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Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng drives up to their home.

He presses the lift buttons with pure muscle memory as he and Lan-Huan had been dating for a year by now

When he got close to the apartment door however, he could hear 2 voices mumbling through the door.

He raised a brow and wondered who A-Huan was having over on a Friday evening, He knew his lover was a social person, so he figured it was probably somebody from his friend goup and knocked on the door.

The voices in the room stopped to a halt and some shifting could be heard as the door opens to reveal a distressed looking Lan Huan

"A-Cheng!- your back"

Seeing how distressed and nervous Lan Huan looked, a deep and uncomfortable feeling suddenly stirred his stomach, He looked behind Lan Huan and sees- a man, who looked calm and a dimple smile framed his face sweetly, his body was lean and more feminine than Jiang Cheng's, making him feel far more queasy

"Who's that? Your secret lover?" Jiang Cheng joked, But once he saw the fear and guilt in Lan Huan's eyes, he suddenly felt numb.

"No!- He- He's Meng Yao.."  Hearing that name, a deep and ugly part of him laughed, ofcourse

"Oh, Your ex?"

Lan-Huan stays silent and Jiang Cheng sees that his lover looked scared and- something that Jiang Cheng can't put a finger on, but he's afraid that it might be guilt.

"A-Huan-" Jin Guangyao says behind him and Jiang Cheng wanted to hit, scream, shout, punch-

"Not now, Meng Yao. "

The coldness in Lan Huan's tone makes Jiang Cheng feel a slight hope of light in their relationship, but it shuts off when he registers what Meng Yao had called his A-Huan Lan Huan. 

Jiang Cheng laughs bitterly, his eyes feel like there is a torrent of tsunami held behind it and it might as well have been as he feels his heart breaking into small pieces

"A-Cheng.. I-" I'm sorry, it isn't what it looks like at all. Lan Haun tries to say but Jiang Cheng can't hide the hurt and anger in any longer as he raises his voice

"Don't 'A-Cheng' me! I should've known that you would come back to your beloved ex sooner or later, after all I am just a fucking filler for the hole in your heart that he left."

Lan Huan widens his eyes and holds Jiang Cheng's shoulder firmly

"W-What?! No, A-Cheng you were the best partner I could ever ask for-"

"Was I?! If I was 'the best' then you would have atleast told me that your ex was in our shared apartment!"

Jiang Cheng shouted in anger, he tries to recall if Lan Huan had texted him something while he was working or on the way home back to the apartment, but nothing comes up. 

He shrugged up Lan Huan's tight hold aggressively with resentment

"Not even a text Lan Huan!"

Lan Huan felt at a loss, he looked speechless- he had really fucked up, Jiang Cheng felt slight guilt but it was burned aflammed by his anger and hurt

He backs away a few steps and his heart goes cold when Lan H- Lan Xichen doesn't reach out to him. 

"Enjoy your date. Lan Xichen. " He bites out with distaste as he turns around and ignores Lan Xichen's outstretched hand, 

He ignores Jin Guangyao's sickeningly soft words of comfort, ignores Lan Xichen's sobs and ignores the sound of the door shutting soundly. As if they were meant to be a sweet couple from the beginning. 

Jiang Cheng wipes his eyes and curses himself when the tears won't stop falling, he brings out his phone and outwardly swears at his blurry tear filled vision as he blocks Lan Xichen, shutting his phone off, barely restraining himself to slam it on the elevator floor. 

-----

His therapist had told him how to manage his anger- but he can't even think straight as his heart aches and betrayal was still fresh in his flesh, he exits the apartment complex, enters his car and drives to wherever his arms and legs would take him. 

He knows its dangerous and he already hears Lan Hua- Lan Xichen's scolding voice-

He shuts his thoughts with aggression and replaces them with his therapists monotone words

'Breathing exercises will help with anger control whether you will admit to it or not.'

'A deep breath in, 1. 2. 3. 4, out, 5. 6. 7. 8. Repeat until you feel your heart relaxing."

'Raising your voice while you are saying something will irritate both the person your shouting at, and you, but screaming at nothing and thus pouring your emotions out at pillows will elevate it, even slightly. '

Jiang Cheng stops at long a red light and grabs the leather jacket he threw on the passengers seat Lan Huan told him to bring it incase it's cold and starts screaming and sobbing into it.

'Anger is a natural emotion you would feel after something or someone sets it off, beating yourself up for being angry in the first place would only enlarge it in the future.'

'So what am I supposed to do?'

'Accept it. Let it course through you gently, not forcefully or held back. Grunt or clench your hands, roll your eyes, stomp your foot-'

'What am I? A child?'

'It helps, doesn't it?'

Jiang Cheng snaps out of his thoughts when he realizes where he had driven to-

Wei Ying's house- It was originally his and Wei Ying's but he had to date a stupid Lan-

Jiang Cheng groans and exits the car, slamming the door and locking it before walking to the door and raises his fist

He hesitates, takes a deep breath and knocks harshly but quickly. 

If he hears it then he hears it. If not then I'll just pretend I was never here-

He hears frantic thudding as if a Wei Wuxian was running down the stairs, and the door knob rattles as it opens swiftly to reveal a frantic looking Wei Wuxian. 

"Jiang Cheng?! What are you doing here?- You look like shit."

Jiang Cheng frowns at Wei Ying's jab, and suddenly feels conscious of his sore eyes and sniffling nose. 

Wei Ying steps aside and Jiang Cheng kicks off his shoes and stomps inside, sitting on the couch with a thud. 

After some silence and soundless background shuffling passes, Jiang Cheng doesn't even blink when a plate of snacks it placed in front of him. 

"Cheng-Cheng u look like a heart broken teen."

Wei Ying jokes and that bastard always somehow hits the nail in the head, doesn't he?- Jiang Cheng looks away with a sniffle and grabs a snack to stuff it in his mouth, feeling it break down as he aggressively grinds it down with his teeth. 

"I broke up with Lan Xichen."

"What?-"

"He's back with Meng fucking Yao."

Jiang Cheng aggressively bites another snack and merely misses biting his own tongue in the process. 

Jiang Cheng then turned to look at Wei Ying again, Wei Ying had his mouth open agape, then it turns into a deep scowl. 

"Damn- are you sure you didn't- like, misunderstand? "

"I'm pretty sure A-Huan Is a nickname only lovers would call him. He didn't even bother to text me that his ex was in our apartment!"

He spits out every word as if it's a black bile venom that he wants nothing more than to get rid of. Wei Ying stays silent for a few minutes, then sighs angrily and grumbles out,

"Man, I want to drive him to a ditch." Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes

"No."

"Why noooot? He broke my precious Didi's heart! It's only fair if I break his bones-"

"No. That's illegal. Not to mention balanced." Jiang Cheng says absent mindedly even when deep down he can't bear to see Lan Xichen injured, even after- 

Jiang Cheng stuffs a couple more snacks into his mouth angrily. 

Maybe he just wasn't attractive enough- well his first love was Jin Guangyao, and he didn't look like Jin Guangyao at all, not in the slightest, he didn't smile often like Jin Guangyao, he wasn't slim and lean like Jin Guangyao, he didn't have dimples, his fashion taste was far different, he wasn't as social, and he figured he wasn't as good in bed as well seeing how Lan Huan- no Lan Xichen was always the one doing everything while he just laid there being worshipped-

Now it's all gone. Everything they went through was nothing a cold cover up for the void Jin Guangyao had left and Jiang Cheng was just a stray piece that Lan Xichen found interesting-

His breathing quickened and he heard Wei Yong telling him to breathe, but his breathing just got quicker and stuttered

If Wei Wuxian wasn't taken by Lan Wangi would he- would they-

Then he felt something cold spray at his face, his eyes snapped to look at Wei Ying who's hands were wet. 

"-Cheng! Can you hear me?"

"Did you just flick me with water?-"

Wei Ying sighs a breath of relief and dries his hands, wiping it on his pants,

They sit in silence for a while, soon Jiang Cheng's breathing becomes regulated, he becomes conscious enough to wipe the water of his face.

"Do you want my advice on how to pay him back? " Wei Ying offers with a stupid smirk on his face

Jiang Cheng just stays silent and looks away, Wei Ying takes that as a no and looks at the calendar, then looks over to Jiang Cheng,

"Your therapy session is three days from now right? Perfect chance to ask her how to get back at them legally."

Jiang Cheng states at Wei Ying with an un-amused face. "What do you think therapy is for?.."

"Aahh, I don't know, legal advice on how to get back at those who hurt you unfairly?"

Wei Ying jokes as he rests his hand on Jiang Cheng's shoulder playfully, Jiang Cheng shrugs it off with an annoyed huff

"Whatever, I'll be crashing here for a while."

"Stay for as looking as you need to Cheng-Cheng! I'm glad I have someone to keep me company while Lan Zhan is off on his business trip!" Wei Ying hugs Jiang Cheng and he scowls, pushing him away

He regrets coming here in the first place and not his Shijie's, but Shijie was on a honeymoon with Jin Zixuan and he didn't want to see what he wasn't supposed to see or hear what he doesn't want to ever hear there.

He was originally going on a honeymoon with Lan Xichen next month but-

"when is he going to be back?" Jiang Cheng asks to distract his thoughts

"Around 3 days from now, he says he's trying to get home earlier but I don't want him to abandon his work just cus' I miss him"

Wei Ying says as he takes a bite of a snack and absent mindedly texts someone on his phone- Jiang Cheng guesses it's Lan Wangji from his smiles

"I'll tell him I have my beloved Cheng-Cheng accompanying me for the week" Wei Ying says and Jiang Cheng sighs and rolls his eyes. This is going to be a hectic week, ofcourse, something is going to be missing. But he cant wallow on that now.

If Lan Xichen didn't need him anymore, then he wasn't going to hang on him like he's the only thing that matters in his life. although he is an important piece of his heart

---------

"Good evening Jiang Cheng, how was your week?"

Chen Sumao, his therapist says as she drinks from her pink mug

Jiang Cheng hesitates to dump everything this early in, but guessing that this is what therapy is for, he eventually vents the truth as his head and heart and soul- has been weighed down on for the last 3 days.

"...It was shit." He starts

"Oh, why was it shit?" Chen Sumao asks and she picks up her notebook, clicking her pen

"Me and Lan Xichen broke up" he grimaces after saying it out loud, despite being sure and confident with his choice since yesterday

Chen Sumao writes down on her notebook "I see, were you upset?"

"Very. He cheated on me with- Jin, Guangyao." Jiang Cheng spits out the name like it was poison laid on his tongue

Chen Sumao's writing noises stopped. And Jiang Cheng looked up to see her staring at her notebook with a deep expression

"Jin Guangyao, right. So how does that make you feel?" Chen Sumao continued questioning, despite her frantic writing- or scribbling on her notebook

Jiang Cheng then suddenly felt confused, and a deep voice inside him told him to feed his curiosity and ask her, but he pushes it down and focuses on answering the question,

"Upset, angry, heartbroken, and- used. what if- he only dated me to get over Meng Yao?- well clearly he wasn't over him yet but- He- he didn't even bother to text me that they were in our apartment- he- they- why?-"

"Jiang Cheng, breathe." Chen Sumao says in a calming voice and he sucks in a deep breath, he holds his head in his hands whilst looking down at the floor.

"What were the words Lan Xichen used to comfort you at times like these?" Chen Sumao asks after a few seconds of silence

Jiang Cheng was confused, but deep down he knew what she meant, how did he assure you that you were his choice?

He sucks in a stuttering breath, his eyes feel heavy once again.

"He- was probably lying the whole time- I mean who would say all just just to do a round about and- cheat in broad daylight?" Jiang Cheng felt tears stream down his face as his heart ached at his own words.

Chen Sumao stays silent for a while, till Jiang Cheng's sobs settled down, then she carefully treaded her words

"..I see, You have previously said that Lan's do not lie, correct?"

Jiang Cheng raises his head and widens his eyes as he stares at Chen Sumao, who looks off to the side with a hand under her chin, deep in thought, which he appreciates, eye contact while he was crying was never pleasant.

"wh?- What do you mean?" Jiang Cheng asks in bewilderment, sure Lan's don't lie, heck he's seen how bulldoze straight forward they were at times-

"What I'm saying is, Lan Xichen's praise has affected you positively while you were dating, so why don't you embrace those words for the time being? you can replace his face or voice if you so wish, and with the confidence you will be able to move on more smoothly, rather than being stuck putting yourself down till years pass."

Chen Sumao looks at Jiang Cheng straight in the eyes this time, and Jiang Cheng feels his heart ease slightly, but his anger suddenly bursts out in irritation at the mention of replacing Lan Xichen with someone else,

"YOU-" He cuts himself off and groans, changing his question entirely

"So you know Lan Xichen?" Jiang Cheng eventually asks, giving in to his rampant emotions.

Chen Sumao looks caught off guard by his question and fixes her glasses "We know each other, but keep in mind that I never take my friends side in therapy, what I am doing is-"

"Then do me a favor and answer as a friend. Did Lan Xichen even have an ounce of feelings for me?" His broken and carefully pieced back together heart was shaking with held back griefs. He was desperate, if Xichen even had a small interest in him-

Chen Sumao squints her eyes and studies Jiang Cheng's expression and wording thoroughly

"No, and Yes." She eventually answered calmly, and Jiang Cheng's confusion replaced his torrent of emotions

"What?- be fucking clear!" He says with slight anger seeping into his voice, and Chen Sumao flips open her notebook's previous pages

"I can't tell you everything, but I can assure  you that Lan Xichen is deeply in love with you then, and i reckon even now."

Jiang Cheng stares at her with his mouth agape, his small heart pieces slowly weld together warmly with hope, yet some still stayed frayed and ached from what he witnessed, He was confused why was Chen Sumao was so sure Lan Xichen still loved him even now, she wouldn't know such intimate information unless- then it clicked. girlfriend? no he can't be too negative his close friend?- no way, he was never the type to have close female friends... Then- Lan Xichen's therapist?- how did he not know of this-

"Your his therapist?-" He asks in disbelief

"Yes, and No" Chen Sumao again with her scribbled answers!

Sensing his annoyance at her, Chen Sumao continues "Secret therapy. I'm friends with him as I give him advice as a therapist-friend, I am still paid."

Jiang Cheng suddenly felt weird, what happened to Xichen that he needed therapy in-directly? "What?"

Chen Sumao fixes her glasses "He insisted he didn't need therapy, much like you, but he was far more stubborn. Oh, I'll deduct the pay for today's session."

Jiang Cheng felt his heart ache weirdly, it wasn't like heartbreak, but more of concern for Xichen, 

He nods in agreement, silenty feeling grateful for how easy going Chen Sumao can be when it comes to paying for her services

"Since, you want to talk to me as friends, I'll tell you this right now that Lan Xichen is an absolute fool who is deeply in love with you."

Jiang Cheng felt his cheeks heat up at Chen Sumao's 'declaration' and asks in a stuttering voice

"H-how can you tell?-" Chen Sumao sighs and it sounds slightly close to a groan "He never stops talking about you. Even when you guys broke up. he still talks about you on the phone."

Chen Sumao massages her temples lightly, Jiang Cheng felt guilty, but most importantly shocked and stunned. why would Xichen still talk about him even when they broke up?!

"What did he say about the break up?" He finds himself asking, he has been curious about this matter for a while but the only person who would've known this answer would be Jing fucking Guangyao and he wasn't going to call him even if he was dying.

Chen Sumao looked at Jiang Cheng and thought to herself for a few seconds, "..I can't tell you in detail of what he said, but he was 100% Upset with himself."

Jiang Cheng raised his eyebrow "With himself?- He was the one invited Meng Yao in! ofcourse he would be guilty" He felt slightly confused, If Lan Xichen knew inviting Jin Guangyao into their apartment was a bad step over the line, why the fuck did he still do it?

"He.." Chen Sumao looked at Jiang Cheng, trying to read his emotions carefully as she continued "didn't invite Jin Guangyao to your apartment, Jin Guangyao himself came knocking asking for help and insisted that Lan Xichen was the only place he could go to- Jiang Cheng, did you not ask what happened?"

"I- What? no"

Jiang Cheng felt his guilt drowning him, a different guilt, his hands and feet felt cold. Ofcourse he didn't- he didn't want to hear whatever hurtful truth Lan Xichen was going to tell him if he asked. but what would have happened if he did?- Was he such a terrible boyfriend for misunderstanding- ofcourse he was, he had always been so brutal and deaf during his anger sprees, Chen Sumao had told him that listening to the other party was always an important thing to do in a relationship- and look at what happened when he didn't- didn't even give A-Huan a chance-

He felt warm hands holding his, and a mumbling voice telling him something he couldn't hear

"-eng, deep breaths and count to 8."

He did, and he looked up to Chen Sumao's face, and she asks him "Now, What colour are my walls?"

"..Stupid pink."

"Great to have you back then." She says sarcastically and leans back onto her chair, crossing her arms

He laughs bitterly to himself "I guess he's better of dating Jin Guangyao rather than someone like me then."

Chen Sumao pauses, and Jiang Cheng looks at her in slight question as her mouth opens and closes, thinking deeply to herself as her hand cups the side of her face

"Jiang Cheng." She eventually begins, and he tilts his head, "What?- Just tell me honestly if it's that important."

Chen Sumao tenses her jaw and Jiang Cheng felt his hair stand on it's ends, he never saw Chen Sumao look so conflicted, but then again they only talked in sessions so, there wasn't much to use as reference

"Jin Guangyao is not who you think he is, i can't go into detail because of my rules, but the reason Lan Wangji insisted that Lan Xichen needed help in the first place was because of Jin Guangyao's affect on him." Jiang Cheng looked at Chen Sumao with wide eyes, coldness stirs his heart in an unpleasant way.

Jin Guangyao was the reason Xichen needed therapy. Jin Guangyao. Xichen told him very little about Jin Guangyao, always turning the conversation to how beautiful and great Jiang Cheng was.

So he just thought that Jin Guangyao was Xichen's childhood sweetheart that suddenly disappeared like a tragic romance story, the reason he was fucking weary of him appearing again was mainly because Xichen sounded like he still had feelings for that guy.

So when Jiang Cheng heard that Jin Guangyao, Lan Xichen's first love was the reason he needed therapy, he started actually processing.

Was their break-up that heartbreaking for him that he needed therapy? Well, Jiang Cheng had nothing to judge of that, since he himself was at therapy right now for the same fucking reason.

"What- he didn't tell me anything about Jin Guanyao other than him being his first love, but i thought they were still in love?" Even after a year plus of dating and many wasted on pinning Lan Xichen hadn't trusted Jiang Cheng the slightest when it came to Meng fricking Yao?!

Chen Sumao looked at him with pity and sighed tiredly

"I figured that he didn't tell you about his previous relationship, but I didn't think that you would misunderstand his words so far off." She shakes her head slowly, and Jiang Cheng felt confused, he's pretty sure he didn't misunderstand their relationship that far off. But-

He just realized now that Lan Xichen never told him anything about Jin Guangyao was because Xichen didn't want him to feel jealous. And now he felt guilty for a whole different reason

"So- so he doesn't love Jin Guangyao?" He asked Chen Sumao as he looks at her with tear filled eyes

"No." Not anymore, Jiang Cheng thinks.

"Then why did he let him enter our apartment?- without telling me!" Jiang Cheng looks up as Chen Sumao, who has her arms crossed and a dark look passes her face

"That is for Lan Xichen to tell you himself, I have no right to tell you here." She closes her eyes, like an unmovable rock. and Jiang Cheng looks at the floor, groaning in frustration, How was he supposed to ask him they ended in such bad terms?! plus, he's just chatting with his ex anyways, Jiang Cheng will just let him live his happy life without the burden of having to love such a bitch like Jiang Cheng.

"...I know you need time to process this information, so I'm not forcing you to go talk to him immediately, but if you're worried about him, i can call him later and check up on him." Chen Sumao gets up from her chair, signaling that it is time for Jiang Cheng to leave

Jiang Cheng knew there was no need to be worried about Lan Xichen now that he has been freed from Jiang Cheng, but deep down his small mangled heart wanted to know how he was doing

"Alright.. Text me tomorrow." Jiang Cheng says in a tired voice, and Chen Sumao smiles warmly, nodding her head "I will, now go and rest."

-------

When Jiang Cheng drove to their house, he noticed that Lan Wangji's car was in the garage, so he parked infront of it instead, huh, guess the 2nd Lan is back from his trip then. Great.

He unlocked the door and groans, covering his eyes at the sight of his brother making out with Lan Wangji in the kitchen, both of them jolt and whip their heads to the door to see a disgusted Jiang Cheng with his eyes covered.

"Get a fricking room! jeez." He swiftly places his shoes and jacket on the rack as he looks away from the other two

Wei Ying laughs nervously and Jiang Cheng can hear Lan Wangji's gruff 'Mn' then Wei Ying's- augh. How are they so shameless?!

He hears them shuffle and migrate to their own personal shared bedroom, and sighs a breath of relief and rolls his eyes, He's going to have to install sound proofing walls and doors soon. or he could go back to Xichen- no that's ridiculous.

His hand lightly massages his forehead and he makes himself some coffee.

-------

The next day, Jiang Cheng grumbles at his lack of sleep because of his brothers stupid loud mouth that wont shut up at night- He flips off Wei Ying when they meet downstairs

"What?!" Wei Ying exclaims, he was sitting on the living room couch, making heart eyes at Lan Wangji who was making them their morning coffee, Jiang Cheng's breakfast sat waiting, still warm on the counter top

"Can you be any louder?!" Jiang Cheng points out and a blush spreads across Wei Ying's cheeks, then would Wuxuan smirks and Jiang Cheng knew he wouldn't like whatever was going to come out of that fucking mouth-

"Yeah I can, especially when Lan Zhan- mph!" Jiang Cheng covers Wei Ying's mouth shut and scowls

"I'm not interested." He simply says and goes to eat his breakfast at the countertop. Picking up the fork and stabbing his bacon, shoving it into his mouth. His eyes wandering to the back of his now ex-boyfriends brother. 

Jiang Cheng felt slightly nervous at being in the same room as Lan Wangji, does he know? about him and Xichen-

He eats his breakfast as his minds wanders, did Lan Xichen tell his brother about their break-up? what was his side of the story like? that Jiang Cheng randomly broke his heart when his ex visited their shared apartment? that Jiang Cheng acted like a mad courtesan that had been cheated on when nothing was happening?

"Do you want one?" Lan Wangji suddenly asks him and he jolts his head upwards to see the ice prince stare at him with a plain expression, as if offering him a napkin to wipe off a stain on his face. 

"Huh- oh yeah sure." Jiang Cheng answered, but his thoughts rambled

If Lan Xichen had told him anything about their break-up then Lan Wangji was probably furious at him, but right now he looked.. Normal, as if he was told nothing. and if he was told nothing, then Jiang Cheng was going to tell him everything himself.

He clenches his fist and bites the inside of his cheek and his anger boils under his skin, he stares at Lan Wangji's back- Lan Xichen's brother- and the words spilled.

"Your brother is a bitch." He had no idea why he worded it that way, and regretted it slightly as the man infront of him freezes. And he turns around, glaring at him with that ice glare that he was supposed to be used to by now, but somehow he felt a shiver run up his spine and his tongue froze.

"Apoligise." Lan Wangji says

"I'm Sorry"

Lan Wangji turns around satisfied and continues making tea, but Jiang Cheng continues

"That you are related to a weak bitch that can't get over his ex and caved in the moment they knocked in his front door begged for a place to stay like a rat in distress."

He could hear Wei Ying's snort in the background, his brother was clearly still on his side, but Lan Wangji-

The glass cup he was holding shattered with a loud kling and both he and Wei Ying flinches.

Wei Ying quickly hurries over to check his lover, but Lan Wangji hold out a hand to stop his before he steps on any glass, Wei Ying gets it and stands there with a sad look on his face

"Jin Guagyao is back?" He hears Lan Wangji say, but he has never heard the man use such a cold and terrifying tone before that he almost thought someone broke into the house-

Jiang Cheng felt like he needs to keep a hold on his words, but anger takes on the wheel. 

"Yes and your brother cheated on me with him." he answers back even when his heart still aches, admitting it outloud.

Lan Wangji looks like he wants to murder someone, and that is rare coming from the esteemed Hangguang-Jun he met in high school, so he felt his blood run cold

Wei Ying tries to step forward again and Lan Wangji steps on a few glass shards as he stops Wei Ying from stepping on glass, a gasp, "Lan Zhan!", then his phone rang, Jiang Cheng grabbed it form his pocket on autopilot, and saw that it was Chen Sumao.

The fuck? he told her to text, not call- but then it must be important, so he answers

Beep "Hello?" Jiang Cheng says, in the background his brother is helping Lan Wangji sit on the sofa even when that non-phased bastard just walks normally like there isn't any glass stabbing his feet.

"Jiang Cheng, I know you told me to text but- the situation is far worse than i thought," Jiang Cheng tilts his head and bites the last piece of his bacon and mumbles

"How?" how could it get worse? Jiang Cheng bitterly thought as he watched his brother carefully sweeping the glass shards with a broom while wearing slipper's. Per Lan Wangji's request he figures.

"It.. He- Jin Guangyao- Fuck I can't believe that guy-" Jiang Cheng felt something weird stirring in his stomach, okay, so his usually un-phased therapist is swearing and stuttering about Jin Guangyao, he guesses that he must be quite the slut then for managing to pull Xichen back that fast-

"Jiang Cheng I know your still processing things but i need you to grab Lan Wangji and head to Lan Xichen's apartment and get him out of there. the sooner the better, the farther the better. I would do it myself but I have no right." His stomach drops

"What?!"

Jiang Cheng drops his fork

"Wh-What do you mean?"

Chapter Text

"What?!" Jiang Cheng says loudly, loud enough for Lan Wangji to be worried

"What do you mean- You expect me to bring Lan Wangji to the apartment and drag Lan Xichen out? Why would we-" Jiang Cheng gets cut off by Wei Wuxian quite rudely

"Lan Zhan sit still. A-Cheng, Put it on speaker and Bring it here." He patted the empty seat on the sofa beside him and Lan Wangji, who's foot was being treated carefully by Wei Ying.

Jiang Cheng hesitates but puts the call on speaker just because he thinks Lan Wangji would understand Chen Sumao's words better than him. After all, from their story it seemed that Chen Sumao and Lan Wangji knew each other pretty well.

"Hold on. I'll put you on speaker, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian are here." Jiang Cheng clarifies to Chen Sumao as he sits on the living room sofa, a deep frown on his face

"Alright," The speaker turns on and Chen Sumao spills

"Wangji, Jin Guangyao is back"

"Mn. Since when?"

"A week ago, and he went to 'visit' Lan Xichen 3 days ago." Lan Wangji looks at Wei Ying, then glares at Jiang Cheng as if it's his fault.

"Could you head over to his apartment and pick him up?" Chen Sumao says with such a casual grammar that it could sound like she's asking them to pick up her child at daycare, but the fear was noticeable in her tone, which made Jiang Cheng think otherwise.

"Mn-"

"No, he stepped on glass just a few minutes ago, he's not walking anywhere. Jiang Cheng can go himself." Wei Ying cuts in, and Lan Wangji looked like he wanted to fight back, saying something selfless as usual, but Chen Sumao spoke sooner

"Wei Wuxian you can drive fast right?" This time Wei Ying's eyes twinkled, and Jiang Cheng widened his eyes. That's something only a few people knew about, his brother used to do car racing and won many awards anonymously, and he loved it, until when the family got leaked by some obsessed dumbass and he stopped racing completely. Jiang Cheng was surprised that Chen Sumao knew,

Oh, Lan Wangji probably told her.

"Heck yeah i can!- wait- how'd you know?" 

"Ah- I'll tell you later, but we need your skills right now, You know where Lan Xichen's apartment is?"

"Yep" Wei Ying pops the 'P' annoyingly as he continues to bandage Lan Wangji's feet

Why were they in such a hurry to drag Xichen out of his apartment? Jiang Cheng sat there holding the phone awkwardly as his tongue felt heavy

"Then I'll need you, Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng to head over there and try to get Lan Xichen to leave."

"And what makes you think that we would do that?" Jiang Cheng felt like it was odd for them to head to Lan Xichen's apartment as if they're on a heist, wasn't he enjoying his lovely sweet like with Jin Guangyao? he thought bitterly

but he had a nagging feeling that something was horribly wrong with Xichen that neither Cheng Sumao or Lan Wangji could explain to him.

Lan Wangji glares at him like he was about to beat Jiang Cheng up, but winces when Wei Ying disinfects his other foot

"I don't have time, the main point is that Lan Xichen needs to get out of there." Chen Sumao says, Jiang Cheng felt dread climb up his feet and back

"What are you doing that makes you so busy?-"

"You and Lan Xichen are not my only patients Jiang Cheng." Chen Sumao basically spits back in a cold voice, and Jiang Cheng grits his teeth

"Then why do I have to be there?! We're ex's now!"

"Only 3 days have passed since then, and as i said Xichen still loves you Jiang Cheng. we will need you to assure him that leaving the apartment is a good choice."

Jiang Cheng pauses, he felt the words dying in his throat

"Alright I will have to hang up now, hurry." is what she says before the phone beeps and the call ends.

Coincidentally, Wei Ying finished bandaging Lan Wangji's foot, and the selfless Lan simply kissed Wei Ying on his cheek and stood up, grabbing the car keys and tossing them to a stunned Wei Ying while walking all over the place to get ready to leave as if his feet were alright.

After snapping out of his temporary shock, Wei Ying immediately scolded Lan Wangji but did as he was told to anyways, Jiang Cheng was told to enter the car and he hesitates

"Do I really have to go?-"

"Yes." Lan Wangji of all people shoves him into the back seat and closes the door, buckling himself in the passenger seat and told Wei Ying to drive safely and fast. Jiang Cheng thought that the world needed to end before he would ever hear Lan Wangji, of all people to tell someone to hit the gas.

Jiang Cheng felt car sick. He wasn't one to get car sick easily, but his dread and nervous stomach were spiraling sickeningly in his stomach, he was near to throwing up his breakfast with every sharp turn Wei Ying took. Why couldn't his idiot of a brother learn to drive more smoothly?! his breakfast earlier was going to waste if this continued!

Fortunately, or not, they reached their- Lan Xichen's apartment complex. 

Wei Ying parks, and half of Jiang Cheng's consciousness wanted to stay in the car, but the other half and Lan Wangji's ridiculous Lan arm strength dragged him all the way up the stairs- why not the elevator?! he shot a confused look at Wei Ying who was following up from behind and he himself shrugged in confusion, they then halted at front door. 

This was where he had left. And now he's back 3 days later. Guess he wasn't really set on leaving forever in the first place,

Lan Wangji finally let's go of Jiang Cheng's arm and knocks on the door firmly, Jiang Cheng clenches his fists.

Faint rustling could be heard inside and Jiang Cheng took a deep breath, a stuttering voice says something inside, but Jiang Cheng can't hear it over the ringing in his ears

"Xiongzhang." Lan Wangji calls out

The door swings open in a second and both Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying startle. Lan Wangji was standing right in front of the door, nearly getting hit, while Wei Ying and Jiang Cheng stood on either sides, all three of them had slightly ruffled hair from running up the stairs

His breath stutters when he see's Xichen again after 3 long and tiring days, he wanted to run up to him and kiss him- ...

And to think that his brother was the shameless one,

But he looked.. not well.

To say the least, Xichen had seen better days. 

Xichen's eyes were wide with surprise, although not noticeable, his face had dried tear streaks and- Jiang Cheng thinks that he had never seen Xichen cry before. Maybe during a movie they watched but that was different.

Jiang Cheng's eyes drift over to Lan Xichen's clothes

He was wearing a black long sleeved turtle neck that framed his body perfectly- no- and oh- his pants matched the shirt quite nicely- ahem.

He's getting sidetracked

"Wangji?- you.. Oh! Hello Wuxian and- Wanyin" Xichen semi-bows to each of them, and Jiang Cheng doesn't respond since his heart was to busy breaking and his anger boiling.

After what he'd done of course he should call him by his courtesy name- they had ended things there's no reason to be upset now

"Hey- Zewu-Jun! We're.. " Wei Ying hesitates, and honestly Jiang Cheng sure as hell is as nervous- no even more nervous than Wei Ying is. 

"Come stay at our place." Lan Wangji says without hesitating. Jiang Cheng watches as Xichen's jaw drops as he feels the same need to gape at that stupid Lan-

"On what- occasion, if i may ask?" Xichen asks, he looks confused at their sudden intrusion party, and Jiang Cheng wonders why Chen Sumao told them to drag Xichen out of the apartment when he seems to be perfectly fine. 

Alright, maybe he didn't look completely fine, but Jiang Cheng see's no big red sign that tells them to evacuate the building.

Or was he blind?-

--------

"I need help with a proposal." Wangji, his Didi says with a straight face, but Lan Xichen noticed that his right hand clenched into a fist

"Ah, I would gladly help you Wangji. But can't we do so on the phone?" He smiles, he knows what his Didi is trying to do, but right now- Meng Yao might worry if he suddenly disappeared-

"I have lost my phone." Wangji says again, and this time his eyes drift to the floor guiltily. His Didi always looked so cute every time he lies, it's endearing

Lan Xichen sighs, a genuine smile on his lips "Let's talk inside-"

"No. Let's leave." Wangji grabbed his hand back gently, but still firmly that Lan Xichen could tell he was desperate.

His smile falters, and suddenly he struggles to keep his mask up, he gently hold Wangji's hand that was gripping his,

Suddenly, it clicked. Wangji knows that Meng Yao was back- when he knew and how Lan Xichen had no clue

"Wangji.. When did you- I can't leave." He stutters, feeling the judging eyes from the other two people on the other side of the door, watching. 

"You can." Wangji has always been stubborn, and this is one of the few times Lan Xichen doesn't like his stubbornness. 

He frowns, he can't leave- what will he say to Meng Yao?- Meng Yao would be worried, he's going to look for him- and he's going to panic- god he's going to be upset-

"Say your helping me with my project." Wangji says, and Lan Xichen almost missed it, but once he registers it he can't help but feel warm, but it was only a second, because his eyes drift towards Wanyin. And he hesitates.

Wouldn't Wanyin be upset? well- he was already upset from what Xichen had done, surely him being in the same building would make Wanyin uncomfortable? After all Xichen dissapointed him- betrayed his trust, ruined their relationship and-

"But wouldn't Jiang Wanyin be- uncomfortable, with me there?" Wangji glares at Wanyin, and Lan Xichen felt guilty as Jiang Wanyin jumps and looks at the both of them with widened eyes

Then, without a breath he shakes his head, "No, I wouldn't mind." Now it's Lan Xichen's turn to widen his eyes

"Are you- sure? aren't you mad?- I did-" cheat on you, lied to you, didn't think straight- made a mistake- made you upset-

"We are going to talk about that later. Privately." Wanyin says in a cold tone that makes Lan Xichen feel barren, but he turns to look at his Didi, and nods defeatedly, if Wanyin agrees.. Then- he guesses that leaving the apartment does sound rather pleasing at the moment, his body ached and his mind was desperate for air- Ah alright his Didi has won this argument.

"... Alright, you've won Wangji, but I wouldn't want to meddle in your love life." He half jokes, despite knowing that A Ch- Wanyin would be there too, and probably was for the past 3 days. 

"You won't, Xichen Ge, our house is big enough for 4 people." Wuxian assures him with a bright smile, and Lan Xichen can't help but feel proud of his Didi for finding such a perfect soulmate, always colluding together at every 'mission' they had.

".. If you insist, then let me get ready first, I'm afraid that you caught me while I was-" He wasn't finished with the dishes, if he leaves them now, half done, who knows how upset Meng Yao would be-

"We're leaving now. " Wangji suddenly interrupts him and drags him from his arm, he yelps in confusion, he hears his apartment door close as they head down the stairs quickly with Wuxian and Wanyin following behind them, speed walking to the parking lot as Lan Xichen heard alarm bells ring inside his head

Why was Wangji in such a hurry- oh. 

In the distance of long parked cars, he notices Meng Yao's yellow car.

They enter a black car, a car he has never seen before, then Wangji opens the passenger door and gently shoves Lan Xichen in, he was surprised Wangji was able to force his own Xiongzhang into a car, but then he closes the door and opens the other side of the door to shove Wanyin in like a rag doll and slamming the door.

Wanyin grunts at the shove he received and bumps into Xichen's side with the momentum. But he quickly slides far away from him, and apologizes silently as Wangji sits in the passengers seat and buckles in.

Lan Xichen smiles in assurance at Wanyin, nodding that everything was alright, When it really felt like it wasn't, the dishes! they weren't done and Meng Yao is probably on the elevator by now-

"Wangji I-"

"Drive." He hears Wangji say in the passengers seat

Wuxian, who was already ready on the drivers seat then quickly exits the parking, zooms away from the apartment complex like a skilled car racer- well much much slower since he was still following the speed limit per Wangji's request.

But it was still quite impressive.

-----------

Jiang Cheng took a deep breath, he stared at the window, trying to not look at A Huan's- Lan Xichen's face, but he could see a light reflection of it on the window, and he looked so nervous that he could be mistaken as a child that was brought home by his parents from detention.

He was still mad, not furious as he was 2 days ago, just.. Upset, about what happened

But clearly there was something he missed, which caused a misunderstanding here, the problem is that no one seems to be telling him exactly what that misunderstanding is. 

So he's still upset. He is confused but right now he can't help but feel upset. Wei Ying his own brother who just gossiped with him 3 days ago about Lan Xichen, is now driving the same Lan to stay at their house. 

And worse of all he doesn't even know if Lan Xichen truly cheated on him or not! What if what he saw was all a misunderstanding- but Jiang Cheng doesn't remember any of Lan Xichen's friend who would call him 'A Huan' in such a loving tone, plus they were goddamn lovers before! 

Was it really Jiang Cheng's fault if he 'misunderstood'? After all, all the clues were basically written in big red neon lights, but apparently he had missed the small intricate handwritten notes on some corner. 

Jiang Cheng grit his teeth and closed his eyes in annoyance

Whatever, if he really did misunderstood, he was going to demand a proper explanation. He swallows his guilt down as he slowly realises that there may be a possibilty that Xichen got yelled and broken up with for something he didn't even do-

irritated Jiang Cheng let's out a heavy sigh, his hand massages his forehead, and a small mumble slips out in the quiet, tense car ride

"Xichen... "

In the reflection Jiang Cheng could see Xichen jumping at the sudden words, and Xichen's head turns slightly to face Jiang Cheng, his usual polite smile on his face, but now it look more guilty rather than calm.

"I'm sorry Wanyin-" Jiang Cheng quickly held up his finger to Xichen, shushing him, but his head was still turned

"No- that's not what I meant- you know what, not here. I don't want to be stabbed and skinned by your brother." Xichen widens his pretty brown eyes- his eyes

"Wangji would never" a small, sincere smile was on his face, and Jiang Cheng felt his heart soften, atleast now it didn't look plastered and fake

He huffs lightly "Yeah, he wouldn't be so merciful." He could basically feel the glare or eye roll that Lan Wangji has on his face even when it wasn't faced towards him.

It seemed that Xichen could see Lan Wangji's expression, since his smile got bigger and more genuine.

The ride back then became comfortable silence, once they have reached their house, Wei Ying unlocks the hastily locked door earlier, and Jiang Cheng pretends not to notice that Lan Wangji was helping his older brother exit the car with minimal stumbling. He felt worry stirring at the bottom of his stomach and hands, but he simply crosses his arms and enters the house in silence

"Thank you, Wangji, Wuxian and Wanyin for allowing me to stay.. For a few days." Lan Xichen says in a nervous voice that replaced his usual calm and confident tone

"Xiongzhang can stay for as long as he likes." Lan Wangji takes the words out of Jiang Cheng's mouth and says it straight forwardly to Lan Xichen in the special way Lan's do

"Oh I wouldn't-"

"Yeah! Zewu Jun can stay for a full 16 years if he likes! Would you like some water or food?" Wei Wuxian cuts in with his loud and ringing voice, Jiang Cheng simply sighs and sits on the far end of their living room sofa.

"He can leave if he wants to. We're not imprisoning him here." Jiang Cheng says with a glare towards his insolent brother

Wei Wuxian just laughs nervously after that, and Lan Xichen tighten his fists

"Just water is fine." Lan Xichen smiles softly, Wei Wuxian gives him a thumbs up and heads to the kitchen, while Lan Wangji urges him to sit down on the sofa aswell, Lan Xichen complies but sits on the opposite end where Jiang Cheng sat. Suddenly Jiang Cheng felt his body go cold, but he didn't dare ask for him to scoot over.

They sat in silence for a while, Wei Ying hands Lan Xichen the glass of water with a smile, Jiang Cheng can see the obvious guilt in his eyes, but he stays quiet

"Thank you, Wuxian" Lan Xichen says politely with a nod and takes a sip, placing it back down, and Jiang Cheng wonders if he had been eating or drinking enough these past 3 days, he looked like he lost weight-

He sighs a heavy breath, his mind really betrays him in these situations. maybe Chen Sumao might know how to fix it. Yeah he'll ask her about it in their next meeting, he looks to the side to silently eye Xichen- but he notices how Xichen was also looking at him and their eyes met. Then Xichen flinched and looked away, making Jiang Cheng's heart throb, remembering what he had done.

He was still lost though.. What happened exactly? Was Jin Guangyao not who he thought he was? or did Lan Xichen's regret drown him a day after they broke up and he spiraled into depression that was so bad that they had to pull him out of the slums? But then they wouldn't be so angry at Jin Guangyao.. Maybe Jin Guangyao was a type of sticky booger that the Lan's didn't approve of, but Xichen loved endlessly?

His last assumption made his heart ache. He was going to die of heart break at this point, but what has his heart not survived?

"Wanyin, I'm sorry for what I did. I swear it wasn't my intention-" Xichen of all people at this moment apologized to Jiang Cheng, aka the person who misunderstood the whole thing (it seems) and broke up in the first place! 

"Yeah yeah I get it. There was a misunderstanding and I-"

Jiang Cheng sighs so heavily it could be considered a groan, and his hand raised to massage his forehead, or hold his nose bridge- or anything, but hit Xichen- but Xichen for some reason to Jiang Cheng's utter shock flinches even farther away on the couch.

Okay.

Either Xichen's depression makes him imagine horrible shit about Jiang Cheng or Jin Guangyao's an asshole that hits his lovers.

"What?" Jiang Cheng says because he honestly couldn't think of anything else to say after that.

Xichen widens his eyes, as if he just noticed Jiang Cheng sitting there and he stutters "Ah- sorry- I was just- excuse me." Xichen then gets up and heads to the bathroom

Jiang Cheng stares at Xichen, who disappears into the bathroom.

Xichen's hands were shaking and Jiang Cheng felt his shake aswell, with anger.

'Cuz what the fuck? 

--------

Lan Xichen excuses himself to the bathroom

What is wrong with me today? 

Wanyin would never raise his hand at him, he just said he wasn't- oh but he looked so mad and what Lan Xichen did was so wrong. 

Lan Xichen stared at his hands, gripping the porcelain sink trembling. 

He looked at the mirror and saw the most pathetic look he had ever seen stare back at him

The last time he had looked so pathetic was during Da Ge's death- and Meng Yao- he looked relieved. Why? Lan Xichen had tried so hard to get them to get along together.. Perhaps he shouldn't have from the beginning, It was a waste of time. 

He felt a lone tear escape his eye, quickly it was gone as cold tap water splashes his face. 

Deep breaths, in 1. 2. 3. And out. 

Once he looks back at the mirror and sees a less pathetic man, he sighs a relieved breath and smiles naturally, he stares at his smile for a few seconds and feels the ghost of a hand on his shoulder, a yellow petite figure of a man looms over it

'A-Huan, relax your smile, you don't look so happy right now, aren't you happy?'

"I am. " he whispers, despite knowing it was just his imagination.

His mind was going crazy again, he sighs heavily and rubs his heavy shoulder to shake the invisible weight off

He looks back at the mirror, and fixes his smile, making it look more gentle and relaxed, when he felt the pure opposite.

He washes his hands for the 3rd time, and wipes it bone dry, exiting the bathroom even when he felt like he'd rather locked himself in for 7 days straight, perhaps years. 

He widens his eyes when he almost bumps into A Ch- Wanyin

"Wanyin? What's wrong? " maybe he was making sure Lan Xichen didn't steal anything? The bathroom did look quite fancy

"Oh, I uhm was just wondering if you were dead or alive still in there." Wanyin was worried? About him? After what he did?

He felt his heart swell and his smile spread across his cheeks

"Well I'm fine, are Wangji and Wuxian busy?" He asks, not changing the subject

"Oh yeah they went upstairs to have a 'talk' which we should probably do aswell- Not in the same context- in my room."

Lan Xichen inwardly wilts, of course Wanyin wanted to talk, these past 3 days he has been imagining the many ways he could have explained the misunderstanding to Wanyin but- he was a coward. He always had been.

"Alright, there's something I should explain."

Lan Xichen says, despite feeling the apologies building up behind his lips, each as sincere as the other, his heart beating in its nervousness, and his hands trembling with fear. 

Wanyin simply nods and walks off without a word, Lan Xichen might be imagining things but he looked like he wanted to say something, but it would be about how stupid Lan Xichen was, judging from his face expression

And Lan Xichen felt his hands and feet grow cold.

-------

Jiang Cheng thought that things were going well, Lan Xichen agreed to coming to his room and talk, it was going well! 

But every question Jiang Cheng asked, Xichen always replies with an apology and a vague answer! What was Jiang Cheng? A mind reader?! And here he thought Lan's were straight forward. The Lan infront of him seemed like living proof that Lan's couldn't lie, but could hide poorly. 

"Xichen, what happened?"

"I'm sorry, Meng Yao came back and I didn't think to tell you first I'm sorry I wasn't thinking straight-"

"Alright stop, if you keep apologizing it makes me feel weird, one apology is enough."

"Sorry- I mean sorry- sorry I said sorry too much and annoying you-" Lan Xichen bows down and Jiang Cheng sighs tiredly, Xichen of all people would never annoy him at all. Despite it being his nature, he never really found himself annoyed at the lovable Lan

"You did nothing- I think, if you would tell me what happened then I would know. But it seems your keeping more from me other than the fact that Meng Yao was your ex. "

Lan Xichen widens his eyes and shakes his head frantically

"We're not together anymore I swear! We broke up long ago and that was official! There was supposed to be no more contact between us-"

Jiang Cheng quirks his eye brow "Supposed?"

And Lan Xichen looks a bit guilty and regretful. "I.. He kept contacting me the last few weeks, but I didn't recognize his number.."

Jiang Cheng widens his eyes a fraction, he felt it twitch, Jin fucking Guangyao kept contacting Xichen these past few weeks? With a different number? did Xichen block him- no. 

"What- wait, why would he contact you?"

Lan Xichen looked upset- or more solemn really

"I.. He said he needed a place to stay- something happened and I said no, but he visited me anyways 3 days ago and you entered at the wrong time.. I'm sorry-"

Jiang Cheng felt his worried fade, his shoulders dropped slightly with relief as he assures Xichen

"You said no and that's what's important for me, " Jiang Cheng looked at Xichen in the eyes, and said man looked back with tearfull eyes which made his heart ache, he wanted to hug him and drown him in kisses- but they needed to get the misunderstanding straight first. 

"I didn't- I didn't tell you though.. "

"Yes and I'll admit I was hurt, but what's good is that you didn't outright cheated on me with your ex. " Jiang Cheng clarified and Xichen looked horified

"I would never! I love you A Cheng and Meng Yao has never been able to change that! I swear please believe me-"

Jiang Cheng pats Lan Xichen's arms

"Yes, I believe you wouldn't cheat on me. But why did you still let him stay? In our apartment for 3 days? "

And Lan Xichen looked lost

"I.. He didn't have anywhere else to go.. He kept-"

"Begging you to let him stay? "

Jiang Cheng raised a brow and Xichen grimaced

"... I wouldn't say it like that.. " except he did, didn't he? Jiang cheng was mad that Xichen kept taking Jin Guangyao's side but,

Jin Guangyao was well known for his ability to manipulate people once all his wrong doings were exposed, and Jiang Cheng was a victim once, his credit was not given when it was due. 

But let by gones be by gones, hell his brother Wei Wuxian was living proof of it. 

But he was still suspicious, what did Jin Guangyao the popular manipulator do to his beloved A Huan- Xichen? For Lan Wangji to be steaming mad as earlier

"Then what did you do these past 3 days? I want to know. "

Lan Xichen hesitated and Jiang Cheng's suspicion grew. 

"Nothing much, at first I kept trying to make him leave, saying there were more safer options than my apartment, but he said-"

Xichen paused and Jiang Cheng sat on his chair and motioned for Xichen to sit down beside him

"Continue, you can repeat what he said" he knew Xichen had a small tendency to copy people's words word to word like a recorder

And he praised it, he saw it as an amazing audio memory but Xichen thought otherwise. 

".. He said- 'But A Huan what other place is more safe than yours? Who else can I trust but you?'... I didn't know what else to say to get rid of him then.. I'm sorry I should've-"

Jiang Cheng hushes him

"No apologies during your story, just explain and I won't be mad"

".. Really? " Xichen sounded so small Jiang Cheng felt whatever anger he had left melt away in a few seconds

"Yes, I'll bite my own hand if I do get angry"

A slight glitter of disbelief flickers his Xichen's eyes and Jiang Cheng wonders if those ridiculous words are words he has never heard a partner say

"Don't hurt yourself. " Ofcourse he would say that, he wasn't A Huan if he didn't

"Tell me everything and I won't" maybe, went unsaid, but Xichen simply looked at him dead in the eyes

A heavy sigh left his pretty lips-

"Alright, But I don't know what to tell you.." Jiang Cheng thinks for a moment, and comes up with a million questions that Lan Xichen clearly can't answer all in one night

"You don't have to tell me everything today, only.." He looks at Xichen- his A Huan and sees pure love stare back at him.

He looks away and clears his throat "You- you can take a bath first." It was already close to afternoon and A Huan must be feeling sweaty from all the running earlier.

Jiang Cheng wasn't looking but he could tell Xichen was just sitting there, still staring-

He lets out a breath

"Stop staring and go shower, Lan Wangji will hand over his spare clothes" He says finally after a few minutes of silence

A Huan blinks "Ah- alright then, excuse me" He says semi bowing being all polite and prim and proper-

It's not that Jiang Cheng doesn't mind though, A Huan's cute that way, but he wishes that they weren't so formal with each other. But he did that didn't he? he drew the line himself and he's the one complaining.

When Jiang Cheng blinked into awareness A Huan was already in the bathroom and Lan Wangji was already knocking on the door. Apparently he has a weird 6th sense. which Wei Ying swears that all Lan's do, but A Huan isn't weird like Lan Wangji so he doesn't see the similarity.

He opened the door and sees Lan Wangji and Wei Ying standing on the other side

"Heya Jiang Cheng, Lan Zhan here is a bit worried about Lan Xichen so he's checking in" Wei Ying smiles brightly, ofcourse he would be.

"How are things going?" Lan Wangji asks with his usual stoic face, but his tone didn't leave out the worried tone

Jiang Cheng lets out a tired sigh "He won't talk. Well- he did but what he told me was vague."

All 3 of them stayed silent at that, Well, what were they supposed to do? all they could do now was give A Huan space and hope for the best

"Brother doesn't.. Realize that Jin Guangyao doesn't deserve him." Lan Wangji was the first to speak for once, and both Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian turned to look at him

Lan Wangji continues, "His mental state is not well, Jin Guangyao has affected him deeply and he will need time and patience to recover" Jiang Cheng is secretly grateful that Lan Wangji can certainly be a chatter box when it comes to the people he cares for, other wise their whole life would have been far different from where it is now.

Jiang Cheng looks back into his room, hearing the shower turn on "Right, Xichen might need to borrow your clothes for the night" He says as he turns to look at Lan Wangji

Lan Wangji nods, knowing that his and Xichen's size are now the same so they could borrow clothes freely without a problem, and heads to his- and Wei Ying's bedroom, ofcourse, to grab a new set of sleep wear that would fit Xichen

Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian were left alone, standing in front of Jiang Cheng's bedroom with A-Huan in the bathroom

"Are you alright A-Cheng?- I mean- your view about Lan Xichen all but flipped in one single phone call today" It's rare for Wei Wuxian to ask him if he's alright, maybe he looked more like a mess than he thought

Jiang Cheng lets out a long sigh "I'm still processing this shit. But what I really need now is a bath."

Wei Ying looked like he was going to say something stupid, but held back. Which, Jiang Cheng was grateful for

Lan Wangji then returns with a blue set of sleep wear that looked newly washed, and hands it over to Jiang Cheng

"Oh and-" Before he could say anything, Lan Wangji grabs Wei Ying's hand and with a yelp they both leave Jiang Cheng with an open mouth infront of his bedroom door. with A Huan showering just in the connected bathroom

Jiang Cheng sighs for what he thinks the 10th time today and enters his bedroom, closing the door behind him.

He knocks on the bathroom door

"Hey, Lan Wangji brought you some spare clothes."

At first there was silence, then the door silently opened a crack as Xichen's head pops out of it, his face had a soft smile growing on it as their eyes met

Jiang Cheng felt his heart skip a beat at that. He didn't know why- maybe he did but he wouldn't admit to it, atleast now.

"Here, If there too big or small I can ask for a different pair, I'm sure that Lan has more clothes here than he does at his own house"

Jiang Cheng says with sarcasm in his tone, and Xichen smiles, his teeth showing

"This is his house though, Thank you Wanyin"

Xichen says with a giggle, grabbing the clothes from Jiang Cheng's outstretched hand, and Jiang Cheng freezes.

His eyes caught a glimpse of purple and blue, but before he could comment on it, or even respond to Xichen's remark-

Xichen slipped away and shut the bathroom door with a click.

Chapter Text

The AO3 curse got me
And the hospital stuck a needle in my right hand
I'm not left handed to say the least and even looking at a screen makes me want to do a balerina spin
I hope I'll be better soon cuz I have more fic ideas in my notes

(All of them include lxc)

-----------

If you havent noticed,

I have gotten better!

Although my typing skills have lessened (from its alredy low point), i have many fanfics that want to finally release into the depths of Ao3 :)

i have nealy finished writing ch2 and i have kept ch3's rough sketch in my notes for a while (i will change a few things before actually writting it though)