuxian can only chuckle, not denying him this comfort, the warmth of his husband and the steady drum of his heartbeat lulling him to a peaceful sleep.

Wei Wuxian wakes up in increments.

There is a sudden uncomfortable heat in rising up in his belly, a humming that wakes him up from his otherwise peaceful slumber. He shifts, groaning but it is all soothed by the familiar sandalwood scent drifting into the air.

From the darkness that surrounds him, he concludes it still must be night. He snuggles closer into his pillow, breathing out as he fails to get a comfortable position. He thumps his hand over his side, fully expecting to meet a soft sheet. He isn’t ready for his hand to meet solid skin.

“What the fuck” He yelps, flying away immediately until he is flat against the roof. He had slept on top of Lan Zhan, a Lan Zhan who is now awake and staring back at him with horror in his eyes. It is the most emotion he has seen coming from him for weeks now. But just as soon as it arrives, it begins to fade. Lan Wangji is closing off from him once again. He cannot—

“I’m sorry” Wei Wuxian blurts out, slowly descending down to the bed. Only when he has put some distance between the two does he meet Lan Wangji’s intense gaze.

“Wei Ying” Lan Wangji says, his voice clipped and so genuinely remorseful, “I’m sorry”

Wei Wuxian can’t discern what they are both apologizing for. Maybe it is for the night or maybe for the night hunt. “The first thing you say to me is an apology. That is not what I wanted. Why are you apologizing?” his voice coming out smaller then he expected. He has not wanted Lan Wangji to apologize. He just wants him to talk with him, touch him, hold him, kiss him and— tell him he love him.

“Wei Ying—“ Lan Wangji’s jaw is pulled tight, eyes still sleepy.

 He does not let him continue. All the emotions he has been suppressing inside of him for the past week, it all comes crashing down on him like a storm. The warm tears spills out of his eyes, trailing down to his cheeks, “You— you did not talk to me!” he yells, why, he does not know. He is angry, hurt and needy. He wants Lan Wangji to understand. “Why?!”

Wei Wuxian does not understand why the tears starts to freely fall down his cheeks. “You did not talk to me, Lan Zhan. You did not look at me. He holds his sobs that threatens to break free, “It is easier for you too say that I should not have gotten hurt. How reckless what I did was. But do you understand why I did that?”

Lan Wangji does not meet his eyes, resolutely staring away. The silence does not help the sheer panic flowing inside of his veins. It feels like he will suffocate if he doesn’t say it, “Because the alternative was you getting hurt Lan Zhan. Just like it was me for you” 

Lan Wangji’s head whips to him. And for the first time in his life, Wei Wuxian sees the second jade cry. Two tears slips down his cheek, like two crystal drops. He is holding his sobs in, his had fisted in the sheets. “I was sacred” he whispers, voice barely audible. But Wei Wuxian hears him all the same.

“Scared of losing you” Lan Wangji continues, golden eyes gleaming with tears, face contoured into sadness so fierce that Wei Wuxian wonders how he had missed it. It so clearly says the answer he is searching for.

Wei Wuxian cautiously moves to him, giving him time to push him away. When he does not, Wei Wuxian hesitantly cups his face in his shaky hands, thumb gently brushing the tear that dares to fall free from his eyes. “Lan Zhan” he breathes out. “Don’t cry, sweetheart”

“You put your life at stake for me” Lan Wangji croaks out, “Did not think of the consequences. I saw you in the hallucinations, I saw you die there and then you almost did. How could I have lived my life knowing I was the reason you could have—“ he halts, eyes closing as if the mere thought of it crushes him.

Wei Wuxian leans in, pulling Lan Wangji closer until his head lies right over his chest, buried over the steady beating of his heart, “Shh, my Lan er gege. Shhhh." He does not press for what exactly he saw in the hallucination. What shook him so much to act such way. It is better he forgets.

He feels Lan Wangji sighing heavily, his arms that have been lying limply by his side coming to embrace him, arm brushing against his sensitive wings, lingering there, tight and with a promise to never let go, “Wei Ying”

Wei Wuxian has always wondered how Lan Wangji could just say his name with such fierceness, nothing else needed to be said between them as he whispers back, just as fiercely, “Lan Zhan”

Lan Wangji’s thumb brushes against the skin under his eyes, smoothing the tear away just as Wei Wuxian murmured, “I thought— I don’t know what I thought. I was going crazy Lan Zhan, so crazy. You did not look at me, did not— it was torture” he wheezes out, struggling to get the words

“I missed Wei Ying. Missed his voice, missed your smiles” Lan Wangji’s voice soothes.“Wei Ying” Lan Wangji mumbles out, breathy and oh so telling.

The air around them crinkles with tension. A new heat simmering within them. A desire that he clearly sees reflecting back at him from within those golden irises.

Wei Wuxian submits to Lan Wangji, letting his body loose in his arms, giving all his control to him. “Do whatever you want to me, Lan er gege. Show me how much you missed me”

Lan Wangji wastes no time is claiming his lips in a searing kiss. The sheer force behind it, the way Lan Wangji devours his lips, maps every inch of his mouth, biting down the sensitive skin of his lower lip, its all so overwhelming.

Wei Wuxian wraps his arms around his neck, bringing them chest to chest. This close, Wei Wuxian feels the loud thundering in his chest, as if it is his own.

Breathing becomes difficult for him as Lan Wangji takes his fill, holding Wei Wuxian face steadily in the palm of his handles, cradling it as if something precious.

“Lan Zhan—“ Wei Wuxian pants out, “I— let me breathe my good er gege”  But Lan Wangji pays it no heeds, kissing him breathless until all Wei Wuxian can do is take and take.

When Lan Wangji finally pulls away, his golden eyes tender and yet filled with hunger. Lan Wangji pulls at his robes eagerly, taking off all the robes in one single pull. The robes slides down Wei Wuxian’s shoulders, the cold air tingling his warm skin. Lan Wangji’s hands immediately pulls them lower until all of his chest is bare, his nipples rosy and perked.

Lan Wangji’s hands hungrily roams up Wei Wuxian’s chest, fingers brushing against his sensitive nipples, eliciting an ack from Wei Wuxian. His other hands are sliding down his thighs, pinching the innermost skin.

Wei Wuxian is gasping against his lips, trembling just from the mere feeling of having Lan Wangji’s hands on his body. Losing himself to the sensation. He moans, loud and shameless as Lan Wangji grasps his dick, “Lan Zhan, my dear husband. Look at you. So eager with me. But be gentle hm? This poor little virgin has no experience”

A different kind of excitement fills Lan Wangji at his words, riling him up as his hand jerks Wei Wuxian, while the other grabs onto his ass, kneading the fat. “Wanted to have this” he grits out, “Since the day I saw you. Wanted you so so much”

A hot flash strikes through his body, his knee brushing against the obvious hardness that tents in Lan Wangji’s robes. “Lan Zhan” Wei Wuxian chokes, “That looks uncomfortable” he trails his hand over his robes, delighting in the way Lan Wangji’s breath hitches in his throat, “Won’t you let this husband of yours put you out of your misery?”

Lan Wangji moves before Wei Wuxian can even process. One moment he is sitting on the bed and th next he lays flat against the soft fabric, wings flat on his sides. He gasps as Lan Wangji leans over his half clothes body, “Wei Ying will put me out of mine later. Let take care of my husband’s needs first”

“Does Wei Ying have any idea” Lan Wangji leans in, biting his ear, his hand digging into Wei Wuxian’s hips, “How he drove me crazy all this time?”

Wei Wuxian’s back arches in pleasure as Lan Wangji grasps his cock again, lazily stroking it.

“Ah, did I?” he breathes, letting Lan Wangji continue the slow pace he touches Wei Wuxian with. His free hand roams over to his wings, leaving feather-light touches.

“Ah!! Lan Zhan, don’t touc— touch” He cries out, “They are so sensitive Lan Zhan. I need you in me gege”

Lan Wangji continues his assault, intense eyes gazing down at him, “If Wei Ying asks nicely. I will”

Cruel, he has married such a cruel man. But today Wei Wuxian is clear about what he wants, what he desires. He sees the effect he has on Lan Wangji if the tent in his robes and the redness of his ears are anything to go by. He just needs to use his charms right.

Wei Wuxian arches his back, letting his eyes go distant and hazy, licking the delicate skin of his lips before jutting the lower out, “Lan er gege” he says coyly,” presenting himself to his husband. “Please put your cock in me. My hole is aching—“

He does not get to finish his words for they work like magic. For Lan Wangji pulls his pants down, spinning him so fast that makes Wei Wuxian go dizzy. His wings flutter behind him even as he tries to make them stop.

“Don’t” Comes a fierce command that Wei Wuxian’s body obeys. It is scary to see how fast his body reacts to Lan Wangji. He gets no warning, only feels two large hands pushing his ass cheeks apart, his hole clenching in surprise.

“Lan Zhan, what—ack!” he cries out as he feels something wet lap at his entrance, and— “Lan Zhan! Did you just— your—Where did you learn this from?” He rambles as Lan Wangji swirls his tongue on his hole, sucking and prodding. It is so obscene, the image of Lan Wangji putting his mouth there— he needs to see this.

Wei Wuxian squirms around, trying to get some leverage and catch a glimpse. Lan Wangji stops him with hand on his back, “Do not move”

Wei Wuxian’s focus completely changes from getting to have a look to just a moaning mess as Lan Wangji’s let the tip of his finger tease at his entrance, giving him no time to adjust when it breaches inside,

Wei Wuxian cries out, moaning, “Lan Zhan, ah!! Right there my husband” He moves along Lan Wangji, trying to wrap his around his cock to give that relief he has been looking for. His hand gets swatted away. “Ah, you have to touch me, Lan Zhan, touch me. This husband of yours has been so good for you, so good. Er gege won’t you be good to me?”

Lan Wangji breathes out a shaky breath. This time as he picks Wei Wuxian up, he turns him such that he is face to face with him. And oh. Wei Wuxian will never forget what he sees. The perfect Lan Wangji, who has been nothing but a picture-perfect fairy, has his inky silver hair sticking to his forehead. But what takes Wei Wuxian’s breathe away is the way his lips glisten with what must be— He is pulled into another searing kiss. This time the kiss is gentler, almost tender as Wei Wuxian tastes himself on his lips.

“Love you, Lan Zhan. I love you” He whispers against his warm lips only to have Lan Wangji’s deep voice say back the words he had oh so desperately wanted to hear, “Love you, Wei Ying”

It is Wei Wuxian now, who pushes Lan Wangji flat on his back, straddling his hips as he watches the burning desire ignite higher into his husband’s eyes. “Let this husband treat you” h says lowly.

Wei Wuxian slowly, agonizingly slowly takes off his husband’s many robes, parting them all to reach the milky white skin behind them. He runs a tentative finger on his chest, delighting in the way Lan Wangji shivers, “Tsk, weak my husband” he teases, watching Lan Wangji’s eyes go dark as he pushes his trousers in one single go.

Mouth running dry as he sees the sheer girth and length of his husband. “My Lan Zhan is gifted here just like everywhere else, perhaps even more.” Wei Wuxian lowers himself so as he is sitting on his obviously hard cock. He chews on his lips, licking the palm of his hand with his tongue twice and thrice, letting his hand wrap around the impressive length.

Lan Wangji moan is hitched, as if being punched out of him. Wei Wuxian’s cock twitches hearing it.

He breathlessly strokes him twice, deeming it enough as he angles his desperate hole to Lan Wangji’ cock. He does not stop him, mouth parted as hungry eyes watches him do as he please.

Wei Wuxian feels the cock pushing past his rim, seeing stars as the impressive length stretches his virgin hole. Lan Wangji is too big for his poor little hole, he voices as much to his husband. “Too big for me Lan Zhan. How will you even fit in me?” he whines.

Lan Wangji huffs, “We will make sure it does,” showing impressive strength as turns them around once again, the cock still in Wei Wuxian’s hole. He clenches around him as Lan Wangji without any ceremony thrusts inside of him in one single push.

“Lan Zhan” Wei Wuxian cries out, “Ah!! You really— ack!!”

Lan Wangji fucks him slow at first, taking his time to make Wei Wuxian beg for it. It is almost gentle if not for Lan Wangji’s fingers digging bruises into his hips, his mouth marking territory on every visible skin of his. And then it is fast and rough, Lan Wangji thrusting in and out of him, grinding until he is in to the hilt.

Wei Wuxian is a babbling mess, so close to his release, just one push more. Lan Wangji like the dutiful husband he is, notices this and folds him in half, his knees pushes back, his hand around his painfully hard cock. It only take three strokes for Wei Wuxian to come, shouting his husband’s name as he spills all over his hand. His vision is dark around the edges, the orgasm blinding him when he feels Lan Wangji pick up the pace and then a warmth spilling inside of him,  filling him up to the brim.

Lan Wangji covers his body with his own, kissing the skin of his shoulder. Their breathing are ragged as Lan Wangji recovers first, carefully pulling his soft cock out. Wei Wuxian moans as some of the come dribbles down his hole and onto the bed.

“We made a mess er gege” He giggles weakly, closing his eyes to relish the feeling.

A hand brushes away the strands of his hair sticking to his forehead, “Mn,” a kiss on the tip of his nose, “Wei Ying, are you okay?”

Lan Wangji lays down next to him, bringing his spent body close to his chest.

“Never been better,” Wei Wuxian smiles, snuggling closer until he is mushed against his chest, warm and whole. When he opens his eyes, it is to Lan Wangji gazing down at him softly, “Hello”

Lan Wangji smiles, kissing the tip of his nose, “Hello Wei Ying”

“Did I ever tell you I love you Lan er gege?”

“You have. I have said it back”

“Can you say it again?”

“Mn. I love you, my Wei Ying, my husband”

“And I love you, my husband, my Lan Zhan”

When they arrive in the main hall, it is well in the evening. The wedding festivities are still ongoing, with some of the sect leaders drinking together.

“A-Xian, Lan er gongzi” Jiang Yanli smiles brightly at them, her eyes falling on their laced hands, “I’m happy to see everything is resolved”

Wei Wuxian hides his shy smile by stepping behind Lan Wangji, whose ears betrays him. “It is, Jin furen. Congratulations on your wedding”

“Then I believe I won’t see my A-Xian cry anymore? I can assume he will be happy with you, right Lan er gongzi?” Jiang Yanli asks, a polite smile on her face but her words are sharp like a sword ready for war.

“Shijie!,” He exclaims but is ignored by the two of them.

Lan Wangji, bless his soul, does not miss the obvious threat, for he bows to her deeper then necessary, “The happiest. I will surrender to any kind of punishment you see fit, shall I ever break this promise” he promises.

Wei Wuxian’s heart swells with fondness at his words, Jiang Yanli’s smile softening. “Please enjoy the banquet then” She bows and flies away.

“Lan Zhan! What did you— really you are too much for my poor heart!” He pouts, fidgeting with his flowy sleeve.

“I said what was right. Will never be the reason to make you sad” Lan Wangji says, so earnestly that Wei Wuxian wants to kiss him again. “And I won’t ever make you sad,” Wei Wuxian promises back.

“It is impossible. For your mere presence invokes happiness in me, Wei Ying” Lan Wangji says softly, eyes so tender that this time, Wei Wuxian kisses his lips.

“I love you, Lan Zhan”

“And I love you, Wei Ying”

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji is a possessive husband. He loves Wei Ying, wants to be by his side and keep him away from everything that is not him. 

Even though Wei Wuxian is not aware of the stares he gets, the way his mere presence invokes everyones desires, to love, to protect does not mean Lan Wangji does not see them. He has been one of those admirers once. Confused to what he really wanted. There is no one else who better understands this feeling.

All his life, Lan Wangji had been taught to be better, taught to keep his emotions to himself. Excessive emotions are forbidden, had been a constant mantra in his head.

Now, he wishes to laugh at that rule. The love he feels for Wei Wuxian is not finite. It is like an ocean in his heart, unfathomable. He does not want it to be anything less. It is physically impossible for Lan Wangji to love Wei Ying the way he does. More and more everyday. He feels he is not capable of holding so much of sheer affection inside of him.

Even with his immeasurable love for Wei Ying, Lan Wangji finds that this fierce protectiveness running through his veins, screaming at him to hold Wei Ying to his chest, bundle him in his love, snarl at anything that causes him distress, is not new but multiplied ten folds.

He does not pay it much attention at first. He attributes it to the time they had spent apart, away from each other’s comfort.

“Lan Zhan, really. I cannot eat this much! Do you want to fatten me up, my dear husband?” Wei Wuxian laughs as he takes in the many dishes all laid out in front of him.

“Wei Ying should eat,” Lan Wangji says simply. He has no real reason why he cooked so many dishes. Even the head cook had given him an assessing look as he had prepared everything.

“Lan er gongzi, I do not want to pry and I’m in no position to judge. But may I ask if we have any guests coming over? If yes, I can get something made up for them. If no, then why have you prepared this much?” She had said.

To which Lan Wangji had replied, “It is for my husband” and had received a baffling look from her which Lan Wangji only understands now. He has definitely gone overboard.

This is not the only time this has happened though. Lan Wangji finds himself watching Wei Ying’s every step, the tiniest twitch of his beautiful face. He finds himself flying to Caiyi just to get expensive and more comfortable robes made for him, thicker ones for the winter.

If Lan Xichen sees the growing expenses, he does not say anything.

Lan Wangji’s hands do not leave his in every meeting they attend. The need to touch clawing him from inside until it gets Wei Ying’s hand in his.

Wei Wuxian does not say anything about his growing tendencies. Just gives him a warm smile and lets him do whatever he wants, “My Lan er gege, do anything you want with me. I’m yours to love”

Lan Wangji loves taking caring of Wei Ying. He is content to do only that for the rest of their lives and more. But this needs to care, to protect, it scares him. He has lived suffering the consequences of what excessive desire can do to someone. Had seen his father hold his mother hostage, keep her confined in the Gentian Cottage in the name of love.

Even after everything, he had never doubted their love for each other. They did love. But that is what had brought them to their end. Their love. His father’s love.

And these tendencies, all these feelings, these raw emotions, it scares Lan Wangji. He has heard all kinds of whispers growing up.

The curse of love blinds another Lan, the elders had said.

It is his blood flowing in them. Who is to say we won’t lose another to love?

A-Zhan, you are just like your father, he remembers her mother saying to him, smiling warmly as she had braided his hair for him.

Lan Wangji does not want to be his father. He is not his father and never will be. But once the thought has taken its root in his heart, he finds it impossible to breathe. Like the claws of a demon pulling him underwater until it consumes him whole.

The hallucinations he had seen that night hunt, plagues him even now. He has seen what would he be if he gave himself to those traits that flowed in his own blood. He never shared them with Wei Ying, all those things he saw that day. He does not think he can vocalize them. 

Wei Wuxian sees it. Lan Wangji knows he does, It is not difficult at all, especially now that they are attuned to each other so perfectly. He is not trying to hide it in any way.

“Lan Zhan, my husband, is everything okay?” Wei Wuxian finally asks him one night, after Lan Wangji lays beside him restless and unable to sleep. He is holding Wei Ying close, his arm around his waist. His chin rests on his chest as his silver eyes gaze at him.

Lan Wangji feels half of his tension bleeding away from his body. Having Wei Ying like this, in his arms, his hair framing his delicate face, the red marks on his neck, evidence of their lovemaking gleaming against his skin. It is a dream true.

Lan Wangji does not lie. Nor does he ever wish to lie to his husband. But to explain what he feels, he does not know where to begin.

“You can tell me anything, Lan Zhan. You know that, right? If there is anything bothering you..” He pauses for a second, eyes going distant before adding, “Even if it is me, just tell me, okay? I know I can be a hand—“

Lan Wangji kisses his husband silently, not letting Wei Wuxian complete that sentence. His lips are soft against his and he melts into the kiss, losing himself in the feeling. His husband’s tendencies to reduce his worth to only believe that everyone just tolerated him is something Lan Wangji is still trying to uproot from him.

“You can never be a bother to me, Wei Ying” He whispers against his lips earnestly, pulling back from the kiss, “It is something else”

Wei Wuxian waits patiently for him to gather his words, twirling a lock of his hair on his finger, the other stroking his cheek. It is the little things like this that make Lan Wangji wonder how he got so lucky. Lucky to have such a bright soul to himself. His husband understands how he sometimes does not find the right words. And does not take his silence as ignorance but accepts it, embraces it.

Lan Wangji tries, he really does. His mouth opens and closes numerous times. He sighs in frustration, feels it clawing him, “I love you” he whispers the words that are as easy as breathing to him now.

Wei Wuxian’s face softens at the words and he leans in to leave a gentle kiss on his cheek, “I love you, my husband. My Lan Zhan” He snuggles closer into his chest, burying his head in the crook of his neck, “Let’s sleep, okay? We will figure this out later” he whispers in his ear. And Lan Wangji lets all the worry leave him as he holds his Wei Ying close and gives out to sleep.

They do not end up having that conversation. And Lan Wangji is guiltily content with not sharing his worries with his husband. It does get better for him. The protectiveness does not recede in any way. But Wei Wuxian accepts it, indulges him, and lets him take care of him.

Even Lan Xichen notices his strange behavior. He points it out to him during their afternoon tea together.

“Wangji, I cannot help but notice. You look..." He says, concern lining his voice, keeping his teas cup back on the table, “Agitated”

Even now he has to physically push his unreasonable worry away that keeps telling him to check up on Wei Ying every five minutes. Wei Wuxian is safe within the Cloud Recesses. Teaching a class of Lan Junior's basic cultivation techniques.

“I cannot explain” Lan Wangji sighs out, the same frustration filling him up again.

This fear, Lan Wangji cannot share with him. The depth of the storm brewing within him. The fear made him tremble. He does not think there is anyone else other than Lan Xichen who he can share this, at least for now.

“Wangji, is this about Wei gongzi? I have only seen you so agitated in matters where Wei gongzi is involved”

Lan Wangji takes a deep breath, folding his hands in his lap. He carefully chooses his words, “Xiongzhang, I’m afraid—“

“Hanguang Jun! Hanguang Jun!”

A loud shout echoes in all of the Cloud Recesses, startling both Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen. Silence has always been a quality of the Lans, something ingrained in them since childhood. And for someone to so blatantly break it out in open— the brothers share a look, hands ready on their respective swords.

A rebuke is on Lan Wangji’s lips as a harried disciple hurries in, bowing swiftly, “Hanguang Jun, Zewu Jun”

Lan Wangji recognizes him. Lan Donghai, a disciple of around his age, who his husband had started to find quite interesting, much to Lan Wangji’s dismay is standing before him, face as pale as snow.

“Lan Donghai, speak,” Lan Wangji says, an unexplainable dread crawling over his skin.

Lan Donghai looks at Lan Wangji, swallowing before he says, “Hanguang Jun, Wei gongzi fainted in the class. We have taken him to infir—“

Lan Wangji does not even wait to hear the rest of the words he was going to say. His body moves on its own, flying out of the room even before the words settle in his mind. Wei Ying, fainted playing over and over in his mind like a haunting melody.

Wei Wuxian had been fine when he had kissed Lan Wangji before leaving for the classes. His usual bright smile that he only let Lan Wangji see made his face glow. There had been no signs of any sickness, none that Lan Wangji had seen. Had Wei Wuxian been sick and deliberately hidden it from him? To have been sick enough to faint makes Lan Wangji’s stomach coil.

His husband had always tended to disregard his own health, never making it his priority. And that is why Lan Wangji had taken it up as his. But he has once again failed. He

See? You should have stayed with him. Once again, you were late, Lan Wangji. You are going to lose him again. Lose him again. Lose him again. You are going to lose Wei Ying, again.

The infirmary is silent as Lan Wangji flies in, heart frantically beating in his chest as the smells of the herbs brings the painful memory back to the front. His Wei Ying was bloodied and unconscious and dying in his very arms. Lan Wangji had vowed to himself to never let anything hurt his beloved. It seems like he has once again failed to keep his—

“Hanguang Jun?” Lan Dai-fu’s voice cuts through the blind panic in his head. He rushes to the side where she stands in front of a bed, covering what must be his husband behind her.

Lan Wangji does not acknowledge her, brushing past her as he flies to his husband’s side. He lets out a shaky breath.

Wei Wuxian lies on the bed, eyes closed but expression calm. His face is pale, concernedly pale. “Wei Ying?” he steps closer to him, kneeling on the side. He takes his hand in his, cradling it to his chest.

“What happened?” Lan Wangji asks, keeping his eyes trained to the rise and fall of his husband’s chest, reminding him that is fine, alive.

Lan Dai-fu’s voice is calm and collected as she informs him, “Hanguang Jun, Wei gongzi is fine. You need not worry”

The words does nothing to sooth him. Nothing to calm the storm raging inside of him. Then why isn’t he awake? Why is he not calling his name and taking him in his arms? He wishes to scream.

“I know you do not believe me, Lan er gongzi. But your husband really is fine. You can put your worry aside. It is a joyous news” Lan Dai-fu explains and for the first time since he had entered the room, Lan Wangji actually looks at her.

Lan Dai-fu is smiling, not an inch of worry in the lines of her face. His confusion must have been quite evident in his expression that Lan Dai-fu huffs before saying, “When was the last time you checked Wei gongzi’s golden core?”

Wei Ying’s golden core? The last time he had checked it has been on a night hunt a few months back when his husband had drained himself to exhaustion.

“You haven’t in a while right? Please check it once and I will explain it afterwards”

Lan Wangji wastes no more time in resting his husband’s hand back on the bed as he reaches for his wrist. He let’s his own qi flow into Wei Ying’s body and into his meridians, letting it discover the thrumming of his golden core, powerful and untainted.

Wei Wuxian’s qi probes at his own, pure red swirling around his blue, blending seamlessly into one another. It somehow calms Lan Wangji, this familiarity, this warmth of their qi together as one.

Lan Wangji pushes his qi further and further until it reaches the brightness of his red core. Nothing seems out of the ordinary. His husband’s qi even when he is unconscious is restless as him, moving around and poking.

It almost slips Lan Wangji’s attention as he guides his qi to the center of Wei Wuxian’s core the first time. It is small, barely noticeable at first.

Lan Wangji’s brows furrows in confusion as Wei Wuxian’s qi calls for his own, pushing it deeper and deeper and—

A tiny flicker of qi flares inside of his beloved’s core, almost crinkling as Lan Wangji’s qi wraps around it. He glances up at Lan Dai-fu with an obvious surprise and confusion, “This?”

Lan Dai-fu smiles kindly, “Lan er gongzi, some congratulations are due. Let me be the first one to say” she pauses, bowing down to him as her next words shake the ground right from under his feet, “Congratulations, Lan er gongzi. You are going to be a father”

Out of everything Lan Wangji had been ready to hear, this certainly held no spot. During their every day, Wei Wuxian had loved to say the words he knew riled Lan Wangji up.

“Will you put a baby in me, Er gege? A little Lan with your lovely golden eyes? Will you breed me, my dear husband?” Wei Wuxian had whispered lewdly in his ear and the image had always taken Lan Wangji over the edge, making that feral part of fill his husband up.

 But they have always been a fantasy that they both desired. They knew it was not possible for Wei Wuxian to conceive a child, no matter how much they craved for it.

To hear that fantasy come to life, it is too much for Lan Wangji to register. He cannot find any words as he looks down at his sleeping husband’s face, tucking his hair behind his ear, needing to ground himself.

“How?” Lan Wangji breathes out, more to himself and his husband. Wei Wuxian has always made the impossible possible. Had always impressed Lan Wangji with his prowess. But this— how was this possible?

“I was keeping the explanation for when Wei gongzi wakes up. There are still some things I need to lay down before I give a proper explanation” Lan Dai-fu nods to him, “Then if I have your permission, I would step out”

Lan Wangji absentmindedly nods to her and does not move his eyes away from his beloved. Once he hears the door shut close, Lan Wangji lets his hand hover over his husband’s stomach, his fingers brushing against his robes. To think there is a child in his Wei Ying, their child growing inside of him is surreal.

“Wei Ying” Lan Wangji breathes out, caressing his beloved’s cheek. He kisses the skin of his palm, placing it on his cheek, “Wei Ying, sweetheart. Wake up”

Wei Wuxian groans, shifting a little on the bed. He leans into the side Lan Wangji is sitting, “Lan Zhan, five more minutes” He mumbles adorably.

But the urgency Lan Wangji feels in his veins, the way his heart keeps beating frantically in his chest, makes him let out a choked, “Wei Ying”

Wei Wuxian stirs again, eyes flying open at the sound of Lan Wangji’s obvious distress, “Lan Zhan?” He questions, silver eyes observing his face for an answer.

“Hey, my er gege. What is wrong?” Wei Wuxian coos softly, making to get up and fling into his arms. Lan Wangji almost instinctively reaches out to stop him with a hand on his chest.

“Let me,” he says, carefully helping a confused Wei Wuxian into a sitting position. Wei Wuxian quietly lets him do whatever he wants to, giving him time.

“Are you worried because I fainted? Aiyah, Lan Zhan. That is not a big deal. You must have done me so hard that I was exhausted today. Lan er gege is quite rough in his everyday activities” Wei Wuxian teases, trying to clear out the clear lines of worry on his face. He reaches out his hand to rub at the skin between his eyebrows.

Lan Wangji catches his wrist in his, bringing it to his forehead, “Wei Ying” he breathes out, only having it in him to say the name of his beloved, hoping it would convey all the feelings swirling inside of him. It is sheer happiness, the joy of having what they had always thought was unattainable. It is fear, raw, and burning. But on top of it all, it is love, so intense and ferocious that it takes Lan Wangji’s breath away.

“Lan Zhan, my dear. You are scaring your husband off” Wei Wuxian’s voice trembles with uncertainty, clearly thrown off by his odd behavior.

Lan Wangji interlocks his hand in his, not willing to let go. How does one even begin this conversation? Even if he knows of this, nothing is certain as of yet. He does not want to hope, he does not want Wei Ying to hope only for it to lead them nowhere.

“Even if it is not certain yet, Wei Ying, you have given me the world’s greatest joy” Lan Wangji leans onto his husband, resting his forehead against his husband’s thigh.

Wei Wuxian frowns, his free hand playing with the crystal on his crown, “I’m not good at guessing and you are not making any sense right now”

“Lan Dai-fu checked on you. Even I did”

“I know that much. Is something wrong with my body? Is that why you are acting weird?” Wei Wuxian says in a hysterical tone, “I don’t think I’m dying cause that will definitely not give you any joy” He laughs, trying to dissipate the tension. But Lan Wangji winces and that silences Wei Wuxian.

Unable to explain the situation verbally, Lan Wangji settles his hand gently over Wei Wuxian’s stomach, hoping his intelligent husband would understand his unsaid words.

Wei Wuxian gazes back and fro to Lan Wangji’s hand and to his same for a few seconds, before a flash of indignation rises in those silver irises, “No” he shakes his head, “No, Lan Zhan. No. No. No”

Wei Wuxian’s grip on his hand tightens enough to hurt but Lan Wangji keeps his gaze steady and determined, “It is” he says, “It is true, my Wei Ying”

“We are— How?” Wei Wuxian’s voice shakes, eyes wide as he registers the truth. Lan Wangji does not know-how, he wishes he did just so to help his beloved’s panic.

“Lan Dai-fu did not tell. I will call for her” Lan Wangji stands up, his hand detangling from Wei Wuxian’s loose grip. His husband is staring down at his stomach, his hand shaking where it lays on his stomach.

Lan Dai-fu is waiting outside for him and politely follows him inside.

Wei Wuxian has not moved an inch from how Lan Wangji had left him, the revelation still keeping him stunned.

“Wei gongzi, Lan er gongzi, please ask away any questions you have”

“How?” Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji both asks at the same time, holding each other’s hand as anchors.

“That is the most simple one to answer. I’m presuming that since you have been married, you two have been practicing Dual Cultivation?”

“Yes”

 Lan Dai-fu nods at that, a knowing smile on her face, “Dual Cultivation is different for every couple. For one it may work wonders while for some it may not make any difference. It solely depends upon the compatibility rate of the partners golden cores. Highly compatible pairs have found it easier to conceive. Their qi’s settle well together. And that is how it is for you two. Both of you are strong cultivators. Your qi’s are highly compatible and how” she pauses, coughing behind her hand before adding, “frequently you perform your dual cultivation, has made this miracle happen”

Wei Wuxian blushes red, biting his lip to stifle his embarrassment. Even Lan Wangji feel his ears burning red.

“It is not known to happen with any same sex fairies. At least nothing have been recorded about it so far. This is a first time for me as well to witness the heaven’s miracle. I ask you to forgive me for failing to provide you with any more information as of now”

“Lan Dai-fu, can you tell how far along I’m?” Wei Wuxian asks shyly, curious to know.

Lan Dai-fu nods, gesturing for him to raise his hand and rests her fingers on the skin, “From what I can infer, it has been roughly two months since you have conceived”

Two months, his beloved has been carrying their child in him for two months. Lan Wangji’s joy knows no bounds.

“The qi is healthy and strong. I do not see any need for you to worry, for now”

Lan Wangji is immediately on alert, “For now?”

Lan Dai-fu sighs, removing her grip, “As you know, Wei gongzi’s body is not meant to give birth. We will have to keep him monitored to ensure nothing goes wrong. I will be providing you with all the tonics and herbs to help sustain the pregnancy to its full term. Since there will be no natural way for Wei gongzi to give birth, we will have to perform a surgery”

“Surgery?”

“But that is of course months away. I will keep researching on this matter and for the time being, provide you with the medicines by tonight only” Lan Dai-fu assures. 

Wei Wuxian’s eyes are full of wonder, a tentative hand resting on the skin of his stomach. “Nothing will happen to them, right? I will be able to carry full term?” his voice carries a frantic tone. Lan Wangji soothes it with a kiss on his cheek.

Lan Dai-fu turns away to give some semblance of privacy. “If you are to follow my instructions, I do not see anything going wrong”

“Lan er gongzi, I wish for Wei gongzi to stay here for the rest of the day.  I wish to check some things”

“Mn. Can I stay as well?”

“Of course. He is your husband and you need each other’s assurance at such a crucial time”

They spend the rest of the day in the infirmary, wrapped in each other’s arms, silent and processing the news. They trade soft and tender kisses. Lan Wangji’s hand embraces his beloved’s as they rest together on his stomach that holds their child.

“My gege filled me up so good that he knocked me up” Wei Wuxian giggles well into the night after Lan Dai-fu has given a concoction to ease the sudden fatigue in his body. He is almost drunk, nuzzling for affection. Lan Wangji adores him so so much

“Wei Ying is so fertile” Lan Wangji teases back, pinching the form skin of his hip. Wei Wuxian yelps, pouting as he hides away in the crook of his neck, falling asleep seconds later.

Lan Wangji does not. He cannot and nor does he want to. He plays with his beloved’s inky black hair, kisses the tip of his nose, and lastly his stomach, trailing them all the way over his skin.

Just a few months from now, his Wei Ying’s stomach will grow and so would their child. He will take care of them at every step, be there for them even before they need him.

Sleep only comes to Lan Wangji when the morning sun begins to peek out of the horizon, only after he has thought of a name for their unborn child. One for a girl and one for a boy.

They tell their families the very next day.

Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen take the news well. They share their regards and happiness with them. Letters are sent to the Jiang and Jin clans, requesting to keep the new low for now.

Wei Wuxian is glowing after the news. As if his husband had not been beautiful enough, the sheer happiness of the news made him glow from within.

The letters of congratulations arrives from Yunmeng and Lanling two days later along with all kinds of sweets and gifts. From silks to jewelry to small candies. And a stern note by Yu furen carefully writing what Wei Wuxian should avoid eating at any cost.

His husband is as expected not happy with the sudden change in his diet. He vocalizes his complaints loud and clear at every moment he gets, “But Lan Zhan! No spicy food? Please let your poor husband just have a single bite!” But Lan Wangji stays strong throughout all of them. No matter how difficult it is for him to resist his husband.

Every single fairy in the Lan sect is to report directly to Lan Wangji is they see Wei Wuxian eating or drinking spicy food and alcohol respectively. It is hard work, for his husband’s tendencies to sneak away is highly polished.

By the fifth month of Wei Wuxian’s pregnancy arrives, so does the many mood swings and weird cravings. Lan Wangji cannot (not like he wishes to) leave Wei Ying alone. For if he does, Wei Wuxian starts to cry.

In one such incident, when Wei Wuxian had woken up without Lan Wangji by his side who had been gone to retrieve their breakfast, he had ran out of the Jingshi, bare foot and cold in the harsh winter of Gusu, frantically looking for him. He had fallen to his knees in the middle of the courtyard, crying inconsolably.

Lan Wangji had been horrified to find his husband kneeling in the cold, without a cold robe and sobbing his heart out. Wei Wuxian had fainted when Lan Wangji had carried him to the infirmary. He had caught a cold, keeping the entirety of the Lan sect in alarm. Thankfully, he had recovered quickly to no damage to either him or the baby.

 Since then, Lan Wangji had never left Wei Wuxian’s side even for a single second.

During the seventh month, the cravings and mood swings stops. But with his belly grown to such an extent, Wei Wuxian finds it impossible to move around. His body slightly weak and not meant for carrying a child, fatigues easily. Every night Lan Wangji dutifully massages every inch of his husband’s skin.

The eighth month is when his husband’s libido reaches all time highs. There is not a moment in the day his husband does not want something inside of him. His fingers and his cock are raw and sensitive from how much they do it. Every day is every day turning more into every half an hour is every half an hour. But Lan Wangji does not complain. How can he? When he gets to see his beloved’s face flushed red with pleasure?

It is towards the end of their eighth month when Wei Wuxian lets out a pained gasp. They are snuggled together, sitting under a tree in the Jingshi’s yard.

Lan Wangji is immediately on alert. “Wei Ying?” he sits up, gazing down at his husband who has his face scrunched in pain.

Wei Wuxian opens his eyes clouded with pain as he grits the word out, “Looks like your kid is as impatient as you, Lan Zhan. I think its coming”

Lan Wangji wastes no time in picking his husband, who keeps groaning in pain, in his arms, flying them towards the infirmary as fast as he can. The rules do not even cross his mind.

“Call Lan Dai-fu, now!” Lan Wangji yells to the assistant healer in the infirmary, pushing through to gently lay Wei Ying on the bed. Beads of sweat are gathering over his beloved’s forehead, eyes half-closed as he tried to breathe through the pain.

 Lan Wangji sits on the bed, holding his hand tightly in his grip, “Wei Ying” He helplessly watches Wei Ying flinching in pain, eyes shut close.

“Shh, Wei Ying, shhhh” He helplessly soothes his husband whose only response is squeezing his hand. He wipes the sweat beading on his forehead, kissing his temple. “My Wei Ying is strong. He will give birth to our child. Wei Ying, my husband”

Lan Dai-fu comes in the very next moment, flying in with three more people with her. “Lan er gongzi, we will need you to be outside” she orders, moving around the room to collect all that is needed.

“I will stay,” Lan Wangji says firmly. There is no way he will be leaving his Wei Ying alone in his pain.

Lan Dai-fu rests her hand on his shoulder from where Lan Wangji refuses to move even an inch away, “Lan er gongzi, I understand you are concerned. But you will only get in the way. Please, the faster we get through this, the faster Wei gongzi will be free from the pain. Please”

Wei Wuxian is barely aware of his surroundings, even more so as the healer gives him a conception to make numb him. He squeezes his hand once, leaving a chaste kiss on the tip of his nose, “Stay strong, my Wei Ying” and then turns to his stomach, “Do not give your baba too much trouble” and with one last look, Lan Wangji flies away. He hears Wei Wuxian mumbles something right before he does.

The delivery is slow, agonizingly slow for a Lan Wangji who is anxiously pacing outside the infirmary’s closed doors, Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren by his side.

The cloud recesses is at a standstill. All the classes suspended for the day. All the disciples try not to be obvious that they are as worried as the others, trying to sneak glances at the closed doors. His husband had made cloud recesses his home and made them all fall in love with himself.

“Wangji, everything will be fine” Lan Xichen tells him, squeezing his shoulder. Lan Wangji knows it will. Lan Dai-fu has countless times reassured them that Wei Wuxian’s pregnancy is completely healthy, despite it being never seen before. But it does little to help the brewing panic inside of him.

Nothing will go wrong, Nothing can go wrong. Wei Ying will be safe, their child will—

A loud cry echoed in the entirety of the Cloud Recesses, cutting through the blanket of panic.

Lan Wangji’s heart stops right then and there. The cry— their child is—

“Congratulations Lan er gongzi, it is a healthy boy” Comes Lan Dai-fu’s voice from the inside.

“Wangji, congratulations,” His uncle and brother say to him but their eyes are not trained at him but at the door instead.

Lan Wangji does not keel over but it is close. Unshed tears of happiness filled his eyes. He needs to see Wei Ying, their child. He cannot wait.

But it still takes them half an hour to finish everything up and make sure that Wei Ying and their child are safe and healthy. Once the door slightly opens, Lan Wangji rushes in, heart in his throat and—

Wei Ying is still asleep, healing from the strenuous birth, looking pale but breathing and alive.

But then his eyes fall over to the little bundle in Lan Dai-fu’s arms who bows at him, “Your husband and child both are healthy, Lan er gongzi. It will take Wei gongzi a few hours to wake up. Would you like to hold your child?”

Words have long been forgotten by him, Lan Wangji can only nod, taking a trembling step ahead as Lan Dai-fu carefully transfers his son in his arm. Lan Wangji forgets everything else.

“I will be outside,  call for me if you need anything,” He thinks he hears Lan Dai-fu says, hears a door closing but he pays it no mind. He cannot.

For their child, their little boy is in his arms, he holds him close. Is it too early to say that his nose resembles Wei Ying’s?

“A-Yuan” Lan Wangji whispers, tears springing into his eyes as the boy gurgles sleepily, opening his eyes. His own golden eyes stare back at him in wonder.

Lan Wangji makes a sound he has never heard himself make, stepping closer to his Wei Ying, who sleeps peacefully on the bed, covered under a blanket. He sits carefully on the side, finding his beloved’s hand under the blanket and locking their hands together.

“Wei Ying, you have given me joy unlike any other. He is perfect, just like you. You did wonderful, Wei Ying. I love you. I will take of you, both of you”

That is when his beloved shifts in the bed, groggily opening his silver eyes, “Am I dreaming, Er gege? Is that our little baby?” he slurs, hand reaching to touch.

“Wei Ying,” Lan Wangji lowers A-Yuan, letting him touch his cheeks, the bridge of his nose.

“It’s our little A-Yuan, Lan Zhan. He has your eyes” he says in wonder, giggling when A-Yuan grabs onto his finger, “So cute and touchy”

Lan Wangji smiles fondly, stroking his beloved’s hair, “Rest. I will take care of him. When you wake up, I will spoil you rotten”

Wei Wuxian’s answering laugh is like a melody to see his ears, “How can I deny my Lan er gege anything” he yawns.

Before the tiredness fully pulls him back into sleep, Wei Wuxian whispers, eyes full of love and adoration, “Welcome to the world, Lan Yuan. The greatest gift my Lan Zhan has given me.”

 “And you to me, Wei Ying. Both of you"