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@Wei Wuxian Mesmerized and rendered immobile by the sight in front of him, Lan Wangji stared at Wei Wuxian, the little show that the smaller male was putting on in front him sending his thoughts into a frenzy. His breathing had also become shallow, and as he anticipated what was coming next, Lan Wangji had to remind himself to breath, to let go of the breath that he wasn’t aware he was holding. Wei Wuxian’s movements, so calculated and languid, were all part of the smaller’s inarticulated ability to rile up Lan Wangji, a very effective method honestly. When the smaller finally pressed his chest against Lan Wangji’s clothed ones, it almost seemed like Lan a Wangji had been watching a scene of his deepest fantasies playing out, and then had suddenly been invited to take a part in it. Guided by the other’s small ministrations, Lan Wangji rested his hands in the slender, but curvy waist, giving the flesh a soft squeeze with his warm palms.

“Ey, Lan Zhan.Your uncle won’t be paying you a visit today, will he?” Wei Wuxian asked, which momentarily interrupted Lan Wangji’s train of thought, his brows creasing at the thought of being interrupted at a time like this. While he was sure his Uncle would have things to say to him, it was unlikely for the elder to make unannounced visits. Lan a Wangji had also taken the liberty to guess that after his Uncle walked in on his little session with Wei a wuxian a few days ago, the elder would not be making anymore surprise visits anytime soon. “What would he say...don’t you think you’re getting ahead of yourself too, Lan Zhan? You know, if we’re married, your uncle won’t have anything to say.” Wei a Wuxian continued to tease, the mischievous tone giving him away.

“You didn’t stop me earlier enough.” Lan Wangji replied simply, pushing the blame back onto the smaller male, his face kept straight despite the words he used in retaliation as he gave Wei Wuxian’s hops another squeeze before running hands along the curves of the smaller’s body, finding their way to the fleshy buttocks. “Accustomed to it.” he said, disregarding what anyone else would think about them as usual. Lan Wangji could uphold an infinite amount of precepts as long as none of them got in the way between him and Wei Wuxian.

As much as Lan Wangji enjoyed listening to his Wei Ying’s chatter and banter, the vigor in his body was definitely back after going inactive for such a long period of time, and he would much rather get down to business in fulfilling the other’s requests instead of entertaining the idea of them getting caught...which wouldn’t really be their fault since this was Lan Wangji’s Silent Chamber, his private quarters. While one hand continued to rest on the other’s soft mound of flesh, the other hand cupped the back of Wei a Wuxian’s neck, allowing Lan Wangji to draw the smaller male in for yet another brief kiss. This time, he made sure that he was the one who left the bite mark when they pulled away, of course no leniency was given and it was as aggressive as all his previous bite marks had been. Taking their new position into consideration, Lan Wangji used the brief moment when he pulled away to reach for the bottle of floral scented oil before reconnecting his chest to his lover’s.

Having Wei Wuxian in front of him instead of underneath him didn’t make much of a difference to Lan Wangji as he began to mark up the expanse of the other’s neck, tainting the skin that was healed of previous aggressions and cleaned of any bruises. In just moments, Lan Wangji’s marks were littered across the other’s neck, and he gave a satisfied little sigh before moving his lips downwards and continuing his delivery on Wei Wuxian’s collarbone. The little meals that he got in response from Wei Wuxian egged him on, and Lan Wangji decided that he would give just as much as he was receiving. Uncapping the little bottle of oil, he blindly poured some onto his fingers, obviously too preoccupied to see how much or where he was pouring. However, but rubbing the pads of his fingertips together, Lan Wangji figured that he had gotten a reasonable amount. Drawing Wei Wuxian close, he pressed his lubed finger against the other’s buttocks, sliding along the creamy skin until his finger found its destination. In this position, Wei Wuxian was not as exposed, his entrance not as accessible. Wordlessly, Lan Wangji grabbed one of the smaller’s hands, covering it with his own as he placed it over Wei Wuxian’s perky , a little jerking motion indicating that Wei Wuxian should spread himself. Once that was accomplished, the waiting finger began to draw small circles around the barrier of protective muscles, eventually inviting itself inside the familiar setting once more.

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian laughed to himself. Lan Wangji was so desensitized to his ridiculous requests he just nodded and complied! Kicking his legs gleefully, Wei Wuxian leaned into Lan Wangji, his breath warming Lan Wangji's earlobe as he nibbled and chewed on the soft flesh. The younger was laid down so gently he did not even notice he was set down until Lan Wangji's hands began to busy pulling apart his belt, the ribbon looking red as fresh blood overtop the snow-white mat.

Their kisses were beginning to feel more desperate and passion filled rather than the soft, loving ones they were exchanging just at the other end of the room moments ago. Wei Wuxian chased after them eagerly, nipping and biting in an effort to rile Lan Wangji up. This was certainly Hanguang Jun he had in his bed, so benevolent and merciful. As much as Wei Wuxian often begged for leniency, he did not enjoy it when he actually got it.

"Lan Er," he murmured, his voice dropping an octave. He sat up with a hand over Lan Wangji's chest, forcing the other up with him. Kneeling before the other, Wei Wuxian let his outer robe drop from his shoulders and fall to the bed. Often, in their rushed passion, Wei Wuxian found himself clothed nine out of ten times, but today he just wanted to devote himself completely to Lan Wangji. Keeping his gaze locked on Lan Wangji's, he began to pull at his inner robe, carefully, strategically undoing the knots and ribbons and letting his clothes pool at his knees. He stepped out of them carefully, lest he trip and make a fool out of himself in front of Lan Wangji, and stood to drop his trousers quickly and shamelessly.

He felt so vulnerable as he sank to his knees again before Lan Wangji, his arms wound around the older man's neck. His lover was still fully clothed, not a hair out of place, looking every bit respectable as he could be. Then there was Wei Wuxian, lithe body completely uncovered and immodestly draped all over his Lan Zhan.

That's all he was to Wei Wuxian in the recesses of their privacy. No fancy titles, no formalities. His Lan Zhan, the man he loved, plain and simple. Wei Wuxian dipped his head to slot his mouth over the older's again, one of his hands guiding Lan Wangji's arm to wrap around his narrow waist. A soft sigh escaped him, and he sank further into Lan Wangji, his bare legs splayed out behind him. "Ey, Lan Zhan. Your uncle won't be paying you a visit today, will he?" Wei Wuxian brought up all of a sudden. Despite being caught not once, but twice already by Lan Qiren, the mischievous man found thrill at the thought of Lan Qiren bursting in again, catching him defiling his precious nephew - or was Lan Zhan doing the defiling here? Wei Wuxian didn't mind either way. He loved to tease Lan Wangji with his strict uncle, regardless. "What would he say... don't you think you're getting ahead of yourself too, Lan Zhan? You know, if we're married, your uncle won't have anything to say..."

@Wei Wuxian The Silent Chamber was void of any vocal noises, only the sound of the material of their clothing brushing against the other's and the shuffling of their bodies that were pressing closer and closer. Lan Wangji was finally on the receiving end of the kiss, the other leaving a light bite on his lower lip as they broke the demure kiss after a while. He was content to gaze into Wei Wuxian's eyes, the smaller male only holding his gaze for a moment before busied himself with updating Lan Wangji's jaw with new teeth markings. It had been a while since either of them wore the other's love bites on their skin, and Wei Wuxian's initiation only tempted Lan Wangji to do the same.

Wei Wuxian had taken the liberty to push the sides of Lan Wangji's robes down, exposing enough of his collarbone such that the smaller male would be able to continue his ministrations. He gave a small sigh, hand pressed against the small of Wei Wuxian's back as he let the smaller's lips roam freely, giving no indication of stopping him. "Lan Zhan, I... can you..." Wei Wuxian was suddenly calling him, making Lan Wangji look down, his half-lidded eyes questioning what it could be that Wei Wuxian needed. "Lan Zhan, sleep with me!" the sudden request came, and Lan Wangji inhaled sharply, a little unsure if he'd heard that correctly, or maybe there was another meaning behind those words.

However, when he was met with the expression embedded in his Wei Ying's eyes, the older male gave a nod of his head, easily securing both arms around Wei Wuxian's body and picking the smaller male up, helping himself onto his feet. He carried Wei Wuxian, like a newly-wed bride, over to their bed, laying the smaller male down in the gentlest of manners. Lan Wangji's eyes were deep with adoration, devotion, attraction to the smaller male, his gaze would be nothing short of penetrating.

He had made a grave mistake last time of being so rough, but now that Lan Wangji was most definitely in his right state of mind, he couldn't act reckless as he did before. The pads of his fingertips grazed the clothing that was layered across Wei Wuxian's chest. Curling his finger under the first layer, he gently prodded at it, eventually loosening it so that he could push it to a side. His robes were already somewhat disheveled thanks to Wei Wuxian, thus Lan Wangji couldn't help but return the favor. He leaned in, connecting their lips again, this one much deeper than their last one, obviously lust imbued within it.

Like clockwork, his hands knew how to undo the workings of Wei Wuxian's robe even without the guidance of his eyes, and Lan Wangji was swift (though actions delicate) in removing the sash and outer black robes. Wei Wuxian's inner red robe was splayed out across the bed, Lan Wangji making no action to pick the other up to remove the material from underneath.

Wei Wuxian turned to peek at Lan Wangji examining his new gift carefully, glancing up to see if he’d be lucky enough to be graced with a reaction from the older. There was an unreadable expression in Lan Wangji's eyes, but Wei Wuxian swore felt the thrum of Lan Wangji's heart against his chest, and he hugged the other man tighter. One of his wandering hands cupped Lan Wangji's face, tracing the sharp lines and angles with his fingertips. His thumb teased Lan Wangji's lips, brushing ever so slightly against the soft, pink flesh.

He closed his eyes when he felt warm fingers curl gently below his chin and lift his face. Lan Wangji’s soft mout pressed against his, innocently, and Wei Wuxian tried to keep it that way. His arms found their way around Lan Wangji’s body, wrapping around his chest. Wei Wuxian felt safest, most secure like this: wrapped up in Lan Wangji’s arms. He had never been so gentle, massaging Lan Wangji's lips with his own as if the older could break any second (ironic, since Wei Wuxian was the one with an almost non-existent golden core). Still, Lan Wangji was the most precious treasure he'd received and he was careful to treat him as so.

Wei Wuxian took that thought back. A sweet moment passed before he could help but bite Lan Wangji's lower lip. Gentle, not like Lan Wangji's almost skin-breaking biting. The pressure between them heightened, and Wei Wuxian began to shift without breaking from Lan Wangji so his legs straddled onto either sides of Lan Wangji's waist, his robes robes fanning out elegantly behind him. His kisses led a trail to Lan Wangji's jaw near his ear, then down the side of his neck. Wei Wuxian could feel the pulse of blood beneath his lips and he on them hungrily, careful to leave only very faint marks that would disappear within a day or so or could be hidden beside Lan Wangji's waterfall of hair.

"Lan Zhan," he murmured as his exploration of Lan Wangji's neck led him to the top of his collarbones. He scraped his teeth over them gently, leaving a kiss over them before straightening up again. "Lan Zhan, I... can you..." Wei Wuxian trailed off. His eyes were glazed over in a daze, his lips already swelling. "Lan Zhan, sleep with me!"

@Wei Wuxian “I love you so much, Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian declared loudly on their way back up, “You’re so great. I like you so much.” his lover exclaimed. It was amusing to Lan Wangji, just as much as it was heartwarming. He had turned to glance at Wei Wuxian briefly, his smile seeming to plague his face more and more often nowadays as the corners of his lips lifted upwards and turned into an upside down crescent shape of the moon. It was a widely known fact that for a man his age, Lan Wangji was unsurprisingly free of any wrinkles on his face, all due to the fact that his facial muscles were not used to contracting much from the usual stoic expression that he usually carried. However, now that his Wei Ying was permanently integrated into his life, Lan Wangji was sure that the talk about him would change very soon. Good, if he had to let time catch up to him, he would only let it do so when Wei a Wuxian has returned to his side. For the rest of the walk back, there wasn’t much talking on the way back up the mountain, but then there also wasn’t really a need for it. Lan Wangji was content with the tranquil walk, simply listening to the sound of their synced footsteps. In a way, it was almost meditative for him. The walk back actually felt shorter than it usually was, and they soon reached the Cloud Recesses.

Back in the Silent Chamber, Lan Wangji had told Wei Wuxian that he could take a rest if he was tired from going down the mountain. However, the smaller male had insisted on sitting by Lan Wangji’s side - or more like on Lan Wangji’s lap to distance him from the desk - and settling there instead. The older male picked up the scroll that would contain the contents of his lecture for tomorrow and for the following few ones to come. He just had to briefly glance over the material, thus it didn’t matter that his attention really wasn’t on the words of the scroll in front of him. Rather, he had an arm wrapped around Wei Wuxian’s slender waist, letting the other bury his face against his chest and wriggle in his lap as he pleased. Lan Wangji placed the scroll down when Wei Wuxian’s hot breath began to tickle the skin on his neck, and his grip around the smaller tightened.

“As long as you had fun.” he murmured from the back of his throat, his vow low since they were back in the Silent Chamber, “Then that’s good.” A small intake of breath and “En.” signified that Lan Wangji accepted Wei Wuxian’s proposal to have fun with him. Between them, there was never a need for gratitude or apology, he reminded the smaller again. As long as Wei Wuxian was happy, there would never be a need for those few words. He didn’t mind including the bunnies and the donkey, as they were usually a source for Wei Wuxian, and Lan Wangji had become accustomed to their presence as well. He was also sure that when Sizhui came back from his little journey, there would be much for him to catch up with Wei Wuxian about. Lan Wangji hoped that his young disciple would be able to keep his partner company when he himself was busy, as he knew Wei Wuxian had a soft spot for the younger disciples, Sizhui especially, due to their connected past.

Lan Wangji’s game fell to the corner of his desk, where the lantern Wei Wuxian had purchased for him sat there, the rabbit in the painting seeming to smile in their direction. Lan Wangji reached out and took the handle of the lantern, bringing it closer so he could get a better look. Indeed, Wei Wuxian had an eye for aesthetic, and he had to admit that it did bring back the fond memories of the first few times when Wei Wuxian had so boldly approached the cold Hanguang Jun, and Lan Wangji had so adamantly refused all of the smaller’s advances. It was with the first rabbit lantern Wei Wuxian had made for him that really made him victorious, as it was the first time that Lan Wangji had smiled, not just at Wei Wuxian but just at anyone in general.

Eventually, Lan Wangji had completely ditched the scroll and his original task at hand. Wei Wuxian’s hot breath was inadvertently teasing him, and when Lan Wangji felt like he had endured enough, he gently leaned back, a hand reaching up to tilt the smaller’s chin back as he leaned down and pressed their lips together tenderly. Since Lan Wangji had gotten sick, he had yet to kiss his Wei Ying properly.

@Lan Wangji Lan Wangji seemed all too familiar with the path wine vendor, and Wei Wuxian was much too happy to take the two jars of Emperor's Smile from Lan Wangji, dangling them off the rope that tied them together. With that, they started heading back up the main street of Caiyi towards the base of the mountain. There were still so many sights and sounds Wei Wuxian did not have a chance to explore yet, but today would not be their only day in the city. They would be back, Wei Wuxian told himself. With that, he forced his gaze forward, trained on the path before him lest he turn around and run back into the festivities.

Wei Wuxian's shoulder bumped into Lan Wangji every once in a while, swaying as he walked. The path was not so steep yet, so Wei Wuxian would skip or hop a couple steps once in a while. A hand suddenly took his own, though, forcing him to stay close. Wei Wuxian slowed, looking up at Lan Wangji with his lips formed into an 'o' of surprise. He was painfully aware of how their fingers woven together in a tight knot. Never in Wei Wuxian's life would he expect Lan Wangji to take his hand like that - just on a stroll, not in a bedroom or anything. Just on a path on the way to the mountain base where anyone could walk. Wei Wuxian wouldn't even mind if Lan Wangji never did - he was perfectly content with hanging off the older in their room, but...

No, Wei Wuxian wasn't going to question Lan Wangji's motive anymore. He smiled wide, his eyes squinting into slits when he did, and after a quick glance for anyone else on the path, he stood on his toes to press a chaste kiss to Lan Wangji's cheek, his joyous laughter ringing out into the forest. "I love you so much, Lan Zhan," he declared. "You're so great. I like you so much." He began to swing their arms back and forth, grinning fondly at Lan Wangji their entire walk back up to Cloud Recesses.

Reluctant as Wei Wuxian was to let go of Lan Wangji (even if his palms were beginning to feel a bit sweaty), Wei Wuxian relaxed and opened his hand. For a moment, the briefest moment, he remembered something - looking up at Lan Wangji's face; the latter's hand wrapped tightly around his wrist; the sky blood red...

Blinking hard, Wei Wuxian pushed the image away. He had no idea where it came from, but it gave him an unsettling feeling of butterflies in his stomach. Emptying his sleeves and pockets of their trinkets and laying them out across Lan Wangji's cleared desk, Wei Wuxian sighed happily and found himself a spot (forcefully) snuggled up to Lan Wangji, pressing their fronts together as he drew the older man into an embrace. "Lan Zhan, thank you," he said, closing his eyes as he pressed his cheek against the white material of his lover's robes. "I had a lot of fun today. With you. I'll only have fun with you from now on," he vowed, his grin turning smitten as he hid his face in Lan Wangji's neck (his favourite place, since he could smell the sandalwood so clearly here). "You, me, Lil Apple, and Lil Rabbits. Maybe Sizhui if he will write soon."

@Wei Wuxian Lan Wangji didn’t know how else to put it other than the fact that he liked to see Wei Wuxian spending his money. He liked it when the smaller male could have everything he wanted. Back to the topic of Lan Sizhui, the disciple had teasingly reminded Wei Wuxian that while he had been the one to invite Lan Wangji out for a meal back in Yiling, he still ended up leaving the bill for Hanguang Jun to pay. Lan Wangji had never really considered the reality that Wei Wuxian never had much to begin with, but he was always satisfied with what he could make do with. Now that he was Lan Wangji’s person, Lan Wangji took it upon himself to ensure that Wei Wuxian could indulge, money should be the least of his concerns, if he were to have any to begin with.

He gave a little matter-of-fact sigh when the younger male claimed that he was being spoiled. “It’s nothing.” Lan Wangji murmured, wanting Wei Wuxian to always feel like this. The lantern stall that Wei Wuxian layes his eyes on next was reminiscent of the lantern stall that they had been to after rescuing the disciples from Yi City. The designs of the lanterns themselves were reminiscent of the one that Wei Wuxian had personally painted for Lan Wangji, even though the bigger male was clearly biased that the one he received that year was a much better drawing. Still, when Wei Wuxian ed out the lantern in front of him, offering it to Lan Wangji, the older male took it in his hand, a light smile on his lips as he nodded, “Much thanks.” he replied. A man of his stature and reputation holding onto a paper lantern and walking in the middle of the streets must have been a sight for many, especially since the stoic look on Lan Wangji’s face indicated that he was not the playful type. Still, it was a gift from Wei Wuxian, and the older male cherished that above anything else.

“Let’s get wine and head back up. You should rest for the rest of the day, you have lessons tomorrow. Okay?” Wei Wuxian suddenly suggested and Lan Wangji have a nod of his head.

“En.”

By now, he probably had a better idea of where the famous Emperor’s Smile was being sold better than his partner. Lan Wangji has made many trips to buy them, the action turning into habit whenever Wei Wuxian ran through his mind in the sixteen years that he had been missing. This time, it was Lan Wangji who led the smaller male to the stall. Indeed, there was the vendor, dressed in common brown robes by the edge of the riverside, advertising the wine loudly. Lan Wangji pulled out another tael of silver, handing it to the man when he approached the little stall. His gesture was graciously met as the man handed over two jars of Emperor’s Smile to Lan Wangji, who subsequently handed it over to Wei Wuxian.

Lan Wangji wouldn’t have minded letting Wei a Wuxian stay out for a little longer, as it was still afternoon and evening was some time away. He had looked around, a small toy booth catching his eye. There were wooden toy swords and little folded paper butterflies, similar to the ones that he had purchased for Lan Yuan back when the disciple was only a toddler. Lan Wangji eyed it for a moment, then continued on his way. The boy was no longer a child, and he would suffice very well on his own now, just as Lan Wangji had raised him up to be. While he was sure that Wei Wuxian would be nostalgic if he brought up the memories, Lan Wangji kept mum about it, deciding that they could talk it about when Sizhui actually returned, He didn’t want his lover to dwell on saddening thoughts if he could help it.

After buying the wine, they headed up the mountain again. On the way up, the morning conversation about Wei Wuxian wanting to hold him even when other people around made Lan Wangji somewhat lighthearted again, and as they headed up, he reached a hand out to take Wei Wuxian’s hand in his own. Sure the other’s sleeves and pockets were full of things, but it didn’t stop Lan Wangji from lacing their fingers together, his eyes still focused on the road ahead of him.

@Lan Wangji "He will be back."

"I know," Wei Wuxian grumbled, draining his last cup of tea as Lan Wangji payed for their meal. "But I wish he would be back /sooner/ rather than later." Despite how much he missed Lan Sizhui, however, it was not enough to bring down Wei Wuxian's good spirits. They left with many thanks from the owners asking for them to return soon (thanks to Lan Wangji's hefty tip, probably). The streets were even more full than before, creating a lively midday surrounding.

Wei Wuxian nudged Lan Wangji in the side whenever he saw something interesting. Each time he showed it to Lan Wangji, the latter brought his money out. Wei Wuxian took it without a hint of shame - the Lans were rich, anyway, and Wei Wuxian had no money at all. By the end of the hour, his sleeves full and heavy with all sorts of miscellaneous trinkets. His most recent purchase was of a clay painted donkey he claimed looked exactly like Lil Apple, and that the animal would enjoy his gift. He did not need any of those ridiculous excuses to convince Lan Wangji, though. The moment he laid eyes on or expressed interest in anything, Lan Wangji was there with all his /money/.

"You're spoiling me, Hanguang Jun." Wei Wuxian grinned, hugging all his new treasures close. He wanted to throw his arms around Lan Wangji's neck and give him a long, sweet kiss, since he had no other way to thank him or show his gratitude. As he was about to express that sentiment, something else caught his eye. Simple lanterns, painted with all sorts of designs. There was one featuring the moon and decorated with rabbits running along the bottom of it. Wei Wuxian made a beeline for it.

Of course, Lan Wangji was right behind him with his money pouch, and as soon as they cleared the stall with Wei Wuxian's new prize, the younger man held it out to Lan Wangji. "Lan Zhan, it's for you," Wei Wuxian said, laughter woven through his words. It was inexplicably amusing for him to gift Lan Wangji something the latter had bought himself. "Doesn't this remind you of the lantern we made together? Take it, it's my gift for you." ing out the handle for Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian pushed it into his hands and hurried him along. "Let's get wine and head back up. You should rest for the rest of the day, you have lessons tomorrow. Okay?"

@Wei Wuxian Since they were not in the Cloud Recesses, and volume was no longer an issue that had to be considered, Lan Wangji had gone through the entire meal listening to Wei Wuxian's banter, without silencing the other or urging him to eat without speaking once. His carefree Wei Ying was back, and that was all Lan Wangji needed to see as he was eating. As usual, he didn't need to open his mouth often, simply giving a nod of his head when he agreed, or raising his eyes to look at Wei Wuxian when he had a question. The younger male had long understood what all of those signs meant, and would carry his conversation (or monologue) from there.

"I miss Ah Yuan...The least he could do is send word back and let me- let us know he's doing well... right, Lan Zhan? Right?" Wei Wuxian suddenly brought up, the transition making Lan Wangji look up from his bowl again. It was true that the young disciple had gone with Wen Ning for almost half a year, and they had not heard back from him yet. Lan Wangji sighed softly, giving a single nod of his head. Yes, poor Wei Wuxian indeed. The other had only just found out about Lan Sizhui's identity, and shared one moment of reunion with the youth before they parted ways again.

"En. He will be back." Lan Wangji replied to comfort the smaller male, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his money pouch. Choosing a sizeable teal of silver, he placed it on the table, rising with Bichen in his hand so they could leave. Rather than leave Wei Wuxian to sulk about the disciple, Lan Wangji decided that they could go out to the marketplaces, where it was even busier than earlier now. There was even more carts and stalls that had opened upon their arrival, the bustling of the city life always taking Lan Wangji aback when he stepped out into it. He would never really forget the first time they were in town together, and he had adamantly refused to join a crowd to find what the commotion was all about - but ended up being dragged into it by Wei Wuxian.

Lan Wangji followed closely behind Wei Wuxian, his eyes only scanning the surroundings and what they held in display, having no real interest for any of it. However, whenever Wei Wuxian wanted something, Lan Wangji would reach a hand into his robe, pulling out the small money pouch, "Buy." he would say, then hand the money over without a second thought.

@Lan Wangji "As long as you want to, you can."

But what about if Lan Wangji wanted to? Wei Wuxian considered asking, but he did not want to make a huge deal out of it. He was not even planning to actually start hanging off Lan Wangji's arm in public again like he was that poor nut job Mo Xuanyu - he was only curious to whether Lan Wangji would even allow it. His positive answer filled Wei Wuxian's heart with warmth, and he grinned so hard his cheeks strained.

Because what Wei Wuxian wanted was immaterial to what society expected of him beside the honourable Hanguang Jun. Social pariah as he was, he took Lan Wangji's reputation as serious as he would take his own (if he had a good one). The older had already made questionable decisions, most, if not all, involving the Yiling Patriarch. The cultivation world still held him in good regard, but Wei Wuxian did not need it swaying again. He did not need to single-handedly destroy the image Lan Wangji lived with his entire life. Lan Wangji loving him behind closed doors, telling him sweet words and cradling only him alone, was enough for Wei Wuxian.

"Wei Ying, eat lots."

Lan Wangji's voice brought Wei Wuxian out of his thoughts. His unfocused gaze snapped back up, then down at the bowl that had appeared in front of him without noticing. "You too," he said, biting back a grin as he picked up his spoon. In Wei Wuxian fashion, an indication of his lifted spirits, the younger man chattered the entire meal between spoonfuls of porridge, pausing to drain his tea (in one shot, like wine) once in a while.

"I miss Ah Yuan," Wei Wuxian declared as he scraped the bottom of his bowl clean. He had just finished analyzing Jiang Cheng's hot-tempered character and complaining about how all his terrible qualities had passed on to Jin Ling. "I wish he would come back soon. I'm glad Wen Ning found someone to travel and find himself with, but can't they drop in for a visit? Poor me. And Sizhui has the nerve to call me Xian gege one more time before he just... dropped of the face of the world! The least he could do is send word back and let me- let us know he's doing well... right, Lan Zhan? Right?"

@Wei Wuxian To say that Lan Wangji was taken aback by Wei Wuxian's choice in restaurant would be a slight understatement. The older had been positive that the smaller male would have definitely chosen Hunan Cuisine as long as it was presented as an option. Lan Wangji had even taken to questioning just how well he understood the other, only then realizing that it was out of Wei Wuxian's consideration for him that they came here. The smaller male's concern for him always came through in the most minute actions. Lan Wangji's tastebuds had just started working normally again, and so Wei Wuxian had probably figured that it wouldn't good to make them numb so soon with all the spice.

Lan Wangji let Wei Wuxian decide the orders, complacent to sit back and watch as his partner interacted so naturally with the server. Wei Wuxian had said before, that Lan Wangji couldn't do without him when it came to dealing with social situations. This was true, but Lan Wangji had come to also realize that he just couldn't do without his Wei Ying in general. His gaze raised upwards to meet the other's, noticing that Wei Wuxian was looking at him also.

"Lan Zhan, would you let me hold you outside of our room? Even when...there are others around?" Wei Wuxian suddenly asked, his voice indicating a sense of shyness behind his words.

"En." Lan Wangji answered without hesitation. There was a slight pause after that initial answer, in which he followed up with, "As long as you want to, you can." Lan Wangji had long ago come to the realization that people would have things to say regardless of how he presented Wei Wuxian - whether as his cultivation partner, guest at Gusu Lan Sect, the Yiling Patriarch. The thing was, this realization did not change what he thought about Wei Wuxian, and Lan Wangji was never one to be affected by irrelevant comments anyways. Wei Wuxian had always tried to uphold Lan Wangji's reputation for him by visibly maintaining a distance in public. While Lan Wangji had never mentioned this to the other, he really didn't mind if Wei Wuxian threw his caution to the wind when it came to showing his affections. Perhaps, it would even help quell Lan Wangji's increasing fits of jealousy nowadays.

The service was speedy, and soon, two steaming hot bowls of porridge were served to them. Luckily for Lan Wangji, there was a bowl with visibly milder flavors. He also noted that the other bowl had a large array of meats decorating the surface. Perfect, he thought to himself. "Wei Ying, eat lots." he said, still choosing to indulge in the rays of his lover's happiness.

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian could eat at the Hunan cuisine three meals a day, every day, if he could, but Lan Wangji was so nice about taking him out Wei Wuxian did not want to torture the older man's taste buds today. He picked the store well known for porridge (according to Nie Huaisang, which Wei Wuxian ignored until the suggestion came back to him as they passed it). "In here," Wei Wuxian said, taking Lan Wangji by his elbow and leading him inside, where they were greeted enthusiastically by the owner.

With eyes only for Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian could not even fully appreciate the last of the rising sun out over the lake or the bustling of people filling the streets below. He propped his chin up on his hand, his gaze trained on Lan Wangji's handsome face the entire time, not thinking about breakfast anymore. He was only focused on the way the light illuminated his Lan Zhan's face in a gentle, pretty glow like light reflecting off jade. A dreamy smile tugged the corners of his lips up. "Lan Zhan..." he said quietly, his voice barely breaking a whisper.

"Are the two young masters ready to order?"

Wei Wuxian jerked up off his elbow, brushing invisible specks of dirt off his robes. Deciding on the two popular bowls the owner recommended, Wei Wuxian turned his attention back to Lan Wangji. He itched to sit close to the older and hug him tight to make up for their lost time, but it just wasn't... appropriate. It was wishful thinking, to want to hold Lan Wangji's arm or hand as they strolled Gusu, Yunmeng, wherever. Wei Wuxian knew it was impractical, but he couldn't stop himself from asking, "Lan Zhan, would you let me hold you outside of our room?" In public. In town. In Cloud Receeses, Wei Wuxian wanted to add, but the words were stuck before they got out fully. He realized it was rather foolish and useless for him to ask, but it was too late to take it back. "Even when... there are others around?"

@Wei Wuxian Reflexively, Lan Wangji pulled back when the smaller male shot up in bed. He gave a nod of confirmation, that Wei Wuxian had indeed heard correctly where they were going. Lan Wangji moved off the bed, letting his partner scurry off to get ready and prepare for their little day trip. Lan Wangji himself was already dressed and ready to go, thus he sat by the bedside, folding the sheets neatly and placing their pillows back in the correct spots. Wei Wuxian seemed to have some zeal in his actions just from the mention of going down the mountain, and Lan Wangji swore to himself that he would not ruin this day for the smaller male - even if it meant he would have to carry Wei Wuxian all the way down there himself such that the other wouldn't somehow hurt his ankle again. And, to top it off, Lan Wangji made a silent oath that today, regardless of what jealousy or enviousness he might feel towards others for getting his Wei Ying's attention, he would swallow it all. He'd done that in the past, and he could do it again - as long as Wei Wuxian was happy.

As they went down the mountain, Wei Wuxian clutching one arm while the other gripped onto Bichen, Lan Wangji was in a visibly lighter mood as well. He kept his eyes on the road, but all his other senses were alert on the male beside him. He nodded at Wei Wuxian's suggestion, the excitement in Wei Wuxian's voice making Lan Wangji agreeable to everything. "Where to eat?" he asked, letting Wei Wuxian have his pick. Those most places were open from morning to night, there were also some particular breakfast carts and stalls that they didn't see when they came down in the evening last time. Lan Wangji turned to look at the smaller male, "En." he replied, "Walk and buy what you want." he promised.

Wei Wuxian was given free reigns of wherever he wanted to go, Lan Wangji simply keeping a watchful eye on the smaller male without inhibiting him. He followed behind Wei Wuxian again, letting the smaller male roam about the streets and choose among the plentiful stalls that they would eat at. Once the other decided on a restaurant, Lan Wangji followed behind him. It appeared that the townspeople, though not cultivators themselves, were getting better at recognizing the cultivators among them. Wei Wuxian, donned in his black and red robes, already gave off a different aura when he entered the room in such liveliness, a carefree-ness in his steps. As for Lan Wangji, one look at the forehead ribbon on his head and the sword in his hand gave away his identity. The restaurant owner had greeted them eagerly, inviting the "two young masters" to the second floor, where it would be less crowded and had a view of down below from the terrace.

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian woke to Lan Wangji's gentle voice and touch, a soft rumble accompanying his lazy stretch. His eyes did not open until he heard Lan Wangji speak again. He was not sure if he'd heard right. "Wine?" he echoed sluggishly, looking up at Lan Wangji's pretty face hovering over his. With the way the sunlight streamed in from behind the older man, he looked like he was enveloped in light. Wei Wuxian jerked up, almost slamming his head into Lan Wangji's. "We're going down the mountain?"

For the past week or so, Wei Wuxian had been so preoccupied with making sure Lan Wangji was comfortable in his illness that he almost forgot he was up in Cloud Recesses the entire time. He was much more concerned with getting Lan Wangji better first before anything else. But now that Lan Wangji was looking every bit like his usual self, the offer of leaving the mountain for a bit again caught Wei Wuxian's attention immediately.

After checking for the last time that all traces of fever and illness had left Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian hurried to wash up, picking out his favourite outer robe (still black and red, of course) for the day. He was in such a good mood his hands shook in anticipation as he gathered half his hair into a top knot.

It was still early, which meant not many disciples were out and about yet, something Wei Wuxian was glad for. He was all too happy to loop his arm around Lan Wangji's elbow, hanging off the other like a dainty wife to be showed off. This time, as they headed down the mountain, Wei Wuxian was careful with where he stepped, and dutifully clung to Lan Wangji's arm the entire way down. "Let's eat first, Wei Wuxian suggested as Caiyi Town came into view. The town was much more different from Cloud Recesses - it was alive and full of life early in the morning as restaurants opened for breakfast and maidens and madams came out to shop for groceries. "The shops will open soon. We can take a walk before we go back up?" He asked, more hopeful than anything.

@Wei Wuxian Wei Wuxian always had a saying that "Coming early was not as good as coming at the perfect timing. Just as his Uncle was leaving, Lan Wangji heard the smaller male's footsteps on the wooden steps of the Silent Chamber. A smile had naturally appeared on his face as the smaller male returned to his side, this time without a rabbit in hand. It was just Wei Wuxian, and that was all Lan Wangji needed to keep him company. Lan Wangji easily welcomed Wei Wuxian into his arms, shifting himself so he could face the smaller as he watched with amusement as Wei Wuxian expressed his concern for the nth time that day. "You're still sick. If you go back to the classroom now, I'll get worried!" Wei Wuxian commented, dramatically falling back on the bed. "Your poor wife! You can't do that to your wife, right, Lan Zhan? Right, husband?"

For some reason, those words seemed to help Lan Wangji's blood flow, as his ears pinkened as they normally would. Wei Wuxian had always referred to himself as the wife in their relationship, but for the first time, Lan Wangji was being acknowledged as the husband. His heart seemed to thump eagerly at his chest, wanting to hear those words again. Though Lan Wangji knew very well that he and Wei Wuxian were partners, made for each other, those verbal words were just some candy to his ears.

"Won't." he softly replied, looking down at Wei Wuxian with adoration written all over his pale face. "Don't worry." Lan Wangji didn't have anything else to do, lying down beside Wei Wuxian, a certain depth to his gaze just as he took in the image of Wei Wuxian in front of him. It was an image that other people would never get to see, and never understand. Like his Uncle, the world believed Wei Wuxian was a cut-sleeve who was once intent on wrecking havoc throughout the cultivation world with his deviant demonic ways. The world also believed that Wei Wuxian had clung to Lan Wangji and eventually became his cultivation partner because of the protection that Hanguang Jun's status could provide to him. No one would never understand that Wei Wuxian was a brilliant mind who had vowed to do good for the world, as long as he abided by his conscience. Wei Wuxian was also a source of light to the one man whom the world thought was incapable of smiling, so bright that his presence could cause Lan Wangji's eyes to crinkle as he returned that image with lips curved upwards.

In the midst of his thoughts, Lan Wangji couldn't help but reach out to brush a loose strand of hair from the other's face. Even when he was feeling so physically helpless, he was so grateful to be sick. It was a perfect excuse to stay by his Wei Ying's side, which had been Lan Wangji's original intentions in the first place.

Lan Wangji didn't fully recover until the end of the week, spending a good amount of time away from the classroom such that he had caught up with the grading of the pile of scrolls on his desk during his free time, and had taken the liberty to spend a good portion of his day with Wei Wuxian every single day. As he had gotten much better, he was able to go back to normal - pampering the smaller male. Though Wei Wuxian would occasionally revert back to his worrying, it was obvious that Lan Wangji's recovery was speedy, and the bigger male eventually returned to his ways of doing things for his partner, wanting to make up for the lost time.

"Wei Ying." Lan Wangji had woken the other up on a particular morning when he felt completely normal again. It was quite early for Wei Wuxian to be awake, but this was a day that the disciples had to study on their own. For the remaining weeks of the Annual Study, Lan Wangji would be returning to the lectures, per his Uncle's requests. However, before he could do that again, Lan Wangji had a much more important task to fulfill. "Go down the mountain. Buy wine." he said, pressing a kiss to Wei Wuxian's forehead to wake the other up.

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian scooped up Little Rabbit the 23rd when his eyes met with Lan Wangji's. He nodded his head to Lan Qiren once before hurrying out of the chamber with Little Rabbit, holding her close despite her thrashes of protest at the way she was held. He felt uneasy, leaving Lan Wangji alone, but it was his uncle. No harm would befall the other.

Wei Wuxian hugged Little Rabbit closer for comfort, taking a seat in the middle of the clearing the bunnies called their home. They all came out of their burrows at the noise, perhaps having long associated Wei Wuxian's arrival with Lan Wangji's. Wei Wuxian sighed, holding his hand out for the rabbits. They must have smelled Lan Wangji all over him, as for the first time, they willingly swarmed around him instead of running away (and forcing Wei Wuxian to chase after one to bring back to Lan Wangji.

What class discussion could Lan Qiren be wanting to talk to Lan Wangji about while his partner was still recovering? Surely, it could wait? Lan Wangji was /sick/, and he deserved time away from actual work. Wei Wuxian bit his lip. The only issue was he did not dare speak out against Lan Qiren again. After a while of playing with the rabbits, they seemed to realize Lan Wangji was not coming and retreated to their burrows. Wei Wuxian trudged back towards the Silent Chamber slowly, listening and watching for any signs of Lan Qiren along the way. It was not until he returned to their room that he bumped into Lan Qiren on the way out. He bowed his head immediately, murmuring a greeting before hurrying inside. His gaze was trained to the floor so he would not have to see the disproving glare he could /feel/.

Lan Wangji seemed well on their bed. Wei Wuxian breathed a sigh of relief. Lan Qiren did not give his nephew a hard time, it seemed. Wei Wuxian made a beeline for his spot slotted against Lan Wangji's side. "Are you okay?" Wei Wuxian asked, concern easily etched into his features. "Your uncle did not give you a hard time, did he? You're still sick. If you go back to the classroom now, I'll get worried!" Wei Wuxian let himself fall backward into the bed, his arms eagle spread. "Your poor wife! You can't do that to your wife, right, Lan Zhan? Right, husband?"

@Wei Wuxian Completely enamored by Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji had completely failed to notice the presence of his Uncle until the loud clearing of Lan Qiren's throat echoed through the Silent Chamber. Turning his head, Lan Wangji hurried to stand, only to be pressed down by Wei Wuxian. Still he respectfully extended his arms, bowing his head, "Uncle." he greeted. Lan Wangji did not know how much his Uncle had seen, but he didn't show any signs of regret or embarrassment on his pale skin, his expression as mellow as Lan Qiren had trained it to be since his youth. "Wangji is better. Much thanks to Uncle's concern."

Lan Qiren nodded his head, eventually changing the topic, "I would like a word with you about your class...Alone."

Lan Wangji had a pretty good idea of what the conversation was going to be about. In no position to argue with the elder, he looked over to Wei Wuxian, blinking a smile to the smaller male, "Wei Ying, is that okay?" he asked, then looking at the little rabbit on the floor, indicating for the smaller male to use that as his excuse.

The expression on Lan Qiren's face had hardened, maybe out of his surprise that Hanguang Jun, would be asking permission from the Yiling Patriarch, for a private meeting with his Uncle. The last Lan Qiren had checked, Wei Wuxian was the guest here, not his nephew. Still, he narrowed his eyes and cleared his throat, waiting for the black robed male to excuse himself.

As usual, Lan Qiren upheld the strict Gusu Lan upbringing despite Lan Wangji's condition. Since his nephew was able to move around, they koved the conversation to Lan Wangji's writing desk, where a pile of assignments had been left there since two days ago. Taking a seat at Lan Wangji's spot, Lan Qiren spared the scrolls a glance before looking at Lan Wangji. "Wangji, did you get sick from teaching?" he asked, looking over at the younger man with concern.

Lan Wangji shook his head, eyes downcasted to show respect, "Wangji does not know." he replied honestly. The sickness had come suddenly, too unexpectedly, that he didn't recognize its origins and causes.

Lan Qiren sighed, then d his beard, "Its good that you're feeling better. That's good..." he trailed off before clearing his throat again, "The disciples, why are they so unfamiliar with the dictation process?" he asked, "Have you not been doing it with them?"

Lan Wangji shook his head, "Have not." he confirmed.

Lan Qiren furrowed his brows, "And why is that?"

"The disciples usually cannot commit to memory what they dictate. Wangji uses the dicatation time to explain in details instead." he said, voice very calm.

"You never suspect that they will cheat?" Lan Qiren asked, wondering if that was how the pupils managed to answer his questions that morning.

"No. Wangji doesn't suspect that." Lan Wangji answered. Maybe it was because he had fallen ill, but Lan Qiren was handling the situation much differently than how the younger male expected him to.

"But dictation is part of our traditional Gusu teaching." Lan Qiren admonished.

"But these disciples are not Gusu disciples." Lan Wangji respectfully countered. "Wangji will continue dictations after Annual Study. Our disciples will be familiar with it."

Lan Qiren continued to his beard. He wasn't sure what to think about this situation now. Before, had he assigned teaching to his younger nephew, he couldn't predict if Lan Wangji's teaching style would have turned out the same way. He wanted to say he was positive his nephew would abide by tradition. In the back of his mind, he wanted to blame it on Wei Wuxian for this unorthodox change. Yet it also proved that his nephew knew what he was doing. Lan Wangji understood the disciples, and they were learning. Confused by this thought alone, Lan Qiren ended the discussion. "Rest more." he finally sighed, "Lectures, leave them to me." and he got up to leave.

"Much thanks, Uncle." Lan Wangji replied, standing to bow as the elder took his leave.

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@Lan Wangji Lan Wangji seemed to be getting better over the course of the next couple days. With the Annual Study drawing to a close, Wei Wuxian knew the other wanted to get back into the classroom as soon as possible, so he put aside anything and everything (not that he had a lot to begin with) to play wife for Lan Wangji. He fed Lan Wangji every single meal, making sure he kept it down, bathed him, kept him cool, and played the flute for him (just for fun, Wei Wuxian could not heal with it). Once every few hours, he would go down to the back mountains and switch out a new rabbit for Lan Wangji. He was sure the latter missed each and every one of them, but bringing the entire warren of rabbits into the heart of Cloud Recesses didn't see like such a good idea.

The third morning after Lan Wangji's illness, Wei Wuxian was elated to find that the other was looking almost completely healed and healthy. Lan Wangji ate most of his breakfast easily, and his movements did not seem so sluggish anymore. Even his eyes brightened. Still, Wei Wuxian's job was not over until Hanguang Jun was one-hundred-precent wholly back to his usual self. Lan Wangji's skin was still a little warmer than he would have liked, so at Lan Wangji's approval, he opened up the windows and doors to let fresh air circulate the room.

Wei Wuxian skipped past Lan Wangji for Little Rabbit the 23rd when a hand shot out and clasped around his wrist, pulling him down. Wei Wuxian grunted in surprise, but was pleased to find that he fell into Lan Wangji's embrace. His arms moved automatically to circle around his lover's waist, his cheek finding Lan Wangji's shoulder. "I'm fine," he said, his smile blinding as Lan Wangji d his hair. And he was, better than he'd felt the last few weeks. Seeing Lan Wangji alive and smiling always put the younger man in good spirits. "Good thing you're feeling better, Lan Zhan, because it's been a while since we..." One of Wei Wuxian's arms s back around to Lan Wangji's front, pressing against his clothed abdomen and trailing downwards. A suggestive smile pulled on a corner of Wei Wuxian's lips. Of course, he had no intention to jump Lan Wangji while he was still recovering. It was simply entertaining to tease Lan Wangji.

Stretching up, Wei Wuxian slotted his mouth over Lan Wangji's, kissing him languidly. Lan Wangji had initially been afraid Wei Wuxian might get sick, too, but the younger male threw all his warnings in the wind and kissed the other until it was time to rest, every single night. He loved Lan Wangji, and he wanted to do anything he could to show him. As Wei Wuxian was about to start poking his tongue along Lan Wangji's lips, the throat clearing startled Wei Wuxian enough to leap out of Lan Wangji's arms, red blooming across his cheek.

Shameless as he was, he needed to save Lan Wangji some face.

It was Lan Qiren, looking /extremely/ displeased. His mouth was shut in a thin, hard line, wrinkled skin framing cold, unforgiving eyes. Wei Wuxian stood to bow, but he held a hand out to stop Lan Wangji from standing. Without needing to ask, Wei Wuxian knew even if he had not seen everything, he picked out the worst part to see. He bowed his head, waiting for Lan Qiren to speak.

Lan Qiren did indeed see more than he needed to. He stood in silence for a moment, his stare boring into the space beside Wei Wuxian and his nephew, since he could not bear to look at the either of them right now. He was afraid if he opened his mouth to speak, he would start coughing up blood.

"Wangji," he finally grunted, almost ungracefully. "How are you feeling? Jingyi told me you had fallen ill, and I have taken over your classes for the time being. I have not had the time to visit until now. Are you getting better?" The truth was, he knew Wei Wuxian would be here the entire time, and there was something about that boy stopping Lan Qiren from fully accepting this... arrangement between him and his nephew. No, he knew exactly what it was. Wei Wuxian was, no, /is/ the Yiling Patriarch. He had the power to face entire sects, control such resentful energy, and Wangji was /fine/ with all of that? Lan Qiren would never understand his nephew.

In spite of that, Lan Qiren was not here to try and convince Wangji to force Wei Wuxian to leave yet. Lan Wangji was visibly looking much better, and there was the topic of his teaching style to be discussed. The disciples were almost... undisciplined, with the way they reacted to his demands for a dictation and the suspicious way they interacted with each other in the classroom. "I would like a word with you about your class." Lan Qiren dared a glance towards Wei Wuxian for a brief second. "Alone."

@Wei Wuxian It had been two days since Lan Wangji fell ill, Wei Wuxian having been by his side to care for him in his every waking moment. The bigger male was greatly appreciative towards his lover, but also apologetic, as this was the most he had ever let Wei Wuxian do since coming to the Cloud Recesses. Even when Lan Wangji insisted that he could do certain tasks himself, he eventually gave into Wei Wuxian's worries, obediently obliging to whatever the other wanted to do. The fever had gotten worse after going to the Cold Springs, but it had significantly died down since the night before. Lan Wangji accredited his fast recovery to Wei Wuxian's attentiveness.

In the meantime, Lan Qiren had taken over for his nephew's teaching. The elder did not expect to be back in the classroom after leaving it to Lan Wangji, but sudden circumstances called for his return. Upon entering the classroom and asking the disciples to turn in their written assignments and pull another piece of paper for dictation, Lan Qiren was met with many confused (and unhappy) murmurs. It was the norm to do dictation, so why so many complaints at such a late point into the annual study? It was only then that the Gusu Lan elder realized his nephew had been doing his lectures differently. Lan Wangji had not been giving exams every week, much less dictations everyday. Rather infuriorated by this realization, Lan Qiren began calling on pupils as he did Wei Wuxian in the past. He asked questions based on past lectures, only to be further surprised that the students managed to remember the majority of the answers. It was inexplicable how they did, and at one point during class, Lan Qiren had the suspicion that all fifteen disciples he had called on, had cheated somehow.

Since the day news got out about Hanguang Jun falling ill, Lan Qiren had not paid the young cultivator a visit. He had yet to receive a news update either, and felt it would be necessary to check on Wangji. Naturally, he was concerned. And in the back of his head, he decided that if Lan Wangji was feeling well enough, they'd also have a conversation of his lecturing methods.

Upon arriving at the Silent Chamber, Lan Qiren found that the doors were open. It was unlike his nephew to leave the doors open such that the interior of his personal spaces were visible to others. He took a few steps closer, and immediately saw Wei Wuxian's black robe coming into view...which happened to be resting on Lan Wangji's white ones.

In the room, in which the doors had been opened for ventilation and the breeze to help Lan Wangji cool down, the older male had been watching his lover bound around all morning, tending to his needs - really like the wife Wei Wuxian always claimed himself to be. Eventually, Lan Wangji had stopped Wei Wuxian in his tracks, pulling the smaller male into his lap. He would never initiate physical contact with another person...unless that person was his Wei Ying. His pale eyes, whose color had finally returned, crinkled slightly and the corner of his lips raised as he leaned in, the hand around the smaller's waist tightening, "Wei Ying, are you tired? Are you hungry?" he asked, brushing a strand of hair from the smaller's cheerful face. "I'm feeling better...because of you."

@Lan Wangji It was too dark for Wei Wuxian to see the exact expression Lan Wangji might be making or if he was blushing pink at the tips of his ears again, but the older's silence and the way he turned his head away from Wei Wuxian spoke volumes. Wei Wuxian suddenly burst out into laughter, his smaller body trembling against Lan Wangji's in a fit of joy. "Lan Zhan!" he cackled, muffling his laughter into Lan Wangji's side. "Who knew you could be such a scheming person? You would just go to bed without a word or a look my way, but every time I'm about to fall asleep, I thought I was imagining you holding me. Turns out you thought you could be sneaky about it- HAHAHA!"

Wei Wuxian was so loud he started Little Rabbit a second time, but his glee was cut short when Lan Wangji enveloped him tightly, muffling his noises in the older's chest. "Sleep," Lan Wangji commanded him, and Wei Wuxian giggled obnoxiously in response, shifting the arm he had pinned beneath his head into another position lest it fall asleep on him.

And just because he could, Wei Wuxian waited until Lan Wangji's breathing evened out and his eyelids stopped fluttering with so much movement before he shifted close, pressing his lips gently against Lan Wangji's. They felt hot against his own, still feverish. Now that he wasn't teasing and making fun of Lan Wangji at the moment, Wei Wuxian felt his worry return, its dark tendrils curling around his heart and lungs and suffocating him. What if it wasn't just a little sickness? Wei Wuxian hugged Lan Wangji a little tighter. He couldn't bear to lose the other. He wouldn't be able to.

@Wei Wuxian "Do you remember the promise we made?" Wei Wuxian suddenly asked him, making Lan Wangji rack his brain for the many promises that he had made to the smaller male, whether it be verbal or just within him. "We'll be together for a long time, won't we?" the other continued, to which Lan Wangji nodded his head.

"En. Very, very long time." he emphasized. Although this excess of heat against him was supposed to make Lan Wangji feel uncomfortable, in that moment, he didn't think too much about it. The worst feelings of having wronged Wei Wuxian, and getting pushed away, they were all being replaced by a feeling of fortune. Wei Wuxian's actions, his words, his looks at Lan Wangji, they were all glaring and visible reminders of the smaller male's feelings towards him - feelings that he had to cherish and hold onto tightly. Lan Wangji couldn't act rashly like he did again, and that lesson was learned the hard way, a rare route that he almost never took.

Sighing softly, he had just closed his eyes when Wei Wuxian's voice drew his attention gain. "En." he replied when the smaller called his name, blinking his eyes open slightly, just a crack so he could see his lover.

"You... when we slept last night, and the night before, were you... you /did/ hold me!" Wei Wuxian (rightfully) accused.

Frozen in his spot and holding his breath from the realization that Wei Wuxian may not have been asleep as he realized. He opened his mouth, but not a sound came out. Unable to admit it honestly or lie and deny the situation, Lan Wangji turned his head away, the pink creeping up on his ears. Luckily, the room was dark and Wei Wuxian wouldn't be able to see it. He thought he had gotten away with it, especially when Wei Wuxian was not feeling happy with him, Lan Wangji didn't want to be a burden. His actions always came back to bite him.

"I-" he suddenly stuttered again, then sighing softly. It was very characteristic of him to not say anything when he didn't want to answer the question, thus inadverdently confirming Wei Wuxian's suspicions. Lan Wangji suddenly turned, startling the sleeping rabbit at the foot of the bed, collecting Wei Wuxian into his arms. Despite the hot temperature of his body, he wanted to openly embrace the smaller male. He didn't want to hide behind Wei Wuxian's sleep to do it. "Sleep." he gently urged the smaller male, refusing to answer any more questions. Lan Wangji also closed his eyes, the fatigue and sickness combining to easily help him lose consciousness.

@Lan Wangji Receptive to Lan Wangji's cuddling behaviour, Wei Wuxian pressed even closer, if it was possible, his uninjured leg thrown over Lan Wangji's in a great effort to lay claim over anything he could reach. Holding Lan Wangji now, Wei Wuxian realized he needed Lan Wangji so much the pain of loneliness in the past few days were just hitting him.

Wei Wuxian closed his eyes when he felt soft, albeit a little dry lips touch his forehead. His hand that lay over Lan Wangji's stomach curled slightly, up a bit of the undershirt with it. "Hanguang Jun is too kind," Wei Wuxian whispered, lowering his volume to match the night again. "Lan Zhan..." he sighed fondly, his hand laid over Lan Wangji's chest beginning to circles into the other's sleep-wear with his fingernails. How he loved this man. So much Wei Wuxian impulsively swore to himself that he would never even get upset about his situation at Cloud Recesses again. Now that in his two lifetimes, he's had a taste of life with and without Lan Wangji, he wouldn't trade his Lan Zhan for anything in the world.

As sappy as that thought sounded, Wei Wuxian was overcome with an enormous desire to let Lan Wangji know. "Do you remember the promise we made?" Wei Wuxian suddenly asked, his voice thick and drowsy with the exhaustion that settled over him like a blanket. "We'll be together for a long time, won't we?"

Then, a burning question entered his mind. With Lan Wangji's warmth around him now, Wei Wuxian was reminded of the previous few nights - the same, warm feeling and the scent of /home/ enveloping him. "Lan Zhan..." he began, lifting his head and narrowing his eyes at Lan Wangji. "You... when we slept last night, and the night before, were you... you /did/ hold me!"

@Wei Wuxian Wei Wuxian had naturally curled back up against Lan Wangji, seeming to pay no attention to the heat emanating from the bigger male. In fact, Wei Wuxian's breath, which was usually warm, had a cooling affect on Lan Wangji's sweaty skin that night. Lan Wangji felt a small twitching beside his leg, which he later came to recognize as the little rabbit that Wei Wuxian had brought back with him earlier, its fur slightly damp. He didn't move, rather letting the animal fall asleep there, probably comforted by the heat that his body provided.

Hearing Wei Wuxian call his name, Lan Wangji gave a small "En." in response, indicating that he could hear the male and was listening. "I’m sorry. It’s my fault. Did I burden you too much the past few days? You already have so much to do, and I was acting like that. Jiang Cheng would just yell at me if he were here. You know what, I think you should do that too. Then you wouldn’t be sick now… that’s what you are… you got sick, didn’t you…?” Wei Wuxian began to ramble, somehow tracing the fault back to himself.

"No, its not you." Lan Wangji denied outrightedly. He also furrowed his brows at the thought of yelling at the smaller male. Lan Wangji couldn't imagine being so petty enough to yell at Wei Wuxian, unlike /someone/. He quickly added, "Can't bear to (yell at you)." he sighed softly, turning his head so he could nuzzle it against the smaller male affectionately. Lan Wangji had come to the conclusion that the cold shoulder he had been getting from the smaller male the past few days had been entirely his fault, yet Wei Wuxian had somehow always let him be the bigger person. His Wei Ying was indeed considerate of him, and Lan Wangji couldn't help but to press his pale lips against Wei Wuxian's forehead, "You're here...then I feel better."

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian wanted to take Lan Wangji there and back, but the latter insisted he clean himself up here, so Wei Wuxian watched with an immensely worried expression until he could no longer see Lan Wangji after he turned to corner down the path. If he was not back in an incense's worth of time, Wei Wuxian would go to check, he told himself.

With time alone, Wei Wuxian scrubbed himself clean and washed his long, inky hair thoroughly. Dressed in his sleepwear and waiting for his damp hair to dry and detangle, Wei Wuxian even found time to give Little Rabbit a wash. Perhaps he could use the excuse of returning the little thing to his brood-mates, but he knew how much Lan Wangji liked rabbits. Perhaps they would be able to help him feel a little better, recover a little faster. Fondly, he remembered when Lan Wangji had gone and gotten himself drunk shortly before they’d encountered Yi City. Wei Wuxian had asked him if he liked rabbits, and the softest smile possessed Lan Wangji’s confused expression when he admitted that he did.

"Wei Ying. I'm back."

Wei Wuxian took much too long showering, as it turned out. Before he knew it, Lan Wangji was back, his loose hair dampened near the ends. “Lan Zhan!” he cried, leaping up. Little Rabbit jumped off Wei Wuxian’s lap, his cute, tiny nose twitching indignantly. Wei Wuxian hurried to Lan Wangji’s side, helping him with his robe. He folded it the neatest he had ever folded laundry and set it at the foot of their bed, beside his own messily bundled one. After the candles in the room were extinguished, Wei Wuxian crawled into bed first, taking the inside near the window so the breeze would not chill Lan Wangji over the night.

"Are you scared?"

Wei Wuxian looked up at Lan Wangji’s ghostly-looking face. If Wei Wuxian did not know any better, he would have thought he was facing a ghost. “Scared of what?” Wei Wuxian grinned, taking Lan Wangji’s hand and giving it a small tug, wanting the other to come to bed and rest. The sooner Lan Wangji healed, the better. He snatching off Lan Wangi’s forehead ribbon with an easy motion. The back of his hand pressed against his partner’s forehead. “Lan Zhan, are you good? You’re talking nonsense. Come to bed, Er gege.” With that, once Lan Wangji was settled, Wei Wuxian attached himself to the older without hesitation, leaving not even an inch of space between them.

“Lan Zhan,” he whispered into the dark, his face buried so deep into Lan Wangji’s neck his lips moved against the skin of Wangji’s neck as he spoke. “Can you hear me? I want to tell you something.” Now that they were finally settled, Wei Wuxian thought he might have the courage to say what he needed to. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault. Did I burden you too much the past few days? You already have so much to do, and I was acting like that. Jiang Cheng would just yell at me if he were here. You know what, I think you should do that too. Then you wouldn’t be sick now… that’s what you are… you got sick, didn’t you…?”

@Wei Wuxian Lan Wangji wasn't feeling as dizzy as he was earlier, and he attributed that to getting more fluids in his body. He was just feeling feverish, thus the thought of the cold water to cool him down was very inviting. He shook his head, not wanting Wei Wuxian to busy himself over such trivial matters. The smaller male had been out the entire day and would need to shower and rest as well. Lan Wangji nodded his head in agreement once given the permission to go, muttering somewhat weakly, "Won't be gone long." he said, standing up and slowly making his way to the door. He didn't bring Bichen with him, didn't remember to. He took careful steps, heading to the Cold Springs with every intention of staying until the extra heat escaped his body.

Well, there was never evidence that it would work, but Lan Wangji ended up staying there for about an incense stick's worth of time. It was quite interesting, that his body, which had been familiar with the colder waters in the spring for his entire life, was suddenly shivering when he stayed in there for too long. Lan Wangji had tried to meditate, but it would get so unbearably cold that he'd have to move around a bit, then try to settle back down again. The feeling was inexplicable. The last he had felt his body shiver due to the cold was when he was only about seven or eight, when his elder brother had first brought him to the Cold Springs.

Eventually, he couldn't handle it anymore. He wanted to go back to Wei Wuxian. The bigger male stepped out of the Cold Spring, donning his robes over him rather untidily by his standards, and went back to the Silent Chamber once more. Though the immediate reaction was that it had helped to some extent, upon entering the room, Lan Wangji felt the heat returning to his body once more - and this time it felt even hotter. He noted that the disciples had already brought in the hot water for Wei Wuxian's bath, and he looked for the smaller male, making his way over to the bed, "Wei Ying. I'm back." he reported, sitting down to take off his shoes and remove the outer robe.

As much as he wanted to hug the smaller male, the heat radiating from his body would probably be very uncomfortable for them both, thus Lan Wangji gave the smaller an apologetic look, letting Wei Wuxian get into bed first. "Are you scared?" he asked, /"about me getting you sick?"/ he then added in his mind. His eyes seemed to have some light return to them as he looked over at his partner, then sighing softly, indicating his displeasure at not being able to hug his Wei Ying.

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian almost started cackling at Lan Wangji's immediate reaction if not for the full bowl of soup he held in his hands. He giggled, his eyes crinkling at the corners when he grinned. "What's with that reaction? You don't like it?" He allowed Lan Wangji to take the bowl from him, his fingertips lingering against the hot porcelain until he was sure Lan Wangji had a steady grip. He bent for the basket again to see if there was anything else he could try and get Lan Wangji to eat, he found the rabbit he had brought from the back mountain with its head in the basket.

"Hey!" Wei Wuxian scooped the little rabbit up easily with one hand. Its heart was beating so fast against his palm, and Wei Wuxian was apologetic for scaring him (he checked) as he d his long ears. "Little Rabbit, that food's for Hanguang Jun." Cradling the bunny in a more gentle position, Wei Wuxian set him onto Lan Wangji's lap, watching fondly how he settled and curled up to his owner's warmth.

“Wei Ying, you eat too."

"I will," Wei Wuxian reassured him, picking out a dish full of greens. Light green, dark green, yellow-green. Wei Wuxian's eyebrow twitched, but he diligently picked out a decently sized piece and holding it out to Lan Wangji. He could no longer make Lan Wangji eat anything else, however, and the other looked so genuinely miserable about it Wei Wuxian relented and ate everything himself, double his usual portion. Though the taste was either nonexistent or medicinally bitter, Wei Wuxian wolfed it all down, hungry after a day of roaming the back mountains with Lil Apple.

Wei Wuxian was beginning to prepare Lan Wangji for bed by letting down his hair, using his fingers to comb out the waves it acquired while pinned up. It was then that Lan Wangji made a startling move to sit up straighter, proclaiming that he needed to to the Cold Spring. Wei Wuxian nearly had a heart attack, his hands throwing out to stop Lan Wangji from sitting up any further. "Now?" he fretted, his brows knitting close together. "Lan Zhan, you need to rest. If you keep moving, you won't get better. How about I try to find medicine for you instead? Maybe there's herbs I can brew tea with."

But the more Wei Wuxian tried to convince him that he shouldn't be moving, the guiltier he felt. He knew if it was the other way around (like when he injured his foot), how frustrating it would be to be treated so invalidly. "Okay... you can go for a little. But if you feel worse, you have to tell me. And if I think you have to go back to bed, you can't argue. Understand?"

@Wei Wuxian Aside for Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji wouldn’t be comfortable with anyone else touching him, thus when the other offered to bring in a physician, Lan Wangji shook his head, insisting that he’d be fine after a few days. Though it should be the least of his worries at the moment, he didn’t want anyone to see the brand mark on his chest and the scars along his back – it would warrant many unnecessary questions that he did not feel the need to ever bring up again. It wasn’t like him to be stubborn, but he was sure that after some rest, his body would be able to overcome the illness itself.

Eventually, when Wei Wuxian brought dinner over, Lan Wangji only managed to murmur, “You eat first.” Before falling silent again. The smaller male insisted on helping him sit up and drink the soup. Lan Wangji wasn’t disabled in any manner, he could move his arms and legs just fine, but the doting gestures that he was receiving from his lover kept him silent. He didn’t want to come off as ungrateful, and the smile on Wei Wuxian’s face only further served to ease some of the heaviness on his heart from the days past. “En.” He said, opening his mouth to drink the soup offered to him on the porcelain spoon. As much as Wei Wuxian complained that Gusu Lan Sect made really bland tasting food, Lan Wangji never really understood what the other meant until that particular sip. His taste buds failed him, and it felt like he was simply drinking water, despite the abundant plant roots traces that were in the soup.

"How domestic is this, Lan Zhan? Do you think I would make a good wife?" Wei Wuxian suddenly brought up. Lan Wangji couldn’t get any hotter even if he thought he did.

Wei Wuxian was very talented at putting ideas in Lan Wangji’s head, and this was only another example of the other’s expertise. Lan Wangji reached out for the bowl, taking it in his own hands, “I can do it.” He said, a very obvious shade of pink contrasting his icy white skin. Though they had been traveling together, cultivating together, and now living together, such a homely thought was still relatively unfamiliar to Lan Wangji. He remembered doing prostrations to Wei Wuxian’s adoptive parents back at Lotus Cove, the same night he had discovered how Wei Wuxian lost his golden core. The turn of events that night had been so dramatic that the miniscule actions were obscured. Wei Wuxian, frankly speaking, was already Lan Wangji’s wife.

He never ate at his bed, due to hygienic concerns. Yet right now, Lan Wangji could care less. He wanted to share the meal with Wei Wuxian, urging the smaller to eat with him. “Wei Ying.” He murmured out, voice rather heavy and strained, “You eat too.” Lan Wangji continued to sip the soup obediently, finishing it and refusing anything else. His appetite was completely gone, and the thought of eating while he was in such an uncomfortable state was even more unappealing.

Once they finished dinner, Wei Wuxian having to eat double his portion because Lan Wangji couldn’t finish, the older realized that he still had to bathe. Aside from that, Wei Wuxian couldn’t keep wiping away his sweat with a towel all night – the smaller male had to sleep too. “Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji suddenly said, making an attempt to sit up in bed, “Cold Springs. I want to go a trip.”

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian stilled in his obsessive dabbing and wiping when Lan Wangji's warm hand touched his cheek. He held his breath, his heart fluttering (rather obnoxiously) in his chest. Like the tension from the past few days never existed or just dissolved right away, Wei Wuxian leaned into the touch, his frets dying down momentarily for them to bask in the tender moment.

For the rest of the evening, Wei Wuxian worked to keep Lan Wangji cool. There was really no other explanation for Lan Wangji's uncomfortably hot skin besides a fever. Wei Wuxian had one when he was /extremely/ young, but he could not recall for the life of him how his shijie took care of him when that happened. He only remembered having a few days off (not that Jiang Fengmian ever /forced/ him to do strenuous training exercises, Wei Wuxian just liked it) tucked in bed, with his shijie's lotus pork rib soup and lots of comforting words offered to him.

Right. Lan Wangji would need to eat. Wei Wuxian let him rest quietly until a disciple came to deliver their meal. He seemed surprised when Wei Wuxian answered his arrival instead of Hanguang Jun. The younger disciples probably had not caught wind of the news yet, then. Wei Wuxian only let Lan Jingyi know so the boy could pass the news to Lan Qiren, and he had wholeheartedly expected Lan Jingyi to let it slip (accidental or otherwise).

"Lan Zhan, are you awake? Eat something before you sleep again," Wei Wuxian said, placing the basket by his feet beside the bed. He leaned over Lan Wangji's sickly looking face, his heart going out to this poor man. How many times had Hanguang Jun been sick in his life? "Maybe I should go to town for a physician, Lan Zhan. I don't want to wait until..." 'Until it gets worse,' he wanted to say, but he bit his words back. He was scaring himself for no reason. Still, it would be better to be safe than sorry, wouldn't it?

Half lugging and half aiding, Wei Wuxian got Lan Wangji to sit up lest he choke on his dinner. "At least drink the soup, Lan Zhan," he murmured coaxingly, taking the lid off the bowl of hot (and extremely bland looking) soup and sticking the porcelain spoon in it. He blew on a spoonful before he held it out to Lan Wangji deathly white lips. "Be good, Lan Zhan, don't refuse," he all but cooed, a mischievous twinkle returning to his eyes. "How domestic is this, Lan Zhan? Do you think I would make a good wife?"

There were so many things Wei Wuxian wanted to say to Lan Wangji. He wanted to apologize, to explain his behaviour and ask for forgiveness, but all he could do was grin at Lan Wangji and say the most shameful things to elicit a blush or a reaction of any kind out of the older man again. It felt good to the weight that had been plaguing him for days off his shoulders.

@Wei Wuxian "Am I supposed to do nothing for you when you look like you're on the verge of death? Lie down."

Lan Wangji found himself obediently listening to Wei Wuxian's instructions, lying down as he was told. He didn't close his eyes all the way, but he also didn't want to close them, resulting in the half-lidded look that he always donned when he was drunk. Maybe there was a way to become intoxicated without alcoholic consumption - though Lan Wangji was skeptical about that possibility through and through, he couldn't entirely rule it out. At least he had a very clear idea of what was going on right now, and the little actions that his Wei Ying were carrying out for his sake - he remembered them all very clearly.

When Wei Wuxian did return to his side, Lan Wangji felt the cooling cloth dabbing against his skin, was brought both a refreshing and burning effect on his skin, his mind seemingly unable to differentiate between hot and cold. He shook his head, indicating that it didn't hurt anywhere. Only his head was spinning, which attributed to his lack of coordination and inability to diagnose what was plaguing him himself.

Despite all this, Lan Wangji had turned his head in the direction of Wei Wuxian's voice, the smaller male commanding his attention once more. "Lan Zhan, I..." the smaller male started, which Lan Wangji opened his eyes for, just to get a better look at the smaller's face. "I love you," the smaller male said once again. Though Lan Wangji wasn't feeling physically better than before, that statement alone brought a very weak attempt of a smile onto his face. "I'm going to take care of you. Tell me if it hurts anywhere, okay? Don't try to pretend it's not." Wei Wuxian said to him, his voice seeming to be caught in his throat.

Lan Wangji reached a hand up, gently cupping the smaller's face in the palm of his hand, "En." he replied, nodding his head once, "I love you."

Maybe falling so deathly ill was a blessing in disguise, as Lan Wangji soon realized that this meant he would be by Wei Wuxian's side for the entire day. The disciples had been gossiping about the sickly shade of white on Hanguang Jun's face, which eventually traveled to Lan Qiren's ears. Not believing it at first, the elder didn't pay much attention to it. It was only when Lan Wangji asked Wei Wuxian to help him send a note to his Uncle through Jingyi, that the elder had d his beard a frown on his face. It was for two reason: one being that he was genuinely very concerned for his younger nephew, who had been shouldering the responsibilities for two people for the past three or so months, and two being that Wei Wuxian was the one taking care of Lan Wangji during the time that he was ill. The elder had contemplated visiting Lan Wangji that night upon receiving the news, but just the thought of seeing Wei Wuxian again made his blood boil, and he decided he would wait for a later time, when he could catch his nephew alone.

For the rest of the evening, Lan Wangji was completely complacent to whatever Wei Wuxian did for him. He didn't argue, just listened and did as he was told. The smaller male was so tender, so gentle in helping Lan Wangji that he almost believed the past few days to have just been an ugly dream. Lan Wangji laid in the bed, gazing up at Wei Wuxian with heavy eyelids. "Wei Ying..." he called, though he had nothing to say. Lan Wangji was simply falling for the smaller male all over again. He had come to realize that there were always new sides to Wei Wuxian that he would fall for, over and over again.