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@Lan Wangji "Wei ...Ying...Don't...talk anymore."

"I have a mouth, it's for talking!" Wei Wuxian cried indignantly, his hands sliding over Lan Wangji's scar-marked chest to grip onto his biceps, his nails digging into the soft skin stretched over hard muscles. Lan Wangji's were obviously burning a bright pink now, and it was endearing that when he blushed, it only showed in the tips of his ears and in the slightest tinge on his neck, but never in his cheeks. Oh, how he loved to tease and rile up the older man. Wei Wuxian inhaled sharply when Lan Wangji slammed his hips noticeably more vigorously against his bottom, his voice breaking as he movement forced a groan out of him.

There was a thin sheen of sweat beginning to form over Wei Wuxian's skin, chilling him whilst he produced copious amounts of heat from the exertion of trying to roll his waist to Lan Wangji's rhythm. He panted softly, his hand knocking into Lan Wangji's when he moved to swipe a bead of sweat rolling down his temple and Lan Wangji was reaching for his neck.

"Mine." Lan Wangji said as his fingers traced the ribbon.

"Yes, it's yours," Wei Wuxian moaned, throwing his hand aside theatrically to fist up the sheets in his hand, clenching onto them so tightly his knuckles whitened. "I'm just borrowing it for a moment, Lan Zhan, I'll give it back to you-" Wei Wuxian was no quitter. Encouraged by Lan Wangji's warnings for him to keep his mouth shut, Wei Wuxian continued to babble whatever though crossed his mind, whether they were wholly appropriate or not. "Hanguang Jun!" he yelped, his body jerking in response to another graze of Lan Wangji's length against just the right spots inside his soft hole. "You know what you should- ah- what you should do? Choke me, Lan Zhan, I bet it's going to feel so good. Just wrap your hand here..." Wei Wuxian made a weak pass at grabbing Lan Wangji's hand, trying to place it according over the base of his neck. "And squeeze... Good boy, Lan Zhan, you can do it-"

@Wei Wuxian Lan Wangji didn't mind that Wei Wuxian was slapping at his chest, rather hoping that it was an outlet that would help the smaller male endure the pain. As he bent forward so he could kiss Wei Wuxian's cheek and jawline, the angle of his shifted slightly, allowing him to gently rock his hips against the smaller male. Though in any other situation, hearing Wei Wuxian moved to tears and sobbing would evoke Lan Wangji's rage towards the perpetrator, he realized he was the one behind it all. Wei Wuxian's moans, though pitiful, lit the fire in Lan Wangji's core, a feeling of utter possessiveness boiling within him. No one but himself should ever see Wei Wuxian in this vulnerable, seductive, untamed state.

"Oh, Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian managed to utter between his moans "You know what I dream of sometimes? I wish you would take me from behind really, really hard. Instead of making me copy the 3000 rules, you should've just done me like this. Pinned me down and done me until I beg for you to stop-"

Those words brought pink back to Lan Wangji's ears. Regardless of the endless actions he would be willing to partake in with Wei Wuxian, hearing those words always sent chills down his spine. This kind of humiliating talk was hard for him to adjust to, and through the rhythmic movement of his hips, he groaned in a hush voice, "Wei ...Ying...Don't...talk anymore." he said, giving another rough as warning. Little did Wei Wuxian know (or maybe he did know and was doing it intentionally), this kind of talk had suddenly given rise to many thoughts in Lan Wangji's heads. Though he considered them shameful and impure, and would never share them with anyone, such visions made him even more wild for Wei Wuxian, the increase of speed and intensity in his s serving as evidence.

And now there was a new visual in sight - his forehead ribbon wrapped around Wei Wuxian's neck, the area that was littered with Lan Wangji's teeth marks and kisses. The little platelet was resting on a particularly dark bruise coincidentally, and Lan Wangji couldn't tear his eyes from the sight, which was coupled with Wei Wuxian's lewd moans. He couldn't help himself, eventually placing all his weight on one arm, using the other hand to trace down Wei Wuxian's neck, along the lines created by the ribbon, "Mine." he muttered again. Lan Wangji was talking about this visual as a whole. The forehead ribbon, the visuals, the audio, the person.

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian figured he had officially lost his mind when he asked for Lan Wangji to just do him without the oil, without the preparation. He /knew/ it was going to be painful, yet he could not help but /want/ the pain, the pleasure, anything Lan Wangji could inflict upon him. He cried out pitifully when the thick rod of flesh pierced and entered him, ignoring Lan Wangji's previous warning for him to stay quiet. The way Lan Wangji's arousal pulsed and shifted inside him had Wei Wuxian writhing and slapping his palms against Lan Wangji's chest weakly.

He liked to pretend. Pretend that he was struggling, that he was hurting, or that he didn't like what Lan Wangji was doing to him for multiple reasons. It was fun to see Lan Wangji's reactions to him, and it was /such/ a turn on to feel Lan Wangji's length twitch inside him from Wei Wuxian's teasing.

The slightest bit of slick between them did little to help the burn from the friction. Wei Wuxian squeezed his eyes shut as he moaned loudly, his throaty noises coming close to sobs when Lan Wangji began to roll his hips. Wei Wuxian tried to mirror the movements, bucking his hips up to meet Lan Wangji's midway. "Oh, Lan Zhan," he choked out, his eyes opening only to roll back towards the back of his skull. "You know what I dream of sometimes? I wish you would take me from behind really, really hard. Instead of making me copy the 3000 rules, you should've just done me like this. Pinned me down and done me until I beg for you to stop-"

@Wei Wuxian Lan Wangji looked down at Wei Wuxian in concern when the smaller male tugged at his wrist, wondering if something had happened while he wasn't paying attention, or if he had somehow hurt the other. "Lan Zhan. I don't want that. I just want you. Just do it. It's not going to hurt me." Wei Wuxian tried to persuade him, not letting him get the little bottle in his hand opened. Lan Wangji looked back and forth from the little vial in his hand to the male underneath him, wanting to protest and say he was sure it was going to hurt. But with that reassurance, Lan Wangji's growing impatience got the best of him and he relented, putting the bottle back in its tucked away location on the bed and lowering himself against Wei Wuxian again.

He length seemed to bounce out of its confines when he pulled his trousers down, the tip already coated with pre-. Lining it up against the puckered entrance, Lan Wangji looked at Wei Wuxian, as if giving the smaller male one last chance to stop him before he couldn't hold back any longer. Not receiving any protests, he nudged the tip against the other's entrance, the large mushroom tip breaching the entrance in its very familiar fashion. Lan Wangji was very careful, face stone frozen as he tried to control himself from just burying himself all the way inside from the beginning.

He was quick to cater to any and all of Wei Wuxian's needs, placing kisses along the other's body again as means of distraction from the stretch. He didn't want to stop Wei Wuxian from though, because Lan Wangji had been silently wanting that affirmation - to know that Wei Wuxian would only make those noises in front of him, and for him. Once his was fully sheathed inside Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji took a few deep breaths, looking down at the smaller and observing his facial reactions. Only when it seemed that Wei Wuxian had gotten slightly adjusted did Lan Wangji begin to move, the movements becoming smoother as his own fluids coated the smaller's walls, making movement easier.

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian was pleased to see the way Lan Wangji tensed up at his antics before forcefully wrenching his legs apart. Playfully, he tried to close them, but Lan Wangji's large and imposing presence had already fitted himself between Wei Wuxian's slim legs. He ended up squeezing his knees into Lan Wangji's sides, his fond gaze never leaving the other as Lan Wangji busied himself with searching for something over near Wei Wuxian's head.

Who knew getting his the taut, stretched skin over this collarbones could feel so damn good? Wei Wuxian let out a low, throaty moan, his head tilting back and pushing into the bed. His neck was exposed despite being wrapped up in ribbon, the whiteness of the material contrasting against the dark splotches blooming across his neck.

He watched Lan Wangji through hooded, lust-filled eyes, his hands roaming across his lover's broad shoulders and down his sides, and then over his chest when the other pulled back to cover his fingers with oil. Wei Wuxian's heart skipped a beat, then he reached out to close his fingers around Lan Wangji's wrist, pulling it away from the bottle. "Lan Zhan," he exhaled, struggling to take another breath before he made his request. It was a little silly one, because Wei Wuxian knew he was going to regret, it but he couldn't bear to make his sweet Lan Zhan wait another second. "I don't want that. I just want you. Just do it. It's not going to hurt me."

@Wei Wuxian Unlike Wei Wuxian, who had no clue that he was being undressed until he was undressed, Lan Wangji could feel the smaller's uncoordinated movements that were roaming all over his upper body. The removal of the sash removed the tightness and constraints his robe placed on him. He made no move to fight the smaller male off, instead finding a sense of amusement in how Wei Wuxian could change so quickly. Lan Wangji felt his head-ornament shifting on his head when Wei Wuxian pulled his white undershirt up over his head. It was the same one that he had lent to the smaller one a while back. Along with the clothing of his that had been removed, Lan Wangji reached up to remove the head-ornament, setting it at the head of their bed so that it wouldn't get in the way, as he did not like the feeling of it crooked in his hair.

Given his ample experience with having the forehead ribbon removed at Wei Wuxian's will, Lan Wangji didn't flinch as the smaller male gave the material a tug, baring his forehead again. Wei Wuxian was playing with it between his fingertips, a very cheeky smile on his face. Lan Wangji watched intensely as the smaller male wrapped the ribbon on himself. To this, he greatly surprised, because out of all the places for Wei Wuxian to tie the ribbon, the male had chosen his neck as the destination. Lan Wangji's eyes flickered downwards at the bare skin that was being laced with the ribbon. Now he wondered if he should have made darker marks last night, since it was obvious that place wouldn't be getting as much attention tonight.

"Get it, Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian asked him, making Lan Wangji's breath fasten again, "I'm a present. A gift." Wei Wuxian's slim fingers d down his chest, making Lan Wangji furrow his brows in an attempt to control himself.

"En." Lan Wangji replied curtly. It was true. Wei Wuxian was the best present in Lan Wangji's life. That being said, he didn't want to hold back anymore, and reached a hand between Wei Wuxian's legs, pushing at his left inner thigh such that the other would spread them. Lan Wangji then repositioned himself, settling between the smaller's lean legs and pressing their lips together once more for good measure. He instinctively reached for their bottle of floral scented oil, busying himself to prep Wei Wuxian with his fingers while his mouth found a new location of interest - the other's bared shoulders and collarbone.

@Lan Wangji Since Lan Wangji did not answer, Wei Wuxian opened his mouth to ask again, but his lips were covered with Lan Wangji's instead. His focus shifted from picking on poor Lan Zhan to kissing him eagerly, nibbling on the plush, pillow-like lips.

"Cloud Recesses forbids loud noises."

"Hanguang Jun," Wei Wuxian whined, his voice muffled with his mouth pressed against Lan Wangji's skin. "You're so unfair. You weren't saying this to me the past /month/." Despite his sulky act, Wei Wuxian was beginning to feel impatient. His hands worked on the sash wrapped snug around Lan Wangji's lean waist, tearing it off with fumbling movements. Without taking his lips of Lan Wangji's, Wei Wuxian slid the outer robe off the other man's shoulders. He only broke away to lift the undershirt over Lan Wangji's head, knocking his hair-ornament askew. With an apologetic grin, Wei Wuxian reached out to try and straighten it. When he withdrew his hand, his fingertips paused over the blue-white ribbon wrapped around Lan Wangji's forehead. In the low light, the centre metal plate glinted subtly. Wei Wuxian traced the pattern with his fingers before deftly pulling it off in a swift motion.

There were plenty of things to do with the ribbon now that it was in Wei Wuxian's hands. He grinning at Lan Wangji, as if daring him to take it back, and very slowly and deliberately wrapped it around his neck. The ribbon was long enough to loop around twice and tie into a little bow to rest at the base of his throat. Letting his robes fall even further down his sides, Wei Wuxian straightened out the bow before his hands returned to Lan Wangji's bare chest, stroking down his abdomen gently. "Get it, Lan Zhan?" he husked softly. "I'm a present. A gift."

@Wei Wuxian Lan Wangji's eyes widened as Wei Wuxian suddenly doubled over in laughter, that sonorous sound filling the entire Silent Chamber. He blinked a few times, watching quietly as Wei Wuxian's face contorted into the bright and ecstatic expressions that Lan Wangji had just seen during dinner. "Hng." he grunted again, ears reddening as it seemed the younger finally caught onto the situation.

"My sweet, sweet Lan Zhan. Is that why you were sulking? You wanted me to call you sweet as flowers again?" Wei Wuxian seemed to be having a hard time talking between his laughter, and Lan Wangji felt his body temperature rise again. "Lan Zhan, were you jealous?"

To this, Wei Wuxian received no answer. The older male was still staring intently at Wei Wuxian's figure, which had rolled onto its side and was wrecked with convulses of laughter. The bigger male reached a hand out, gripping Wei Wuxian's shoulder and pushing the smaller onto his back again, trapping the male so he couldn't push Lan Wangji away again. Lan Wangji did indeed like the sound of Wei Wuxian's laughter, but the male was so loud - and it was so late at night, that he had to hush Wei Wuxian lest they got into trouble with his Uncle for causing a ruckus. While Wei Wuxian was still in the midst of calming down from his bouts of laughter, Lan Wangji kissed him again, just briefly, "Cloud Recesses forbids loud noises." he muttered against Wei Wuxian's lips.

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian could see that Lan Wangji was a little displeased with how the smaller pushed at him, so he loosened his grip on his robes a little, letting them fall enough to reveal a little skin, hoping to soothe Lan Wangji. "Alright, alright, here," he grumbled, releasing his clothes completely, shivering when his bare chest was exposed to again. "Since you look so unhappy when I'm covered, keep me warm when I'm not."

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji called, and Wei Wuxian's attention was caught again quickly, his hand falling from Lan Wangji's firm chest. "It's /you/ that's sweet as flowers."

For a moment, Wei Wuxian was silent, a multitude of emotions and thoughts racing through his mind. First of all, when and where did Lan Wangji learn such romantic words? GusuLan was probably the least romantic sect Wei Wuxian had ever come upon, probably on par with Jin Zixuan's terrible courtship skills. Still, Wei Wuxian was impressed, a smitten grin stretching his lips. Second, why did this specific phrase sound so familiar? As he raised his hand to Lan Wangji's cheek and praise him for managing to utter such pretty words, it clicked. It was what Wei Wuxian had told the bracelet stall maiden earlier, almost his exact words.

Wei Wuxian couldn't help it. He burst out laughing, rolling onto his side and doubling over in laughter and shoving Lan Wangji away from him once he felt lips touch his neck. His raucous cackling filled the chamber, and even at the risk of getting a telling off from Lan Qiren the next day, Wei Wuxian couldn't stop until tears of mirth blurred his vision. He felt terrible for laughing at Lan Wangji, but it was so adorable he just had to get it out of his system. Finally, he knew why Lan Wangji was acting like /that/.

"Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian cried, giggles escaping him as he tried to stifle his laughter. "My sweet, sweet Lan Zhan. Is that why you were sulking? You wanted me to call you sweet as flowers again?" Wiping away stray tears, Wei Wuxian took Lan Wangji's face in his hands again, the occasional laugh bubbling up. "Lan Zhan, were you jealous?"

@Wei Wuxian Lan Wangji huffed, the noise coming out as if he had "hmph"ed at Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian made a good, but futile attempt to cover himself up again, having no idea that the action simply served to provoke Lan Wangji further. Taking hold of the hand that was pressed again, Lan Wangji didn't move it away, instead holding it there, almost as if he was pressing his body closer. Though he had no recollection of every telling Wei Wuxian this, as these words were said when he had been intoxicated, Lan Wangji was hoping that the other would understand "what the matter with him" was. What could not be read through expressions and words, could most definitely be read through his heartbeat.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji called his name, the tenderness if his voice having returned when he was saying words that were so dear to his heart. It was only brief though, and a layer of firmness was added on as he continued, "It's /you/ that's sweet as flowers." he said, repeating the words that Wei Wuxian had used to describe the little vendor maiden earlier. Lan Wangji remembered everything that had to do with Wei Wuxian, held all of the words the other said in his sea of memories. Wei Wuxian was the pretty little maiden to Lan Wangji, therefore if that was the appropriate way to describe a maiden, then it was only right such words be used on the smaller male. Naivete or whatever it be, Lan Wangji would always trust Wei Wuxian's descriptions. Just like sixteen years back, when he had insisted that lotus seeds were plucked fresh from the root were better tasting than ones that were sold in the market, or that watermelon skin could be stir-fried. Whatever the case be, he would always take Wei Wuxian's word for it. Except now, Wei Wuxian's word had gotten the smaller into trouble, and Lan Wangji only wasted another moment's worth of hesitation before he swatted the other's hand away from touching his own robes, pressing down on the smaller male again and starting to mark up his canvas.

@Lan Wangji "Do not take your own words lightly."

"What was that?" Wei Wuxian asked, a silly and enamoured smile accompanying his ditzy expression. Before he could ask Lan Wangji to repeat what he'd said, the latter was crushing their lips together in an aggressive kiss. Wei Wuxian's noise of complaint was muffled, and he winced when he felt the forceful tug on his lower lip. While Lan Wangji was distracting him with those plush, sinful lips, Wei Wuxian was vaguely aware of his sash being undone and his layers of robes being pulled apart, but he could not do anything about it. Lan Wangji's intoxicating scent and sweet skin filled his senses and brought him into another world, one with just the two of them. As much as Wei Wuxian was enjoying how they were connecting, he noticed how Lan Wangji was rushed and assertive with his movements.

It was only when the cold air hit his skin that Wei Wuxian realized Lan Wangji's hands had been very occupied. He tried to pull his robes back over his exposed skin with one hand while placing his other palm flat against Lan Wangji's chest, holding him back. "Lan Zhan! What's the matter with you? Why are you biting like an animal all of a sudden?" Wei Wuxian winced for theatrics, swiping a finger over his lips to check for blood.

@Wei Wuxian Lan Wangji's intense gaze on Wei Wuxian's face seemed to have blurred out his vision of the world around him, simply fixated on the small male and everything that Lan Wangji loved about him. The smaller male was not sure what he did, which both captured Lan Wangji's heart once more for the other's purity, but also frustrated him that he couldn't even express himself with his expressions. He twitched when Wei Wuxian suddenly pressed kisses just under his eyes and just above his cheeks. Lan Wangji sighed softly and reached a hand out, easily undoing the red ribbon from the other's hair, releasing Wei Wuxian's long, dark locks of hair.

He couldn't help but recite one the rules of the Gusu Lan Sect, murmuring under his breath, "Do not take your own words lightly." Lan Wangji stood by his claim that Wei Wuxian's mouth was indeed a double-edged sword of his own. He lowered his head again, kissing the smaller male under him roughly, the sound of his exhales audible just from his lack of control. Funnily, he didn't particularly feel like holding back today. Ever since Wei Wuxian had confessed to him, Lan Wangji had gotten bolder. Maybe it was due to how seriously he took Lan An's, their ancestor's, words about the destined person. Or maybe it was because he had the affirmation that the feelings he had kept locked away from the past finally exploded. It couldn't be that Wei Wuxian would dislike Lan Wangji if he turned out to be this possessive, could it?

A few of these thoughts flashed through Lan Wangji's mind as he was kissing Wei Wuxian, hands easily managing the seams and designs of the other's robe, undoing the sash and pulling it out from underneath without looking. Lan Wangji pulled away, leaving a somewhat harder bite on Wei Wuxian's lip than he normally did, satisfied to see that his lover was thoroughly marked. Lan Wangji had been too prude to entertain the thought of it before, but just as much as Wei Wuxian was his cultivation partner, the smaller male was his lover - if that's what the non-cultivation world liked to call it. There were probably minimal nuances between those two words, but in order to stake his claim, Lan Wangji could call the other his cultivation partner, his lover, his everything. With that, he gave another easy tug and the contents of Wei Wuxian's robes spilled to his sides, revealing the other's underneath.

@Lan Wangji "Not ill."

"That sounds like something you would say even if you were ill-"

Wei Wuxian did not expect Lan Wangji to suddenly just sweep him off his feet. He squeaked, his arms flailing to wrap around Lan Wangji's neck securely. "Lan Zhan!" he exclaimed. "What's gotten into you?" Despite his verbal objection, he clung as if his life depended on it. He remembered well the first time Lan Wangji carried him on his back, when the devil's mark had plagued his leg and hindered his walking. Clear as day, he remembered telling Lan Wangji how unsightly it would be for a man to be carried like a young maiden. Now he was shamelessly pressing all of himself against Lan Wangji, kicking his legs eagerly.

"Wei Ying, you're so mischievous."

Wei Wuxian balked, his enthusiasm curbing a little when hearing the tone of Lan Wangji's voice and seeing his expression as the taller hovered over him, shifting nervously beneath the other. It was as neutral as ever, but there was something in behind those shiny pale eyes that unsettled Wei Wuxian. He reached up to Lan Wangji's face again, his thumb brushing gently over his cheek. "What?" he mumbled, cocking his head in his confusion, his top-knot beginning to slip from its tie. "Lan Zhan, what are you saying?"

Lan Zhan's eyes were so pretty and captivating. Wei Wuxian paused with his struggle to admire them, holding his breath so he would not move in hopes of Lan Wangji not moving. It was only when he couldn't hold it anymore he exhaled shakily pushing himself up off the bed to kiss Lan Wangji below his eyes, once each, before falling back into the sheets. Wei Wuxian withdrew his hands to rest them over his chest, but his steady gaze never wavered. A playful grin tugged on his lips, and he bit down on his lower lip, waiting for Lan Wangji to make the next move.

@Wei Wuxian Although it was only a short time and distance back to the Cloud Recesses, it felt like time seemed to pass slower for Lan Wangji. He was slightly frustrated that it took them as long as it did to get back, though the underlying reason why was not clear. Taking the shorter path the Silent Chamber, Lan Wangji seemed to have a boulder lifted off his shoulders, a sense of relief washing over him to realize that no one could steal Wei Wuxian away from him as long as they were in here.

"Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan. What's the matter? You've been awfully quiet since we left Caiyi. Well, you're always quiet, but..." Wei Wuxian's alluring voice drew his undivided attention again, and Lan Wangji's pale eyes met with the smaller male's, having no idea what he should do with this popular partner of his. It wasn't Wei Wuxian's fault that he was born with a smiling face, and that he attracted people everywhere he went because his natural goodhearted-ness and ability to socialize always helped him adapt to social situations. In fact, the smaller was quick to notice the change in his demeanor, almost making Lan Wangji let bygones be bygones. It was just evidence that Wei Wuxian was very good at lifting people's spirits.

However, once the other closed in on him, Lan Wangji's heart began to thump faster against his chest, his ears pinkening when he realized that Wei Wuxian was clueless that Lan Wangji had been drinking vinegar all this time. The naive male had no idea of what his actions could do to drive jealousy into Lan Wangji's core, therefore after that subtle moment of hesitation, the older male was still firm on carrying out his 'punishment'. He blinked a few times, slowly, watching as Wei Wuxian pressed the back of his hand to his forehead, inadvertently also brushing against his forehead ribbon. Wei Wuxian probably didn't think too much about the forehead ribbon that had been tied around his wrist many times, but that one touch made Lan Wangji even more determined to remind the smaller that he was Lan Wangji's person now. Then sighing softly and shaking his head, he replied, "Not ill."

Abruptly, he bent slightly, scooping Wei Wuxian's body upwards and carrying the smaller male in the same princess-hug method that he had before, walking over to the bed without any further explanation. Lan Wangji could see some of the purplish bruises on Wei Wuxian's jawline when the other's hair fell back. Though he knew those were just created last night, they looked too faint for some reason. Gently placing Wei Wuxian on the bed, he once trapped the smaller male's frame underneath him. "Wei Ying." he called the other lowly, "You're so mischievous." which would probably confuse the other greatly, as Lan Wangji was the only who saw that conversation at Caiyi town to be Wei Wuxian flirting with a young maiden.

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian would be lying if he claimed he wasn't disappointed they needed to head back already. It had probably been only a couple hours they spent out of Cloud Recesses, which wasn't nearly enough to make up for the month cooped up in there. Still, he smiled sweetly, his protests hidden deep inside him. "Poor Lan Zhan," he said, reaching up to pat Lan Wangji's cheek once they reached the outskirts of town. "Let's go back, then."

Lan Wangji's grip on his wrist was only firm at first, but it became alarmingly tight by the time they reached the entrance of the Cloud Recesses. Lan Wangji had been stonily silent the entire time, which probably would not be uncharacteristic to anyone, but Wei Wuxian could see the tension beneath his skin and rooted in his muscles. All of the disciples had cleared out of the pavilion by the time they returned, but Wei Wuxian did not dare say anything until they returned to their Silent Chamber.

The type of silence Lan Wangji was giving him did not sit well with Wei Wuxian, either. He kicked off his boots, watching Lan Wangji warily. "Lan Zhan," he called softly, closing the distance between them quickly. Finally, /finally/, he was able to hold his precious Wangji away from the prying eyes of the world. He stepped into Lan Wangji's personal space, his slim fingers framing the taller man's lovely, pale face. "Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan. What's the matter? You've been awfully quiet since we left Caiyi. Well, you're always quiet, but..." Turning one of his hands, Wei Wuxian pressed the back of his hand to Lan Wangji's forehead. Beside the cool metal plating of the cloud emblem, Lan Wangji felt fine. "Are you falling ill? Maybe we shouldn't have gone out tonight..."

@Wei Wuxian Of all the people who had to be calling out to customers on the street, why did Wei Wuxian's attention have to be attracted by the young maiden behind that particular stall? In fact, why did his attention have to be attracted at all? Lan Wangji watched, expression hardening unconsciously as the young lady behind the stall engaged the smaller male in conversation. Lan Wangji let out a little tsk under his breath when the idea of having wives was brought up. Had she paid close enough attention, she'd notice the forehead ribbon around his head, meaning that Lan Wangji was a cultivator of the Gusu Lan sect, in which the es were generally separated for most their lives. However, he realized how irrational he was, for having expect non-cultivators to understand the significance. He sighed, standing a few paces behind Wei Wuxian as the smaller male had his fun.

"So that means these pretty bracelets must have been made by a maiden such as you, am I right?" he then overheard Wei Wuxian reply, the flirtatious tone in his voice by no means slipping past Lan Wangji. Lan Wangji was very close to scowling, now getting to witness firsthand how and why Wei Wuxian was popular with the ladies in this life too. He sighed softly, gripping Bichen tightly as he stalked off away from the stall, hearing Wei Wuxian finish the conversation between the young girl.

As if adding fuel to the fire, the smaller male even continued to naively praise the maiden once they left. "You know who she reminds me of? MianMian, even though they look nothing alike, they are both sweet as flowers." Lan Wangji inhaled deeply. How could Wei Wuxian remember who he had saved in Xuanwu Cave with ease, but then take so long to remember that the song Lan Wangji hummed to him was how he recognized the smaller male. Exasperated, he kept his lips tightly pressed together, not responding out of displeasure. He felt Wei Wuxian's shoulder brush against his own, the other still looking around as he asked, "Lan Zhan, are you tired yet?"

"En." the bigger male replied. "Let's go back." he said, "Come back next time."

Almost wishing that the maiden at the stall were still in sight, Lan Wangji took Wei Wuxian's wrist in his hand, leading the other through the crowd towards the outskirts of town and in the direction of the Cloud Recesses. /"Wei Ying, you're so naughty."/ he thought in his head, the fire in the pit of his stomach seeming to have ignited at full throttle again. /"Should be punished."/ he thought again.

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian did not notice Lan Wangji's struggle with the spiced vegetables at all, only beaming as he watched Lan Wangji swallow. "You should eat more, too, Hanguang Jun!" he chirped. "You need to keep your energy up for the next few months."

Of course, Lan Wangji paid. Wei Wuxian made a mental note to thank him another way later, now that he was satiated and full with his favourite foods. The sky was completely dark by the time they left the restaurant so the candle light and lit lanterns stood out even more brightly. Wei Wuxian spent most of the time with his head tilted back, his lips parted in awe, unable to tear his stare away from the coloured lights even as they walked.

"Young masters! Could I interest you in some gifts for your wives?"

Wei Wuxian's attention was captured immediately. The stall to his right held an array of handcrafted bracelets, combs, and all sorts of things that would interest a young lady. The glass beads of the jewelry reflected golden light in such a mesmerizing way Wei Wuxian had to stare for a moment before he approached the stall, offering his signature grin to the young maiden behind it. "What makes you think we have wives, little miss?"

"Such handsome young masters such as yourselves are bound to have beautiful wives," the stall maiden said, her bustling movements calming to a standstill as Wei Wuxian rested his elbow on one of the higher barrels used as a display. He picked out a blue and white bracelet, holding it up to his eyes to inspect. "So that means these pretty bracelets must have been made by a maiden such as you, am I right?" The stall maiden giggled, a blush creeping up her cheeks, and Wei Wuxian set the bracelet back down, his smile pulling back wide enough to reveal sharp teeth. Flirty banter always came naturally to him, but it was always harmless fun. Besides, if he had the ability to make others smile, shouldn't he?

If Wei Wuxian had money, he would probably make Lan Wangji wear that tacky bracelet around Cloud Recesses. Alas, he did not, and the most he could give the stall maiden was another charming smile. "Maybe next time," he promised, drifting back to Lan Wangji's side. "Keep one for me!"

"Of course, young master!"

Wei Wuxian turned back to Lan Wangji, his grin still wide and blinding. "Such a sweet maiden," he commented, turning back one last time to wave goodbye through the crowd. "You know who she reminds me of? MianMian, even though they look nothing alike, they are both sweet as flowers." Happy, Wei Wuxian began his lookout for the next stall of interest, letting his shoulder brush against Lan Wangji's - the most contact he would allow himself to have with his partner in public. "Lan Zhan, are you tired yet?"

@Wei Wuxian "Lan Zhan, what is it?"

Lan Wangji seemed to snap back into reality, shaking his head, "It's nothing." He picked up his chopsticks, eating the vegetable that Wei Wuxian put in his bowl. It had visibly less spice than just about anything else on the table, but upon eating it, Lan Wangji had to swallow a cough that suddenly threatened to erupt from his throat. Through time spent with Wei Wuxian, his spice tolerance had increased, thus it was difficult for most people to tell that Lan Wangji did not have any particularly like or dislike towards spicy food. However, it had been a while, and readjusting his palate to this meal took more tolerance than he thought it would.

He took a drink of the tea placed at the edge of the table. From his upright drinking position, he could see the smaller male smiling brightly at him, those pearly white teeth shining to the point that they could be glaring. Lan Wangji placed the cup down gently, then picked his chopsticks up again, this time choosing a piece of meat with the most visible amount of hot pepper sauce on it, placing it in Wei Wuxian's bowl, "Eat more." he encouraged the smaller male, "No need to rush."

By the time they finished, the sun outside had set. The street markets that had been filled with vegetable and fruit vendors had now been replaced by vendors selling candles, kid toys, lanterns, and other leisure possessions. Lan Wangji had paid for the meal, leaving a particularly large sum on the table. On their way out, he heard the waiter exclaiming his thanks behind them. Lan Wangji considered it payment for making the smaller male happy, which was more than worth it.

Since Wei Wuxian was still having such a good time, Lan Wangji couldn't help but indulge the smaller male a little longer, deciding to hold off on going back. They could stay out until the moon was fully out, then he'd have to go back for curfew. Though the barriers would be enacted by then, Lan Wangji's jade pendant would allow them access. He walked alongside the smaller male in the street, Bichen in one hand and the other hand behind his back. Lan Wangji came to realize that the town life at night was still lively, very different from the nightlife of the Cloud Recesses. However, he kept his eyes trained on Wei Wuxian, the other's livelihood standing out to him even more than the busy street they were in.

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian did not expect Lan Wangji to agree so easily to the Hunan restaurant, but who was he to complain if the other decided to indulge him? They settled in the back together, Wei Wuxian neatly folding his legs beneath him, smoothing his robes out after he sat. He could smell the spices in the air already, and the excitement had him picking out more dishes than he could probably handle.

That was alright, though. Lan Wangji was rich, anyway.

"Great wine!" Wei Wuxian commented, downing cup after cup for the duration of their meal. He had initially thought of offering some to Lan Wangji, but reconsidered it after remembering the much too wild and crazy drunkard Wangji. It was one thing to take care of Lan Zhan when they had privacy, but the latter had a reputation to uphold now.

Wei Wuxian could not help /not/ wolfing down his food when it all arrived, all submerged in bright red sauces or soups. There was meat. Meat! After eating that rabbit diet at the Cloud Recesses for a month, Wei Wuxian thought he'd never chew into such tender and flavourful beef again. He drank between bites, rushing through half the dishes before he even though of beginning to slow down.

When he looked up at Lan Wangji, his eyes caught onto the other man's gaze. Wei Wuxian stopped mid-chew, lowering his bowl and setting it down gently. "Lan Zhan, what is it?" The older had not really been eating, so Wei Wuxian picked out a large, green piece of vegetable for Lan Wangji, placing it in his basically empty bowl. The food was accompanied by one of Wei Wuxian's megawatt smiles, his eyes turning into slits when he smiled wide. "Eat. Why are you looking at me like that?"

@Wei Wuxian Almost being dragged in tow by the excited male, Lan Wangji had a few nostalgic flashbacks to when they had first come down to Caiyi town during their annual study. He had been reluctant to participate in any of these events and had repeatedly rejected Wei Wuxian's offers to go out and eat together. However, now that he was in the city with the smaller male again, Lan Wangji could understand the excitement in Wei Wuxian's eyes. The bustling crowds and the market stalls that littered the streets could easily attract the smaller male's attention. As Lan Wangji took in the site of this unfamiliar city that had been quite close to his home, he noted everything that Wei Wuxian was excited about.

"Lan Zhan, look! Loquats. And there! Glass toys! And- wait! Is that...?" Wei Wuxian was already going off, the jumpiness and excitement in both his voice and body movements making Lan Wangji smile apologetically. Indeed, it was not right to keep a wild bird in a cage. "The Hunan cuisine! It's still there after all this time? Impossible!" the smaller continued, looking in the direction of a little thatched hut, with a small sitting area outside, and a bustling crowd that filled the inside.

"En." Lan Wangji nodded. This was one of the most well-known restaurants in Caiyi city, as it was one of the only ones that served spicy dishes. He did not frequent the place, but it had to be the one Wei Wuxian had been to when he was younger. Wordlessly, he headed in that direction, deciding that they would eat there tonight. Upon arriving at the entrance, the many scents of various spices filled his breathing peripherals, and the sound of clinking wine cups and clanking chopsticks filled his ears. Taking a step in, they were greeted by the loud voice of a man who was supposedly the owner.

"Ey, two young Masters! This way, please!" the old man greeted, motioning at an empty table near the back. Lan Wangji nodded his head, sidestepping the crowd of customers and waiters, going over there. He sat on the outside, leaving the inner seat for Wei Wuxian. Since spicy food was the other's favorite, Lan Wangji let Wei Wuxian decide on whatever he wanted to eat. The only thing he added to the waiter, who came to take their order moments later, was to make sure they constantly had enough wine.

Lan Wangji didn't drink, as they were in public and he had responsibilities to attend to the following day. He watched with pleasure, a lighthearted air about him as he saw the vivid, playful demeanor return to Wei Wuxian's movements. Lan Wangji was content to pour wine for the smaller male, keeping him satiated. There was amusement behind his gaze, and since he was sitting on the outside, he was facing inwards. It was a perfect location actually, as Lan Wangji just wanted to keep his eyes on Wei Wuxian, silently loving everything that Wei Wuxian did and said. The sounds of the crowd in the background slowly dimmed down, only the figure and words of Wei Wuxian able to hold Lan Wangji's attention.

@Lan Wangji "It's alright. You should have stayed in the Silent Chamber."

'But you are not there,' Wei Wuxian thought glumly. Besides, he had basically been spending all his time either in their room or in the Back Mountains. As ashamed as Wei Wuxian was to even think it, Cloud Recesses felt like a prison. He didn't want Lan Wangji to ever know he was thinking such a horrid thought, though. Gusu was Lan Wangji's home, and the latter looked so happy when Wei Wuxian finally agreed to stay with him. Wei Wuxian knew he was prepared to do anything to be with Lan Wangji, but he supposed Cloud Recesses would just take much longer to get used to.

Once Lan Wangji agreed that they could go to town, even for just a little while, Wei Wuxian perked up immediately. He had left Chenqing back in the Silent Chamber, but the anticipation of just leaving Cloud Recesses for a while was much too good to put off. He clasped his hands behind his back as he walked out of the hall with Lan Wangji. There were still a good number of disciples milling around outside, but conversation almost ceased when Wei Wuxian passed them. Many stared, some were gawking in a not so discreet way. Lan Wangji seemed to have no intention of acknowledging them, so Wei Wuxian gave them a bright smile and waved.

"Who is that?" someone murmured, and Wei Wuxian considered for a brief moment if he should introduce himself as the Yiling Patriarch. After all, it would be a great honour for them to meet the most prominent figure in demonic cultivation, wouldn't it?

Or not. Wei Wuxian jogged after Lan Wangji once he realized he had fallen behind in the midst of the young disciples. "Hanguang Jun, wait for me!"

Wei Wuxian had not been to Caiyi town this lifetime yet, but it seemed to be still the exact same as it was 16 years ago. A dense network of rivers lay over the quaint little town. As night fell, the boats that dotted the water began to draw back to the shore. Colourful lanterns strewn over their heads were beginning to light up. Vendors were opening, and restaurant staff were beginning to crowd the front of their stores, clamouring for customers to try their food. Wei Wuxian's eyes were as wide as saucers, taking the scene in.

It was lively, very much different from the required quiet of Cloud Recesses, and definitely Wei Wuxian's type of scene. "Lan Zhan, look! Loquats. And there! Glass toys! And- wait! Is that...?" Wei Wuxian squinted into the distance, peering down toward the end of the road. "The Hunan cuisine! It's still there after all this time? Impossible!" Indeed, it was the Hunan cuisine he, Jiang Cheng, and Nie Huaisang frequented on their off days from the Annual Study, since Wei Wuxian could only stand the plain food of Gusu for so long. Wei Wuxian ran his tongue over his lips, nearly salivating at the thought of of a red hot, spicy meal.

@Wei Wuxian It seemed as though during the lecture that some of the disciples had noticed the unnamed older male in the back of the room. Some of them, having heard of the strict disciplinary actions that could be enacted in the Gusu Lan sect, out of the kindness of their hearts, had tried to wake up Wei Wuxian, who had fallen asleep halfway through Lan Wangji's lecture. The few that were sitting around the smaller male tried to make small noises, throwing crumpled up pieces of paper in his direction, and reaching over to nudge him. However, all of this was caught under Lan Wangji's watchful eye. He had noticed Wei Wuxian had been nodding on and off, but one point, Wei Wuxian seemed to have knocked out.

"Do not cause disturbances in the classroom." Lan Wangji had called out one of the disciples in the back, his face stern as he did not even look at Wei Wuxian's sleeping figure. Scared that he was caught in the act of trying to nudge the black-robed male awake, the disciple bowed his head in apologies. For the rest of the class, no one had made any movements or even looked in Wei Wuxian's direction. It was rather astounding to many of them, why Hanguang Jun, who was a strict upholder of rules, was not mentioning anything about the male sleeping at the back of his class. In fact, many had to pay closer attention, because it seemed as though Hanguang Jun's voice had lowered upon noticing that there was a sleeping disciple in his classroom.

Once class ended, Lan Wangji collected the two scrolls he brought, going over to Wei Wuxian's sleeping figure. "Wei Ying." he called gently, seeing as the smaller male recollected himself then looked up at him with his sleep-induced eyes. "En." he replied, nodding his head once as the other male asked if it had ended already. Lan Wangji sighed softly, the smallest hint of a smile on his face again, "It's alright. You should have stayed in the Silent Chamber." he said, bending down to help Wei Wuxian up, "It's more comfortable there."

"Ey, Lan Zhan, let's go into town! To celebrate your first day. Let's have dinner. My treat," Wei Wuxian persuaded, a glimmer in his eyes as he brought up the suggestion to the older male. Lan Wangji realized that it had been quite some time since they had come back to the Cloud Recesses, and the majority of the time, Wei Wuxian had spent in the back mountains and the Silent Chamber. With the smaller male's wild spirit, it was hard to keep him contained for so long, and Lan Wangji was already grateful that it lasted this long.

"En." he agreed, "Just for a while." Since he didn't have papers to start grading yet (as none had been assigned), Lan Wangji would use that time to pamper Wei Wuxian. Together, they walked out of the Orchid classroom, which probably caught the attention of a few students who lingered behind to make new acquaintances. Lan Wangji walked with poise, one arm behind his back as usual, the mellow expression on his face revealing nothing to the confused disciples.

@Lan Wangji Lan Wangji's arrival commanded all attention in the classroom, including Wei Wuxian's. He sat up a little straighter after slouching to hide from all the curious side-eyes he had been getting from the young disciples.

The same regret that plagued Wei Wuxian earlier returned. Of course the first day of lessons would be reviewing the new and revised 4000 rules of Cloud Recesses. Wei Wuxian already knew how much he would dread the droning, but he had still chosen to come sit in for it.

It wasn't to say that Lan Wangji wasn't pleasant to listen to. Given the chance, Wei Wuxian would obediently sit for a day just to hear Lan Wangji speak nonstop. In fact, Wei Wuxian wasn't sure if he'd ever heard his partner say as many words in both of Wei Wuxian's collective lifetimes than in this single morning. Lan Zhan had such a nice voice, he managed to think between bouts of sleepiness. Wei Wuxian had his chin propped up on the heel of his hand, his elbow pressing heavily enough into his wooden desk he was sure it would pinken or bruise later. The 4000 rules were going to be boring, and not even Lan Wangji's sweet voice reading them off would make them any more interesting.

As expected, Wei Wuxian began to slip in and out of wake halfway through. His head would nod forward or back and his body would follow and tip that way before the sensation of falling jolted Wei Wuxian up again. If it were Lan Qiren at the front of the room, Wei Wuxian would have had a scroll lobbed at his head already. But it was his sweet, sweet Lan Zhan, so at one point, Wei Wuxian had just fallen asleep with his head resting on his forearms over the desk.

When he came to properly, most of the disciples had filed out of the hall already, giving a rather disoriented Wei Wuxian some time to gather himself and lift his head off the desk, blinking the haziness of sleep out of his eyes. "It's over already?" he asked groggily, looking up at Lan Wangji towering over him in his very ethereal presence. "Lan Zhan, sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep." A quick look outside at the setting sun planted an idea in his mind. He had been cooped up in Cloud Recesses the past couple of weeks, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to coax Lan Wangji out. "Ey, Lan Zhan, let's go into town! To celebrate your first day. Let's have dinner. My treat," he added at the end, knowing full well he was and had been completely broke ever since coming back from the dead. Ever since leaving Yunmeng, in fact, but Wei Wuxian preferred not to think about that.

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@Wei Wuxian "Uncle." Lan Wangji greeted as he approached Lan Qiren.

Lan Qiren had been waiting for Lan Wangji, expecting his nephew's arrival as soon as the white-robed cultivator took a step into the elder's residence. "Wangji." his Uncle called, in the midst of stroking his beard, "Are you ready?"

Lan Wangji respectfully held his hands out, bowing deeply to the elder, "Wangji is ready." he replied, voice calm without giving away any hints of unease. "Uncle, do you have any orders?" he asked. Of course, to be meeting with his Uncle on the first day of classes had to mean the elder needed him to do something. Had it been thought out sooner, Lan Qiren would have brought it up when they were discussing Lan Wangji's teaching plans before. It turned out that the Gusu Lan elder had taken a notice to the enrollment list - noting a few newer sects who had been accepted into their annual study this year. Wanting to avoid a repeat of the years past, Lan Qiren made a pivotal request to Lan Wangji, expecting that he go through all the rules of their Gusu Lan Sect clearly before beginning any of the actual lessons. With his eyes lowered to the ground in respect, Lan Wangji accepted the elder's request, bowing again, "Wangji understands. Uncle, please be rest assured." before taking his leave.

Upon entering the Orchid Classroom, Lan Wangji scanned the room, his eyes easily finding Wei Wuxian in the back corner. Retaining the stoic expression on his face, Lan Wangji made his way to the front of the classroom, turning around as all the students hurriedly got up from their seats, uniform rows of pupils dressed in white robes bowing as they greeted, "Hanguang Jun."

"En." he answered, "Be seated." His eyes flickered in Wei Wuxian's direction, and he had to suppress his lips from twitching upwards.

Lan Wangji was no Lan Xichen, and was definitely by no means Lan Qiren. He had never heard his brother giving lectures before, thus he didn't have an example to go off of. However, he didn't have the capacity to produce as many words as his Uncle did either. Thus, Lan Wangji's explanations, though short, were very straight to the point. After explaining the purpose for the need to go over the Gusu Lan Sect's rules, Lan Wangji spent the next two incense stick's worth of time explaining the 4000 rules that they now had, all of which were personally revised and modified by him. He wasted no time in unnecessary details, getting straight to the point and speaking curtly. Occasionally, Lan Wangji would gaze over in Wei Wuxian's direction, but his speech did not falter.

Admittedly, it was the most talking Lan Wangji had ever done in his life. It may have been more words he spoke in that one lesson than his entire life's collection of words put together. The students, the majority who were probably intimidated by his presence if not his reputation, sat up straight the entire time, listening and nodding their heads. Lan Wangji, who was the only one facing the outdoors, saw how the sun rose high up in the sky and was slowly falling as he talked. Once that last bit of the second incense stick had burned up, he concluded, "We finish here today. Tomorrow we start with the basics of cultivation." Lan Wangji had spent 2 incense sticks worth of time talking about what his Uncle had intended to be 4 days worth of material. All 4000 rules had been listed and detailed, not a single one missed.

@Lan Wangji With Lan Wangji's approval, Wei Wuxian dressed himself quickly, not wanting Lan Wangji to be late on his first day. Oddly enough, Wei Wuxian did not move at all the previous night in his sleep (probably since he was tired to the bone), and his clothes remained uncrumpled at the foot of the bed. Once his sash was tied tight, cinching around his waist, Wei Wuxian made one last desperate attempt to keep the baby hairs around his hairline in check. They refused to cooperate, leaving Wei Wuxian feeling rather drained and defeated already early in the morning.

Lan Wangji called for him, and Wei Wuxian made his way over dutifully. It was too early in the morning for him to try and deduce what Lan Wangji wanted to do, but he sat obediently beside the other. Wei Wuxian stilled when he felt a gentle tug on his hair, but he grabbed Chenqing off the bedside drawer, twirling the flute as he waited patiently for Lan Wangji to do his thing. The telltale tug of the comb untangling the knots in his hair was unpleasant, but Wei Wuxian decided to put up with it. If it were anyone else, the younger surely would have no patience for it. But it was Lan Wangji, the love of his lives, combing his hair and twisting it artfully and gently into a simple up-do, treating Wei Wuxian's hair as if he were spinning silk. Of course, he would not resist. "Thank you," he even said when Lan Wangji was finished, reaching up to touch the knot of hair.

Unlike how Wei Wuxian often just gathered up all his hair into one log of a ponytail, the way Lan Wangji redid his hair was reminiscent of the way Wei Wuxian used to wear it in his past life: half knotted high and the rest falling in a sheet over his shoulders. Slowly, Wei Wuxian withdrew his hand, gnawing on his lower lip. It was only a different way of tying his hair, but he felt... strange about it.

It was useless getting sentimental over how his hair was styled. He stood to follow Lan Wangji out the door, trailing behind the other down the path to the main pavilion. Reluctant as he was to part with Lan Wangji, even for a little, Wei Wuxian nodded, turning to take a different, yet still familiar, path to the teaching halls. There was to be a slight increase in disciple numbers this year, seeing the number of sects that had risen during Wei Wuxian's time lost in the void. As he slinked to the hall, he realized he did not recognize a large number of the disciples, even the ones who were more obviously from prominent clans.

Wei Wuxian was beginning to question his purpose once he entered the hall. He was taller and obviously older than the guest disciples. They were probably only 15 or 16 years of age at most, many of them still small and boyish.

The front row of the classroom remained empty, as expected. The latecomers would be forced to sit up front, and Wei Wuxian decided not to occupy one of those so a very lucky disciple would have the pleasure of seeing Hanguang Jun so up close. Instead, he picked a spot near the back corner of the room, trying to appear more inconspicuous. It was no use - he stuck out so obviously he may as well be a bull in a china shop. Wei Wuxian did spot Lan Jingyi arriving side by side with Jin Ling, but they settled in the other side of the room, not noticing Wei Wuxian at all.

The Yiling Patriarch /pouted/. He actually had to hide his sulky expression by turning to face the wall beside him, but he couldn't help it while Lan Wangji wasn't there to give him the occasional reassurance. He was beginning to think it may not be the best idea for him to sit in the lessons of the Annual Study, but what would he be /allowed/ to do at Cloud Recesses if he was left to his own devices? There was no winning with these GusuLans.

@Wei Wuxian A little surprised, Lan Wangji's first reaction was to assure Wei Wuxian that he didn't have to force himself to go if he didn't want to. However, it seemed this was also out of the smaller's own volition as well, and Lan Wangji didn't have anything to say in argument against it. He nodded, standing in place as a response that he agreed to bring the smaller male with him. At a moment like this, Lan Wangji silently watched, not getting in the way, but not rushing the other. He didn't Wei Wuxian to feel pressured, and when the smaller male looked over at him, a somewhat helpless expression on his face as he gripped onto the new black robes Lan Wangji had just give yesterday, the taller male nodded once, signalling that it was okay to wear that.

Though there was not much time left to spare, Lan Wangji waited for Wei Wuxian to finish dressing, then he went over to the bed, collecting the blanket and folding it neatly, setting it at the foot of the bed. "Wei Ying." he called, not a hint of panic in his voice, "Come here." he said. At the side of the bed there was a small drawer. Lan Wangji had opened it and taken out the comb, waiting for the smaller male to sit in front of him. Carefully, he undid the red ribbon that Wei Wuxian had tied his hair with earlier, placing it in his lap, starting to brush the other's long strands of hair, careful not to tug or pull harshly.

It wasn't to say that Wei Wuxian didn't do his hair nicely, but the male had been rushing earlier, so there were a few loose strands that were threatening to fly out here and there. Collecting the other's hair and parting it at the middle, Lan Wangji retied the red ribbon once he finished combing it and styling it, his actions clean and gentle from beginning to end. He wanted everyone to see Wei Wuxian in the same glowing light that he did. Despite being a possessive man, Lan Wangji was not selfish to that degree. He had been taught better.

Once they finished, he stood, grabbing Bichen in his hand, "Wei Ying, let's go." he said, then stepping out of the Silent Chamber. They still had to part ways at the beginning, as Lan Wangji had to discuss some enrollment matters with his Uncle, but it shouldn't take too long. "Wei Ying, go to the classroom first. I'll be there soon." he urged the smaller, then headed to meet with his Uncle. In the meantime, the pavilion outside the lecture hall was also starting to get busy. Students were starting to fill the lecture halls too. None of them dared to sit at the very front, having heard that Hanguang Jun was a strict upholder of rules. In fact, he was the one who was in charge of discipline and revising the Gusu Lan family rules as well.

@Lan Wangji "Wei Ying, why aren't you sleeping more?" Lan Wangji's voice was so soft and husky in the morning.

Wei Wuxian sniffled, rubbing his cheek against Lan Wangji's bare chest as his eyes fluttered closed again. "I'm not tired," he said groggily, his voice thick with sleep. He was really more woken then sleepy at that moment, but the warmth emanating from Lan Wangji was much too comfortable to leave. His arms, which had been unbound at some point last night without him realizing, tightened around his lover's narrow torso. The blanket pulled over his uncovered back trapped their bodily heat in, making it so much harder for Wei Wuxian to let go of the older man.

Unfortunately, as reluctantly as he was, Lan Wangji had peeled him off and gone to get ready, leaving Wei Wuxian in a heap on the bed. Slowly, Wei Wuxian blinked the sleep out of his eyes, his vision clearing as the sun rose higher, brightening up the Silent Chamber. He was fully awake by the time Lan Wangji gave him a second cleaning. It was out of character for Wei Wuxian, to say the least. No matter how early he slept, Wei Wuxian had always refused to wake before the sun reached its highest position in the sky near midday. He tried not to attribute it to the fact that it was because the Annual Study officially began today.

"You should rest," he heard Lan Wangji say. "I'm leaving now."

Wei Wuxian shot up in bed, the blanket sliding off his shoulders and pooling around his waist. "No!" he yelped, brushing loose strands of hair out of his eyes. "Bring me with you. You said you would," he said, referring to the very noncommittal 'en' Lan Wangji had given him the day before about sitting in his class. Wei Wuxian knew he would not be helpful in there, nor absorb any GusuLan style teachings, but he simply wanted to be near Lan Wangji. He hated that he found himself to be so clingy all of a sudden, but he had just gotten Lan Wangji back, and he didn't want to spend a minute away from the other.

Seeming to realize he was barely decent for a lecture, Wei Wuxian began to undo his hair, combing through his tangled hair roughly with his fingers before hastily tying it all up in a high ponytail. Fumbling around the sheets for his set of robes, Wei Wuxian almost hesitated. He would be sitting in a class of white-robed cultivators, sticking out like a sore thumb. But... as long as Lan Wangji did not mind... he glanced up at Lan Wangji, his robes clutched in his hands, as if asking for silent approval.

@Wei Wuxian "See you tomorrow, Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian said as the last thing before he fell asleep for the night.

Lan Wangji bathed in the silence of those words, the silent pleasure coursing through him as he recognized the effect of those words. It was true that they would be able to see each other tomorrow. There was no need to question or doubt that. Lan Wangji would be able to see Wei Wuxian each and every day, and that made him smile softly again, closing his eyes. After a moment, well after Wei Wuxian had fallen asleep, Lan Wangji replied, "See you tomorrow, Wei Ying."

Lan Wangji was surprised when Wei Wuxian was the one waking him up the next morning. He still an arm wrapped around the male's body, and surprisingly, Wei Wuxian was not rolled off in a freelance position on the far side of the bed today. Lan Wangji blinked his eyes open, looking down at Wei Wuxian's figure as soon as his blurry vision had adjusted itself. He fixated himself on the smaller's face, which was always so captivating. This was a rare sight for Lan Wangji, to have Wei Wuxian awake at the same time as him. "Wei Ying." he called gently, making sure to pull the covers over the smaller male's body, "Why aren't you sleeping more?" he asked.

It was about time for Lan Wangji to get up. As much as he didn't want to, he eventually got up from the bed, leaving the smaller male behind. "You should rest." he advised again, then standing to find his shoes. He was up and about, getting ready, but he did not forget that he told Wei Wuxian he would come back to help the other clean up. "Wei Ying, I'm leaving now." he said once he was ready. He wasn't sure if Wei Wuxian would be in the mood to sit in class today, since the other had been up so late last night. However, even if he did want to go, there was still time. Lan Wangji just had to go se his Uncle before the classes began, thus why he was leaving slightly earlier. There was a little frown on his face when he had to leave the smaller male in the room. Lan Wangji couldn't help himself, going over to Wei Wuxian and pulling him into another hug before he had to go.

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian allowed himself to be laid onto his back again with no complaints, even if he really did enjoy riding Lan Wangji like there was no tomorrow. His legs felt like jelly when Lan Wangji spread them to settle in again, but he focused his strength into stretching them wide for the other. His bottom was numb from how hard Lan Wangji slammed against it, his lower back beginning to ache from the strenuous effort. Still, he managed to find his release shortly after Lan Wangji did, coming much weaker the second time around. Once Lan Wangji's softening member slipped out of him, Wei Wuxian turned to lay on his side in a fetal position, his breathing laboured. The world around him spun, and he closed his eyes. Lan Wangji murmured something, but he did not hear it.

When Wei Wuxian opened his eyes again, Lan Wangji was hovering over him in all his half-bared glory, dabbing a soft, damp wash cloth against Wei Wuxian's face. The smaller man grunted in protest, watching Lan Wangji work through slitted eyes, on the verge of passing out. Wei Wuxian could not believe himself - how many battles and night hunts had he braved? How many nights had he stayed awake through in the name of cultivating? Yet now it was not even /close/ to his usual bed time, and he was ready to give in to sleep.

A moment passed, and Lan Wangji was sliding into bed with him. Wei Wuxian moaned quietly, half in residual pleasure that coursed through his body, half in search of warmth and comfort. Somewhat ungracefully, like a newborn animal seeking its mother's warmth, Wei Wuxian hauled himself over Lan Wangji, resting his cheek against the hot skin of Lan Wangji's chest. Suddenly, he jolted up again, his movements sluggish as he ripped off the layers of his new robes, not wanting them to crumple already in his sleep. Folding them messily and tossing them to the edge of the bed, Wei Wuxian found his place tucked into Lan Wangji's side again. He sighed in content. "See you tomorrow, Lan Zhan," he managed to say before sleep lulled him into unconsciousness.

Wei Wuxian woke early than Lan Wangji for once. He was sure he was only a bit too early, as the lightest rays of sunlight were beginning to filter through the paper screens of the Silent Chamber. For a moment, Wei Wuxian cherished this peace, tilting his head back to look up at Lan Wangji's sleeping face. How old was Lan Wangji now? Over a decade, nearly two, had passed, yet Lan Zhan's youthful features remained the same, as if encased and preserved in ice.

Once Wei Wuxian had his fill of admiring Lan Wangji's beautifully serene features, he stretched out his neck to rouse Lan Wangji by kissing his jaw. When he drew back, he noticed the smatter of bruises that decorated Lan Wangji's neck. The purpling was much lighter than the ones on Wei Wuxian's neck, but it was going to be Lan Wangji's first day teaching. Wei Wuxian's brows furrowed in his guilt, but there was nothing he could do about it now.