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@Lan Wangji They had reached the edge of the forest of Yunping city. Wei Wuxian tried to hide any hesitation he felt when he turned to Wen Ning and Lan Sizhui. "Wei Gongzi..." Wen Ning said, his glance flicking towards Lan Wangji. Wei Wuxian understood, and walked with Wen Ning to the other side of the road, leaving Lan Sizhui with Wangji. Wen Ning took a breath. "We'll be heading that way. I've talked to Ah Yuan about it. We want to go back to Qishan and bury the ashes of our people. I want to look around and see if there's any of my sister's things left behind to build her a cenotaph. Then I'm going to take Ah Yuan back to Cloud Recesses. I'll decide what after."

Wei Wuxian knew 'we' did not include him, but he had to try anyway. Though he spent much of his time encouraging Wen Ning to strike out a path for himself, he did not expect to feel so bittersweet about it when the day finally came. "I built one for you and Wen Qing on Burial Mound, but they were burned down. Lan Zhan and I can go to Qishan, too."

"There's no need," Wen Ning said hurriedly, avoiding looking at Wei Wuxian's expression as the other male's heart sank. "You can let me walk the rest of the way on my own now." Lan Sizhui joined the two of them, appearing from behind Wei Wuxian. "Senior Wei, you should go with Hanguang Jun."

Wei Wuxian turned back to look at Lan Zhan, who was waiting for him by Lil Apple. It was the first time in all these years Wen Ning found something he wanted to do out of his own will. Wei Wuxian needn't worry anymore, and he wasn't. He just found the feeling comparable to a mother letting her children go for the first time. It was a little pathetic, but he couldn't help it. He bid them goodbye, and watched the pair walk down the forest path until he could no longer see them. His dejection was lifted quickly when Wei Wuxian returned to Lan Wangji's side, though. /Finally/, they were alone.

"You've taught him well," Wei Wuxian commented, starting their aimless walk in the opposite direction. "He is really so much like you, Lan Zhan. Ah-" For a dramatic effect, Wei Wuxian's hand formed a fist and he pounded his chest, over his heart. "I miss Ah Yuan already. We've just reunited, and he's running off with Wen Ning instead." Wei Wuxian could not help his pout, even if he knew there would be many chances to see Lan Sizhui again. "This is much too dejecting. Let's talk about something else, like..."

Wei Wuxian signalled for Lan Wangji to close the distance between them, cupping his hand as though he were about to tell a secret. When Lan Wangji was within whispering distance, Wei Wuxian guided Lan Wangji's face closer to his height with his fingertips and pressed his lips against the taller man's instead. Only after they parted and Wei Wuxian studied Lan Wangji's stony face did he exclaim, "Hanguang Jun! Give me a reaction, would you? You're so cold..."

@Wei Wuxian Lan Wangji didn't expect for Lan Sizhui to suddenly drag him into the hug too, but his arms had naturally wrapped around the two males in front of him, face still stoic as if he was unphased. Indeed, Lan Sizhui was Lan Wangji's disciple through and through. What he couldn't express with his words, he expressed with his actions. Lan Wangji had been crossing many boundaries today, as he found himself smiling again when Wei Wuxian was pointing a finger at him, accusing him of teaching Sizhui inappropriate things. It was very like Wei Wuxian, both in Sizhui's description and in his swiftness at deflecting any blame aimed at him. From his side, Lan Wangji also heard the Ghost General's low chuckle.

Normally, Lan Wangji would chastise disciples who got too excited or too emotional, but Lan Wangji himself was having a hard time controlling himself, so he wasn't exactly in the position of authority. Furthermore, seeing the important people in his life safe and sound, happy and healthy, right in front of him, was more than enough to let him forget the rigidity of the sect's rules, simply turning a blind eye to them for once.

"Oh! That time you called Hanguang Jun ‘Dad’ in front of everyone. Poor Lan Zhan. What a pure, wholesome young man he was back then, yet he inexplicably became someone’s dad…" Wei Wuxian reminded Lan Sizhui, making the young boy red in the face. "I'm sure Hanguang Jun has always thought of himself as your dad, anyway. He looks proud of you. I am, too. You grew up well. Right, Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian added, turning to look at Lan Wangji.

"En." he replied, giving a nod of his head, his facial expression once again not representing his actual feelings. Lan Wangji was indeed proud of Lan Sizhui, he had grown up so well. He had also been the one who had given Lan Wangji hope for the past sixteen years. Whenever the male was thinking about Wei Wuxian, about giving up the search and losing hope in life, he would see Lan Sizhui and be reminded that he had a duty to bring up the child Wei Wuxian cherished. Had it not been for Sizhui, there would not have been the fateful day of Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian's reunion.

Then, there came the question of where they would be going. Wen Ning had been waiting respectfully the entire time, smiling when Sizhui went back to his side, standing beside him as the last survivor of Wen Ning's clan. "Wei Gongzi..." he started, indicating that he had something to say. Noting this, Lan Wangji called Lan Sizhui, walking a little ways away from the road that they were on to a tree a few paces back, leaving Wei Wuxian to converse with Wen Ning, whom Lan Wangji was now comfortable enough to leave the black-robed male alone with.

"Sizhui," he asked, "What is your plan?" It was already very clear that Sizhui wanted to ask something of him, especially since he had come to realize his identity and Wen Ning's affiliation with him.

"Eh-Hanguang Jun. I would like to request some time...to travel with Uncle Wen...back to my the Wen Clan's grave." he said, not referring to them as his family, but still acknowledging them as his ancestor. When Lan Wangji did not say anything in response, Lan Sizhui quickly added, "I-I will return, as soon as-"

"Have a safe trip." Lan Wangji interrupted, "He will be waiting for you." flicking his head in Wei Wuxian's direction. Of course, Lan Wangji would be concerned for his disciple, but Wei Wuxian would most definitely miss him. Considering how they just reunited, he was sure there were many things Wei Wuxian wished to do with Lan Sizhui, to make up for missing the years of his adolescence.

"Yes, th-thank you Hanguang Jun! Sizhui understands, I will be back!" Lan Sizhui hurriedly replied, raising his hands together and bowing formally to Lan Wangji, "Also...thank you...Hanguang Jun...for saving me."

"Thank you...for also saving me."

Once Wen Ning had finished his conversation with Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji looked to the smaller male, then returned to his side. Together, Wen Ning and Lan Sizhui offered another respectful bow to the couple, then turning down the opposite direction and heading along it together. Lan Wangji watched as their figures slowly disappeared into the distance, having full confidence that Lan Sizhui would return safely.

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian was all but crying now. In order for Lan Wangji to take Lan Sizhui, it had to have been after the siege, after Wei Ying's death. Lan Wangji went back to Burial Mounds for whatever reason and saved Ah Yuan, the little light of Wei Wuxian's life during his time as the feared Yiling Patriarch. Overcome with emotion, Wei Wuxian turned back to Lan Sizhui, his lips trembling. He saw it now, Ah Yuan's little button nose, the tilt of his eyes, roundness of his cheeks, all in Lan Yuan.

"Wei Ying, you raised him too." Lan Zhan said gently.

"No wonder he grew up so well, then," Wei Wuxian tried to joke, choking on his words. He lifted a hesitant hand, as if Lan Sizhui might be an illusion in front of him. "Ah Yuan..."

"Xian gege," Lan Sizhu said, and the tears that filled to the brim of Wei Wuxian's eyes all fell down his cheeks, leaving shimmering tracks. For a long time, he couldn't say anything, but Lan Sizhui could not hold it in any longer. With a cry, he launched himself at Wei Wuxian, throwing his arms around his neck. Wei Wuxian was surprised, but he stood his ground and managed to get his arms around Lan Sizhui's back. "I missed you," Lan Sizhui cried, his voice muffled by his tears and Wei Wuxian's shoulder. "I missed you so much."

Wei Wuxian was careful not to stain Lan Sizhui's uniform with his tears. He wiped at them roughly. "Silly child," he managed to say, his throat feeling swollen and his words thick. "What are you crying for, huh?" Still, he cradled Lan Sizhui carefully, like a mother and her newborn. "Ah Yuan. Ah Yuan..."

"I am not crying" Sizhui wept. Wei Wuxian resisted the urge to laugh - he was so similar to Lan Wangji. "I...feel so happy...but also sad. I can't express what I want to say."

"Then don't say anything," Lan Wangji said.

Both Wei Wuxian and Lan Sizhui looked toward the other, and without a word, Lan Sizhui reached out to envelop Lan Wangji into an embrace, too. Wei Wuxian slammed into Lan Wangji's side, and he winced playfully. "Hey, hey, hey, why are this little one's arms so strong? There's no doubt about it, this was all Hanguang Jun's doing." Lan Sizhui whimpered, and he squeezed them even tighter.

It would be a warming sight to anybody: him and Lan Wangji enveloping a child in their arms, comforting him and loving him. For once, since he'd left Lotus Cove, Wei Wuxian felt a sense of... belonging. Like he finally found his own family to embrace. He gave Lan Sizhui one more squeeze before peeling the younger boy off. "Alright, enough," Wei Wuxian tried to say as nonchalantly as he could whilst he wiped at the last remnants of his tears. "I'm sure Hanguang Jun didn't teach you to get hung up on something so trivial for so long."

Lan Sizhui was beginning to smile again. "You've taught me things, too, Senior Wei. I remember now, I remember so much - like how to disguise opgraphy as normal books, and that when pretty maidens walked by, we had to-"

"When have I taught you that!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed loudly, so flustered he almost missed Lil Apple's rump when he tried to lean on the donkey. "Absolute nonsense, I tell you! How could I teach these things to young children?!" Wei Wuxian rounded on Lan Wangji, who'd been quiet the entire exchange, pointing his accusing finger playfully. "Lan Zhan! What have you been teaching him? I tell you, Ah Yuan was such a good boy when he was with me. Lan Yuan! Stop laughing- what are you laughing about, little boy-"

Lan Sizhui's laugh was good to hear. The younger boy ducked Wei Wuxian's outstretched hand and wrapped his arms around Wei Wuxian's thigh, giggling. Wei Wuxian's heart stuttered, and he held the boy up again. He was determined not to cry again. "Speaking of, how did you remember all of it, Sizhui?" he asked quickly, hoping to divert the topic.

"I... I don't know. Something was familiar when I saw Chenqing."

Wei Wuxian threw his head back to laugh. "Of course. You loved to play with Chenqing, no matter how many toys or fruits I gave you to entertain yourself with. You drooled over it all the time, clogging it up when I needed it." Seeing Lan Sizhui's blush, Wei Wuxian continued, grinning hard. "Hanguang Jun, do you remember when you bought Ah Yuan butterflies and they confessed to each other? 'I like you...' 'I like you too'" Wei Wuxian cackled as Lan Sizhui's face burned even brighter. "Oh! That time you called Hanguang Jun ‘Dad’ in front of everyone. Poor Lan Zhan. What a pure, wholesome young man he was back then, yet he inexplicably became someone’s dad…”

Lan Sizhui seemed horrified. "Hanguang Jun, I apologize!"

Wei Wuxian took Lan Sizhui's hands that covered his embarrassed expression, his smile turning gentle. "I'm sure Hanguang Jun has always thought of himself as your dad, anyway. He looks proud of you. I am, too. You grew up well." He turned to Lan Wangji. "Right, Lan Zhan?"

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@Wei Wuxian It seemed as though Lan Wangji wouldn't have to reveal anything himself after all, as it became apparent that Sizhui had remembered his origins, recognized his identity. He took a step back, watching the tearful reunion between Wei Wuxian and the young disciple, face serene despite the amusement he got out of Sizhui's description of Wei Wuxian's past claims and actions.

Wuxian turned around, asking, "Lan Zhan... you took him? It was you?"

Lan Wangji gave a nod of his head, "En. That was what I wanted to tell you." he answered.

Sixteen years ago, when the news of Wei Wuxian's death had spread like wildfire, causing celebration and rejoice in its wake, Lan Wangji was the last to find out, and the only one who grieved. He had gone back Wei Wuxian's old den, in hopes of finding some evidence that this was a lie, and that Wei Wuxian was still waiting for him there. Instead, he came face to face with the Burial Mounds that was once filled with activity, construction, and healthily growing radishes, now in ruins. Lan Wangji had searched around, in hopes of finding a trace of Wei Wuxian that he could hold onto, but to no avail. At that time, Jiang Cheng had retained possession of the Yiling Patriarch's Chenqing, Jin Guangyao his Suibian sword, as reminders of their victory that day.

Wei Wuxian didn't have much to begin with, but now all that was physically left of him had been claimed by other people who beat Lan Wangji to it. He had snuck out after his Uncle's punishment, stumbling as the wounds on his back tore from his rash actions. Still, Lan Wangji had staggered into the deepest parts of the Demon Face cave, where Wei Wuxian had taken him when he came up for the first time to visit the Burial Mounds.

To his surprise, he was not the only one there. On the floor, was a small child, one whose face was covered in soot and clothing was tattered. Still, Lan Wangji recognize who it was. It was the small child who Wei Wuxian adored, and the same one who clung onto Lan Wangji, calling him, "Rich ge-ge." Without a second thought, Lan Wangji hurried over to the unconscious child, holding a hand to his forehead. His eyes widened when he realized how hot the other was, burning up from unknown factors. Quickly collecting the smaller child into his arms, Lan Wangji headed off the Burial Mounds, back to his confinement in Cloud Recesses.

For three years, while he recovered from the whip wounds and was revising the sect rules as self-reflection, Lan Wangji had simultaneously raised the young child, now renamed Lan Yuan. Lan Yuan had no recollection of his past when he woke up, the fever seemingly the root of the cause. Initially, Lan Wangji debated on whether he should remind the young boy or not, but since the memories were too happy, he didn't want Lan Yuan to realize that everything was gone - the place he lived at, the people he loved - all gone.

With the help of his elder brother, Lan Wangji was able to raise Lan Yuan in the depths of the Cloud Recesses, having him formally recognized as Lan Wangji's handpicked disciple. The older Lan had even found a playmate for Lan Yuan, Lan Jingyi, after realizing how serious Lan Wangji was about raising the boy. Lan Jingyi, though best friends with Sizhui, was quite the opposite of him. Where Sizhui learned to adopt Lan Wangji's gentler and quieter nature, Jingyi exhibited much more carefree, lively habits - passively reminding Lan Wangji of a certain somebody every time he watched the two children playing and studying together.

It was also true when Sizhui had told his Uncle Wen Ning about being raised with rabbits, as they were the only other companions Lan Wangji had. Sometimes, he would place the young child with the rabbits, feeding him a carrot before feeding the rabbits as well. Other times, when the boy was showing signs of restlessness, Lan Wangji would bring him back to the rabbits, letting him play with them until he calmed down.

In his years of confinement, Lan Wangji had also taught Lan Yuan the etiquette of the Gusu Lan Sect, eventually bestowing the young child a forehead ribbon of his own, and choosing a courtesy name, Sizhui, for him. Lan Sizhui was indeed Lan Wangji's disciple, imitating him from mannerisms to preferences. Lan Wangji had taken it upon himself to teach Sizhui writing, reading, playing the zither and sword fighting, amongst other things. After thirteen years, it was very clear that Lan Sizhui was a model disciple of the next generation, much like Hanguang Jun was of his. Though many people were not very sure about the exact distinction of their relationship, there was the general rumor that Lan Sizhui was Lan Wangji's son to the very core. Lan Wangji made no objections about that.

Lan Wangji saw how Wei Wuxian was tearing up, quickly offering the comment, "Wei Ying, you raised him too." Lan Sizhui's upbringing was as much Wei Wuxian's fruit as it was Lan Wangji's.

"I...feel so happy...but also sad." Sizhui sniffled, eyes red from crying "I can't express what I want to say."

Lan Wangji looked at the young disciple as if he were instructing him again, "Then don't say anything." He had taught Lan Sizhui from his youth, so the young male indeed recognized that Lan Wangji's response was not harsh, just typical.

@Lan Wangji It was all over. Finally. Wei Wuxian did not stay around to gloat much longer as he would've done in the past, though. As the clans' cultivators arrived at the first break of dawn, he grabbed Lan Wangji by the elbow and pulled him out of the crowd, brushing past the crowd by their shoulders as he all but pushed his way out of there. Jingyi was the first of the GusuLans to arrive, and he faithfully reported that he had brought Wei Wuxian's beloved donkey and had tethered him outside of the temple.

With his heart light, Wei Wuxian led Lil Apple and Lan Wangji out to the beaten path that led the way out of the city. Day had broken and he was eager to get them out of the city. Happy to be reunited with Chenqing, Wei Wuxian spun and twirled it as they walked. To where, they hadn't discussed it yet, but Wei Wuxian was hoping to spend a little quality time with Lan Wangji to explore their newfound bond before they had to wrap up the whole Nie Mingjue situation.

“Wei Ying…” Lan Wangji called all of a sudden. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you…” Wei Wuxian turned without stopping, a little hop in his steps even when he walked backwards to give Lan Wangji his full attention. He beamed, his chest filling with utmost adoration for the other whenever he laid eyes on him. Lan Wangji wanted to tell him something! How exciting. The only things Wangji usually wanted to say was to ask Wei Wuxian to eat in silence or to refrain from talking when preparing for sleep. "What is it?" Wei Wuxian asked, leaning in to hear this supposedly juicy piece Lan Wangji had for him.

“Hanguang Jun! Senior Wei! Wait!” A patter of footsteps sounded from behind them. Wei Wuxian groaned when he turned and caught sight of their followers. "Damn it, every time. Those two are so /fast/," he commented, watching Wen Ning and Lan Sizhui sprint towards them. Wei Wuxian was glad to see the younger disciple, but now Lan Wangji's words would have to wait. "Sizhui!" Wei Wuxian still exclaimed, dropping Lil Apple's reins and holding his arms out to catch Lan Sizhui. "What's the matter? Don't tell me you miss me and Hanguang Jun already," he teased, pointing playfully with Chenqing.

"Senior Wei, there's something I must ask you. The past few days, I have been recollecting my memories and speaking to Senior Wen. I... I want to know..." Sizhui's head lowered, and Wei Wuxian bent at his knees to peek at Sizhui's face, worried that he would begin to cry or anything. Suddenly, Sizhui's head snapped back up, and he wore a slight teary smile. "Self proclaiming to be a great chef, yet can only make awful tasting dishes," he said. Wei Wuxian laughed awkwardly, glancing at Wen Ning and Lan Wangji to see if they could be possible suspects. This young Lan disciple wasn't talking about him, was he? In Wei Wuxian's defence, his congee had saved them all. Sizhui continued, "Planting me in the ground with radish and telling me with water and sunbathing I would grow faster. Fruit friends who would play with me. Inviting Hanguang Jun out for a meal, but leaving him with the bill instead." Sizhui's voice thickened, the surface of his eyes glistening. "I can't remember a lot, maybe because I was too young, but I can be certain my surname was Wen."

Wei Wuxian had frozen up when Sizhui began talking again. The memories rushed back to him like a huge wave, vivid as though he had experienced them just the day before. Back in Burial Mounds, there was a small child, yes, one Wei Wuxian liked to coddle as if he were his own. But the child died during the siege. He must have. Even if he hadn't been killed, there would have been no one to take care of him, and he was much too young to sustain himself.

"Lan Sizhui," Wei Wuxian still found himself saying. "Lan Yuan. Lan Yuan. Ah-Yuan." The name came back to him in an instant. Teaching Ah-Yuan songs. Feeding him his share because he was a growing boy. Bathing him in mud and tucking him into the sorry mats they had for beds. "Ah-Yuan," Wei Wuxian said again, his voice cracking, soft and fragile. His tone was painted in disbelief - of course he could not believe it. It was impossible-

Lan Sizhui nodded vigorously, the sadness in his eyes matching Wei Wuxian's. "Senior Wei," he choked out. "I- I am Ah-Yuan!"

"Ah-Yuan," Wei Wuxian repeated, turning away to drag the back of his wrist hastily against his eyes. No, he wasn't allowed to get his hopes up. "Didn't Ah-Yuan die already? He was left alone on Burial Mounds... Lan... Lan Yuan..." Wei Wuxian whirled on Lan Wangji. He was sure he suddenly looked a mess again, eyes red and wild. "Lan Zhan... you took him? It was you?"

@Wei Wuxian When Wei Wuxian slid out of his lap to sit on the cold floor instead, Lan Wangji twitched, as if wanting to make a move to hold the other back. However, he knew Wei Wuxian was trying to accept the truth of the situation. As Lan Wangji had told Wen Ning earlier, people would have to know the truth, sooner or later. Jiang Wanyin was suddenly lashing out at Wei Wuxian, his voice filled with anger and contempt as he grieved over what Wei Wuxian’s decisions in the past had led to. However, Lan Wangji still felt that heart-wrenching pain inside of him every time he realized that it was because Wei Wuxian wanted to protect his shidi that now, he didn’t even have the basic ability to fly on a sword, or even wield his own sword for that matter.

“Wei WuXian, you’re such a great, selfless person. You did the best things possible, and you swallowed all the suffering and didn’t let anyone know. What a touching story. I should kneel down and cry in gratitude, shouldn’t I?”

Lan Wangji’s eyes shot up, glaring at Jiang Wanyin’s trembling figure. Noting this, Jin Ling hurriedly put himself between his Uncle and Hanguang Jun, then quickly adding in panic, “Hanguang Jun, my Uncle is injured, please have mer-“

“Let him come!” Jiang Cheng exclaimed, “Do I need to be afraid of Lan-er?” Though they had been allies for so long, it was obvious Hanguang Jun and the Jiang Sect Leader never fully got along. Now, it was just evidence that Wei Wuxian was their only source of connection.

Lan Wangji’s searing gaze continued to focus on Jiang Wanyin, noting how Wei Wuxian seemed to shrink closer to him as the sect leader continued to yell, blaming Wei Wuxian for being the cause of his downfall. Still, it came to mostly everyone’s realization that Jiang Cheng held no malicious intent at this point, he was just lost, confused, and still deeply hurt. Sighing, Lan Wangji finally looked away, deciding this was a matter that did not involve him. Rather, once Wei Wuxian had apologized and the matter subsided, filling the room with another heavy silence, Lan Wangji welcomed Wei Wuxian back into his arms. “En.” He responded lowly into the other’s ears, compliantly agreeing to his request.

On the other hand, Lan Xichen had pulled out a little vial of medicine, holding it out to Jiang Cheng, “Sect leader Jiang,” he offered, “Don’t be too agitated, you wound will only re-open if you do.” He warmly reminded. Having just witnessed the scene in front of him, Lan Xichen couldn’t help but feel pangs of sympathy. It not only for Wei Wuxian, who had given up his golden core to his shidi, but also Jiang Cheng, who had spent his whole life believing in Wei Wuxian’s promise. In their youth, Lan Xichen remembered clearly how close Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian were, the former always sharp-tongued and easily teased while the latter was quick-witted and always doing the teasing. It was rather confounding, how with the blink of an eye, two brothers had become more distant than strangers. Just like Lan Wangji, Lan Xichen let out a gentle sigh. For some reason, this situation reminded him of Ah-Yao. He couldn’t really pinpoint the feeling inside of him right now. Maybe it was a feeling of betrayal? Pity? Loss? Lan Xichen couldn’t pinpoint it, but he didn’t exactly want to ponder on it either.

In a series of events, Wen Ning had reappeared, his physical body somehow being possessed by Nie Mingjue’s resentful spirit. Everything had come a full circle now, as everyone realized it was Nie Mingjue’s body who the sword spirit had been pointing to the whole time. Since Wei Wuxian had come back, he had been uncovering the truth. Jiang Cheng had finally returned Chenqing to its owner, which helped Wei Wuxian subdue Nie Mingjue’s resentful energy, sealing it in a coffin after a long struggle. In such a turn of events, Lan Xichen’s spiritual energy was also the first to come back. He had been apathetic towards Jin Guangyao since the male tricked him into this situation, but when Lan Xichen finally held his blade to Jin Guangyao’s neck, he realized just how much his hand was shaking, breath was unsteady, and resilience was wavering. He had promised to uphold justice regardless of who the evidence pointed to, but now when he had to act on it, Lan Xichen truly felt like he was put in a bind.

“Sect leader Jin.” He warned with a quivering voice, “Don’t do anything rash. I will not hesitate to subdue you if you do.” He had backed Jin Guangyao against a wall, making the male lean against one of the pillars under surveillance. Although by this point, Jin Guangyao was mostly rendered incapable of doing anything. Lan Wangji, who was not in the same dilemma as his elder brother, had sliced off one of Jin Guangyao’s arms, and now incapacitated, Jin Guangyao already looked like he was on the brink of death.

Nie Huaisang had returned to consciousness, after the wave of confusion and terror had washed over everyone. Though pained by the realization that his brother’s spirit had returned as resentful energy, he had eventually come back to his senses, relying on Lan Xichen again as he cried to his sworn second brother. The wound on his leg was also giving him something to cry about, and Lan Xichen had taken the vial back from Jiang Cheng, applying it gently on Nie Huaisang, coaxing the Nie sect leader that he wouldn’t die from a small wound to the knee. As he was focused on treating the wound, Lan Xichen suddenly heard Nie Huaisang exclaim, “Er-ge! Behind you!”

Without a warning, the tip of Shuoyue’s blade drove directly into Jin Guangyao’s chest, piercing the man just right of his heart. Lan Xichen’s eyes widened as he realized what he had just done, tears brimming at his eyes uncontrollably as he realized what he had done. The wronged look on Jin Guangyao’s face made Lan Xichen question his actions, his heart seemingly shattered into many more pieces when he heard, “Lan…Xi..chen! There isn’t…a single evil deed…I haven’t committed in this world…but the one thought I- never had…was to harm you!”

“Don’t move!” he exclaimed, gripping onto Shuoyue’s hilt as he felt an instant regret washing over him.

But Jin Guangyao didn’t listen. In fact, he didn’t even seem to hear what Lan Xichen said, instead using what was left of his power to pull them to the back of the temple where Nie Mingjue’s spirit had just been sealed off by Wei Wuxian. Inserting the blade further in, Jin Guangyao destroyed the seal, and in the last moments before letting himself be engulfed in the rising smoke, pushed Lan Xichen out, himself screaming, “Nie Mingjue! Do you think I’m afraid of you?”

Lan Xichen had been in such a daze, that had it not been for Lan Wangji coming up to him and pulling him out while the internal structure of the temple started to collapse on itself due to the havoc Nie Mingjue’s spirit caused, Lan Xichen was pretty sure he would have been buried inside. His brother had rescued him to safety, depositing him on the steps outside the temple next to Jiang Cheng to let him recover from the shock, then returning to Wei Wuxian’s side.

Though he was also very preoccupied with his own thoughts, Lan Xichen couldn’t help turning to look at Jiang Cheng. The two of them had been sitting beside each other in silence, neither questioning or making comments about what had just happened. When he did gaze at Jiang Cheng though, he felt like Jiang Cheng might have something to say to Wei Wuxian. Following Jiang Cheng’s line of sight, he could infer that the sect leader was looking over to Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. His lips were still tightly pressed together, which one would normally attribute to disdain, but Lan Xichen was sure that wasn’t what the other was feeling. He had the mind to comfort Jiang Cheng, but once the junior disciples had arrived, Lan Xichen didn’t get a chance to, instead watching as Jiang Cheng returned to his former fashion, shouting at Jin Ling to return home. Lan Xichen watched as they headed off, disappearing in the distance.

Meanwhile, Lan Wangji had followed Wei Wuxian out of the temple after the other had learned that the disciples brought L’il Apple with them. The donkey had been left by the outskirts of town, just a ways from the temple. With everything behind them, Lan Wangji realized how light his heart felt, watching as Wei Wuxian bounded in front of him. “Wei Ying…” he called, realizing there was one more thing he had to get off his chest, “There’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you…” he explained. Lan Wangji was never good with words, so maybe he might have gotten Wei Wuxian excited by his vague words, but just as he opened his mouth, there came the sound of footsteps in the distance, and a youthful voice calling out.

“Hanguang Jun! Senior Wei! Wait!” Lan Sizhui gasped out as he came running into view, having to stop himself before he nearly crashed into Wei Wuxian.

@Lan Wangji Lan Wangji was so warm. Wei Wuxian pressed even closer, if possible. He busied himself with warming Lan Wangji, trying not to anger Jiang Cheng in the meantime by avoiding his stare. However, the longer he sat without speaking, the easier it was for him to start working things out. In the past, he’d definitely laugh at Jiang Cheng for being so easily-provoked that he gave the opponent an opportunity. But now, recalling what Jin Guangyao said, he understood everything. Jiang Cheng knew already. And with the unsurprised look on Lan Wangji's face as he d Lan Wangji's back, Wei Wuxian's heart stuttered weakly. His neck cricked when he suddenly looked up at Lan Wangji, nearly slamming the top of his head into the other's chin. "You knew?" he whispered, realization dawning upon him.

Lan Wangji's confirmation was followed by an explanation. "Wen Ning," he said simply, and that was all Wei Wuxian needed to hear to piece the rest of the situation together.

"Wen Ning told Jiang Cheng," Wei Wuxian said lowly, pulling away from Lan Wangji, preferring to sit on the floor instead of on Lan Wangji's lap all of a sudden. "That's how we got out of Lotus Cove." The cool dampness of the stone floor grounded him, at least. His head spun, and Wei Wuxian thought he might be sick. Deep down, he knew he could not keep it from Jiang Cheng forever, and one day somehow he would find out, but Wei Wuxian did not expect for him to know while Wei Wuxian was still alive. "You /knew/." he said again, his voice bordering on accusing. "And Wen Ning said it? I /told/ him not to say it! I've told him so many times!"

"Not to say what?" Jiang Cheng suddenly spoke up, his voice ice cold. “Wei WuXian, you’re such a great, selfless person. You did the best things possible, and you swallowed all the suffering and didn’t let anyone know. What a touching story. I should kneel down and cry in gratitude, shouldn’t I?” Even Jin Ling, a child, picked up Jiang Cheng's obviously mocking tone. He moved to put himself between them, afraid that Lan Wangji would kill Jiang Cheng with a single strike.

Wei Wuxian stiffened, feeing rather chilled now that he was no longer in Lan Wangji's embrace. He felt irrationally betrayed by Wen Ning, and now Jiang Cheng was going to be his insufferable self and it was just so much to deal with. "I never asked you to thank me," he muttered, playing with the hem of his pants. Without his flute, he felt much too vulnerable.

“Of course," Jiang Cheng laughed bitterly, his hand pressing harder against his wound, "Giving without expecting anything in return. What a noble man. No wonder father was always more keen to praise you than me. The only one to live up to the Jiang sect motto: Wei Wuxian!"

Wuxian could not bear to hear any more. He kept his head lowered, his vision blurring just the slightest. In just moments, the lonely feeling he'd come to know during his days on Burial Mounds was back, and it hit him with full force. Jiang Cheng's attacks were relentless. Wei Wuxian knew his shidie had his own burdens and feelings of insecurity, but that did not stop his words from being any more hurtful.

Jiang Cheng pressed on, his face paled from exertion. “Just how much did Jiang Sect give you? I’m supposed to be his son, the heir of the YunmengJiang Sect, yet all these years I’ve been outdone by you at every single thing. You paid for your bringing-up with life! The lives of my dad, my mom, my sister, and Jin ZiXuan! Because of you, all that’s left is a parentless Jin Ling! Wei WuXian, who was the one who broke his promise and betrayed the Jiang Sect first? Who was the one who told me I’d be the sect leader and you’d be my subordinate, that you’d help me your whole life, that so long as the GusuLan Sect had its Two Jades, the YunmengJiang Sect would have its Two Prides, that you’d never betray me or betray the Jiang Sect—who was the one that said these?!"

Jin Ling shrunk back, shaking just as much, if not more than Wei Wuxian did. The latter tried to speak, but no sound left him. Reluctantly, he shifted back to Lan Wangji's side, winding an arm around the other man's elbow. Lan Wangji probably promised Wen Ning something along the lines of not telling Wei Wuxian he knew. There was no point in feeling misled by Wangji.

"And in the end? You go and protect outsiders! You traded my parents' lives for theirs! How /noble/! You did all the best things, yet every time you do the worst ones, it’s involuntary! Forced! With some unspeakable grievances! Grievances?! You told me nothing, you played me for a fool!" Tears streamed down Jiang Cheng's pale, colourless cheeks. It was a sight no one would ever expect to behold - the Jiang sect leader losing his inhibitions. "I want to hate you, Wei Wuxian! Why can't I?!" His voice cracked when he suddenly quietly asked what he'd been trying to say all along: "Why didn't you tell me?"

Silence filled their area of the temple save for the distant commands by Jin Guangyao, and Wei Wuxian was given a moment to organize his thoughts. From the bottom of his heart, he was not so indifferent about it after all. Who was he kidding when he tried to act nonchalant about it all these years? Having his core cut out of him and the price he had to pay for it was a pain Wei Wuxian would never forget, not even in his new lifetime. Still, he would give up all the golden cores in the world for Jiang Cheng to have one, but that didn't make it hurt any less. When Wei Wuxian was in his teens, he was just as proud as Jiang Cheng was. He was talented, more so than others. No matter how often he fooled around, he still outshone his classmates. All of a sudden, he robbed himself of the ability to wield a sword again. The resulting devastation was not easy to overcome.

Take it as redemption, repayment, whatever. If Jiang Fengmian had not taken him in, Wei Wuxian would never have cultivated a golden core in the first place. He would've never known the life he led, and if he thought about it that way, the golden core he had was never meant to be his. It was never meant to exist. "I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to be like this," Wei Wuxian finally said lowly, letting go of Lan Wangji's elbow.

"You said..." Jiang Cheng said hoarsely. "You said we would always be together."

"I'm sorry," Wei Wuxian managed to say without completely breaking down. "I broke my promise." He in his lower lip, steeled himself, and closed the distance between him and his shidie, placing a hesitant but gentle hand on his shoulder. "Don't keep it in your heart anymore. It's all in the past. Jiang Cheng, let it all go. I would do it again for you. Let's both stop lingering on these thoughts."

Jiang Cheng wiped his face roughly, drying his tears. He took in a deep breath and closed his eyes. The Jiang sect leader turned away from everyone else, trying to regain his composure. He caught Lan Xichen's gaze and turned away, his exhales shaky. Wei Wuxian clasped his shoulder once more before returning to Lan Wangji's side, craving the older's warmth and comfort once the matter between him and Jiang Cheng had settled. "Hug me," Wei Wuxian demanded quietly, crawling shamelessly back onto Lan Wangji's lap.

@Wei Wuxian As a cultivator of the musical arts for his entire life, hearing the screeching sounds of the two blades against each other brought a disdainful look to Lan Wangji's face, his eyes twitching as he kept his arms busy around Wei Wuxian, doing his best to digest those horrifying sounds. However, to Lan Wangji's surprise, two warm hands covered his ears, and when he looked down, he saw Wei Wuxian, still trembling in fear of the dog running around the vicinity, but also doing his best to protect Lan Wangji from any suffering. Touched by that movement, Lan Wangji pulled the smaller male closer against him, shielding him from everyone else's sight.

In the meantime, Lan Xichen had observed everything, watching the scene unfold in front of him with a mournful expression on his face. He didn't know what to believe or how to act anymore - considering that his brother had been right to the end. Although Jiang Cheng had been quick-witted to have deflected Jin Guangyao's first attack, he soon fell victim to Ah-Yao's manipulative words as well, and Lan Xichen couldn't help but empathize with the young sect leader. After injuring Jiang Cheng, Jin Guangyao had also quickly moved to cut off the man's spiritual energy. Fairy had run out of the courtyard, Su She hot on the dog's tail. "Fairy, run!" Jin Ling panicked, "They're trying to kill you!" which was indeed the truth. Under Jin Guangyao's orders, Su She dashed outside also, ready to kill it - that is, if he was able to catch it.

From the back of the monastery, there suddenly came a cry, "Sect leader! We found a corner!" which effectively drew Jin Guangyao's attention as he hurried to the back, urging them to hurry and dig up the rest.

Out of great concern for his Uncle, Jin Ling approached Lan Wangji, asking carefully, "Hanguang Jun...are there any more cushions?" he asked, "My uncle needs one."

After a moment's consideration, Lan Wangji took the one Wei Wuxian had been sitting on earlier, throwing it over to Jin Ling. The young cultivator quickly tried to hand it back, saying that he'd give up his own, but Lan Wangji shook his head, "No need." Of course, with Wei Wuxian in his lap, that left the other cushion free. He didn't really want to move right now to give up his own, what with the way Wei Wuxian was completely molded against his body, so Lan Wangji took it upon himself to get rid of something unnecessary. Wei Wuxian's fear now gone from the premises, Lan Wangji gently d the smaller's back, loosening his hold on the male as he looked down at Wei Wuxian again, gentle as they assessed the new situation in front of them.

Lan Wangji was not surprised about the origins of Jiang Cheng's current golden core. He had kept his promise to Wen Ning, having not revealed the truth himself. But once it came to Wei Wuxian's realization that Jiang Cheng actually knew the truth, Lan Wangji could admit that he knew also. They would have to acknowledge this matter sooner or later, and he softly murmured an explanation to the other, "Wen Ning."

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian thought Su She was laughing at first, but there was no way that snake of a man could sound so angelic. He turned to Lan Wangji, catching the way the older's lips were lifted in the most breathtaking smile. Wei Wuxian genuinely forgot to breathe for a moment, twisted on Lan Wangji's map to admire his face. He was sure he could have kept staring for a long time if not for the front door bursting into a thousand wooden little pieces.

Jiang Cheng! Wei Wuxian perked up at first, glad to see his younger brother no matter what, but shrunk back the moment he heard barking. Jin Ling's dog! She must have brought Jiang Cheng here. An involuntary whimper still left Wei Wuxian however grateful he was for the canine, though. "Lan Zhan!" he yelped, hugging Lan Wangji's arm even closer so he could watch everything unfold from the safety of Lan Wangji's arm. "Hug me!" Su She's steps were shaky and unsteady as Fairy advanced, barking madly. "Bite him, Fairy!" Wei Wuxian called with Jin Ling whilst he cowered from behind Wangji. Fairy did not get to bite Su She in front of Wei Wuxian's eyes, much to his disappointment.

Jin Guangyao had finally arrived to see what the commotion was about, Wei Wuxian supposed. He had to praise Jiang Cheng for his quick reflexes, watching as his shidie kicked an abandoned sword off the ground at the first note of the guqin. The scraping noise of the two swords was an effective counter to the guqin's noise, but it was /unbearable/, even to Wei Wuxian. Lan Xichen winced, and Lan Wangji might be suffering, too, but his arms were busy securing Wei Wuxian from Fairy, who was still running about, trying to take a bite out of Su She. Trembling like a leaf, Wei Wuxian covered Lan Wangji's ears for him.

“Sect Leader Jiang, I must admit my defeat against such a power move!" Jin Guangyao exclaimed as he moved from out of the shadows, his warm smile tainted with an obvious malice. "How did you get here?" Jiang Cheng chose not to entertain the other, swinging Zidian toward Jin Guangyao, who nearly had to dive out of the way. Jiang Cheng's attacks were relentless, and Jin Guangyao knew his spiritual power was no match for the former's. He could only dodge and step out of the way of Zidian, not daring to face Jiang Cheng head on.

\Wei Wuxian noticed how Jin Guangyao's smile never wavered and how his lashes batted as he fought. "He's just like Xue Yang," Wei Wuxian commented. When he received no response, he looked up at Lan Wangji and realized he was still covering the other's ears, his arms frozen into position from the shock of that dog running around.

Jin Guangyao's strategy was to taunt and distract. Wei Wuxian hoped his shidie would remember that well and not fall victim to Guangyao's trap. At this point, Jin GuangYao’s tone suddenly changed, smiling, “Sect Leader Jiang, what’s wrong? Ever since we started, your eyes have been so shifty, almost like you’re scared of looking that way. Is anything over there?”

Jiang Cheng's gaze hardened. “You’re the chief cultivator, after all. Fight me if you can—why the chit-chat?”

“You’re still avoiding it?" Jin Guangyao's smile deepened, and his dimples became more prominent. It was scary how such an innocent face could belong to someone to malicious. "Nothing is over there except for your shixiong. Did you really come here chasing after Ah-Ling? Sect Leader Jiang, I heard yesterday you threw a tantrum in Lotus Pier without a reason, running around holding the sword that belonged to the YiLing Patriarch, telling everyone you met to unsheathe it.”

This caused Jiang Cheng's relentless attacks to stutter. Wei Wuxian's attention was recaptured, too. He sprang up from Lan Wangji's arms, disbelief written clearly over his face. Surely, he hadn't heard wrong? His sword, Suibian? Doesn't Wen Ning have Suibian? As Wei Wuxian tried harder to make sense of the situation, he realized Jiang Cheng was saying nothing. Did that mean he acknowledged it, in his own prideful way? Jin Guangyao took the opportunity to gloat gleefully again, “I heard nobody could unsheathe the sword, but you managed to unsheathe it yourself. How curious. The sword sealed itself away over thirteen years ago, when I first collected it. Apart from the YiLing Patriarch himself, nobody would ever be able to unsheathe it…And so I remembered. Back then, Young Master Wei was so wilful. He never brought his sword anywhere, and found a different excuse every single time. I’ve always found this peculiar—what about you?”

Jiang Cheng was so visibly angry Wei Wuxian was worried he would pop a vein in his forehead. “Just what do you want to say?!”

“Sect Leader Jiang, you’re truly extraordinary, the youngest sect leader who rebuilt the YunmengJiang Sect on his own. But I recall that you could never beat Wei Gonzi in anything, in the past. Could you tell me how you rose above him after the Sunshot Campaign? Did you perhaps take any golden elixirs?”

At that, Jiang Cheng froze. Did the entire world already know Wei Wuxian gave up his golden core besides him? Amidst the chaotic words, Jin Guangyao spotted Jiang Cheng's moment of weakness. He lunged forward, unsheathing Hensheng from where it was wrapped around his waist and it towards Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng staggered back, clutching his chest. Blood spurted from between his fingers, staining his robes a deep violet. Jin Ling all but sprinted for his uncle, supporting Jiang Cheng as he sank to his knees, who, in a very Jiang Cheng fashion, promptly told his nephew to scram.

@Wei Wuxian Honestly, it was nice for Lan Wangji to have a partner like Wei Wuxian. Feelings aside, they were immensely compatible, the younger male always having a way with words that Lan Wangji didn't. Su She's face was red with anger, fuming at how Wei Wuxian defended Lan Wangji so shamelessly and effortlessly. It was impressive, even to Lan Wangji, how Wei Wuxian could provoke Su She so quickly. As if it were the perfect opportunity to prove how much they complemented each other, as soon as the reflection of Su She's sword even began to reveal itself, Lan Wangji already held an arm tightly around Wei Wuxian, his sheathed Bichen raised horizontally in front of him, eyes daring Su She to touch a hair on Wei Wuxian's head.

Though it was slightly disdainful to hear about Jin Guangyao's unnecessary respect toward his elder brother, Lan Wangji had to applaud Wei Wuxian for speaking the undeniable truth, which in turn angered Su She even more. As the Su sect leader continued to mock Wei Wuxian, it did not strengthen his own case, instead giving Wei Wuxian even more opportunities to maneuver the situation as he wished. "I don't want to die, but I am not scared of it. There's a difference. Much like how I don’t want to get up from Lan Zhan versus I’m scared of getting up from Lan Zhan. How are they the same?" There was a pause, Lan Wangji's hold tightening on Wei Wuxian as if the other really would be getting up from him. "Never mind. I feel like they’re pretty much exactly the same thing."

Following that statement, instead of getting another remark from Su She as his first response, Wei Wuxian extracted a gentle laugh from Lan Wangji. It was not very audible, but it had been the loudest laugh Lan Wangji had ever done in his life. The corner of his lips curved upwards, to a greater degree than he had ever done, his lips parting and his eyes crinkled softly. He let out a soft breath amidst the laugh, looking down at Wei Wuxian intensely, his eyes revealing the immeasurable amount of affection he held towards Wei Wuxian.

Lan Xichen, who had been observing the situation from the opposite end, had never even seen this look on his brother's face, blinking quickly a few times to make sure his vision was not distorted. Indeed, this was the biggest smile Lan Wangji had even bore on his face. He didn't have a chance to comment on this though, or consider what he thought about this, before there came a loud cracking sound of the door behind slammed open, the wood snapping in multiple pieces as the purple flash of the Purple Electricity came flying through the entrance, Jiang Cheng at the end of the Purple Electricity's track. His face was dark, almost like the shade of the night sky behind him.

Noticing that his uncle had arrived, Jin Ling called out, "Uncle!" to which Jiang Cheng glared at his nephew, chastising him for running so fast earlier. It must have been Fairy who had summoned the Jiang sect leader. Jiang Cheng assessed the situation only briefly, but was then caught up by Su She running towards him with the tip of his sword flying towards him. Effectively dodging it, he swung back, clashing blades with Su She before there came the barking of a dog from behind him, Fairy having arrived and charged straight at Su She. Noticing that his uncle was in danger, Jin Ling quickly ordered from the sidelines, "Fairy, Fairy! Bite him!" while pointing to Su She, who had tried to tackle the dog and kill it. Just like that, Su She lost his focus in the verbal brawl with Wei Wuxian, and was now much more occupied with not getting bitten by a trained spirit dog.

Lan Wangji didn't need to be reminded or told twice what to do when in a situation like this. Instinctively, he held onto Wei Wuxian, blocking the smaller male from the spirit dog's direct line of sight with his robes. "I'm here." he assured Wei Wuxian, who did not cower in the face of death, but was pale as the dead when face to face with a dog.

While he was busying himself with protecting Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji watched as the monks and Jin disciples under Jin Guangyao advanced towards the sect leader, swinging their swords as they charged for him. With a single swing of his Purple Electricity, Jiang Cheng sent all who came into contact with it were sent flying backwards. The first obstacle out of mind, his gaze landed over at Wei Wuxian enveloped in Lan Wangji's embrace, facial features darkening even more as he saw the duo connected so shamelessly.

However, before he could make a comment, Lan Xichen called out to him, concern spelled out across his face, "Sect Leader Jiang! Watch out for the guqin's sound!"

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian's arms wrapped around Lan Wangji tight, squeezing just as hard as he felt himself being hugged, letting Lan Wangji kiss and hug him as though there were only the two of them in the world. He felt as though he were being suffocated, but if it was by Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian would die a thousand times over.

"Fancy you..."

"Yes!" Wei Wuxian confirmed, his hands finding and cupping Lan Wangji's face.

"Want you...don't want to leave you...love you."

"Yes," Wei Wuxian nearly screamed in utter joy, sinking into Lan Wangji's embrace again. Their chests were connected at the front, pressing against each other so tightly there was not a single bit of space left between them. Wei Wuxian's heart pound wildly in his chest, and he hoped Lan Wangji could feel it and know it was for him. "I want you, Lan Zhan! I love you-" Something wet touched his neck, and he held Lan Wangji even tighter if that was possible. When they finally pulled apart at the rushing of footsteps into the hall, Wei Wuxian got a good look at Lan Wangji when lightning flashed once. The other's cheeks were slightly flushed, but not as pink as his ears. Wei Wuxian brushed at the tear track that glimmered in the dim moonlight that managed to stream in.

The candles were relit, and Wei Wuxian was rather conscious of the eyes that were suddenly trained on him and Lan Wangji, but he made no move to pull away. So many long years of pining for the both of them and Wei Wuxian finally felt such a sense of /belonging/. He wasn't going to part with Lan Wangji for anything in the world. Shamelessly, he fit himself against Lan Wangji on his lap, watching as Su She hauled Nie Huaisang into the temple and dump him unceremoniously on the ground.

Wei Wuxian stayed quiet, having no desire to entertain Su She until he began to attack Lan Wangji, his dark eyes filled with something Wei Wuxian had seen around too often. Envy, jealousy. Resentment. "Since when has Hanguang Jun ever thought of himself as a big deal?" Wei Wuxian shot back hotly, a wicked grin stretching his lips upwards. Jin Guangyao's right hand man was somewhat skilled, but he had the temper of a young mistress (and arguably worse than Jin Ling's). "Is it because of Hanguang Jun's icy face? Don't take it personally, Sect Leader Su. Obviously, he's like that to everyone. You should be glad you didn't study at Yunmeng with me, Sect Leader."

Su She looked as though he had reached the end of his patience. "Why?"

"If you're pissed off so easily by Hanguang Jun, you'd be angered to death by me!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed gleefully, feeling particularly bold in Lan Wangji's arms. "When I was young, I always thought of myself as a prodigy beyond question, no doubt about it. Of course, such a thought cannot be kept to myself. I would have shared with you and anyone I saw-"

"Shut up!" Su She snarled, pulling out his sword. Wei Wuxian shrunk back into Lan Wangji immediately, but he didn't stop with his taunts, knowing Su She could not harm him (most probably). "It's best if you try and control yourself," Wei Wuxian said cheerfully. "LianFang-Zun is still fairly respectful towards ZeWu-Jun. If you hurt HanGuang-Jun, do you think LianFang-Zun would be happy?”

Su She did realize this before, but now that Wei Wuxian said it himself, irritation coursed through him. He mocked, "I never imagined that /the/ YiLing Patriarch would be scared of death himself!”

"You flatter me," Wei Wuxian tossed back shamelessly. "I don't want to die, but I am not scared of it. There's a difference. Much like how I don’t want to get up from Lan Zhan versus I’m scared of getting up from Lan Zhan. How are they the same?" Wei Wuxian actually pondered this for a second before retracting his statement. "Never mind. I feel like they’re pretty much exactly the same thing." Shamelessly, he grinned up at Lan Wangji, resting his cheek against the other's shoulder.

@Wei Wuxian "Lan Zhan, you're great. I like you."

"..."

"I mean, I /like/ you. I fancy you, I want you, I don't want to leave you, I whatever you. I think I love you."

"..."

"I want to night hunt with you for the rest of my life. And I swear, I swear to you, I want to sleep with you everyday. I didn't say it because it was the heat of the moment or I wanted to shock Jin Guangyao, though I am glad it did. I have wanted you for a long time. Even before Mo Xuanyu, I... I thought of you as another part of me. I only had Jiang Cheng and shijie, and then I had you."

"..."

"I just like you so much. I don't want anyone but you. It /can't/ be anyone but you. Lan Zhan, you can do anything to me, whatever you like, as long as you're willing to-"

"..."

Through all of this, Lan Wangji did not open his mouth, but it was not for the usual reason of having nothing to say. Instead, his voice had got stuck in his threat, feeling how his heart was throbbing both painfully and excitedly against his chest. The feelings that he had been holding on to, since he was a naive teenager, preserved in his mind for the past sixteen years, that he had been acting upon since Wei Wuxian's return to Lan Wangji's world, those feelings were perfectly encapsulated in Wei Wuxian's confession. It was exactly what he wanted to say, but no matter how much the literate and cultivated Hanguang Jun had tried to collect these feelings into concrete statements, he never realized how it should be done until he heard Wei Wuxian do it.

Just as the wind blew out the candles in the hall, Lan Wangji had shut the smaller male up with his lips, pulling Wei Wuxian tightly into his arms and holding him close, hands gripping onto the other's robe and desperately clinging on. He kissed Wei Wuxian with a renewed sense of vigor, letting himself lose his composure just this once. When they pulled away, Lan Wangji's arms enveloped Wei Wuxian completely in his embrace, not letting go as he. He was panting softly beside the smaller's ear as he caught his breath, repeating the other's words in his baritone voice, "fancy you..."

"Want you...don't want to leave you...love you,"

With every statement, Lan Wangji tightened the distance between them, not even a miniscule crack that would let even air pass through their connected bodies, "Don't want anyone but you...can't be anyone but you." Lan Wangji uttered, his body trembling against Wei Wuxian. The darkness of the hall may have masked the silhouette of his tremors, but it couldn't stop the tear that rolled down his cheek, the happiest one he had ever shed. He buried his face into Wei Wuxian's collar, muttering those same words over and over again, etching them into his heart. Those words were there to stay, along with the brand mark on his chest, along with the whip scars on his back. Lan Wangji had given his everything for one person without ever questioning if it was worth it, despite what his Uncle and elder brother had asked him before. Now, he knew it was worth it. Lan Wangji finally understood what the feeling of fulfillment was like.

The moment went uninterrupted even with Jin Guangyao's re-entry into the mainhall, the man pulling a fire talismen from his robes and relighting the candles in the hall. When the lights came back on, Lan Xichen and Jin Lin caught side of the couple hugging tightly in front of them, eyes widening (and jaw dropping for Jin Ling) as they wondered what could have happened in those brief moments their eyes could not see.

Soon, there came a loud knock at the door, to which the monks brandished their swords at. "Who is it?" one of the monks demanded.

"Sect leader! It's me!" a very familiar voice replied from the other side. Once the monks dropped their swords, the doors opened, and in came Su She, dragging in a unconscious Nie Huaisang into the main hall, dropping the poor male onto the ground." Once explaining to situation to Jin Guangyao, Su She's attention seemed to have been caught Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, a glare appearing on his face as he unsheathed his sword slightly. However, noticing that they were not making any attempt to retaliate, Su She must have figured they were disabled for the meantime. A smug smirk appeared on his face as he walked closer to the duo, taunting, "So we meet again, Yiling Patriarch, Hanguang Jun. How does it feel to have our positions switched?" he laughed.

Lan Wangji did not care to respond, not even returning Su She's glance with his own. He was never the type to respond to provocations (Wei Wuxian being his one and only exception). Besides, his heart was more preoccupied with someone else right now to care about what the traitor was rambling about. Seeing how he was ignored, Su She mocked him, "Look at the situation you're in. Are you still going to pretend that you're the honorable and calm Hanguang Jun? How much longer do you want to keep this facade up?"

From the other side, Lan Xichen did not like the tone that was being directed at his brother, calmly interjecting, "Sect Leader Su, I believe we have never treated you poorly when you were studying in the Gusu Lan Sect. Why must you talk to Wangji this way?"

Su She snorted, rolling his eyes sarcastically, "Oh yes! How /dare/ I talk to Lan-er Gongzi this way. He always carries himself so arrogantly, as if he's such a big deal. I just can't stand the sight of his pride always walking first."

@Lan Wangji Lan Wangji seemed to be responding receptively, and Wei Wuxian took the opportunity while no one paid attention to him (for once) to force himself to finish his words for Lan Wangji. He gathered all the courage he could find, taking another deep breath. "Lan Zhan, you're great. i like you"

With beat of silence between them, Wei Wuxian quickly took to clarify himself. "I mean, I /like/ you. I fancy you, I want you, I don't want to leave you, I whatever you. I think I love you." Wei Wuxian's demeanour immediately became one of a shy maiden's, a shy smile tugging on the corners of his lips and his eyes hooding, lashes batting, as he peeked at Lan Wangji through them. "I want to night hunt with you for the rest of my life. And I swear," Wei Wuxian said, sitting up straight and proper now, raising three fingers and pointing them to the side. "I swear to you, I want to sleep with you everyday. I didn't say it because it was the heat of the moment or I wanted to shock Jin Guangyao, though I am glad it did. I have wanted you for a long time. Even before Mo Xuanyu, I... I thought of you as another part of me. I only had Jiang Cheng and shijie, and then I had you."

Putting his hand down in favour of taking Lan Wangji's in his own, Wei Wuxian continued, his voice much stronger and steadier. It felt /good/ to finally just let it all out. Wei Wuxian was not lying when he told the other he considered him his other half, even back then. He had always treasured Lan Wangji the same he loved his shijie and Jiang Cheng. Sometimes, maybe even a little more. Wei Wuxian was not really certain when he started actually wanting Lan Wangji to take him like an animal in heat, but he knew the feeling had definitely been biding its time in him for awhile. "Anyway," he continued, holding one of Lan Wangji's hands tightly. "I just like you so much. I don't want anyone but you. It /can't/ be anyone but you. Lan Zhan, you can do anything to me, whatever you like, as long as you're willing to-"

Before Wei Wuxian could finish, a gust of wind blew into the hall, putting out the rows of candles in the Guanyin Hall. It was such an ominous sight Wei Wuxian startled, instinctively leaning in towards Lan Wangji. While he had been busy pouring his heart out to Wangji, the sky had opened up to a great storm. Rain poured so hard outside Wei Wuxian could no longer hear or see the diggers' activity near the back as they were plunged into darkness, the only light source coming from the occasional flash of lightning.

@Wei Wuxian "Lan Zhan," Wei Ying called him, garnering Lan Wangji’s hesitant attention again "Look at me, please." It was a request that Lan Wangji obliged to immediately, turning his head in the other’s direction, gaze gently shifting upwards as it took in Wei Wuxian’s face. Due to the dim lighting of the candles far away from them and the dark colors of the other’s robe, all that was truly visible to Lan Wangji was Wei Wuxian’s face, an undecipherable expression on it.

“En.” Lan Wangji replied, signaling that he did what the other instructed.

"You know, I have really bad memory. I can't remember a lot of things from the past, especially past Nevernight.” Wei Wuxian started, which made Lan Wangji press his lips together, not sure what exactly it was Wei Wuxian was getting at. "But! But even if I can't remember those anymore, from now on I'll remember what you say for me and do for me. I won't forget a single thing."

“…” There was an audible silence between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian, as Lan Wangji was not sure what exactly was happening, but his heart was racing even faster than earlier. He gripped his fists tightly together, trying to control the urge to do something irrational again. Being drunk and doing stupid things was one thing, but being sober and actly out of order was inexcusable.

"Lan Zhan, are you with me? Say something,"

Lan Wangji hesitated, then opened his mouth “E-“

"But don't say too much. Just tell me... if I can continue or not, because I am not done yet."

Lan Wangji nodded his head rather obediently, eyes on Wei Wuxian, ears open for him too.

@Lan Wangji Wei Wuxian still had so many words itching to burst from him. He wasn't done yet, but Lan Xichen and Jin Guangyao both looked like they didn't want to hear any more, and Lan Wangji could probably use a little less embarrassment. He let himself be taken inside the temple obediently, walking close enough to Lan Wangji their shoulders pressed against each other's.

The Guanyin statue that stood in the centre of the temple was undoubtedly beautiful, but it gave Wei Wuxian the shivers down his back. Compared to other Guanyin statues he'd seen, this one held more grace, but less kindness, like a cold and cool noblewoman. Most shockingly, Wei Wuxian found that it looked strikingly similar to Jin Guangyao. At first, the similarities weren't so stark, but the longer he looked from the Jin Sect Leader to the statue and back again, the statue and Guangyao were looking more and more alike. Wei Wuxian held back a snort. Of course, he shouldn't have expected anything less from that man. It wasn't enough to be chief cultivator, but Jin Guangyao had to put himself on a statue to be revered by all the lay people of the world.

"Sit," Lan Wangji said, interrupting Wei Wuxian's train of thought. He obeyed without a word, sinking into the cushion Lan Wangji indicated for him to rest on. Jin Guangyao had returned to the back of the statue, supervising some sort of digging. He seemed as though he could not wait a second longer for whatever he was looking for to be uncovered, a manic expression settling over his face. Wei Wuxian focused his attention to Jin Ling next, noting the shaking in the younger boy's eyes. When they made eye contact, though, Jin Ling glared and turned away, choosing to stare at the exit instead, as if calculating the perfect time to make a run for it. At least, Jin Ling still had his spiritual powers, but he was young and Wei Wuxian would never expect a child to get them all out of danger.

With nothing else left to do but wait for someone, anyone's cultivation power to come back. Wei Wuxian's gaze wandered, almost with a bored air of a mistress with too little to do while she waited for her man to return. He turned to Lan Wangji, who was sitting stoically like usual. With his thigh pressed against Lan Wangji's though, Wei Wuxian could feel how tense the older man was. "Lan Zhan," he said gently, prodding Lan Wangji in the side. "Look at me, please." He took a deep breath, all the words he had before suddenly lost, scattered, reshuffled in his mind. "You know, I have really bad memory. I can't remember a lot of things from the past, especially past Nevernight." Steeling his nerves, Wei Wuxian closed his hand around Lan Wangji's wrist, in case the latter decided he didn't want to listen to Wuxian's nonsense and bolt. "But! But even if I can't remember those anymore, from now on I'll remember what you say for me and do for me. I won't forget a single thing." It was hard to say, but Wei Wuxian just wanted to make more memories with Lan Wangji. It was

"I..." Wei Wuxian said, his voice faltering as he began to lose his nerve. It wasn't that because he was uncertain of Lan Wangji's feelings towards his confession, but because the words he had prepared suddenly sounded very sappy as he was about to blurt it out. "Lan Zhan, are you with me? Say something," Wei Wuxian pleaded. As an afterthought, he added, "But don't say too much. Just tell me... if I can continue or not, because I am not done yet."

@Wei Wuxian "Wangji. Lan Zhan! Hanguang Jun. Back then, and even now, I- I wanted to sleep with you!"

There was a silence that filled the entire courtyard, all eyes fixated on Wei Wuxian, some staring in disbelief, others in confusion. The most searing of all the stares came from Lan Wangji himself. Time seemed to have frozen still, even for the unwavering likes of Lan Wangji. The closest thing to a gasp escaped his lips, inaudible, but the same meaning nonetheless. This was one of the rare times in his life that Lan Wangji was unable to process something and react on the spot. His face, which had been placid even when being threatened and taunted by Jin Guangyao, revealed a few streaks of confusion.

When Wei Wuxian sprang forward, Lan Wangji reached his arms out, but he also fumbled, at such a loss at the other's sudden confession that he didn't know where he should place his hands. "Lan Zhan! Did you hear what I said?!"

"You..." he started, pausing in his tracks, "You said..." If it was difficult for Wei Wuxian to say these words, it was borderline impossible for Lan Wangji to repeat them. Although he had heard very clearly what Wei Wuxian had just said - how could he not, with the other's determined, clear pronunciation of word after word - Lan Wangji was still having a hard time believing his ears.

Noticing that the two were lost in their own little world, Lan Xichen cleared his throat, his face still wearing that calm and collected expression as always. "Wei Gongzi, maybe now is not the time for those kind of words." he said, before Jin Guangyao picked up from their, ushering them inside. Maybe Jin Guangyao took Wei Wuxian's boldness as a threat to his authority, that the small male dressed in black and red robes was always so haughty that he could joke and tease even when his life was in danger. It was an insult to the Jin sect leader.

Once they were inside, Jin Guangyao left a few disciples to guard over them, turning his attention back to whatever it was he was trying to dig out. "Have you still not dug it out yet?" he demanded, to which the monks shook their head, claiming that it was far too deep to show any signs of being close yet.

It had begun to rain since they came inside, thunder streaking across the sky every so often. As Jin Guangyao busied himself in the back behind the main Guanyin statue, Lan Wangji bent down, collecting a few of the cushions on the floor. Handing one cushion each to his elder brother, Jin Ling, and Wei Wuxian, he said, "Sit."

Without an explanation, his elder brother had given Lan Wangji a glance, then with Jin Ling, had taken their cushions and went to the other side of the palace, placing their cushions on the floor in front of a beam that was constructed to hold the building up. Both the sect leader and junior disciple looked away, leaving Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian some space to themselves.

Lan Wangji was tugged down on the floor while somewhat lost in thought again, stumbling slightly before sitting beside Wei Wuxian. Fixing his posture, he sat up straight, shoulder brushing against Wei Wuxian, but gaze fixated on the ground in front of him. He did not know what warranted those words from Wei Wuxian, nor did he know how to face the smaller at the moment. His heart was pounding so hard against his chest, he thought it would be audible to other people as well. The room was lit up by candles hanging on chandeliers from both sides of the palace, so it was hard to recognize, but Lan Wangji's face was starting to burn up. This may have been the first time a blush on his cheeks threatened to appear.

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@Lan Wangji Lan Wangji is such an idiot. "Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian warned when Jin Guangyao made his demand. "Don't do it. Go, find reinforcements. This coward won't do anything to me." The string felt as though it were sawing into Wei Wuxian's neck now, and he could smell and feel the wet blood that was trickling down his neck now. Jin Guangyao hissed, "I said do not try me. You are in no position to speak."

Lan Xichen spoke up. "I fell into his trap. Even with Liebing and Shuoyue by my side, there is nothing I can do."

Wei Wuxian could not help but feel bad for Lan Xichen while he was still in his predicament. It wasn't the older Lan's fault that he believed Jin Guangyao's lies so easily. After all, they were close, the two of them and Nie Huaisang. Sworn brothers, promised to protect, believe, and trust through thick and thin. The same way Wei Wuxian put his life in Lan Wangji's hands, he would watch Lan Wangji commit crimes in front of his own eyes and still stand by him til the end. "No need to be ashamed," he commented as his eyes narrowed. "Jin Guangyao is best at cheating others, after all."

"Enough from you, Wei Wuxian," Jin Guangyao spat. Wei Wuxian watched helplessly as Lan Wangji put Bichen away, the glow of the spiritual sword disappearing once it rested back in its sheathe again. "Very good. And now, I would like you to do another thing. That is, I would like Hanguang Jun to seal off your own spiritual powers," Guangyao purred.

Wei Wuxian dared to struggle in Jin Guangyao's grasp, the string lacerating deeper into the thin skin of his neck. Any more, and Wei Wuxian might start bleeding out. "Don't ask for too much," he growled. "Lan Zhan, /don't/!"Jin Guangyao only laughed cruelly at the display before him. "This is asking for too much? How could he not listen to me? Just think about it, Wei Gongzi. His life is in my hands."

Wei Wuxian had no idea what Jin Guangyao was talking about, but Lan Wangji was absolutely /not/ allowed to render himself useless. He was the only one left in the court who could still fight, with Lan Xichen powerless and Wei Wuxian on the verge of having his throat slit by that snake Guangyao. "Don't touch him," Lan Wangji said, and Wei Wuxian could see the resignation in Lan Wangji's eyes already. In horror, Wei Wuxian could only watch as Lan Wangji sealed off his spiritual power, his expression still placid and calm as ever. Wei Wuxian wanted to scream in frustration. That stupid Lan Zhan!

The previously sealed doors of the temple creaked, capturing the court's attention. It was Jin Ling, confusion written all over his face as he stumbled in. Two Jin disciples dragged him by the arm, stoic and silent. Wei Wuxian found it in him to sigh. Stupid. Lan Wangji was stupid, and so was Jin Ling. "Hello, Ah-Ling," Jin Guangyao greeted with familiarity. "How nice of you to join us." Wei Wuxian had other words to welcome the young Jin. "What's wrong with you?" he asked, despite the pain that now accompanied his speech. "What are you doing, wandering around at night?"

"None of your business!" Jin Ling cried in protest. "Uncle, what's going on?" Jin Guangyao ignored his nephew in favour of giving an order to another disciple: "Find and kill the dog. I expect it will be running for help now." Realization was beginning to settle over Jin Ling's face when Jin Guangyao returned his attention to him. "Ah-Ling, what are you doing here?" he asked in a sickly sweet tone, his snake-like smile accompanying his words. Lan Xichen picked up on the tension. "Clan Leader Jin. Ah-Ling is just a child."

"I know," Jin Guangyao snarled "And as long as he does not scream or run, he will be fine." To his disciples, he said, "Get them inside."

"Wait!" Wei Wuxian blurted out. "Lan Zhan, I- I have something to tell you something." After a while of standing and watching (and not really paying attention), a thought had crossed Wei Wuxian's mind. What if Jin Guangyao decided to decapitate him now? He would never get the chance again. However lucky a man could be, coming back to life once was already defying so many wills.

Jin Guangyao was not impressed with Wei Wuxian's interruption. "Why don't we save it for later?"

"No, it's really urgent," Wei Wuxian insisted boldly, as if he were the one calling the shots with a coated guqin string wrapped around his neck.

"Then say it now," Jin Guangyao said, a hint of impatience tinting his voice.

Wei Wuxian took a deep breath, his exhale trembling. He was aware of all eyes and attention on him; Lan Xichen's, Jin Ling's, the disciples, but most importantly, Lan Wangji's. "Wangji. Lan Zhan! Hanguang Jun. Back then, and even now, I- I wanted to sleep with you!" It was probably the thing no one in the entire court expected Wei Wuxian to say all of a sudden. Jin Guangyao's string loosened around his neck, and the second Wei Wuxian felt it slacken, he shoved Jin Guangyao backwards and leapt for Lan Wangji, crashing into the other man. "Lan Zhan! Did you hear what I said?!"

Jin Guangyao recovered. "Get them inside!" he yelled, his mask of a tranquil expression finally broken. "Enough with Wei Wuxian's nonsense. Move them!"

@Wei Wuxian Just as he had predicted, Wei Wuxian could not control himself when it came to Jin Ling. In the flash of an eye, the male beside him had stood up, drawing attention towards them by deflecting the arrows headed for Jin Ling's face. As soon as Jin Ling's figure disappeared from the other side of the courtyard, Lan Wangji himself ducked low also. Giving a nod to Wei Wuxian, he stood up, flying himself down to the other side, landing lightly on his feet with Bichen unsheathed. Before he could read the situation, Lan Wangji was caught in one himself. The tip of Bichen's blade shifted its target from the Jin disciples and monks to Wei Wuxian's direction. It was aimed at Wei Wuxian, but really, it was intended for the mastermind behind him, Jin Guangyao.

Lan Wangji's eyes narrowed when and brows furrowed when he saw the thin golden string that was digging into Wei Wuxian's neck. Just below that line were the bruise marks he thought he had seen earlier. He took a step forward, still brandishing Bichen at Jin Guangyao's face, which was the only part of the shorter male's body that was not being shielded by Wei Wuxian.

"Hanguang Jun, you best not try anything." Jin Guangyao warned him. The way the string tightened around Wei Wuxian's neck wrenched Lan Wangji's heart. Any wreckless movement from him and he would bring harm to Wei Wuxian. "What's wrong, Hanguang Jun?" the male continued to taunt him, "Don't tell me, you really want to kill Wei Wuxian?" he asked, then laughing amusedly at the duo's compromised positions.

Shooting a glare at the male, the corner of Lan Wangji's lips twitched as he looked to the side, his elder brother emerging from the cloud. "Xiongzhang." he called, wanting to get an idea of what was going on.

"I fell into his trap. Even with Liebing and Shuoyue by my side, there is nothing I can do." Lan Xichen said, which gave Lan Wangji all the information he needed to understand the situation fully. It was uncanny, how the siege at Burial Mounds that Jin Guangyao staged a few days ago was attended by everyone but himself and Lan Xichen. Lan Wangji was also there when the Jin sect leader invited his elder brother to go up the Burial Mounds with him. It was at that time, when Lan Xichen had let his guard down, did Jin Guangyao seal off his spiritual powers. Of course, Lan Xichen was much stronger than he was, so it made sense Jin Guangyao could not let the male out of his sight, as he would need to reseal off the other's spiritual power every few hours or so.

His attention shifted back to Wei Wuxian, whose contorted face made Lan Wangji lower his sword immediately. He stood straight, closing Bichen back into its sheath. This action earned a ceremonious praise from Jin Guangyao, who chuckled, "Very good. And now, I would like you to do another thing. That is, I would like Hanguang Jun to seal off your own spiritual powers." To emphasize his intentions, Jin Guangyao reeled in the string with his fingers, making it even tauter and sharper against Wei Wuxian's delicate skin.

"Don't touch him." Lan Wangji ordered.

"As long as you do what I say and listen to me completely. I have no need to kill anyone." Jin Guangyao chided him, a disgustingly sweet look on his face, portraying how his mask of innocence had fooled everyone for so long.

Despite Wei Wuxian's protest and Lan Xichen's concerned glance for him, Lan Wangji summoned a bit of his energy, tapping at the meridians on his shoulders and chest, drawing a straight line down with his thumb and sealing his power off. Just like that, his body seemed to have become disabled. He immediately felt how his power and strength were weakened. However, this was not as big of a concern to him as was Wei Wuxian's safety. He had only sealed off his spiritual powers for the minimum amount of time possible - two incense sticks worth of time. He just had to get Wei Wuxian out of the predicament he was in first. Once that was over, Lan Wangji would just need to wait for his power to come back. It wasn't impossible.

@Lan Wangji Lan Wangji was just as useless as Wei Wuxian could be in their current situation. They could do nothing but watch as Suihua was raised from behind the wall, then Jin Ling's hand, then Jin Ling himself, peeking over the wall. Wei Wuxian watched in horror as Jin Ling realized what kind of situation he had put himself into, the Jin disciples' arrows pointed at his face. Jin Ling's ridiculously innocent expression morphed into one that matched Wei Wuxian's.

One of the arrow's trajectory was headed for Jin Ling's forehead, and that stupid child could only gape as his own people him, unknowing. Wei Wuxian stood a little higher, pulling the bamboo flute he'd been carrying since he returned to this world out, and whipped it was scary precision towards Jin Ling. The arrow struck the flute instead, and both flew downwards, narrowly missing Jin Ling.

The young Jin heir was still frozen, unable to move. Wei Wuxian shouted, "Jin Ling, get out!"

It worked. Jin Ling snapped out of his daze, but Wei Wuxian had drawn the attention of the monks and the Jin disciples to him and Lan Wangji. Arrows whizzed past them, and Wei Wuxian ducked a couple before making eye contact with Lan Wangji. There was a silent agreement between them to go down and fight. Wei Wuxian's powers were almost at their full capability. He leapt off the roof, tumbling gracefully, paper talismans flying. In the midst of battle, he was pleased to find his speed was beginning to catch up to what it was in his previous life. As the Jin disciples recovered from his sudden attack, Wei Wuxian made to dispatch them, but a thin golden thread flew out in front of his eyes.

It would have gone unnoticeable, really, save for the glimmer as it reflected light from the moon. Wei Wuxian turned to the side, his eyes following the path of the golden string before a hand reached around him and seized the free end. The string encircled Wei Wuxian's neck in the blink of an eye, and he was yanked unceremoniously backwards until he hit a body. The string tightened around his neck, threatening to cut into the bruised skin.

"Wei Gongzi, I advise you not to whistle," Jin Guangyao's voice purred beside his ear. "If you startle me now, that would be tragic," he threatened, pulling the string even further back. Wei Wuxian's brow twitched when he felt something run down his neck, toward his collarbone. He was being dragged backwards, away from Lan Wangji. Silence filled the air instead of the shuffling from before - the Jin disciples must have oriented themselves now. "Hanguang Jun," Jin Guangyao said, his tone menacing and filled with venom. "You best not try anything. Another sharp tug was given on the string, and Wei Wuxian couldn't help the gasp that escaped his lips this time. From the corner of his peripheral vision, Wei Wuxian noticed Lan Xichen, who looked as though he were resisting from inserting himself into the situation. Jin Guangyao looked at Lan Wangji expectantly, a shadow of a smile playing on the corners of his lips. His eyes fell on Bichen. "Put that away."

@Wei Wuxian The room had dimmed down considerably with the setting sun's casting a dark shadow into the window. Wei Wuxian had eventually woken up and Lan Wangji thought he made out the faint outline of a bruising mark on the smaller's neck, but he looked away before he could get a good look, not wanting to be caught doing an inappropriate gesture towards the smaller male. He sighed softly as he turned his head, massaging his temples, desperately trying to bring back concrete details of what happened earlier. "En." he replied to Wei Wuxian, grabbing Bichen on the way out.

Wen Ning had come out of his own room too, considerably cleaner and energized than earlier. The Guanyin temple was at the edge of town, which was within walking distance if they also kept along the quieter streets and alleys. Lan Wangji walked beside Wei Wuxian while Wen Ning took the back, the two in mutual agreement that they were to be extra vigilant. Once they arrived at the temple, which was about half an incense stick time's walk away, Lan Wangji could sense the barrier that was securing the front entrance into the temple. He turned to Wei Wuxian, nodding his head, "Let's go." he said, waiting only until Wei Wuxian gave Wen Ning some instructions before taking the smaller by the arm, flying them both up to the roof. Wei Wuxian had the power to get up their himself, but it was good to conserve it, as his ability was considerably limited in comparison to Lan Wangji's.

Once the room, they carefully climbed on top of the tiles, perching themselves at the very top, just enough so they could peer over the ledge. There was an operation happening within the great hall of the temple, monks were busying themselves inside while the Jin disciples were keeping guard outside. Lan Wangji observed carefully, that was, until he saw a very familiar figure appearing from under one of the ledges of the temple pavilion. His eyes widened and he made a movement to step forward, only holding back when Wei Wuxian pressed closer to his body, reminding him to not make any rash movements. Lan Wangji had many questions, but questioning his brother about his motives towards betraying the rest of the cultivation world was not one of them. Just as Lan Xichen understood Lan Wangji best, Lan Wangji trusted and understood his elder brother very well too. After another moment of careful observation, he noted that his elder brother was not giving instructions, nor was he walking around with an air of authority. Though he returned the greetings with a nod of his head, his face did not show any signs of wanting to be in his current situation. Lan Wangji's knuckles turned white as he had balled his fists, wanting to rescue his elder brother out from there. The biggest question on his mind was what was keeping Lan Xichen there, without making any attempts to escape. His sword and flute were on his person, so the only possibility was...Lan XIchen was scared of hurting Jin Guangyao? Despite all that the exploiting that the other had committed to everyone around him? His elder brother had promised to deal with Jin Guangyao's situation with impartiality if evidence was given to him. Could it be, that his emotions now outweighed his evidence?

His attention was drawn away when he felt Wei Wuxian's body tense beside him, coinciding with a spirit dog's bark. He grit his teeth, holding out a sleeve such that Wei Wuxian could grip onto him if he needed. Once he found out that it was Jin Ling who was trying to enter, Lan Wangji felt a heaviness settle on his heart. He had a feeling things wouldn't go well, since Wei Wuxian always cared about his nephew, regardless of what situation he threw himself into. Instead of watching the situation down below, Lan Wangji's eyes shifted their focal point to Wei Wuxian, wanting to prevent him from doing some regrettable.

Jin Ling had finally given up after a while, running around the outer pavilion and out of sight. Lan Wangji thought the situation was over for now, but not long after, there was a thumping coming from the other side of the wall. Jin Ling had run the opposite direction, climbing up the other side of the courtyard. His Suihua sword came into view first, then the youth's body came into view as he struggled to climb up the side. Lan Wangji sighed exasperatedly. Jin Ling wanted to involve himself in situations like this, but why didn't he have the common sense to fly up? It would be significantly less noisier. Not only did the two of them notice Jin Ling climbing up the wall, but the disciples down below did too. Without taking into consideration that this new intruder was donned in the same clothing color and style that they were, several Jin disciples took aim with their bow and arrow, releasing flying shots that threatened to take Jin Ling's life.

@Lan Wangji After Wei Wuxian helped Lan Wangji back into bed, he laid himself down beside the other, carefully brushing his hair back from his face. Once Lan Wangji had dozed off, Wei Wuxian closed his eyes too, satisfied.

This time, Wei Wuxian couldn't remember the dream he had, but he knew it was pleasant from the way his body tingled in such a pleasant way when he woke to a warm voice calling his name. "Mmm?" he whined softly, his eyes fluttering open. The light from the sun was gone, replaced with a navy sky so deep it was almost black. The only light came from a few flickering candles. The yellow glow cast a pretty light on Lan Wangji's face, which was the first thing Wei Wuxian saw when he opened his eyes. "I'm up," he said groggily, sitting up slowly this time. It felt nice, really nice, to be able to wake beside Lan Wangji again and be able to smile at the other. He eyed the other's reddened lips, still swollen after their rest, and rolled off the bed. "Let's go."

They met up with Wen Ning on the way, and the three of them silently made their walk up to the Guanyin Temple at the edge of town. The street was completely empty at this point, save for one or two townsfolk making their way back home. The entrance to the temple was shut, and though Wei Wuxian's cultivation was still low, he could sense the ward that had been put up. He turned to Lan Wangji to confirm. "There's a ward on the door, but it looks like we can get in through the courtyard," he said, indicating to the open space above them. "Wen Ning, you stay out here and guard. If Lan Zhan and I don't come back out by dawn, go to Yunmeng and get Jiang Cheng."

"Gonzi," Wen Ning protested, and Wei Wuxian clicked his tongue. "I am not saying I'll definitely die in there or anything. I'm just preparing for the worst." Wen Ning looked as though he had something else to say, but Wei Wuxian waved at him, setting off for the back with Lan Wangji. Just as Wei Wuxian rounded the corner, Wen Ning looked back toward the way they came from, noticing a rather ominous looking cloud gathering in the distance. It was definitely out of the normal, considering the speed and size, and the gut feeling it gave Wen Ning was not good at all. He took off running towards it.

Wei Wuxian peeked over the tiled peak of the roof, the tip of his boots dug securely into a tile. Monks filled the courtyard, where a construction or operation of some type was happening. Young Jin disciples also milled about, pulling on their bow strings and practicing their aim at nothing in particular. Wei Wuxian's brows drew together as he frowned, his eyes scanning the scene rapidly. A figure walked out from the temple, and Wei Wuxian's attention was peaked.

"Zewu Jun," the Jin disciples greeted. Wei Wuxian suppressed a gasp. Lan Xichen was not... no, he couldn't be. He looked to Lan Wangji, shifting closer to the younger Lan. They watched another monk bow low to Lan Xichen. Before either of them could comment, a barking filled the air, and Wei Wuxian shrank into Lan Wangji's side, despite there being no way for any dog to get to him while he was perched on a roof.

The barking came from behind the warded door, from the outside. "Fairy!" A voice called. Jin Ling! That stupid child, Wei Wuxian thought. What was Jin Ling doing here? Where was Wen Ning to stop him? To Wei Wuxian's horror, Jin Ling began to shout for anyone to open up. Wei Wuxian suppressed a groan, putting his head in his hands. "Go away, Jin Ling," Wei Wuxian hissed quietly, praying to every god he could think of. "Go away... Lan Zhan, make him and his scary dog go!"

@Wei Wuxian Though he had no problems with someone walking on him earlier, the realization that it was the reason why he had to be separated for Wei Wuxian made Lan Wangji purse his lips in distaste. He was glaring at the door when the lady came back in, which drew Wei Wuxian's attention away from him. The younger male's was talking too quickly for Lan Wangji to grasp onto, but then again, he wasn't talking to him either. Narrowing his eyes, Lan Wangji stood behind the smaller male until the issue of money was brought up. Returning Wei Wuxian's expectant look with a dull one of his own, he reached into his pocket compliantly and took out the small white pouch that was always kept in the pocket of his robe. Handing it over, Lan Wangji tilted his head curiously, a feeling of satisfaction reigning over him at the fact that Wei Wuxian was spending his money.

"Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian called him, the other's voice ringing so loud and clearly that it caught Lan Wangji's attention once more. With his mouth slightly agape and his half-lidded eyes, he turned to face the other male, face reminiscent of a lost child.

Though he had put his robes back on, Lan Wangji was in no condition to do his own hair, thus when the other male called him again and told him to rest, he nodded his head, going over to the side of the somewhat wet bed and lying down again, hair splayed out underneath him. He folded himself into the position used for rest and closed his eyes. However, it was not time for rest yet, so Lan Wangji's mind did not completely lose consciousness. Instead, he laid there just because Wei Wuxian wanted him to. Without knowing when or why, Lan Wangji had dozed off just for a while, maybe it was the alcohol taking advantage of his multiple sleepness nights, making him give in to the remaining bit of fatigue in his body once again.

When he woke up, the pounding in his forehead from earlier was gone, but Lan Wangji had to take some time for reorienting himself. There was a saying in the Gusu Lan Sect rules that if one overslept, they would experience frequent headaches and dizziness. Having never indulged himself like that, Lan Wangji indeed woke up to a slight headache, making him believe the rule to be true. When he sat up, he looked around, eyes widening at the havoc in front of him. The room was wet and his hair was undone. Hurriedly turning to his side, he saw Wei Wuxian sleeping beside him again. Vaguely, he remembered the other wanting to help him bathe, but what messy state of mind was Lan Wangji in to have been so uncooperative?

Quietly, he got up and fixed his hair, tying his forehead ribbon back into place. Looking over that the smaller male who was still curled up in bed, Lan Wangji felt his heart skip a beat again. This was why he shouldn't drink, he could never remember what reckless things he did. Going over to the bed again, he gently called, "Wei Ying." reaching a hand out to grab onto the other's arm, shaking it gently, "Wei Ying. Let's go." he said, noting that the sun had almost set completely. It was about time they started getting ready. If they waited any longer, they might miss whatever Jin Guangyao might be up to.

That thought aside, Lan Wangji couldn't help gandering at Wei Wuxian's pretty sleeping face once more. He hesitated to call the other again. Seeing the smaller's serene sleeping expression, coupled with his messy hair and wild sleeping position, Lan Wangji didn't want to disturb the male when he was obviously enjoying himself. Clearing his throat as he realized how his ears were pinkening again, he hardened his tone, "Wei Ying. Wake up."

@Lan Wangji Lan Wangji's mouth and nipping along Wei Wuxian's neck had the latter swooning. His whines and moans were getting progressively louder, and his legs tightened around Lan Wangji's bare waist, holding him close so he wouldn't be able to part from him, ever. It's not a dream, Wei Wuxian realized when he felt Lan Wangji's teeth sink into his neck, like some animal, and a sting bloomed over the sensitive skin of his neck. "Lan Zhan," he continued to moan, his fingernails scrabbling against the uneven skin of Lan Wangji's back. "Ah-"

A knock startled Wei Wuxian, and he gave Lan Wangji a shove, lifting his head to look at the direction of the noise. Before Wei Wuxian could say anything, Lan Wangji had already agreed to let the owner in when she asked. "No, don't come in yet!" Wei Wuxian yelped a second too late. The door cracked open, and Wei Wuxian had to make very awkward eye contact with the woman. "Oh!" she shrieked. "I'm so sorry, please excuse me. I will be back in moment!" Wei Wuxian stuttered out an apology, blood rushing to his head and pounding in his ears. To be caught underneath the revered Hanguang Jun in such a scandalous position. Wei Wuxian hoped, for Lan Wangji's sake, she did not recognize him, lest the entire cultivation world know of this.

"Get off," Wei Wuxian said, a little more forceful and curt than he originally intended. "She will be back, I think the owner needs to check something. Be good, let's get dressed." He rolled Lan Wangji off with all his strength, scrambling off the bed and rushing for his sash left beside the tub. He was drench from head to know, his hair tangled and wild from the heated moment he shared with Lan Wangji. Retying his sash and his hair, Wei Wuxian was stopped when Lan Wangji approached him from behind, his hot mouth pressing to one of the bruises on Wei Wuxian's neck. He tried not to moan and encourage Lan Wangji any further, but it was hard to hold back a quiet mewl. "Lan Zhan," he pleaded, but Lan Wangji began dressing without Wei Wuxian having to ask again. He worked on getting the blush off his face, avoiding looking at Lan Wangji until he was fully dressed.

Lan Zhan seemed to have sobered up all of a sudden. Wei Wuxian made way for the door, opening it to welcome the owner in, who was obviously trying hard to act as if she had not seen such an improper and disgraceful sight just moments ago. "Young masters, I am so sorry to disturb your rest, but the guests below were complaining about water leaking from above, and I came to check- Oh! What happened here?" she asked, gesturing to the wooden bathtub in pieces and water flooding the floor of the bathroom. Wei Wuxian cleared his throat, coughing into his wrist. "Ma'am, it's my fault. I had a little too much to drink and I slapped the tub a few times, it broke. I will pay for it." Then he remembered he was as good as broke, and Lan Wangji was the one expensing their trip. He turned to look expectantly at Wangji for his money pouch.

Once the innkeeper was paid, her expression was not so distressed anymore. "Unfortunately, all the rooms are filled tonight, so I cannot move you to another room, but I will have a new tub brought up." Wei Wuxian thanked her with a bright smile, ushering her out quickly. Once he shut the door behind her, he turned to come face to face with Lan Wangji, and offered the taller man the same charming smile. His heart felt explicably lighter. Lan Wangji returned his feelings. He must have. Otherwise, he would not have held Wei Wuxian in his arms like the latter was a precious piece of treasure and ravished him so (even though he was drunk). "Lan Zhan!" he called, eyes bright as he grinned happily, the veins in his neck standing out when he did. The skin there felt tight, and there was no doubt it was marked full of purpling bruises. "Let's rest a little more. There's only a couple hours left before nightfall. You need to be sober for tonight, okay?"

@Wei Wuxian His wet hair was plastered across his forehead and back, any remnants of Lan Wangji's dignity and composure destroyed by this shocking visual. Underneath him, Wei Wuxian was not alleviating this indescribable torment that Lan Wangji was feeling, and like a predator who had targeted his prey, Lan Wangji easily took up the other's offered bared neck, sinking his teeth into the other's soft skin as he and kissed it, indubitably leaving dark red marks along Wei Wuxian's collarbone. Lan Wangji's ears were pink, but he was very far away from feeling embarrassed or shy now. When he felt the smaller male's hot breath teasing against his earlobes, Lan Wangji released a small grunt in response, returning his lips back to Wei Wuxian's jawline, deciding that he didn't want to entertain the other's provocative words, he'd rather continue his attention on what was more important.

The blanket they shared had also ended halfway off the bed, the heap of cloth just meters away from the water that was spreading across the floor. Suddenly, a sharp knock at their door drew Lan Wangji's attention away from Wei Wuxian's bruised neck momentarily. He shifted his attention to the door, hearing the voice of an older women, "Two young masters! Is everything alright? May I come in?" she inquired, a hint of panic in her voice.

Since it was Wei Wuxian who was underneath him with nowhere to escape, everything was indeed alright to Lan Wangji. Just loud enough for her to hear, he replied, "En." before turning his attention back to the frantic male underneath him.

"I heard-" the old lady began as she cracked the door slightly open, "OH! I'm so sorry, please excuse me. I will be back in moment!" she exclaimed in utter astonishment and embarrassment at having walked in on such an intimate moment. Furthermore, it had been between two men who appeared to be relatively salient cultivators. The door suddenly slammed shut again.

Without having realized the severity of the situation he had gotten them into, Lan Wangji gazed blankly at Wei Wuxian's face again, wondering why the other was suddenly so tense. After he was able to comprehend that Wei Wuxian was trying to make him focus again, Lan Wangji sat up in bed, his eyes innocently locked on Wei Wuxian's smaller figure, sitting inertly while watching the other scramble around in obvious panic. What was wrong? Lan Wangji slid to the edge of the bed, deciding he just had to do one more thing, very worried that Wei Wuxian would try to run away again. Pulling the other back into his arms, Wei Wuxian's back against Lan Wangji's chest, the bigger male lowered his head, hooking his chin over Wei Wuxian's shoulder as he turned, pressing another kiss onto the other's neck before letting go, picking up his clothes off the floor and dressing in them, the blank expression having returned to his face.

@Lan Wangji "I said do not touch me."

Wei Wuxian tutted, rolling his eyes playfully as he withdrew his hand, splashing water towards Lan Wangji's face. "Fine, I'll stop. You're so mean when you're drunk, Lan Zhan."

Before he could make his leave, Lan Wangji jerked him with so much force Wei Wuxian felt his heart stutter as he fell face first into the tub, arms flailing. For a brief second, he was submerged in the shockingly warm water before he was being pulled up. The walls of the bathtub were cramped and narrow, forcing Wei Wuxian to open his legs and straddle Lan Wangji's waist. Strong, bare arms enveloped Wei Wuxian securely and they kissed. Desperately, then slowly, then rushed again. Wei Wuxian did not struggle, he didn't pull away eve when he ran out of breath, his chest heaving as Lan Wangji forced his kisses against his mouth, pressing against him so hard it hurt. The room filled of the sounds of water sloshing against the tub and Wei Wuxian's involuntary whimpers and moans.

Lan Wangji /bit/ him. Wei Wuxian jerked back in surprise, his arms still circling Lan Wangji's neck, but the latter seemed to have other plans as he tugged on Wei Wuxian's robes, pulling them open at the front. Wei Wuxian put his hand over Lan Wangji's as he said weakly, "Lan Zhan, enough," without any real conviction. He wanted to older man, and the way Lan Wangji was reciprocating and feeding into his desire made it hard for Wei Wuxian to really say no to his advances.

He had to be dreaming. It was impossible for this to be real life.

Daringly, because it was a dream anyway, Wei Wuxian slid a hand down Lan Wangji's bare chest as he leaned back in to kiss him, taking care to avoid the brand mark, grazed his firm abdomen and scooped at Lan Wangji's lower parts. There had probably, no definitely no one had ever been so shameless to touch Lan Wangji down /there/. In fact, Wei Wuxian was confident even Lan Wangji did not indulge in that. He grinned wolfishly, all teeth, and made a pass to go touch it again. "Lan Zhan, how's that? Are you angry yet? You probably don't know, Lan Zhan, but I love it when you're angry..."

The reaction was immediate. Lan Wangji decided that /breaking/ the bathtub was an appropriate response. Wei Wuxian bit back a surprised yelp, his arms tightening around Lan Wangji's neck as he older picking him up, throwing Wei Wuxian unceremoniously on the bed.

He parted his legs for Lan Wangji, his cheeks red and hurting from grinning so hard. "Wangji," he crooned, pulling his face away from Lan Wangji's and bearing his neck for the older to ravish. "More, more," he breathed against Lan Wangji's earlobe, his hands curling and digging into the other's back to hold him impossibly close. His lips found Lan Wangji's earlobe, soft and cool, and he and chewed on it lightly. "Lan Zhan, I didn't know you could be so wild in bed-"

@Wei Wuxian "Lan Zhan-a, Lan Zhan. You want me to wash you, you told me not to touch you, but then you tell me not to go. What am I supposed to do here, Lan Er Gonzi? Watch you bathe? What an unreasonable person!"

"...In any case, you cannot go." Lan Wang said, the inability to recognize his own illogical order of statements attributed to the strong alcohol. As the other suddenly reached out to touch his face again, Lan Wangji did not flinch, but with his searing, half-lidded gaze, he looked up at Wei Wuxian, "I said do not touch me." Wei Wuxian probably had a difficult time understanding what Lan Wangji wanted, since his sentences were contradicting themselves one after another.

His eyes gave away nothing, but Wei Wuxian's teasing always had a profound effect on Lan Wangji. Without so much as another sound, he pulled Wei Wuxian by his wrist again, this time with so much force that the other had almost flown into the tub, landing abruptly on Lan Wangji's lap. Wet robes, splashed water, and initial surprise aside, Wei Wuxian's immediate reaction was cut off as Lan Wangji enveloped the smaller male into his arms, his lips abruptly colliding against Wei Wuxian's in a kiss. For a while, only the gentle smacking of their lips against each other and little moans that came from Wei Wuxian's throat filled the room. Lan Wangji couldn't help but on those scarlet red lips, the ones he had violated twice, now thrice, without permission. Again, without consideration of how much force he was using, the bigger male bit onto those lower lips, possibly creating a deeper and darker red mark than the one from earlier.

When Wei Wuxian pulled away, probably out of pain from that bite, Lan Wangji was not yet satisfied, his palm spreading against the smaller's clothed back as he pressed Wei Wuxian's chest against his own, connecting their lips again. One hand reached up to cup Wei Wuxian's cheek, drawing the other's face closer, while his other arm tightened around Wei Wuxian's waist, gripping at the clothing and tugging at it rather impatiently.

Wei Wuxian was never the type to back down from a challenge, and having elicited this form of response from Lan Wangji must have been exciting to him. Lan Wangji's brows furrowed when he felt the other's fingers dip under water, brushing against his lower region. His frame tensed and the muscles on his back seemed to flex from the pressure. Removing the hand from Wei Wuxian's cheek, Lan Wangji slammed it against the side of the tub, breaking the wooden tub into multiple pieces while the water spilled out, drenching the wooden floors.

Lan Wangji could care less about that, gripping tight to Wei Wuxian's body and picking the smaller male up, his immense arm strength hoisting the younger male over to the bed. Lan Wangji all but threw Wei Wuxian onto the bed, trapping the smaller underneath him as his eyes continued to exhibit ferocity and irrationality. There was not even time for either of them to hesitate before Lan Wangji initiated another kiss, persistently pressing Wei Wuxian down underneath him.

@Lan Wangji "What do you mean you don't want to bathe? You're dirty, you have to." Taking care of a drunk Lan Wangji was very similar to trying to get a child throwing a tantrum to do something, Wei Wuxian discovered once again. "Get in the bath, Lan Zhan," he pleaded for the nth time, tugging only on Lan Wangji's hand in fear of touching anywhere else. Deep down, Wei Wuxian found the sudden sulk that possessed Lan Wangji's face was quite endearing. "You will be upset at me if the water gets cold. And then neither of us will be happy. Do you want that?"

By the time Lan Wangji finally decided to get in the damn bathtub, a new problem arose, and that was Lan Wangji pulling at his robes instead of just /bathing/. "Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian scolded, stepping back too late as the sash that held his robes together. Drunk Lan Wangji was a whole other type of deviant, ripping Wei Wuxian's clothes off so shamelessly. The latter's face burned red as he turned away, nearly whipping Lan Wangji with the washcloth in retaliation. "Wash yourself! I don't want to wash you anymore." But Lan Wangji was refusing to move and of course, Wei Wuxian didn't have the heart to abandon the other in his stupor. Dipping the washcloth in the water again, Wei Wuxian gave it to Lan Wangji to busy himself with and began to rinse the other's long, silky hair. He was careful when he ladled warm water over Lan Wangji's head, taking care not to get any in his eyes.

Wei Wuxian worked in silence, but Lan Wangji didn't seem to like that. He sunk lower and lower into the tub until the water levelled beneath his eyes, and blew little bubbles to signal his displeasure, which Wei Wuxian understood this time. He barked out a laugh, pulling Lan Wangji to sit up a little straighter before he drowned in a little bathtub. "Alright, alright," he crooned softly, pushing Lan Wangji's wet hair out of his face. "Let me wash you. You will be here all night if I don't." Taking the washcloth from Wangji, Wei Wuxian rubbed at the layer of dirt and grime that covered Lan Wangji, starting from his neck to his back.

Now that Lan Wangji wasn't struggling to hide them, the whip lashes on his back were carefully observed by Wei Wuxian as he shuffled to stand behind Lan Wangji. They were hideous, and Wei Wuxian's chest felt so /heavy/ and compressed when he looked at them. He dabbed at the skin of Lan Wangji's back carefully, as if he didn't want to hurt Lan Wangji. The scars were old: they wouldn't hurt anymore, at least not physically. All of a sudden, Wei Wuxian was possessed by a strange desire. His breath hitched as he bent at the waist, slowly, lowering himself until he pressed his mouth to the scar closed to the nape of Lan Wangji's neck. "I'm sorry," he mumbled. If not for him, Lan Wangji did not need to know pain.

Working slowly, Wei Wuxian began to scrub down Lan Wangji's front. His washcloth brushed over the brand mark over Lan Wangji's chest, and the latter stopped him immediately. "Do not touch me," Lan Wangji said all of a sudden, sounding not at all drunk. Wei Wuxian withdrew, startled. Had he done something wrong? "Okay, I won't," he said simply, slinging the cloth over the edge of the bath. Just as he was about to leave, Lan Wangji's hand shot out and gripped his wrist with a formidable force, stopping him in his tracks. "Do not go," Lan Wangji said stubbornly. Wei Wuxian huffed, blowing a strand of hair out of his eyes. "Lan Zhan-a, Lan Zhan. You want me to wash you, you told me not to touch you, but then you tell me not to go. What am I supposed to do here, Lan Er Gonzi? Watch you bathe? What an unreasonable person!" Still, he reached out to touch Lan Wangji's face affectionately. Wei Wuxian felt like a terrible person, taking advantage of the man he liked in such a state, but would he ever have the opportunity again?