Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

His ears rang, the news impacted like a grenade. If they said any more he couldn't hear it. He had wondered what they wanted with him when they held him back after dinner, Jiang Cheng throwing him confused glances as he walked past the table he was still seated at.

His hands balled into fists where they lay in his lap. His knuckles turned white and Wei Wuxian was sure his palms must be bleeding from the way his nails were cutting into the flesh. He took a painful breath, taking care to do so quietly. He couldn't afford to show weakness, couldn't give her the satisfaction to see his despair.

The fresh whip lashes on his back pulled as he looked up from the spot he was kneeling in across from Jiang-Shushu and Madam Yu. His gaze first landing on the man who rescued him from the streets a decade ago. The tiny spark of hope he had shriveled and died when he wouldn't meet his eyes, instead looking past his shoulders with a look on his face that spoke of discomfort.

It had taken him months to start believing Lotus Pier would be his home, the Jiangs his family. Ironically Madam Yu's contempt for him helped in that regard, it made it real. Not a dream too good to be true. He thought he knew how his life would go. He would be part of the Jiang Sect, the Head Disciple and eventually Jiang Cheng's right hand man. That he would help him with the sect however he could, take over overseeing the training and assignments of the disciples once Madam Yu retired, go night hunting and visit his Shijie as often as was practical.

Now he was sitting across from his Sect Leader and his wife in the hall where they took meals together as they told him-

His eyes flickered over to Madam Yu at last, his hands tightened even further until he could swear his bones creaked. Her wide satisfied smile was a knife in his heart. Like the final nail in his coffin. It was her he addressed when he spoke after minutes or maybe hours of silence.

“You're getting rid of me.” His voice didn't break but every word was like a shard of glass, leaving him surprised blood wasn't spilling out of his mouth along with them.

“A-Xian...”

Whatever Jiang-Shushu was going to say Madam Yu beat him to it. Her smile grew even more pleased.

“Don't be stupid, boy. It's an honor to serve the sect in a marriage contract. Especially marrying into the Lan Sect.”

Objectively she wasn't wrong about that. His eyes stung. It was different for him though. Four years ago he stayed in the Cloud Recesses for the guest lectures and was thrown out by Lan Qiren in the end. How would he survive living there?

*

Ten minutes later he left the gates of Lotus Pier behind, unsheathing Suiban and racing off across the lake. He wasn't fast enough to escape his thoughts. On the other shore he could see the lights of the city and closer towards the center of it the towering silhouettes of skyscrapers.

Sometimes he took his Shidis out on a flight, the cities landscape a perfect obstacle course for them to practice their flying skills. He wondered how often he'd get to do that before he left. Before he got married.

It's not that he never thought a marriage might get arranged for him. Despite it being the 21 ^st century Sect politics were archaic in some ways. Wei Wuxian just had never imagined he'd get married out, usually it was the woman who did so. Like Shijie did. But she knew all her life she'd move to Koi Tower eventually. It was uncertain for a while in their teenage years but the Peacock finally pulled his head out if his ass.

He slowed his sword until it hovered in place, halfway between Lotus Pier and the city, too far from the lights to illuminate his solitary figure. Below him the water was still and with a sigh that no one witnessed to be more of a sob, he plopped down. One leg pulled up to his chest with his arm resting on top, the other dangling down. Circles rippled out from where the tip of his boot touched the water.

Once again he lost his home. He might not be gone yet but somehow that was worse, to know he had to leave but giving him enough time to show him exactly what he was forced to leave behind.

His eyes watered but the tears wouldn't fall.

He stayed out there for hours, watching the moon wander across the sky until he felt ready to face others with a smile. He didn't know how brittle it would be but was determined to make it believable. He was still off his game when he stumbled through the sliding door to his room and failed to notice that the light was already on.

“Where the hell have you been!?” He flinched at the sudden noise but managed to turn it into forward momentum as he plastered a grin on his face and draped an arm across his brother's shoulder.

“Here and there. Why? Did you miss me?” With a scowl Jiang Cheng pushed his arm off him. “Typical. Just letting me wait for hours like an idiot.” The words brought an instinctual apology to the tip of his tongue but it died at his next words. “So? What did Mom and Dad want?”

Nausea settled into his stomach to stay. No matter how he said it, there was no way Jiang Cheng was going to take the news well. He braced himself and plopped down on his bed, propped up by his hands, a wide grin spread on his face.

“They want me to get married. Even your parents know that there's no hope to get you hitched.”

Jiang Cheng was in the process of sitting down next to him when he froze at the words, the picture he made would be hilarious in other circumstances. His brother flushed and hit shoulder. Hard. Wei Wuxian ignored the sting.

“Who would marry you?”

“I have no idea, someone from the Lan Sect.”

Jiang Cheng stared. “A Lan? Marrying you.”

“Yeah. No clue how that came about either.”

Jiang Cheng frowned and hesitated. “I guess, that makes sense.” When Wei Wuxian opened his mouth to protest his brother continued. “Dad's been trying to import spiritual steel from Gusu, they have been negotiating for months. Maybe the marriage is part of the contract?”

He turned disbelieving eyes on his brother. “But why would the Lans agree? It doesn't seem like they get anything out of it.

“Think about it idiot. Marriages between the Great Sects are always politically advantageous. I just don't get why it's you. Obviously Shijie is already married and you're older but I'm a J- I'm the future sect leader. I'm going to marry eventually anyway. And they hate your affinity for resentful energy.”

His heart twinged. Jiang Cheng was about to say that it made more sense for him to be engaged to a Lan because he was a Jiang by blood. He took a breath. Not that he was wrong about the other part. Cultivating resentful energy was not as uncommon or as condemned as in olden times but it was still frowned upon. He had quite the disagreement with Lan Qiren about it. The man was convinced he was evil incarante when in truth he was closer to a medium, helping vengeful spirits by letting them work out their resentment and guiding them to move on.

But that didn't matter at the moment, he had to tell him. Jiang Cheng was going to be mad either way but him finding out from someone else would make him furious.

“Exactly you're going to be Sect Leader. So you can't be married out.” The last sentenced rushed out of him and silence descended as the words registered. He could see the dawning comprehension on his brothers face, the shock, the disbelief and then finally anger.

“The fuck? You can't leave. You're a man, why would you be the one to leave?”

“That's misogynistic.”

“Fuck you! Is this a joke to you?” Jiang Cheng jumped up and paced his room. From his desk with his laptop and scattered notes on the talismans he was working on to the wall closet on the other side. “Just tell them no.”

He couldn't help the laugh that burst out of him. He knew exactly how that would go down. Madam Yu would whip him for his insolence and tell him he could either do as he was told or pack his things and get lost. It wouldn't be the first time, just thinking about it he could hear her voice in his head.

“It's going to happen, Chengcheng. Whether I want it or not.”

His brother whirled on him. “Seriously, fuck you. You promised me you would help me lead Lotus Pier. Guess, I know what your promises are worth.” Jiang Cheng didn't give him a chance to protest, stormed out of his room, the sliding door loud as it slammed shut.

Wei Wuxian let himself fall back, one arm covering his eyes. He hated that Jiang Cheng was angry with him but better that than his Shidi feeling sad.

Eventually he moved and got ready for bed. But sleep wouldn't come easily and when he dropped off he slept fitfully.

*

Word about his engagement spread fast, many congratulating him while also expressing their regret he would be leaving them in a month. Madam Yu had announced the date at breakfast one day, being in charge of the arrangements. Wei Ying suspected that meant agreeing to whatever the Lans preferred without consideration for what he might want. Madam Yu never asked him for any concessions he'd like and he wasn't fool enough to suggest any. She made sure though that he wouldn't be an embarrassment to the Jiang Sect by personally giving him etiquette lessons. He dreaded those, never able to reach Madam Yu's exacting expectations and gaining bruises and lacerations to show for his failures.

At some point he was beginning to look forward to his wedding solely for the reprieve from Zidian it would give him. Until he managed to mess up and find out what punishments the Cloud Recesses doled out. During the guest lectures he just had to copy lines but he figured that was because it would be bad for intersect relations to beat the charges entrusted to them.

In the future he would be part of the GusuLan Sect and there was simply no way he wouldn't break the rules by the handful, there were three thousand of them. At least he still remembered many from the times he spend copying in the library with Lan Zhan keeping watch over him.

Jiang Cheng elected to ignore him and he figured it would be best to let him cool off. Approaching him too soon would only rekindle the flames of his anger and make him lash out. It was regretful though to miss the time they could spend together before it was time for him to leave. He didn't want to lose his brother over this.

Shijie on the other hand was delighted when he texted her about his engagement, assuring him she would be there for the wedding and looking forward to it.

He wanted to make his last days in Lotus Pier last, enjoy every moment, ignoring the moving boxes that showed up in his room a few days after his engagement was announced. Instead he went out in his free time, wandering. Took in the lakes where he pilfered Lotusseeds and hunted water ghouls. The city where all vendors knew him by name and plied him with his favorite foods as farewell gifts. The woods surrounding the lakes, where he hunted pheasants.

But of course time was against him, the more he wished it'd pass more slowly the more it seemed to speed up and his last night in Lotus Pier arrived. Dinner was quiet and tense. Good practice for all his future mealtimes, he figured.

He startled when Madam Yu broke the silence.

“You still haven't packed. Don't think the Sect will be you're storage unit. Everything you leave behind will be thrown out.”

“Yes, Madam Yu.”

He turned to Jiang Cheng, intended to beg him for his help but his brother avoided his eyes with a twist to his lips and knew he wouldn't be well received. “May I be excused?”

A brisk dismissal sent him on his way to his room where stood and looked around at all the small details that made the room his. The carving at the foot of his bed. The ink stains on the table that never washed out. The nicks on the frame of the closet where Shijie measured his height as he grew. Wondered if they'd disappear as well once he was gone. What would be left to prove he lived here? Would anything? Or would it be like he had never existed in Lotus Pier?

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian's stomach tied itself into knots as he stood at the gates of Lotus Pier in the gentle autumn breeze with his sparse belongings at his feet. Waiting for the cars and the Lan delegation picking them up. The few bites of rice he managed at lunch churning. They could have made their way to the Cloud Recesses themselves but as it was him marrying into the other Sect they chose to pick him up.

Madam Yu ignored him talking to Jinzhu and Yinzhu about keeping things running while the Jiangs were gone for the wedding. Jiang-Shushu did the same with Feng Guanting a senior disciple and one of the sect leader's longest advisors. The older man had pulled him into a bone crushing hug earlier, telling him he'd be missed and Wei Wuxian appreciated it even if he had to grit his teeth against the pain that exploded in his back at the contact. It was the last in the long lines of hugs and spilled tears from his fellow disciples and especially shidis before Madam Yu chased them off to the training grounds.

Jiang Cheng stood with his mother pointedly not looking at him and he wished the Lans would show up already. Like he summoned them with his thoughts two black sleek cars came around a bend in the road lined by lush begetation, quickly approaching once they were in sight.

They came to a stop in front of the gates and three people stepped out of them, the drivers obviously and Lan Zhan. A grin spread on his lips and he had to hold himself back from bounding over to the other man, his friend in the lan Sect. It helped that his mind boggled when he realized that all the Lans were wearing civilian clothes, aside from their everpresent headbands.

Lan Zhan was wearing grey slacks and a white cable knit sweater and Wei Wuxian had to clech his jaw or it would have dropped as the man bowed in greeting. Instead he brought his hands together for a polite bow himself, feeling Madam Yu's glare on his back.

When they righted themselves Lan Zhan stepped up to him. “Wei Ying.”

“Fancy meeting you here, Lan Zhan. You came to pick us up?”

A tiny line appeared between Lan Zhan's eyebrows. “Of course. Are you...upset?”

“Why would I be?” It sure was unusual that he came to pick them up. He expected his fiance to be the one to come along, especially considering the Lans loved traditions but maybe she was busy or didn't want to make the three hour car trip just to pick them up and turn right back around.

Lan Zhan looked ready to say something more but the Jiangs approached and another rounds of greetings followed. Wei Ying did a double take when Jiang Cheng tried to get his attention, actually looking at him again. But still not speaking. His brother looked at him with wide eyes and then nodded at Lan Zhan with raised eyebrows then back to him.

Obviously he was trying to tell him something but he had no idea what. He cocked his head in question and Jiang Cheng face palmed behind his mother's back.

The drivers stepped closer, one of them throwing an amused look between the brothers. They introduced themselves as Lan Lingyun and Lan Fenhua. The latter the one with the sparkle in his eyes and he cleared his throat before addressing the group at large.

“We thought Wangji and Wei-Gongzi might ride together in one car to get reacquainted if that might meet your approval Jiang-Zongzhu, Yu Furen.”

With a sniff Madam Yu turned to the second car, her family following in her wake.

“Sounds great. Just let me stuff this in the trunk and we can get going.” He bend down to pick up one of the moving boxes, Lan Fenhua opening said trunk for him. Still he did not miss the displeased look on Lan Zhan's face. “Is that everything?”

“Yeah. Oh, do you mean the wedding stuff? I thought that was sent ahead, was it not,” he asked as he put down the box in the car.

Lan Fenhua came up to him with another, putting in it next to the first. “I guess we just expected there to be more. Did you use Qiankun-Pouches for the rest?” He hadn't. Madam Yu didn't allow him to take any. Aside from Suiban, his Clarity Bell and his talisman notes he wasn't allowed to take anything relating to cultivation. He hummed noncommittally as Lan Fenhua closed the trunk.

He rounded the car, hand already raised to the door to the back seat when Lan Zhan beat him to it, opening it and gesturing for him to get in. “Thanks.” Good old chivalry. He appreciated it but shouldn't Lan Zhan save that kind of stuff for a woman he liked?

Lan Zhan slipped into the seat next to him instead of the front and in short order they were off, heading for the nearest highway taking them to Gusu.

Excited he turned to the heir of the Lan Clan. “We haven't seen each other since the last Conference. How have you been?”

“Well.” He waited a moment to see if Lan Zhan wanted to add to that, knowing the he needed more time to consider his words than the mile a minute chatter he himself was prone to. When no more was forthcoming he launched into a retelling of his life since they saw each other last.It was a great distraction from the knowledge that Lotus Pier was farther and farther left behind them.

Periodically Lan Zhan would hum or ask a thoughtful question and he was relieved he seemed interested in the conversation. Wei Wuxian was uncomfortably aware whenever someone lost interest in his ramblings or just humored him. Lan Zhan never did, not even when they were fifteen. He might be barely able to tolerate his presence in general but he never rebuffed him either.

Lan Fenhua occasionally glanced at them in the rearview mirror with a teasing smile but left them to their conversation without interjecting.

The drive passed in the blink of an eye having them arrive in the late afternoon. Jiang-Shushu and Madam Yu went off to greet Lan-zongzhu, Lan Zhan escorting them, while Lan Fenhua showed Wei Wuxian and Jing Cheng to the guest quarters. He opened the door and stepped through but remained close to the door as he gave them a summary the rooms and where to find anything.

“Your belongings will be brought to the house you will be sharing with your spouse. Is there anything else you need at the moment?”

“Is Shijie here yet?”, was the only thing that came to mind at the nervous flutter settling into his gut. It was starting to sink in that that time tomorrow he'd be married. He desperately wanted her to distract him.

“Young Madam Jin? Not yet. But I think they plan to arrive early tomorrow morning.” That was earlier than the other guests that would start trickling in the afternoon. Soon after he left and Wei Wuxian turned to his brother. Maybe things were mended enough they could go explore or play some card games to distract him. But another niggling question wouldn't leave him.

“Did anyone tell you the name of the woman I'm supposed to marry? It will be awkward as hell when I meet her tomorrow and don't even know what she's called.”

"You-" Jiang Cheng stared at him. His mouth opened, then closed. Then he threw up his hands and stormed off to one of the bedrooms. “How can anyone be that much of a moron? I'm not dealing with that.”

“What's got him twisted up this time?” When no answer came forth from the depths of the universe he went into another one of the rooms. He would have to entertain himself after all and now he wasn't in the mood to go out anymore.

*

Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were alone again when he managed to crawl out of his room the next day. Knowing he'd have to shower and dress in the wedding robes that had been waiting in his room soon anyway he didn't bother changing out of his sweatpants and shirt he had been sleeping in.

He yawned as he plopped down at the table Jiang Cheng was sitting at with a cup of coffee in hand. Another one was waiting for him with a heating talisman sticking to the cup. He peeled it off and moaned as he took a sip, ignoring the pain as he scalded his tongue. There was no trace of milk or sugar to interfere with the caffeine intake. “I love you.”

Jiang Cheng hmph-ed. “It makes my skin crawl when you say that.”

He hid his grin behind his cup. “Good that I was talking to the coffee then.”

His brother flushed. “You-”

He was interrupted by a knock on the door and got up with a dark curse falling from his lips. His entire demeanor brightened though the moment he opened the door. “Jie-jie.” Wei Wuxian whirled around, at the last second remembering the coffee in his hand, righting it before he splashed and burned himself. “Shijie.”

Jiang Yanli entered the room with a smile for her brothers carrying a basket with her. Risking a glance behind her he rejoiced when he realized her husband wasn't with her. He didn't loathe him nearly as much as he did in the past, on account of him actually making his sister happy but he was glad to have her to himself before the ceremony. Well, and Jiang Cheng.

“A-Cheng, A-Xian it's good to see you.” Jiang Cheng took the basket off her hands and put it on the table. Wei Wuxian put down his cup and sprang up to fall into his sisters open arms for a hug. “My brother is all grown up I see. Already marrying.”

“Xian-Xian is too young to marry, he's only three,” he said with a pout. He felt her softly patting the top of his head and he closed his eyes basking in the affection. It was like taking a nap in the sunshine after a swim around the lake. She pulled back entirely too soon but he still felt more braced for what lay ahead.

Jiang Cheng was treated to a hug as well, Shijie the only one able to get away with it withput him throwing a fit. “I brought breakfast.” Curious he opened the basket and the hearty familiar smell made his stomach rumble in anticipation. “Lotusroot and porkrib soup. How did you smuggle that into in the Cloud Recesses?”

“I didn't have to, I asked. When I told Lan-Er-Gongzi it was your favorite he readily agreed and even asked for the recipe.”

“Huh, really?” But he wasn't paying much attention his focus on where his sister was filling a bowl for him. He forced himself to savor every bite instead of scarfing it down like he wanted to, it would be the last good meal in a long time, namely until he could sneak out for a trip to Caiyi. While he ate he complimented his sister's cooking. He had seconds and then a third bowl and the only reason he stopped at all was that the pot sat empty where it was nestled inside the basket. He looked at it mournfully but tried to convine himself it wouldn't be last time he got to eat it.

They sat and talked for while but eventually it came time to start getting ready and Shijie sent him off to his room to take a shower. He washed thoroughly, even his hair and briskly toweled off after but taking care to gently pat at the the scabs criss crossing the majority of his back. He looked over his shoulder into the mirror making sure none of the scabs broke and started bleeding again after the shower. The parts that were spared were a mess of old and new scars. Bruises were blooming on his skin as well. Some the greenish color they turned before they disappeared while others were still purple. He sighed. Not the prettiest sight but whatever.

After, he pulled on the red inner robes he took into the bathroom with him, not risking his siblings seeing the state of him. They knew that Madam Yu punished him frequently, how could the not? But he tried to spare them the extent of what those entailed, Jiang-Shushu probably knew but he never said anything so he couldn't be sure. His heart twinged at the thought he knew and even then let it happen. Just imagining Shijie's face should she ever get a look at his back hurt more than any strike with Zidian ever could.

Once he was decent, and made sure nothing peeked out the back of his robe, he reentered his room where his sister was waiting with a hairdryer and comb. She waved him over to sit in front of the writing desk. A portable mirror propped up on it. He did and closed his eyes as his sister took care of his hair. When she was done drying and treating it with hair oil she started putting elaborate and yet elegant braids into his hair. She pulled al of it into a high bun that was secured with an intricially carved silver guan that he knew for a fact he didn't own. He only used ribbons or hair ties. “Shijie, where did you get that?”

“Oh, one of the Lan disciple brought it while you were in the shower. It's a gift from your fiance.” Great, now he felt guilty for not even thinking about getting something for her. He would do better in the future, he told himself, hoping he hadn't already doomed his marriage before it even began. He had lived years as witness to the fraught relationship between Madam Yu and Jiang-Shushu. He could live with a loveless marriage even if it would be painful but one filled with resentment?

He shuddered and something must show on his face. “A-Xian?” There was sympathy in his sister's voice and he had to swallow the lump in his throat. “I- What if we can't stand each other?”

Shijie blew out a breath and met his eyes in the mirror. “I can't promise that won't happen but I think if you'll just be yourself it won't. You're kind and caring and anyone that can't see or appreciate that isn't worth your regard in the first place. I know you, you'll do everything in your power to be an attentive and loving husband.”

Moisture gathered in his eyes. He wanted to believe her and yet he couldn't ignore the niggling voice in his head. Everyone I love either left or threw me away, why should my marriage be different? But he couldn't burden his sister with his problems when her life no doubt brought it's own challenges. He'd just have to deal.

“Thanks, Shijie. I feel better already.” He laughed brightly. “What's next?” With a smile she pulled out a make up palette from her bag. “Getting rid of the circles under your eyes. Turn around.” He did as he was told, his sister sitting up on her knees to reach better and he tilted his face back to make it even easier for her. With a gentle grip on his chin she held up the palette next to his eyes probably figuring out which hue she should use for his skin. It tickled when she spread the make-up underneath his eyes and he squirmed.

It didn't take long for her to finish and when he checked his face in the mirror there wasn't a hint of his sleepless nights left nor that he wore make-up at all. He even looked well rested.

“I'm impressed, you made him look presentable,” Jiang Cheng said from the doorway where he appeared a moment ago ignoring Shijies soft admonishment. “Mom and Dad are back, they're saying it's time to go.”

Wei Wuxian's palms itched, on instinct he went to wipe them on his thighs but stopped himself, paranoid his sweaty hands might leave prints behind on the precious silk. He nodded and got up to start pulling on the other layers of his wedding robe. His siblings needed to help him with the golden embroidered outer one. It pulled on his shoulders where it settled to rest, the heavy fabric grounding him a bit in his body instead of getting lost in his head.

Shijie clapped her hands. “You look so handsome.”

“Let's not keep everyone waiting." For a moment a was alone in the room, his siblings going ahead and dropped his smile allwong himself five precious seconds to let all his dread and nervousness and fear wash over him.

Then took a deep breath, plastered his grin back on his face and followed them.

*

They arrived at the door to the hall where the tea ceremony would take place with only their families present. His heart was hammering away in his chest as he drew closer to the doors. In a moment he would finally meet his intended and he didn't care who she was or what she looked like, he only hoped she'd greet him with a smile.

Any sign that there was hope for their union not to end in misery would be welcome. He wasn't picky. His soon to be former sect leader and his wife and then his siblings stepped through the doorway and for a moment it looked to him like the maw of a beast ready to devour him.

He hesitated. Then calling himself a coward forced his feet to carry him forward. Inside his eyes needed a moment to adjust to the change in light and then didn't waste a moment more to search the room for the only other figure dressed in red. The person he'd marry.

When he did the sheer relief he felt made him stumble in it's intensity, almost face-planting at the feet of the gathered Lans and Jiangs.

He caught himself and two words dropped from him unbidden.

“Lan Zhan?”

Chapter Text

Lan Zhan stepped forward and caught him by the arms when he saw him stumble and helped him stand up straight, he wasn't making it easy with the way he was too busy staring at Lan Zhan in wedding robes to coordinate his feet. He looked gorgeous. No, more than that. He always looked gorgeous this was beyond that. He was breathtaking.

His robes were even more lavishly decorated than his own and somehow accentuated his height and broad shoulders instead of drowning him in fabric like they did with Wei Wuxian. The golden accents matched Lan Zhan's eyes bringing them out and he wore a variation of his usual hairstyle that suited him well. It was held in place by a guan that he realized with a skip of his heart was of a pair with the one he wore, that Lan Zhan gifted him.

Because Lan Zhan was his fiance.

He was going to marry Lan Zhan.

For maybe the first time in his life he was completely and utterly speechless.

He must have been forced into it. He flinched at the thought and viciously pushed it down. Surely, if the thought of being married to Wei Wuxian was unbearable to him he would have rejected it. Lan Zhan was stubborn, no one could make him do something he set his mind to refusing. He'd tried. Repeatedly.

And they were friends. Right?

At least he stopped dreading what lay ahead as much as he had before.

Still, he was out of it as they approached a large table, already set with a tea set. He sat down next to Lan Zhan. Lan Qiren as well Zewu-Jun sat across from him. He must have greeted them but he had no memory of it. Lan Qiren had an unhappy twist to his lips so he chose to focus his gaze on Lan Xichen instead, whose smile was infinitely more approachable.

The Jiangs sat down across from Lan Zhan but with a very significant presence missing. Everyone looked to Madam Yu who had pointedly taken a seat at another table. “My lady,” Jiang-Shushu began but Madam Yu's voice was like a whip-crack. “Wei Wuxian is no son of mine, so I'll not be taking part in the rites.”

Wei Wuxian froze where he sat. He should have expected that and to a degree he had. However he did not expect her words to hurt. He thought he knew and accepted what her stance on his place in the family was, namely none... and yet.

He looked at the table, startling when he felt a warm hand covering his. He looked at Lan Zhan whose eyebrows were lowered infinitesimally. “Wei Ying.”

He forced a laugh from his lips, even thought it sounded convincing enough but Lan Zhan brows crept even lower. He looked away not wanting to give away too much. And his smile turned a bit more real when he saw the matching frowns from his uncle and brother across from him. The kind of matching expressions only found in family. Zewu-Jun was the first to smooth out his reaction.

“Very well. This is a joyous event and we should not let others put a damper on it. How about we begin?” He blinked. Did Zewu-Jun just sass Madam Yu? It was the most polite smack talk he ever heard but still. He threw a glance at her without turning his head and sure enough she was scowling but elected not to say anything further. Whatever the Jiang Sect got out of the marriage contract must make her reluctant to offend Lan-Zongzhu.

Yet when no one moved it occurred to him that he was supposed to be pouring the tea. With both of them male and him the one to marry into the family it fell to him. He quickly reached for the teapot and almost groaned when he recognized it as Linglong porcelain, the intricate designs translucent. It was the kind of tea set that was passed down the generations and only ever used for special occasions. He was sure it would break the moment he tried to lift it just to spite him.

With a held breath he picked it up and released it when it didn't break apart in his hands.

Fuck, who was he supposed to serve first? Lan Qiren because he was the eldest or Lan Xichen because he was the sect leader? He picked the latter and hoped he didn't offend anyone. At least there was no cry of outrage from either of them.

He turned to do the same for the Jiangs but was stopped by Lan Zhan gently taking the pot from his hands, their fingers brushing for a moment.

He quickly hid his trembling hands below the table in his lap, still feeling the warmth of his skin where Lan Zhan touched him. If his nerves insisted on torturing him like this for the rest of the day he wouldn't make it to the next. When Lan Zhan was finished serving the Jiangs he filled Wei Wuxian's cup and then his own. He wouldn't be able to tell anyone which kind of tea he drank, his face feeling numb as all his focus was on not spilling anything.

After everyone finished their tea Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren led the way to the ancestral hall, he followed silently until Lan Zhan drifted over to him offering his arm. Without thought he took it, closing the distance between them even more until one wouldn't be able to tell where either of their robes began or ended.

“Wei Ying, are you okay?”

He already opened his mouth to let something dismissive spill forth but a look at Lan Zhan's face stopped him. One must not lie, not by word or omission. Lan Zhan would never lie to him and he didn't want to start their marriage by doing it to his husband.

Husband. Just thinking that word blew his mind. “I'm...overwhelmed, I guess. But not in a bad way? Does that make sense,” he asked wrinkling his nose.

Lan Zhan's eyes softened, “Mn.”

Good. He wouldn't know how else to put it, doubting there were words that would make sense of the all the muddled emotions and thoughts vying for attention.

Inside the spacious ancestral hall the guests were already waiting, a mixture of familiar and unfamiliar faces and at the front what seemed like an endless display of ancestral tablets. Two of which must belong to Lan Zhan's parents he realized with a pang. Probably the ones at the very front. They all took up their respective spots, Madam Yu once again taking a seat with the other guests which started a low murmur to rise in the room. Though not from the people dressed in white who sat clustered in one part of the room. Wei Ying recognized Lan Fenhua who gave him a friendly smile and a small wave.

Maybe he'd be able to make a friend among the Lans, something he did not dare hope for aside from Lan Zhan. Before he could think more about that someone stepped up to Jiang Fengmian and handed him a flat wooden crate filled with straw. From his spot he couldn't make out what was inside but his siblings could. Shijie's eyes turned misty and Jiang Cheng's went wide. He steeled himself when Jiang-Shushu stepped up to him.

“A-Xian, today is a special day in your life and I'm happy I get to share it with you. I know your parents would feel the same, so I took the liberty to have these made.” Wei Wuxian glanced down and had to bite back a sob. Inside were two obsidian memorial tablets, lovingly decorated with Lotus flowers and in the middle of each a name. Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren.

He only had one memory of his parents and Jiang-Shushu never talked about them, he knew he'd have to face Madam Yu's wrath if he did. For the same reason it was unthinkable to ever have their memorial tablets displayed in Lotus Pier. This meant a lot.

“Thank you.”

Jiang-Shushu stepped back with a smile and his siblings each took one to hold them up next to Jiang-Shushu. Lan Zhan's hand trailed across his lower back. Most likely he was about to ask again if he was alright and this time he wouldn't be able to answer without either lying or crying and decided to take the touch as his cue to kneel on the cushion at his feet.

The bows themselves were over quickly. First they bowed to the heaven and the earth, then to their parents but for the third they turned to face each other and Lan Zhan's eyes were like molten gold as he looked at him. His heart sped up and they began to lower themselves into the third bow at the same time on an inaudible cue.

He came back up with a smile but when he moved to get up Lan Zhan stopped him with a held out hand. Pausing he cocked his head in question and his husbands lips twitched into a tiny smile only he was close enough to see.

Then Lan Zhan reached up to his forehead ribbon, this one red with golden clouds for the occasion, and loosened the knot holding it in place. It slipped off and into his hand with a quiet sound. He watched, frozen. Never before had he seen him take it off. With his other hand Lan Zhan reached for his arm and he gave it on autopilot, the angle made his wide sleeves fall down to his elbow and Lan Zhan wrapped the headband around his wrist, tying off the ends with multiple knots before squeezing his hand and letting go.

He looked down at his wrist and then up to his husband, the look in Lan Zhan's eyes as they focused on his wrist as well unreadable but causing a fluttery feeling in his stomach.

*

The banquet wasn't exactly lively, with conversation only starting after the meal, but considering it was held at the Cloud Recesses it could have been worse. Not the food, though. That was unsalvageable. As bland and boring as he remembered, even for a wedding, spending more time watching his husband than eating. So he wasn't too sad when it came time to make their rounds at the tables. It was a wedding between two of the Great Sects and accordingly the guest list had been long and it seemed like no one wanted to miss the event.

It would be a hassle to greet everyone from major to small sect but socializing was one of the things he was good at.

He had to drag Lan Zhan though and decided to go easy on him by maneuvering first to a table in a corner where Nie Mingjue, Lan Xichen and Jin Guangyao had drifted to, out of sight from the rest of their families. If they they thought they were subtle they were sorely mistaken. The relationship between the three of them was one of the worst kept open secrets among the cultivation community and probably only kept at all to spare Lan Qiren a major qi-deviation.

His brother in law, that would take some getting used to, pulled away from where Nie Mingjue had an arm draped around his waist and he could spot him letting go of Jin Guangyao's hand underneath the table.

“Didi, Wuxian.” He blinked at the familiar addresses but certainly didn't protest if Lan Xichen decided to welcome him with open arms. He blamed the alcohol. Oh, wait... There wasn't any.

The three of them congratulated them on their union and he conversed with Nie Mingjue about sabers. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Jin Guangyao studying him and the hair at the back of his neck rose, there was something impenetrable in his eyes belying the friendly smile he showed him.

He didn't know much about the man, just that he was one of Jin Guangshan's numerous children produced by his cheating ways, as far as he was concerned that was more a judgment on Jin Guangshan than him. His mother had been smart enough to force a paternity test and have Jin-Zongzhu take responsibility for his cheating ways. Begrudgingly he had taken care of Jin Guangyao's education and sent him to the guest lectures when his mother fell ill, where he met the Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen. How the three of them started dating was a mystery to him but years later they were still going strong.

He never heard what happened to his mother, would probably remember it if she died. Jin Guangyao's situation has been topic of gossip for a long time and only rekindled when he became part of a throuple.

“Xiongzhang, stop.” He turned to where Lan Zhan had been talking to his brother, a line formed between his brows. “I'm just saying that I'm happy you finally got what you've been hoping for.”

“We should move on,” Lan Zhan said hurrying him along with a hand on his lower back, Lan Xichen's chuckle following them.

“What was that about?” He looked back over his shoulder but couldn't see them anymore.

“Xiongzhang was just teasing.”

He looked over at Lan Zhan, seeing a pink tinge to his ears and couldn't help the delighted grin that spread on his face. So Lan-Zongzhu liked to tease his Didi? He'd have to chat Lan Xichen up about that sometime, eager to learn about whatever could fluster Lan Zhan like that.

He forgot about it a moment later when he realized they were headed for Shijie, unfortunately she was sitting with the Jins. They hadn't quite reached the table when Shijie got up and all but jumped him, throwing her arms around them in a hug. Lan Zhan visibly froze at the sudden contact and Wei Wuxian laughed.

“Congratulations, I'm sure you'll have a long and prosperous marriage.” The Peacock piped in as well but he seemed genuine in his well wishes. Unfortunately that's when Jin Guangshan chose to open his mouth. “I'm sure you're right about that. A connection between two powerful sects sure is an asset for both but I do wonder why the Lans would seek out a political connection like that, despite the... circumstances.”

He frowned and Lan Zhan stiffened. “I'm afraid I don't take your meaning.” His voice was cold and he threw a glance at him, his face looked as impassive as usual to anyone else but he could see the anger brewing underneath.

The Jin sect leader waved a dismissive hand. “Just, you know. Wei Wuxian might be good looking but he could hardly be mistaken for woman. Anyone would find it unfortunate that the Jiang's did not have another daughter.”

Wei Wuxian felt a wave of humiliation sweep over him. Of course. They were married, but it wasn't a love match, just two friends making the best of a situation their respective sects cooked up. But it wasn't like he would begrudge Lan Zhan seeking a relationship outside their marriage. He swallowed the bitter taste filling his mouth, ready to answer with some light-hearted witticism or other.

He didn't have to.

“I don't. I'm gay,” Lan Zhan said. The words impacted, bringing ringing silence with them. Lan Zhan was gay. He blinked. He hadn't known that, hadn't even seen a hint that it might be something to know. And apparently neither did anyone else, going by the stares they were garnering. Jin Guangshan's tea cup slipped from his fingers and dropped on the table with a bang.

He was taking that as their cue to move on. “Shijie, Jin Zixuan thank you for coming. We'll see you tomorrow before you leave.” Jin Zixuan seemed surprised to be included in his cordial goodbye but he was beginning to realize that maybe the Peacock deserved some slack considering he had to grow up with Jin Guangshan and Jin Zixun as role-models. That would mess up anyone. At least Madam Jin was a decent human being even if she didn't like him.

When they were far enough away not to be overheard, Lan Zhan stopped him. “I'm sorry.”

“Whatever for?”

“For causing a scene. For giving food for gossip that might affect you as well. For-” Okay, no. “Lan Zhan, you have nothing to apologize for. Jin Guangshan is a power-hungry asshole and gossip is inevitable. And if you honestly think that was you causing a scene, you'll be blown away when we ever attend a Jiang family dinner.”

“Wei-Xiong, Lan-Xiong, that was a beautiful ceremony.” He wanted to reassure Lan Zhan some more but Nie Huaisang appeared out of nowhere. “Thank you.”

“We haven't seen each other in forever. Wei-Xiong, you never even called to tell me you were engaged, Da-ge had to tell me and even the Jins knew before, gossips that they are.” He flipped open his fan covering his mouth witha picture of beautifully painted begonias. “I'm hurt. Truly.”

He covered his heart with his hand. “I'm so sorry, Nie-Xiong. It must have slipped my mind in all the excitement.” It really had. But there was no way he hadn't found out the moment the negotiations for the marriage contract started. How else would he know when others like the Jins found out? Nie Huaisang might like to play the idiot but his mind was sharp, in truth he should be upset his friend hadn't warned him. But if he hadn't there probably was a reason for it.

“Well, I don't want to take up too much time on your wedding day but we'll have to catch up. I'll call you soon.”

“I'm looking forward to it.”

Nie Huaisang went on his way, no doubt to catch whatever gossip he could while representatives of all sects were gathered. But they didn't have the chance to get their bearing, the Jiangs following in his wake.

Jiang-Shushu talked to Lan Zhan and before he could join Madam Yu grabbed him by the arm tight enough that it was going to leave bruises and pulled him aside, out of their ear-shot. “Listen now and listen closely," she hissed and electricity sparked from Zidian, the arm in her grip growing numb. “Now that you're finally out of Lotus Pier, you'll do well to stay away.”

He stayed quiet, knowing there was no point in protesting. The more he went along with her temper the sooner she would be done. “Neither will I have my children associate with an arrogant, unruly brat that's bound to destroy their reputation. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Madam Yu.” It wasn't the first time she told him that, she did the same when Shijie got married but despite her demands his sister never stopped reaching out to him and so he hadn't either. He just hoped it would be the same way with Jiang Cheng.

She let go of him and ushered Jiang Cheng away who made his way over to them and barely had time to voice his well wishes, looking over his shoulder in confusion as he was led away. He just waved to his brother with a smile, promising himself to seek him out tomorrow when Madam Yu wasn't nearby.

“A-Xian.” Jiang-Shushu had a complicated expression on his face as he put his hands on his shoulders. “Congratulations. I'm sure you'll be very happy Lan-Er-Gongzi.” It was clear he didn't believe his words, no doubt thinking about the fraught relationship he had with his own wife. “Just remember you'll always be welcome in Lotus Pier.” He didn't know whether he should laugh or cry. For a visit perhaps and only when Madam Yu was away but Lotus Pier would never again be home.

“Of course, Jiang-Shushu,” he said with a smile brittle enough it would crumble at the slightest disturbance. Jiang Fengmian didn't notice, returning it with a smile of his own before he followed his wife and son.

*

Luckily the rest of banquet went without another hitch but he saw the strain behind Lan Zhan's eyes. It was time to go and told him as much. Lan Zhan turned, led him out of the banquet hall and unto lantern lit paths. The Cloud Recesses were just as beautiful as he remembered them as before he got thrown out for fighting with Jin Zixuan. It seemed a bit silly now that Shijie was happily married to the Peacock.

Lan Zhan took his hand and off the paths he remembered to a part of the sect grounds he hadn't been to before. They passed many traditional looking houses, these not dormitories like for the guest disciples, but personal residences and kept walking even when there were no more. “Where are we going,” he asked confused.

“Home,” was all the answer he got and he looked over at his husband's profile. Soon they did reach another house. Soft light spilling from it and Lan Zhan led him inside, a plaque declared it the Jingshi.

Sure enough it was a home with a minimalistic style of furniture that was elegant and suited Lan Zhan well. But when he took a closer look he could see a picture of Shijie, Jiang Cheng and him in it's frame next to another one thta must belong to Lan Zhan, he'd have to take a closer look at it later. Other trinkets of his were thoughtfully placed around the room, like souvenirs he bought while on night hunts. The longer he looked the more he found.

But Lan Zhan must take his curiosity as critique.

“I know it's... We can redecorate.”

“No, I like it. Just what I expected your home to be like.”

“Our.”

“What?”

“Our home.”

He flinched. The reaction not suppressible after the nerve fraying day he had. Home. He had that twice. Once when he was too young to remember it and another for ten years, he thought it would be forever. How long would it last this time? “Sure.”

Lan Zhan seemed unconvinced but maybe it was just him projecting. He injected more enthusiasm into his voice. “Show me the rest.” Behind one door hid a modernized bathroom, kept just as neat as the sitting room. There was a small library and study where he could see his notebooks neatly arranged on the desk, no doubt his books were somewhere among the shelves. And lastly the bedroom.

When he stepped in his eyes instantly flew to the marriage bed. It wasn't lavishly decorated, it wouldn't fit into the style of the house but it was definitely big enough for two grown men. He was staring at it and it took a while to grow aware of the eyes studying him.

“It's late. We should get ready for bed.”

Right, the infernal Lan bedtime was approaching. The both of them started to take off layer after layer of robes, he felt five pounds lighter with each one. When he reached the last he stopped with his fingers on the tie, thinking about the nasty sight his back made. Lan Zhan shouldn't have to see that and there was no way he would be able to sleep anyway, he was filled to the brim with restless energy.

Maybe he could convince Lan Zhan to stay up with him, unlikely but one could hope. If not he'd just read or something.

He grinned and nudged Lan Zhan's shoulder. “It's our wedding night it would be a shame to sleep this early, Lan-er-gege. I can think of so many more enjoyable things.” He figured Lan Zhan would get flustered like he always did in the past when he teased him, instead Lan Zhan turned and stared at him, his lips parted slightly and the tips of his ears pink.

He was ashamed it took him a second to remember that Lan Zhan said earlier that he was gay, as in is sexually and romantically attracted to men. And he just propositioned him. Did he think Wei Wuxian was making fun of him? He wouldn't, he liked flustering his friend but he never meant to offend. He opened his mouth to salvage what he could but nothing came out.

Lan Zhan stepped closer. “Wei Ying wants...?”

What? What was Lan Zhan asking, he felt like he missed something. Any hope of figuring it out vanished when a hand smoothed over his waist and came to a stop on his hip, holding on to him. When did Lan Zhan draw that close? He could feel the heat radiating off him, he was standing so close, scarcely an inch between them.

He looked at Lan Zhan, the tension between them palpable and he had no idea how to break it. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest, sure it would give out any moment.

Golden eyes flickered down to his lips and he licked them on instinct, breath shallow. He would try for a deeper one but Lan Zhan leaned in and lips covered his in a gentle press, withdrawing just as quickly. Lan Zhan's eyes were wide, scared. And he couldn't think of a reason why. He stepped closer, chasing the mouth that just stole his first kiss.

Lan Zhan's eyes darkened and his other hand drifted up to his neck, pulling him in closer and angling his head with barely there pressure. He went willingly. His heart skipping as they met for another kiss, this one longer but just as gentle.

At least until Lan Zhan licked into his mouth and lightning sparked along his spine. Nothing like Zidian, is his last coherent thought as a sound escaped him that prompted his husband to pull them flush together. He buried his hands in silky hair and clung on for dear life, even more so when he felt Lan Zhan's hands slide down his body, squeezing his ass once before hauling him up.

He yelped into his husband's mouth but didn't break the kiss, too hungry for more. Dread did manage to break to the forefront for a second when he was tipped back. But then he felt the mattress underneath and relaxed. Lan Zhan followed and Wei Ying blushed when their hips pressed together and he felt that Lan Zhan was without a doubt hard. Not that he was any better off.

He lost track of time as they kissed only stopping when the need to breathe became to strong to ignore. Fingers skimmed over his side and he froze when they reached the robe tie, not remembering why but it was important. Lan Zhan reeled back, leaving him feeling bereft.

“Too presumptuous?”

It took a moment to orient himself but then shook his head reaching up to cup Lan Zhan's cheeks and pulled him back down. Lan Zhan gave him a quick kiss but then pulled away again. “What does Wei Ying want?”

He blushed. There was no way he could say what flashed through his head. “What do you want,” he countered.

“Wei Ying.”

“I...I don't know. I've never...” Surprise flickered through Lan Zhan's eyes, followed by... want? He couldn't read the expression, hadn't seen it before on him.

“Mn. Me neither.” Oh. He bit his lip. They'd figure it out.

Lan Zhan watched him for a moment. “Want to touch you. Make you feel good.”

His hand once again wandered to the tie, like he was a present Lan Zhan couldn't wait to unwrap, as a ridiculous as that notion was. Now he remembered why he reacted like that earlier but he'd just have to keep his back on the mattress to hide the wounds.

He gave a nod and Lan Zhan pulled, his robes falling open in front to expose his chest. Lan Zhan kissed him again and then mouthed down the side of his neck, making him squirm. He jolted when he felt a tongue brush over his nipple. A whimper broke from his lips and Lan Zhan pulled the nub into his mouth sucking on it. His hand came up to grip his hair not sure if he wanted to pull Lan Zhan away or hold him in place.

He tried to stay still as Lan Zhan switched to the other one, his free hand fisted into the sheets but he lost control bucking his hips. The apology drowned when a hand pressed down on his dick, only a few thin layers of cloth separating them. “Please. Lan Zhan. I- Please.” Fingers slipped past the band and he moaned when Lan Zhan took him in hand, lifting his hips in clear invitation and Lan Zhan pulled his pants off.

Watching Lan Zhan drink in the sight of his erection in his hand and stroking him experimentally was too much. He grabbed Lan Zhan and hauled him closer to kiss him. It did not stop Lan Zhan from touching him. Not that was a bad thing. His hand was a mix of soft and calloused as it skimmed over sensitive skin, his grip just perfect driving him out of his mind with need.

He reached out and pushed at the back of Lan Zhan's pants turning his head to be able to speak. “You too. Not just-” He moaned at a twist of Lan Zhan's hand. “Not j-just me.”

“Mn.” Lan Zhan let go of him to push down his pants and he almost sobbed at the loss. He was compensated when he felt soft skin press against his dick and realized with a jolt that it was Lan Zhan's erection, he tried to look but couldn't see between them, Lan Zhan's weight pressing down on him. His husband wrapped his hand around both of them and a choked off sound ripped out off his throat. Lan Zhan sped up and he tensed, heat pooling in his pelvis, ready to burst.

He came, stars dancing behind his eyes as wet heat spread on his stomach. Pleasure flooded his system making him black out. When he came back to himself Lan Zhan looked down at him his lips slightly parted and pupils blown wide.

Lan Zhan came with a groan, his spent joining Wei Wuxian's on his skin. A breath was punched out him when Lan Zhan rested his weight on him but he draped an arm around his husband holding him close, both of them breathing heavily. Lan Zhan was the first to move, levering himself up for a kiss and then slipping out of bed.

He stared after him bewildered until he came back with a washcloth and cleaned him up with gentle hands, Wei Wuxian blushing all the while. When he was done he slipped into bed, lying on his back.

Oh, he had thought they might... he ignored the twist in his chest, lying down with ample space between them. He couldn't resist looking over at Lan Zahn and found his handsome features were marred by a frown.  Lan Zahn turned his head, extended an arm in invitation. When he just stared Lan Zhan reached out to draw him closer and into his arms. The blush that had just cooled reignited with a vengeance but he settled into the embrace, falling asleep sooner than he expected.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian became aware of being pressed up against warmth, seeking it out even in slumber. When the source of his comfort began to pull away he whined low in his throat but it did not help the inevitable. Burying into the warm spot that was left behind he drifted back into deeper sleep.

When he woke next, the room was lighter but going by the quality of it still morning. He looked around the room, confused for a moment where he was and then memories from the night before crashed into him and set his face aflame. He buried it in his hands and a sound he couldn't define tore from his throat.

Last night had been...

If he was honest with himself it was great. Not that he had any idea how it came about. He thought Lan Zhan wouldn't have sex with someone he didn't love but apparently he was wrong about that. Did that make them friends with benefits? Husbands with benefits? But wouldn't that make them just husbands? Wait, no. That was missing the most important part, love. Then again he was sure Jiang-Shushu and Madam Yu didn't love each other either. At least not like his parents loved each other. He only had one memory of a car trip together and yet it was clear to him how much his parents adored each other. It was in the way they looked at each other. Like they were the very air they breathed.

But Lan Zhan didn't love him.

They were friends and married. Maybe that would be enough? As he found out last night Lan Zhan was definitely interested and willing to sleep with him. And the same was true for him. Not that he could explain his own eagerness, how shamelessly he threw himself at Lan Zhan.

Anyway, he had sex with his husband, it was no big deal. No reason to freak out about that, even if it was his first time and apparently Lan Zhan's as well.

He pulled his hands away, listening for another presence in the house and found none.

So obviously it wasn't a big deal for Lan Zhan, he hadn't even thought it necessary to stay until he woke up. Ignored the painful stab that thought caused. He wasn't entitled to Lan Zhan's presence, being married didn't change that. And he refused to become some desperately clinging annoyance just because he was shown some interest. He wouldn't make it a big deal either.

With that he forced himself out of bed and got ready for the day. In accordance with Lan Zhan already unpacking his things he found his clothes in a chest of drawers next to his husband's. He took off what remained of his wedding robes but hesitated a moment over the Lan Zhan's forehead ribbon, fingers hovering over the knots tying it to his wrist but let them drop. The red silk remained and was kept out of sight as he put on a pair of jeans and a hoodie. Was he supposed to wear Lan robes from now on? Definitely not the purple ones of the Jiang Sect, he was no longer part of it after all.

Then he searched for his phone, they had been in his outer layer of his wedding robes but when he rooted through them where they lay neatly folded he couldn't find it. Looking around the room he spotted it on the bedside table next to the side he slept on and sent his Shijie a text, determined to see her before she went back to Koi Tower. Her happy reply came instantly, more of a morning person than him. With a smile he went into the main room just as the sliding door was opened and Lan Zhan stepped in with a tray in his hand, looking surprised to find him out of bed.

“Good morning.”

He put the tray on the table and then stepped closer to Wei Wuxian, taking his hand. “You slept well?”

“Mn,” he said borrowing Lan Zhan's preferred answer. Lan Zhan paused a moment something flickering to quickly behind his eyes for him to read. His husband leaned closer and he assumed he was going to kiss him. His pulse quickened. But Lan Zhan's lips briefly brushed across his cheek instead of his lips and he did his best to hide the disappointment.

Smiled when Lan Zhan pulled back. Last night had been amazing for him but perhaps it wasn't the same for Lan Zhan? Thinking back he hadn't really done anything, letting Lan Zhan do all the work. It must have been unsatisfying. He must have been unsatisfying.

He swallowed, not nearly enough face to ask his husband. Next time he'd do better, he told himself. If there was a next time.

Lan Zhan sat at the table and he joined him, braced for another bland meal and doing a double take when he noticed the rich smells and colorful spread Lan Zhan brought. Where did he find that?

Eager he dug in silently in a bid to at least try and keep to the rules. He moaned as the first bite touched his tongue and flavor exploded in his mouth. Across from him Lan Zhan's ears turned pink, eating with way more composure, his posture and manners impeccable. It didn't stop him from scarfing his own meal, barely coming up for air. Soon he was finished and put down his chopsticks before he asked one of the questions that had been weighing on him.

“So, Lan Zhan, I've been wondering am I supposed to wear white robes now?”

Lan Zhan glanced at him, swallowed and put down his bowl and chopsticks before answering. “Wei Ying can wear whatever he prefers.” Great, but that wasn't an answerto what he was supposed to wear. What was expected of him? There must be some rules pertaining to it.

“What about work?”

“Newlyweds are exempt from duties for a week.” That made sense. “And after that,” he asked next.

“Lan disciples choose their clan duties based on preference and aptitude.”

He blinked. But he wasn't a Lan disciple, not really, he was a married-in spouse. Did that mean... Was Lan Zhan trying to tell him he couldn't resume working as a cultivator? Was he supposed to be a trophy husband? The Lan Sect seemed too practical for that to be the case. But maybe it wasn't a requirement for all spouses. Maybe it was just for him? Lan Qiren made clear just how much they disapprove of his affinity for resentful energy, maybe they just didn't want to risk him displaying his heretic ways, his wrongness. The easiest way to make sure he wouldn't, would be to not allow him cultivate at all.

He opened his mouth and closed it a moment after. He couldn't ask. Couldn't bear to hear Lan Zhan say he was right. “I see,” he said. Left it at that, no longer in the mood to ask questions. Instead he told him about his plans to visit his sister.

“Please give her my regards.” The request sounded genuine. “Uncle asked that we have dinner with him and Xiongzhang tonight. Are you amenable?”

Like he could say no to an invitation from Lan Qiren, the man already disliked if not hated him, if he put a strain on his relationship with his nephew it would only get worse. He would smile and he would get through the meal, no matter what Lan Qiren had to no doubt say about him. He did the same during meals with Madam Yu for years.

“Wei Ying?”

“Hmm? Oh, sure. That sounds good.” He was distracted by his thoughts and took too long to answer.

“I wanted to ask...”

“What is it?”

“The memorial tablets?”

“What about them?” But Lan Zhan didn't elaborate. “Do you mean why did Jiang-Shushu give them to me for the wedding?”

“Mn.

“It's complicated. You heard Madam Yu yesterday, that she doesn't consider me her son and I don't need her to. I have a mother.” He fidgeted in his seat. “But the core of the problem is that Madam Yu is convinced Jiang-Shushu was in love with her and there are some nasty rumors going around, I'll spare you the details, they aren't true anyway.” The Lan forbade gossip and he looked so much like his father that a paternity test wasn't even necessary. “If he'd had the memorial tablets made for me before, she never would have accepted it.”

She probably would have broken them, he didn't say. Seeing the corners of Lan Zhan's mouth pull down he hastened to add, “It's fine, I have them now.” He got up from the table. “I'll see you later.”

“Wei Ying.” He paused, turned back. “They will be put in the ancestral hall.” He said it like the offer was nothing special. Like it wasn't enough to bring tears to his eyes. Like it didn't show his fundamental goodness. It probably wouldn't happen, was going to meet resistance from the other Lans but just the offer was enough.

“Thank you.”

*

He made his way along the paths, asking the way when he lost it and found his sister waiting in the garden behind the Jin's guest house, welcoming him with a smile and kind words.

They had tea and talked. Well mostly him and the longer they sat there chatting the more he became aware of Shijie's hand settling on her stomach for a moment before fluttering away, only to return soon after.

He gasped. “Shijie, are you-”

Her eyes widened. “No.” Oh. Shit, he shouldn't have assumed. “Not yet,” she amended. The faint blush that spread on her face suited her, not that he ever wanted his Shijie to feel embarrassed about something. “A-Xuan and I have been talking about it. We decided to try but it hasn't been long.”

“It'll happen for sure.” He drifted off into a daydream of holding a little baby, his nephew, in his arms one of these days and just new he had a sappy smile on his face. He loved children. He always knew he wanted to have his own one day.

He blanched. Would Lan Zhan? It wasn't something he could just ask out of the blue, was it? He never saw his friend around children. Did he like them?

Out loud he said, “Why didn't you say yesterday?” It wasn't accusing, just baffled. His Shijie never hesitated to tell him about what went on in her life. He didn't want that to change.

“How could I? It was your wedding day, I wouldn't dare steal the spotlight away from you.” In his opinion her trying for children trumped his wedding but she wouldn't want to hear that.

“Speaking of, how are you? Do you think you will be happy?” That was just like her, asking the complicated questions. Could he be happy being married to Lan Zhan? Sure. Would he be happy living in the Cloud Recesses with all it's regulations and restraints? He could make do. Probably. Would he be happy giving up his cultivation? Never again going on night hunts or taking part in the competitions at a Conference? Absolutely not.

Did is happiness matter? Not really.

“Yeah, I think I'll be happy.” Shijie was excited and he stayed until it came time for her and the Jins to leave. He made sure to hug her tight. And waved until her car was out of sight at the foot of the long winding stairs leading into the heart of the Sect.

After he made his way to the guest house he had stayed at the night before the wedding. Thinking Madam Yu would most likely be in the front room if she was there he snuck around the back. Climbed the wall to the garden and stayed low as he rushed to the window leading to Jiang Cheng's room.

He knocked but there wasn't a sound from inside. Either his brother was still asleep, unlikely. Or he wasn't in the room. But he tried the window anyway and did a silent triumphant shout when it opened.

He vaulted over the ledge and closed the window behind himself, figuring his brother would return eventually and they could talk then. Really talk and maybe clear the air between them.

It took a look around the room for his smile to freeze. It was empty. Not just of people but Jiang Cheng's suitcase. The bed was stripped and the air smelled of cleaning supplies. He checked the other rooms, just to make sure.

The Jiangs already left the Cloud Recesses.

Ignoring the stinging ache, he wandered around for a bit but then jumped up on a rooftop somewhere and laid down. The thought of anyone seeing him right then too much. Watching the clouds move by he texted with Nie Huaisang like he said he would. Whatever his friend was up to, he didn't show his hand yet. Instead they just chatted about meaningless stuff.

*

“How have you been settling in, Wuxian?” Lan Xichen asked as they sat at the table in his uncle's home. It took a moment for him to realize he was being addressed. They had spent the meal in silence and his attention had been occupied by adhering to the rules. Meals are to be taken in silence. Posture has to be maintained, whether one was sitting or standing. No more than three bowls of rice for a meal.

The last one had been easy, his appetite vanished the moment he saw the bland meal laid out. Not sprawling in his usual way was harder. But he managed, practice makes perfect after all. Madam Yu had made a game of it during his etiquette lessons. Every time he forgot himself and slouched or sprawled in a way that was more comfortable to sit, was one more strike with Zidian added at the end of the day.

“Fine.” Thinking that sounded too dismissive he added, “Lan Zhan already took care of everything for me.” He gave his husband a smile, which froze a bit when Lan Qiren hmph-ed.

“I'm not surprised he did.” There was an edge to it he couldn't read. “Wangji has always been faithful in his duties, marriage will be no different. What about you?”

“I-” He didn't know what to say. He would try his best to be whatever the Lan Sect wanted him to be but already knew it was doomed to fail. Simply because he was the way he was. Nothing that defined him was something the Lan Sect embraced or wanted. Loud, unable to adhere to rules, rebellious against authority, demonic cultivator.

Even if he never officially got to train as one, just his experiments when he was on night hunts alone. That path was closed to him the moment that power hungry dick Wen Ruohan threw all reason aside and used demonic cultivation to try and take over the cultivation community.

It could be, was supposed to be, used for good, but no one believed in that after he launched an attack on the other Sect's with hundreds of fierce corpses. A Cultivation Conference like that tended to stick in one's memory. He had been too young when it happened, his cultivation not advanced enough to attend. Not a single one of his generation had but Lan Qiren? He had been there, had been one of the people fighting for the lives of the civilians and cultivators alike in Nightless City and he came out of it condemning demonic cultivators.

And now his nephew married one.

“Shufu,” came an admonishment from Lan Zhan and Lan Qiren sighed. “Fine.” But the look he gave Wei Wuxian wasn't pleased and the rest of the evening was awkward despite Lan Xichen doing his best to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

Or it was the awareness of his inadequacy that was weighing down on him so heavily.

When they finally left he was relieved nonetheless.

The rest of the week passed more easily. He tried to go to sleep at the same time as Lan Zhan and laid awake for hours before he finally drifted off. Waking up at five proved unachievable. The earliest he could manage was seven and then he felt like a zombie stumbling around. But he tried his best to get used to the Lan schedule because Lan Zhan waited to eat breakfast together and he didn't want him to go hungry.

They spend the days taking walks around the Cloud Recesses, reading, talking, or just existing in the same space. They didn't have sex again, not even kissed. Whenever he was about to say something or just grab the front of Lan Zhan's robes and pull him in, his courage left him. No matter how often he called himself a coward or tried to psyche himself up, he just couldn't. The thought of Lan Zhan rejecting his advances sat like a stone in his gut.

The second week was worse, so so much worse. Lan Zhan returned to his duties, teaching musical cultivation, helping his brother with administrative tasks, night hunting, correcting essays. And him? He sat in Lan Zhan's house waiting for his return with absolutely nothing to fill his days. He tried working on new talisman designs but his well of inspiration dried out. The highlight of his day was when Lan Zhan came back. Wei Ying would ask him about his day, and they'd have dinner together. Somehow the meals Lan Zhan brought were always tasty and at nine they would go to bed together.

Only for it all to repeat the next day.

By the beginning of the third week he was ready to climb the walls and he decided to try something new. He left the Jingshi in desperate search for something to do.

Of course that was also when he inevitably fucked up.

Chapter Text

“Wei Ying.”

He looked to Lan Zhan who was already at the door, ready to leave to do important stuff while he stayed in the house. Again. He plastered a smile on his face. “What's this? Can't bear to tear yourself away from your husband?”

His grip on Bichen tightened, then loosened. Was Lan Zhan fidgeting? His stomach sank, already knew what would follow.

“Are you okay?”

It wasn't the first time he asked that in the last couple weeks. It even became increasingly more worried or maybe the close proximity made him better able to read Lan Zhan. How could he say no? How could he say that the thought of never cultivating again or do anything worthwhile was agonizing.

“Of course. Why wouldn't I be?”

He wasn't convinced, concern broke through actually showing on his face. He didn't want that. Lan Zhan shouldn't have to deal with him and his problems.

“You'll be late.” He stood from the table and playfully shoved Lan Zhan toward the door. It was like trying to move a boulder.

“Wei Ying has barely left the house.”

He laughed, it hurt his throat like broken glass. “I'm just feeling lazy. Now get going, I wouldn't want you to be punished because of me.”

“Not your fault.”

It was adorable that he thought so but who'd believe the rule abiding Second Jade would suddenly slack and not blame him.

Once he managed to make Lan Zhan leave the silence became encompassing. It weighed down on him, it became hard to breathe as his thoughts turned to the day ahead, filled once again with nothing but waiting for Lan Zhan to return.

Enough.

He wasn't a prisoner he wouldn't act like one. Time to brave the Cloud Recesses. He forced himself out of his darkening mood and stepped to the door, outstretched hand pausing before decisively throwing open the door.

As he stepped outside he did a double take. There was a beautiful woman kneeling in front of the house, one hand outstretched to a blossom of the gentian flowers holding on despite the cold autumn days. It looked like she wanted to cradle it in her palm but unable to.

Sadness filled him at the sight, studying the transparent edges of her form, the slightest tendril of resentful energy coming from her, just enough to hold on to this plane of existence. She didn't turn or look at him at his arrival, probably used to no one noticing her presence.

Wei Wuxian didn't call out to her, in his experience the spirit would either attack or cling to him and he was still trying not to flaunt his abilities. Maybe he'd find a discreet way to help her rest but not today.

It didn't stop him from wondering who she was as he went on his way. She couldn't have died in times past, her clothes too modern, a jeans and sweater combo.

The mystery occupied him as he walked the Cloud Recesses, the high mountain peaks covered in wisps of cloud taking his breath away. The trees were covered in leaves of bronze and gold, some that had already fallen carried on the wind. The song of birds and the rustle of the wind in the trees a melody unlike the laughter and chatter of Lotus Pier, no less beautiful but more lonesome.

The white clad disciples that crossed his path acknowledged him with a nod, some even a smile but didn't stop to chat, weren't talking much between themselves either.

Still it was a nice change from lying on the floor in the Jingshi and trying to see patterns in the ceiling, or sitting at the desk with a pen in hand and staring at a blank page in his notebook, or counting the seconds pass by until he wasn't alone anymore. Jingshi truly was a fitting name.

He took a deep breath, drawing the clean mountain air into his lungs, enjoying the way it's chilly teeth nipped at his skin and telling himself to stop stewing in self-pity, turning his attention to explore the Cloud Recesses until he knew them like he knew Lotus Pier.

Hours passed that way and as he started to think about going back he stumbled upon a clearing in a bamboo forest. He gasped in delight. There were bunnies tumbling in the grass or nibbling on it, white and black ones. Some quickly hopped away at his sudden presence in their midst and he moved quickly to scoop a white one into his arms. It struggled for a moment but when it realized he didn't do more than pet it, it calmed.

He plopped down cross legged on the grass and carefully sat the bunny in his lap, pleased when it stayed. Reaching down he gently rubbed it's ears and stroked the soft fur. After he sat unmoving for a while the other bunnies ventured closer, one adventurous black one even daring to nibble on one of his shoelaces and he laughed. It reminded him of the time he had gifted Lan Zhan two bunnies he caught, wondering what he did with them after.

Pets weren't allowed in the Cloud Recesses but he thought Lan Zhan might have liked to keep them, one of his rare smiles showing as he watched the bunnie's antics back then. Maybe he released them here. He should ask later.

He pulled out his phone to check the time and with a rueful twist to his mouth released his prisoner to hop over to his friends. Getting up he told himself, he'd return the next day.

Wei Wuxian sought out the nearest path and followed it back to a cluster of buildings, recognizing them from one of his walks with Lan Zhan. If he went past them and turned left he'd see a building Lan Zhan called the Mingshi and from there he'd have to walk straight to get to the family residences.

Glad he remembered the way, he didn't notice when the double doors to the Mingshi flew open but he definitely noticed the blot of whirling white robes crash into him from the side throwing him off balance. On instinct he caught the teenager that was hurled at him along with a wave of resentful energy, meeting scared eyes as he regained his balance. The doors slammed shut with a loud bang, there were more young disciples slumped on the ground around him, not lucky enough to have someone to catch them.

“Help, please help. Lan-Xiansheng is still inside.”

Along with whatever was strong enough to overwhelm half a dozen Junior disciples and Lan Qiren. Wei Wuxian didn't think to bring Suiban along with him, aside from a couple of talismans that might or might not be in his pockets he was unarmed.

“Go, get help.”

Not stopping to see if his order was carried out he ran up to the door and pulled on the handle, feeling like another force was pulling it shut from the other side. Not giving up he jammed his foot against the other door and pushed with it while redoubling his efforts to pull. Inch by inch a gap appeared and the moment it was big enoughhe slipped in.

The door slammed shut with a resounding boom, sealing him inside. It was dark, the lanterns burned bright and yet their light was swallowed by the resentful energy thick enough to be visible and not only to him. Across the room he could see a lone white figure, almost blinding in billowing black. Lan Qiren stood tall and proud, with his sword drawn and slashing at the tendrils coming for him.

What he couldn't see was the vengeful spirit approaching from behind, a man in frayed and blood splattered hemp robes, drenched from head to toe, water dripping in rivulets from his hair and clothes. His eyes burned with hatred, not for Lan Qiren but for everything that drew breath, that was filled with life. The spirit wrapped his hands around his throat and Lan Qiren audibly chocked, his grip on the sword tightening but without seeing where the threat was he couldn't free himself.

Wei Wuxian ran past the broken array on the floor, some of it's lines scuffed. Whistling a high note that was shrill in the the almost silence, he came to a stop next to it.

Lan Qiren's eyes snapped to him as did the specter's. He didn't let either scare him, nor the consequences that would follow what he was about to do. He kept whistling, the melody dark and commanding as he channeled the resentful energy swirling around him into himself and commanded the spirit to let go. It did. Only to turn to him.

“Wei Wuxian! What are you doing?” The raspy shout broke his concentration. The ghost used the chance to slip his control. Rushed up to him and hit him in a broad sweep of his arm. The swing threw him against a pillar behind and his vision whited out in agony as he felt the healing wounds on his back split back open.

He slid down to the floor. Bit his lip against the whimper trying to escape. He forced his jaw to unclench when his vision came back in dark spots, to see the spirit bear down on him, ready to end his life.

He drew in a breath which rushed out of him when the expansion of his rip-cage pulled on his back. Cursing himself he ignored the pain. Tried again. The tone he whistled was thin and ready but enough to convey his intent. The specter came to a shuddering stop.

Malice shone out of that face. The resentment pouring out of the figure was now entirely aimed at him. It's tendrils burrowed into him, felt like thousands of tiny maggots digging into his skin, corrupting him from the inside. He almost gagged at the taste of rotting flesh covered his tongue.

Another whistle, this one with more force behind it, had the ghost turning around and walk toward the array on the floor. Every step a battle between them.

When the ghost was inside the array at last he crawled forward. Ripped a cut into his first two fingers on a broken stone tile and repaired the broken lines with his blood. When he connected the last one, the array activated with a soft glow and sealed the vengeful spirit inside.

Wei Wuxian turned aside sharply, choked on the bile forcing it's way up and threw up on the floor, just aware enough to avoid the array. His arms gave out on him and he resigned himself to falling into his own sick when strong arms caught him, stopping his momentum and pulling him into a sitting position.

The room was spinning around him and it took a moment for Lan Qiren's angry face to come into focus. “Foolish boy!” He flinched at the raised voice and braced himself for the barrage of abuse that was about to rain down on him.

“Can you walk to the infirmary?” He blinked and looked up, sure he must have misheard. “Wei Wuxian, can you walk? If not I'll carry you.” The image of Lan Qiren carrying him through the Cloud Recesses thrown over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes was horrifying enough to shock him out of his stupor.

“I can walk,” he said as he got his legs underneath and tried to rise, swaying. Lan Qiren grabbed his upper arm and helped him the rest of the way up. When he stood the hand remained on his arm and Lan Qiren's eyes wandered over him like he expected him to keel over. Wei Wuxian forced one foot in front of the other and he was let go. Lan Qiren hovered next to him as he slowly made his way across the room. With the sealing of the ghost it became still inside, the resentful energy dissipated and the doors opened easily for them.

The trip to the infirmary was slow going and agonizing but he made it under his own power. As soon as he stepped into the building, the outside looking just as traditional as the rest, he found what looked like the reception of a high end clinic. Having arrived at their destination, his legs refused to hold him up any longer, pain radiated out from his back and made him dizzy. Lan Qiren had to catch him so he didn't crash to the floor.

“Lan Xiuying,” he called, as he held Wei Wuxian up. His arm brushed over the wounds and he bit the inside of his cheek, refusing to show pain, the taste of blood filled his mouth.

A woman in Lan robes appeared, hers didn't have the usual wide sleeves but close cut ones. She assessed the situation with intelligent eyes and then braced his other side. The two of them marched Wei Wuxian down the corridor and into an exam room. They heaved him up to the table and tried to lower him unto his back, not yet have bled though his clothes. The scream that tore out of him stopped them both with shocked faces.

“On his stomach then.”

Lan Qiren followed the instruction and he almost sobbed in relief when his chest came to rest on the padded surface. The pain lowered from excruciating to a more manageable tormenting.

“What happened,” the healer asked and he blocked out their voices, focused on taking shallow breaths. He felt the cool touch of metal at the base of his spine and tensed.

“I'm cutting of your shirt.” Her statement was curt but her voice betrayed kindness. He barely had time to worry about the state his back was in. When the scissors parted his shirt and the healer began to peel the bloody cloth off his wounds, he passed out.

*

When he woke everything was pleasantly fuzzy.

There was music, the sound soothing like slipping into a warm bath. It weighed on his limbs. Every muscle in his body relaxed.

When he opened his eyes he saw Lan Zhan kneeling on the floor playing his guqin. He was pale, an expression of agony on his face. He wanted to ask why but he slipped into sleep before he could.

*

The next time he woke he was still on pain medication but there was no music. He opened his eyes and found himself alone in a room that looked right out of a hospital but that was most likely still in the Cloud Recesses.

There wasn't a pillow under his cheek and it took a confused moment to realize he was laying on his stomach instead of his back. He drew his hands closer to his body to push himself up into a sitting position and a pained groan escaped him halfway up.

The healer from before hurried into the room, he couldn't remember her name. Lan...X-something. She had a kind face, framed by some strands of hair not included in the immaculate bun the rest of it was in and a pair of rimless glasses perched on her nose. She looked young but she was a cultivator so that didn't say much.

“Wait. Let me help.” She ignored his protests and supported him as he sat up and turned around. Once he was upright on the bed with crossed legs and facing the room, she let go and pulled something that looked like a pillow from the same padded material as the exam room table out from beneath the bed and pushed it into his arms. “Lean on that.”

He did, resting his arms on top of it like he would the back of a chair. It relived the strain on his back and he let out a silent breath of relief. Out loud he said, “Thanks. Can I go soon?”

She looked unimpressed and he saw his chances dwindling. She turned away to fill a cup of water and he took it, downing the contents in a couple of gulps. “See? I'm fine now.”

“You're not. It took hours to stitch the lacerations on your back and you had a severe influx of resentful energy in your system. You need rest and the wounds monitoring.”

Inwardly he grimaced. Of course, they saw his back and now he had to deal with that. “That ghost sure did a number on me.”

“And on top of already being injured,” she said, her tone dry and he froze. “I do wonder how your back got shredded like that. Care to enlighten me?” Nope. He smiled at her and shrugged as much as he could. “Night hunt gone wrong.”

She sighed, the clear disappointment making something squirm uncomfortably in his chest. After pulling a roll-able stool over she sat down next to him and her eyes softened. “You don't need to lie to me. Whatever you tell me will stay between us.” Right, that was a thing with healers but the words wouldn't leave his lips. He couldn't remember the last time anyone had asked him how he got hurt, even knew that he was hurt.

The silence was uncomfortable yet she was visibly content to wait as long as it took for him to answer. Why were the Lans so damn patient?

There was a knock on the door and it opened a moment later, he had to stop himself from sagging in relief. “Qiren, Wangji.”

The relief turned into dread as Lan Qiren watched him with an unreadable face. Lan Zhan stepped past him closing in on the bed with large strides. He looked horrible. There were shadows beneath his eyes and a few strands of hair escaped, his robes were wrinkled. “Wei Ying-”

“I'm okay, Lan Zhan,” he said in answer to the tightly controlled concern in his friend's voice. It didn't do anything but make him look more concerned but he didn't have the wherewithal to keep trying. Lan Qiren's presence was like an ax, with him on the chopping block.

He had used demonic cultivation in his presence and he knew the moment he did that he would be punished for it. What was it going to be? His back twinged. He shouldn't be hoping for the whip but the only alternative he could think of was banishment. Would he be thrown out again? Last time he had made it a couple of month's, this time not even three weeks. And this time there was no going back to Lotus Pier, Madam Yu would bar the gate against him for bringing shame to the sect, for failing his marriage.

His heart hammered in his chest and he sucked in a breath, but no air would reach his lungs.

Shit, Lan Zhan would divorce him if he was thrown out. How could he not? He grew numb and light headed as he desperately tried to breathe. Lan Zhan must be appalled by him, disgusted.

He could hear voices but it was impossible to make out what they said. He flinched when the healer touched his shoulder, shocking him enough to space back in.

“Slow breaths. In and out. In and out.” She repeated that over and over again and he tried his best to follow her voice. It felt like an eternity until the air he sucked in filled his lungs and his heart slowed.

“Good, just keep breathing.” But he couldn't, the moment his eyes landed on Lan Qiren again, he forced his mouth to form words. “What's it going to be,” he spat out, his voice raspy.

“What?”

He had to make him say it, didn't he? “My punishment? Just tell me. A whipping or banishment?” His words were followed by silence, aside from a choked sound from Lan Zhan. One could hear a pin drop but it felt heavier, like the deafening silence that followed in the wake of a bomb, already his ears were beginning to ring.

“Punishment? For wh-”

“Qiren.” His healer and the Grandmaster exchanged a look, a conversation taking place he couldn't make sense of, while Lan Zhan stood next to him, so still he could be mistaken for a statue.

When Lan Qiren turned back to him his eyes snapped to his back before staring him in the eye and he braced himself for the verdict, thinking he might be lucky enough to get away with a whipping after all. “Experience brings expectation.” The words were almost a whisper and confused the fuck out of him.

What? What was that supposed to mean.

“Wei Wuxian, how did you get those wounds?” Three pairs of eyes burned into him. One demanding, one gentle and the last horrified and furious. It was Lan Zhan's that had him lower his own, unable to stomach the realization he saw in his friend's eyes not reflected in the icy stillness of his face. He did see his hands close into fists and shake with barely controlled anger. Was it directed at him? It didn't feel like it. He never saw Lan Zhan that angry, never wanted to be the recipient of it.

The lie was quick on the tip of his tongue.

“Wei Ying?” And it died even faster. He could lie to his healer, he could lie straight to Lan Qiren's face if need be but not Lan Zhan. Not him. Warm, still shaking fingers wrapped around his and he stopped himself from looking at his husband, if he did he the truth would spill from him.

The silence hung even heavier. Lan Qiren broke it. “If you wish to remain quiet, that's your prerogative, however Madam Yu's temperament and Zidian are well known and the evidence is carved into your back.” He flinched but refused to say anything.

“Let me make it clear that there is no corporal punishment in the Lan Sect. It has been studied and proven to be nothing but detrimental decades ago, as well as against the law.” His head snapped up. That might be true but there was no law forbidding punishment of disciples and who would forbid Madam Yu her chosen method?

But if there was no corporal punishment in the Lan Sect that meant...

His heart sank, already tried to figure out where to go next. He had a bank account with savings from his salary as Head Disciple, but it wouldn't last him forever and without steady income no one would rent to him. “Banishment then?”

Lan Qiren snarled. “You're not going to be banished." 

His mouth opened.

"And before you come up with another ludicrous idea, you're not going to be punished at all.”

He scoffed, unable to not look a gift horse in the mouth. “I used demonic cultivation.”

“Yes, and we will talk about that absolute foolishness. You jumped into a dangerous situation while injured and unarmed. You messed with resentful energy, clearly untrained, resulting in you getting hurt. Wangji had to play Cleansing for hours to purge the resentment from you.”

The hand holding his squeezed. And he remembered there were actually other people in the room. He squeezed back and gave Lan Zhan a strained smile before turning back to the Grandmaster.

“But you also showed wisdom in sending that disciple for reinforcements, as well as subdued and resealed a dangerous spirit on your own.”

He blinked. It wasn't exactly praise but he'd take it. The next part floored him. “And you saved my life. You have my gratitude.” Lan Qiren brought his hands together and bowed, to him.

“I-”

“I'm looking forward to what you'll accomplish when you're actually healthy and prepared.”

What? He made it sound like he would be working as a cultivator. But wasn't he supposed to be a house husband? He was beginning to think he had misunderstood when he asked La Zhan about it.

“Not anytime soon. Though I can't deny my own curiosity, your reputation as an outstanding cultivator precedes you,” Lan Xiuying-that was her name-said with a wink. And he choked on air. He didn't think a Lan was capable of that kind of playfulness. Then she turned serious. “I'd like to talk to my patient alone, if you wouldn't mind.

Lan Qiren left but Lan Zhan's grip on his hand tightened. “Lan Zhan can stay, I don't mind.”

She studied him for a moment. “Very well.” She offered another stool and Lan Zhan sat without letting go of his hand. Warmth spread in his chest.

“Truth be told I'm concerned.” He stiffened, the warm feeling turned to shards of ice. “I saw the scars underneath, and the number and severity of the lacerations are...” She struggled to find the word she wanted.

“Really, it's not that bad.” It only sucked that they broke open all at once.

“Twenty-eight, I can't even tell you the number of stitches you needed,” she said, letting the statement ring for a moment, Lan Zhan sucked in a breath next to him. “That is bad, that is very bad and I find it concerning that you don't feel it is.”

His initial reaction was to make a joke but her face was serious and Lan Zhan visibly paled and he knew she'd just take it as another point in her favor. Neither could he tell her that he was used to it. Or that he had worse in the past. So he didn't.

“What happened happened, no reason to dwell on it,” he said with a shrug he regretted when it pulled on his back.

“There is reason. Those kind of wounds, to be hurt like that by people that are supposed to care for you, is traumatic. Do you know what tratment like that is called?”

“I'm fine, really.” He grinned to make his point.

“Abuse. They hurt you, they mistreated you. If you pressed charges no court would find them innocent.” Outwardly he showed no reaction, inside he flinched away from her words. It wasn't true.

“No,” he said vehemently. “Madam Yu might have a temper but the Jiangs took me in from the streets, they're not abusive.”

“One doesn't rule out the other.” She was earnest, her voice filled with careful sympathy and he couldn't take it because she was wrong.

He didn't dare look at Lan Zhan, he could feel the anger rolling off him like a physical force. He didn't want him angry at the Jiangs but had no idea what he could say to make it better.

Lan Xiuying opened her mouth and he quickly interjected to prevent whatever she would say next. Trying to get him to press charges against the Jiangs? After they went through the trouble to save his live, kept him clothed and fed and taught him to cultivate? No way. They didn't abuse him. They didn't.

“So how long until you'll let me out of here? And until I can go on night hunts,” he asked to deflect and test if he'd really be allowed to keep working as a cultivator. She held his eye and his armpits prickled convinced she wouldn't relent.

“You're golden core is strong, so I think I can release you the day after tomorrow to go home. To rest. There is a salve I've been using to promote the healing, you'll need to keep applying it twice a day and you'll come in for weekly check-ups.” She looked at Lan Zhan who's eyes were still burning and he gave a nod that conveyed that even if he conveniently forgot Lan Zhan wouldn't. “I'd estimate a month before active field work but I'm not setting that in stone.”

“A month?” That was sooo long, he always got back to work the next day after a whipping. Nothing less was expected of him and now she told him to sit on his ass for another month? “I can't do nothing for a month! It'll drive me crazy.”

“I'm sure we can find something else for you to pass the time. Nothing strenuous,” she said drily with a look between the two of them that had his face heating when he understood her implication.

He recovered quickly, just glad she dropped her talk about abuse but he didn't think he heard the last of it.

“So cruel, Lan-Daifu. Didn't you hear Lan-Xiansheng? He said I wouldn't be punished.”

Chapter Text

He was eager to escape the infirmary that day but Lan Xiuying insisted he have breakfast and then wait for Lan Zhan to pick him up, at least he didn't have to get up at five, instead was encouraged to rest as much as possible. When Lan Zhan arrived it didn't take the two of them long to gang up on him and he waited impatiently after he got dressed in the clothes Lan Zhan brought. The healer handed over a tub of the salve she used on him, explaining how to use it correctly. How much instruction could there be? It was a salve, just slather it on and done.

“I'll see you next week,” she told him with a pointed look he chose to ignore. He would go, mostly because there might be a chance she'd clear him for fieldwork sooner if she saw that he was fine.

“Thanks, Lan-Daifu.” He was careful to only sketch the bow, Lan Xiuying told him not to strain his back. He wasn't allowed to bend over, he wasn't allowed to carry any heavy loads, he wasn't allowed to take baths, just showers, he wasn't allowed to lie on his back. And the list went on and on. She went through it with him and then again with Lan Zhan before he left the day before. He had stayed right until curfew and the healer forced him to go. He felt bad that Lan Zhan had to take the time to visit with him when he could do more important things but he wouldn't listen to him when he said it was fine to go.

They walked out of the building and into the chilly morning, disciples already wandered around, a young man, an outer disciples going by the lack of clouds on his headband, stopped as he walked up to the building when he noticed them and bowed. “Hanguang-Jun and...Mad-,” he hesitated, unsure how to address him, which he didn't begrudge. He didn't expect any of the disciples to remember his name. “Master Lan.”

Lan. He stared after the teen who slipped into the building, then quickly glanced at Lan Zhan. He wasn't angry, there was even the faintest trace of a smile on his lips and the tension he held unknowingly relaxed. He was confused by his own reaction but shook himself out of it when he felt Lan Zhan's hand brush against his, taking it as his husband led them back to the Jingshi. Halfway there he remembered that one of the younger disciples called him Jiang Wuxian once, shortly after he arrived in Lotus Pier, it was the first time he was subjected to Zidian.

No one ever called him Jiang again.

He snapped out of the memory when Lan Zhan spoke to him. “You should lie down.” Startled that they were already standing inside Lan Zhan's home.

“I've been lying down since yesterday,” he protested and flopped down at the table, lamenting for a moment that he didn't ask to bring that weird pillow when his back protested. Lan Zhan hovered close, hands slightly outstretched before they balled into fists and pulled back. “I'll make some tea.”

Only when the tea was done and Lan Zhan settled in at the other side of the table did it occur to him that he might feel obligated to keep him company. “Lan Zhan, I'm sure there are better things for you to do than play babysitter. You don't need to stay.”

“I'll stay.”

Of course he would, he was Hanguang-Jun, the Second Jade of Lan, an upholder of justice and protector of the weak. But he shouldn't have to, not with him, they always were equals.

“I'll be fine on my own, promise.” The words slipped out easily but he cringed internally at once again having to pass time alone.

“Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan said, waited until he looked at him. “I will stay.” He swallowed and gave a nod, there was no arguing with him when he made up his mind.

Lan Zhan watched him for a moment and when no more protests followed gave a nod. The hands cupped around his tea twitched slightly and Wei Wuxian blinked. Was Lan Zhan fidgeting? He never thought he'd see the day.

“Wei Ying?”

“Hmm?”

“Madam Yu hurt you.” He phrased it like a statement, nevertheless he could hear the underlying question but saw no reason to answer.

“Why? Why would she do that to you?,” he asked this time, his hands on his cup clenching and Wei Wuxian worried it might chatter in his grip. He desperately searched for something to say but all he could think of was, “Punishment for transgressions. You Lans are so fond of your rules I think the concept should be familiar.”

Lan Zhan's mouth twisted. “Don't joke. What perceived transgression could possibly warrant that?”

It was one of the longest sentences he ever heard Lan Zhan speak and he could hear the underlying anger. Whoever thought Lan Zhan was expressionless never saw his eyes burn with fury.

“I...” The words wouldn't come. Madam Yu didn't always give him a reason but he knew he must have done something to displease her. Been too arrogant, overshadowed Jiang Cheng, been to familiar with her children, got to much attention from Jiang-Shushu, or one of the myriad of other reasons.

Lan Zhan's eyebrows pulled down. “She hurt you, someone under her care and the Jiangs did nothing. Lan-Daifu was correct in saying they abu-”

A feeling, black and ugly flared in his stomach. He snapped.

“Drop it, Lan Wangji.” His shout rang loudly in the Jingshi. “It's none of your business.”

Lan Zhan's eyes widened and his mouth snapped shut as he turned his head, his profile partially hidden behind his bangs but not quickly enough to hide the hurt he caused.

The feeling in his stomach disappeared only to be replaced by a worse one. He felt like the worst of the worst, lower than dirt, unworthy of Lan Zhan's concern, undeserving of his friendship.

“I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Lan Zhan.” He wouldn't look at Wei Wuxian and his heart painfully tried to claw it's way out of his chest. He had to fix this. He got up, rounded the table and dropped back down on his knees in front of his husband who deserved better than him. Without thinking he grabbed the hands clenched into white robes, prying them loose.

Tried to catch Lan Zhan's eyes as well but he had less luck with that. He needed to fix this. "I'm sorry, I really am. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. It won't happen again. I promise. You deserve better than that-" Better than me.

"So does Wei Ying."

He, what?

"You deserve better than to be hurt." His voice was firm as he finally looked up at Wei Wuxian, almost like a vow. "I'm sorry for not noticing. For not helping."

"You have absolutely nothing to apologize for."

"I do. I care about Wei Ying, I should have paid more attention. I should have seen. I-"

He couldn't take Lan Zhan's apologies, his earnest declaration of caring. His chest swelled with a weird fluttery feeling and he leaned forward to seal Lan Zhan's mouth with his.

His brain needed a second to catch up, to realize he was kissing Lan Zhan and that his husband wasn't pulling away, instead freed one of his hands to slide into the hair at the nape of his neck and pulled him closer. Lan Zhan licked into his mouth and with a whine he crawled into his lap, pressed close, desperate to feel Lan Zhan against him.

The kiss lasted a long while and he wrapped his arms around Lan Zhan's shoulders, the smell of sandalwood enveloping him, heat pooled in his gut.

On instinct he rocked his hips against his husband's and moaned when he felt that he was just as aroused as him. He wanted him, he wanted to touch Lan Zhan, wanted his hands on his skin and make Lan Zhan come, was curious what his dick would feel like in his hand.

Loosening one arm from his hold, he let his hand skim over his shoulder, his stomach and then grabbed the belt of his robe, trying to undo it.

Lan Zhan's hands gripped him around the waist and he found himself back in his spot on the floor, Lan Zhan had lifted him off his lap, his hands then grabbing on to his shoulders to hold him at arms length. Lan Zhan's chest heaved, his ears were red and he looked at him with so much regret anyone would be able to recognize it.

"Wha-", he croaked and Lan Zhan swallowed staring at his lips.

"No strenuous activity."

He blinked, still dazed.

"Oh. But-"

"No," Lan Zhan growled, actually growled and his erection twitched. "When you're healed. If you're still willing."

There was no fucking way he wouldn't. "Promise?"

"Mn."

He blushed when a saw that Lan Zhan was still hard, a bulge barely visible through the layers of fabric but he didn't protest further, refused to be one of those assholes that pressured their partner into sex. But he did scoot around and sprawled against Lan Zhan as much as his back would let him, glad when Lan Zhan allowed him.

Had Lan Zhan forgiven him for his outburst? He shouldn't, he should make him grovel a whole lot more, tell him to make it up to him, to never dare talking to him like that again, something.

“Are we...okay?”

“Mn,” he hummed, as he gently wrapped an arm around him, letting his hand rest on his waist, careful of his injuries all the while. Wei Wuxian almost melted into the embrace as his heart soared. Lan Zhan didn't lie, so he really was forgiven.

Lan Zhan truly was the best.

As the day passed Wei Wuxian did notice that the Jiangs weren't mentioned again. He felt ashamed at the relief that realization brought.

*

“Wei Ying.” He buried deeper into the blanket, sticking his head under the pillow when his name was called again softly. “It's morning. Time for the salve.” The voice was persistent and he grumbled to let his displeasure be known.

He grumbled even more when his pillow was snatched away from him, he turned his face away from the source of light and toward the voice still trying to coax him into wakefulness. Something soft brushed over his lips and he gave a pleased hum, he didn't remember why at the moment but that was something he wanted more of. Eyes still closed he puckered his lips and the feeling returned, only to be gone as wuickly as before. He whined.

“Wei Ying, you need to take off your shirt.” Hands prodded him into a sitting position but he only lifted his arms as much as he could. He might be awake now but that did not mean he had any higher brain function available yet. His silent plea was heard and Lan Zhan's hands returned to slip his sleep shirt over his head.

The mattress dipped behind him and there was a scraping clink before a sharp herbal scent filled the air around him, invading Lan Zhan's sandalwood one and he wrinkled his nose. He forgot his displeasure a moment later as hands spread the salve on his back, they applied the medicine methodically unto every single lash with infinite care. He could trace the map of his wounds by the fingers on his skin.

He was beginning to nod back off by the time Lan Zhan was done, disturbed only by the slight chill in the air once Lan Zhan's warm hands left his skin, breaking out into goosebumps. “Come have breakfast,” Lan Zhan said as he draped something loose and soft over his shoulders.

Finally he cracked an eye and found himself wrapped in one of Lan Zhan's pristine outer robes. He wanted to protest, he'd no doubt manage to tarnish it in minutes but instead pulled it closer around himself, enjoying the warmth it brought.

He got off the bed and stumbled after his husband to where the tray with food was waiting in the next room. When he plopped down into his spot he found a cup of coffee waiting for him and grabbed it with an appreciative groan to convey his thanks.

Wei Wuxian managed to bite back the moan when he started on his meal, barely. “Lan Zhan, the food you bring is sooo tasty, where do you find it? Is this from some secret kitchen you hide from outsiders? That is so mean.”

"I made it.”

The chopsticks slipped from his fingers and he scrambled to catch them. “You've been cooking for me? You don't have to.”

“Mn. I know you find the meals disatisfactory.”

“Lan Zhaaan,” he said, flopping down on the table dramatically. “You're too good to me. I didn't know you could cook.”

“Wei Ying should have things he enjoys.”

A grin slowly spread on his face. “I enjoy Emperor's Smile. Can I have that too?”

“Mn.” He sprang up and winced at the knifes cutting into his back, ignoring it in lieu of more important matters.

“Seriously?”

“In Caiyi,” he amended but it was more than he hoped for, sure he'd never again be able to have a drop of alcohol unless he snuck out like he did during his school days. His grin softened into a flirtatious smile and he cocked his head. “What's this, Lan-er-gege? Are you asking me out on a date?”

Lan Zhan's ears blazed red and he took a sip from his coffee, wondering if it was another indulgence Lan Zhan granted him.

“Mn.”

He choked, coughing violently.

“Wei Wing-” Lan Zhan rose from his seat and he was quick to wave him off.

“Fine, I'm fine,” he wheezed. “Wrong pipe.” Was he serious? Was he really asking him out on a date? His heart quickened and sank a moment later. Ah, no way. Lan Zhan must have learned to turn the tables on his teasing, no longer as easily flustered as his teenage self.

A knock sounded before he could dwell more on it, the door opened without the one outside waiting for an answer to reveal Lan Qiren. Who looked unimpressed spotting them at the table. He felt uncomfortably aware of his state of dress, namely nothing but his sleep pants and a gaping outer robe, his chest on display.

He hurried to close it more firmly when the piercing gaze finally slid of the sweeping fabric and to his nephew.

“Wangji, shouldn't you be on your way to guide the youngsters through meditation? It's not like you to be tardy.” His tone left no imagination as to who he thought responsible for that.

Lan Zhan gave a nod, took the tray of empty dishes and Bichen off the swordstand close to the door where it sat with Suiban before he stepped out the door, pausing when he realized his uncle didn't follow him.

“I have something to discuss with Wei Wuxian.”

With him? Shit. What did he do? He has been nowhere aside from the infirmary and the Jingshi, there's no way he could have broken any rules, at least not that anyone saw. He leaned to the side searching out his husband's eye, silently pleading for help.

Lan Zhan just bowed to his uncle as much he could with his hands full and left, the traitor.

Lan Qiren closed the door and sat in the spot Lan Zhan previously occupied, the atmosphere in the room becoming stifling. “Tea. I'll make some tea,” he said hastily and sprang up.

“Very well. Why not take the time to get dressed as well.”

He scurried off into the bedroom to do as he was told for once, not because of any new found appreciation for authority but because he felt ill at ease with Lan Qiren seeing him in his sleepwear.

When he returned, after giving his hair and teeth a quick brush on top of getting dressed, Lan Qiren had put neatly stacked books and diagrams on the table.

Suspicious.

He put on the kettle and rejoined the Grandmaster.

“What's all this?”

“I informed you we'd talk about your use of resentful energy and I thought it prudent not to delay.”

Yikes, this was just like back during the guest disciple lecture's, only worse. He was alone with Lan-Xiansheng, no one else to draw his ire or attention away from himself. He gulped.

“I understand you have an affinity for resentful energy.”

It wasn't a question but he answered anyway. “Yes.”

He stroked his beard, giving him an impatient look. “Do elaborate, I remember you liked to extol your abilities and thoughts. Is your ability to sense it above average? Can you manipulate ambient resentful energy? I saw that you're able to influence vengeful spirits.”

“All of that and I can see the spirits of those unable to move on.”

“Without an array,” he asked, the hand on his goatee stilling. He gave a nod and Lan Qiren studied him with a frown. “I see, not many are capable of that.”

Aside from the woman occasionally appearing in the garden, he had seen a couple of other ghosts around the Cloud Recesses, the majority of those clearly died centuries ago and none of them strong enough to be a threat. Just a handful in total which spoke to the purity and strength of the spiritual energy suffusing the mountains, and maybe the ceremonies most cultivators go through to rest after their death.

“I'm sure you're aware of the crimes Wen Ruohan committed in his mad grab for power and the end he met.” He was, of course he was. In the end Wen Ruohan had been overwhelmed by the other cultivators but more importantly by trying to fight back using more and more resentful energy until he lost control. The corpses he forced from the grave and to fight, turned on him. His death had been gruesome, it couldn't be called quick.

Unease crept up his spine at the thought that that could have been him.

“I won't let history repeat itself.”

Ah, there it was. Lan Qiren about to tell him to never use demonic cultivation again. Probably to berate him for his affinity like he did in the past, as well.

"I'm not fool enough to think you'll refrain from that cultivation path, despite the risks it poses to the user.” The Grandmaster didn't wait for him to either confirm or deny. “So I'll have to make sure you won't misuse it, either by negligence or ignorance."

The seconds ticked by, Wei Wuxian gaped at the man across from him who watched him with a sour look on his face.

The seconds turned into minutes.

Was this a dream? He decided a hallucination was more likely. There was no other explanation.

"You are married to my nephew and I will not let Wangji suffer for your willfulness."

Or that.

"But you hate demonic cultivation. You hate me."

"Don't be ridiculous," Lan Qiren said with a huff. "I don't hate you."

His mouth opened and closed, frantically working on something that wasn't as juvenile as 'Yes, you do'.

Lan Qiren was just as unimpressed with his stunned silence.

"Do you remember what you said back at the lectures, when I asked that question about the executioner?"

He shook his head.

“'Why not dig up the graves of his victims? Awaken their resentment, fuse their skulls, and have them fight the fierce corpse,' if I remember correctly."

That did sound like something he would say, especially when he was looking to provoke. When the water for the tea was ready he got up to make it and served both of them.

"What I found problematic with that statement is not, against popular believe perhaps, that you suggested demonic cultivation as solution but the method you'd chosen. There is no morality, no empathy in ripping wronged souls from their rest to force them into slavery for you. In that scenario you didn't seek to lessen resentment but actively stirred more. That is anathema to a cultivator's ultimate goal." He paused a moment, a rueful expression flitting over his face. "In the past I let my anger guide my actions and neglected you in your learning so you could come to realize that distinction yourself. For that I apologize and I'll strife to do better as a teacher."

He revisited his hallucination theory.

“So I have taken the liberty to put together materials and a lesson plan to work our way through,” he closed with a sweeping gesture at the table.

Or maybe he died without noticing and this was hell.

He pulled the sketch of a person and the meridian system into the middle of the table.

“The first to be affected by the use of resentful energy is the mind, intrusive thoughts and uncharitable whispers. There are reports of the disposition of wielders changing over time, becoming more reticent, unkind and short tempered, before they begin to isolate themselves” he said, pointing at the head of the sketched person. “But these changes are insidious, often only those intimately familiar with the person's character notice them.”

He considered what he was told. “How do I look out for signs? It sounds like it'd be hard to make me listen to reason by the time others notice something wrong.”

“Correct. Some have taken up frequent meditation to monitor themselves, others have asked trusted loved ones to do the same. Both with mixed results.” He pointed at the sketch again. “Which brings us to the physical symptoms. No matter how skillful the wielder, resentful energy builds up in the meridian pathways over time. First shown by their extremities growing cold, then an inability to regulate their body temperature. Pain in the joints and bones, headaches, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and nightmares. Finally one becomes more susceptible to qi-deviation.”

Those were all definitely more noticeable, he'd have to make sure to look out for them. Lan Qiren stroked his beard as he continued. “But preemptive measures show the most success in keeping the wielders health stable. The Nie Sect has had a history of their disciples and leaders dying young until the circumstances of their cultivation method was revealed. We have provided them and their sabers with regular cleansing and now their average life expectancy is on par with everyone else.”

He blinked. “Is that why Lan Zhan played for me the other day?”

“Yes, to prevent any build up.” Huh, he figured it had just been because the ghost had attacked him resentment. “So he's the reason I feel completely fine,” he muttered. Lan Qiren heard him anyway.

“Wangji is the most adept at musical cultivation in the Sect. You'd do well to let him play for you more often in the future.” He stared when he noticed a smile on the Grandmaster, his voice filled with pride for his nephew and he had to look away. Lan Zhan was the pride of the Lans, one of the Twin Jades and yet had married him. Lan Qiren, the entire Sect, must be disappointed. Why did they ask for this marriage? He didn't get it.

He didn't ask, the two of them managed to pass the last hour amiably and didn't want to ruin it.

“We'll reconvene tomorrow,” Lan Qiren said, scanning through the books he brought before he handed one over. “I'd like you to read the first two chapters, they cover ethical discussions pertaining to the use of demonic cultivation. We'll talk about your thoughts on them tomorrow.

He saw Lan Qiren out and then just stood in the Jingshi, dumbfounded. It was the first lesson given by the Grandmaster he actually enjoyed, he even looked forward to the next.

He picked up the book and began to read.

Chapter Text

He was interrupted in his reading later that afternoon, well past the two chapters assigned to him, when there was another knock at the door. This time they waited until he got up to open it, finding a young disciple on the other side who was staring at him with open curiosity. He smiled at the kid, no older than ten by his guesstimation.

“How can I help you?”

Startled, the kid hurried to bow respectfully. “Master Lan.” Being addressed like that still caused a weird squirmy feeling in his stomach, but not in a bad way. “Zewu-Jun asks you to join him in the Hanshi.”

“Sure,” he said. It wasn't like he had anything important to do and he wouldn't spurn a summons from the Sect Leader. “You'll have to show me the way though.”

By the time they reached their destination he had the disciple hanging on his every word, telling him one of his numerous anecdotes.

"And then I had to climb that tree, Suiban lost somewhere in the underbrush, trying to convince the Measuring Snake that I was actually taller than it. It kept trying to rise higher and higher until it almost balanced on the tip off it's tail. I started to get nervous, see, it wasn't a very tall tree and- oh, we're here. I'll tell you the rest another time."

"I'd like to hear it now. Please?" The plea tugged at his heartstrings and he knew he was going to cave.

The door to the Hanshi was opened by an amused Zewu-Jun. "Thanks for coming, Wuxian."

"It's no trouble."

Seeing no chance to wheedle the rest of the story out of him, the kid bowed and turned to leave, quietly grumbling.

"I'm happy to see you starting to bond with the disciples,” Lan Xichen said as he gestured for him to come in. “Lan-Daifu told me you were worried about growing bored and I figured I'd be able to help with that." So he knew he was injured. Unease prickled down his back. How much did he know? He studied Lan Xichen but his smile was easy and for the first time it occurred to him, that Lan Xichen had just as much of a poker face as his brother, he was only better had hiding it behind a smile.

They must have told him, otherwise he'd have asked why he had to see a healer. Right? Either way there was nothing he could do about it now.

"Leading a sect comes with more work than there are hours to accomplish it, as I'm sure you know, so I'm glad for any helping hand." He didn't sound bitter, only resigned. "And don't feel bad when you've had enough, just tell me."

"Will do," he said but quietly vowed to hold off on that as long as possible. "Why not get an assistant?"

"Ah.” He sat down at his desk. “There's a lot of sensitive information that shouldn't be handled by an outsider and all sect members already have other duties. I'd feel bad to burden someone with a job they don't want on top of the one they already have. Wangji and Shufu help, so it's not as bad as I'm making it sound."

He peered past Zewu-Jun at a desk ladden with neatly stacked towers of paper and seriously doubted the sect leader's words.

"Why not ask who'd be willing to help and then put them on a revolving schedule?" Stupid. They must have already considered and dismissed that as impractical.

Lan Xichen was quiet for a moment. "That's not a bad idea.” He drifted off into thought for a moment but then hummed happily. “I thought, you could look through the night hunt requests. We usually sort them by most pressing to least and difficulty."

He gave him a stack of file folders and pointed him toward another desk in a corner.

Setting them down he sat at the desk and got to work. It was something he was familiar with, Feng Guanting showed him and let him help whenever Madam Yu was away. Lan Zhan's voice rose in his mind, telling him that even he didn't help protect him from Madam Yu but he shook it off. Lan Zhan just didn't understand the inner workings of Lotus Pier. He wasn't abused, if he was he wouldn't love it nearly as much as he did. They gave him food, a place to stay, clothes and even an education in cultivation. A job.

Determined he dismissed the thought and concentrated on what he was doing. There were a lot of requests but most of them were low level hauntings, a handful of fierce corpses and a couple of yao. Then there were some that might not need the intervention of a cultivator at all, those he set aside for further investigation.

The rest he sorted like Lan Xichen asked him to. Luckily there were only a couple that were urgent like the yao and a fierce corpse, cases that already caused casualties.

He looked around and when he spotted what he needed he got up to grab the ledger with information on all active cultivators in the sect. He wouldn't be able to assign them the cases as effectively as he'd like, still unfamiliar with most of them but he'd try his best.

When he opened the ledger he was surprised to see that it contained a spreadsheet of names, skill level and specialties of everyone cleared for field work. A smile tugged at his lips when he instantly spotted Lan Zhan's name. The entry read, Lan Wangji; senior; outstanding mastery of the sword, musical cultivation (guqin) and Cord Assassination; prefers to work alone.

The last entry drew a chuckle from him as he pulled out the spreadsheet to put it on the desk for easy reference, then opened the ledger to the bookmarked page where he found the latest night hunt roster. He made note on those already out on assignment and then started putting teams together, the most dangerous ones taken on by groups of senior disciples while the low level hauntings and less dangerous fierce corpses might be good learning opportunities for the juniors but he made sure to always assign a senior to assist them if necessary.

Sometimes he checked past entries, some team constellations showed up repeatedly, and made sure to keep them together when possible.

“Can you spare a second?” He took the ledger and went over to Lan Xichen who smiled at him invitingly. “Of course. What do you need?”

“I'm done with the night hunt assignments, I just need you to check if there is something I missed, like putting guys who can't stand each other on the same team.”

Lan Xichen looked stunned. “Thank you.” For what? He didn't do anything out of the ordinary. He took the ledger and scanned over his penciled entries. “This is...” His stomach sank. Did he fuck up somewhere?

“This is great. I'll just need to send out the assignments.” He released his breath.

“I could do that. How do you usually do it?”

“E-mail. There's a list at the end.” Lan Xichen flipped to the last sheet of the ledger and he bit his lip. They sent each assignment individually? That was so inefficient. Before he could think to deeply about it he offered, “If I get access to the Cloud Recess's network I could install my program for you, it's easy to feed it the information on night hunts and teams, it'll automatically sent everything to the people assigned. It's been working out well at Lotus Pier.”

“It's nice of you to offer but I don't think Jiang-Zongzhu will give you permission to share their program.”

“Oh, it's fine. Feng Guanting made me get the patent when I first showed it to him. I can give it to anyone I want.”

Lan Xichen stared, then blinked. “You made it?”

“Sure. It was such a bother to always have to send dozens of e-mails for a couple of night hunts, this is way more efficient.”

He was still staring and he squirmed. It wasn't a big deal. Eventually the sect leader snapped out of it. “I'll take you up on your offer then. How much do you charge for usage? Should I make the payments out to you directly?”

Wei Wuxian waved him off. “I don't charge anything, just let me get my laptop real quick and I'll show you how it works.”

Off to the Jingshi he went, forgetting for a moment he wasn't supposed to run, luckily no one saw him.

When he returned Lan Xichen keyed him into the secure network and he went to work on installing the program. He took the time to explain how to use it as he put in the night hunt requests he worked on earlier as an example. He was able to incorporate the spreadsheet as well, the program automatically suggesting who to assign.

It still needed human intervention to make sure there weren't any mistakes but it cut down the time and effort needed substantially.

"I just don't understand."

He went to explain again when Lan Xichen stopped him.

"That's not what I meant. I don't understand why the Jiangs would let you go. You're an accomplished cultivator, you always place top three in competitions, you've been Head Disciple from a young age, you invented and programmed something like this like it's nothing and I know that you design talismans as well."

He looked down at the keyboard, his stomach squirming. There was no need to shower him in praise like that, it was no big deal. He studied Lan Xichen out of the corner of his eye and his heart sank, there was an angry fire in his eyes and he had his answer whether the sect leader knew about the origins of his wounds.

"But you asked for a marriage contract."

"I did, and it's proving to be one of the best decisions I ever made for a magnitude of reasons but I have to admit in the beginning I was motivated by selfishness."

"Selfishness," he asked, confused as how it could be considered such.

"Wuxian, I love my brother and I want him to be happy. Unfortunately he is in the habit of disregarding his own wishes for the sake of others and the sect. But you're capable of making him happy, truly happy, and so I reached out on his behalf."

His head was spinning. He was able to make Lan Zhan happy? How? What did Lan Xichen mean? Wouldn't Lan Zhan be happier if he got to marry for love? Or did he convince himself it wouldn't be possible because of being gay?

Did he settle for marrying a friend?

"He was upset with me when I told him about the ongoing negotiations." He hadn't even asked him if he wanted to be married to him!? "But when you accepted he forgave me, I've never seen him as giddy as when he was waiting for your wedding day."

Lan Xichen smiled but his brain stalled on the word 'giddy'. As hard as he tried he couldn't imagine what that looked like. Before now he never even considered someone might use that word to describe Lan Zhan.

"I admit I was worried when you arrived and sequestered yourself in the Jingshi for weeks. I know you haven't had the best impression of the Cloud Recesses in the past, but I hope you'll feel at home eventually."

He didn't say anything, he couldn't very well admit that he thought that was expected of him, to stay quiet and out of sight.

“There is actually something I'd like to discuss with you. Uncle told me about what happened that day in the Mingshi and infirmary, how you expected to be punished and his concerns about the Jiang Sect.”

Just like he thought, Lan Xichen knew. He felt uncomfortable in his skin, the wounds on his back prickling.

“I thought it best to inform you before I implement sanctions on our trade agreements with the Jiangs.” His heart stopped but he had no chance to recover before Lan Xichen continued. “They should not mistreat a disciple under their care like that and while I cannot interfere in their sect matters I can intervene on behalf of my brother-in-law and the blatant disrespect Yu Ziyuan displayed during the wedding. I'll cut off all diplomatic relations until they appropriately made reparations to y-”

“No”, he blurted, cutting a shocked Lan Xichen off. He couldn't let him do that. A cold sweat broke out on his skin. Madam Yu would be apoplectic with rage if Lan Xichen actually did any of that because of him. And what about Jiang-Shushu and Jiang Cheng? He wouldn't be able to face them again if the Jiang Sect suffered because of him like that. Shijie would be so disappointed.

“No, please don't.” He'd do whatever to convince him, even drop to his knees and beg if that was what it took.

It would be the last nail in the coffin that held his ties to Lotus Pier. Lan Xichen looked ready to protest but whatever he saw on his face made him hesitate. “Wuxian...”

Another plea was ready on his lips but unnecessary, in the next moment Lan Xichen sighed deeply. “If you feel that strongly about it I'll refrain...for now, but neither can I let the Jiangs take advantage of our goodwill, if they err again I will not let them off.”

Relief made him weak in the knees and ignoring it he bowed. “I understand. Thank you.”

“There is no need.” The atmosphere filled with awkwardness and he grasped for something to dispel it when his eyes fell on some sheets of paper and his curiosity sparked. “What is that?”

“Hm?” Lan Xichen's eyes followed his gaze. “Oh, petitions for the quarterly sect meeting. There's another request to change the meal plan to include a greater variety of dishes.” Amusement snuck into his voice. “I'm afraid you're not the only one who finds the dishes bland. It's an ongoing battle with the cooks and disciples on one side and most healers and elders on the other.”

Wait. He blinked. “So there is a chance that could actually change?” He had not expected that.

“Of course, any sect member can bring up requests and problems for discussion. Change is known to happen in the Cloud Recesses even if glacially at times.”

Something like that was unthinkable in Lotus Pier, what the Jinag-Shushu or more often Madam Yu said was law. Those who didn't like it could leave.

“The side trying for better meals hasn't been able to outargue the other in the past. Perhaps you'd be able to help with that.”

There was something hidden in his tone and he studied Lan Xichen with narrow eyes when something occurred to him. “You don't like the food either, do you?”

“Now that would be unbecoming of the Sect Leader, wouldn't it,” Lan Xichen said with a smile, not admitting to anything but he was sure he was right. “However if you'd like to help prepare for the discussion at the sect meeting Lan Fenhua has been a staunch advocator for the change.”

*

The next three weeks are a stark contrast to the first, rarely was he left alone. If Lan Zhan wasn't the one to keep him company, he had lessons with Lan Qiren, helped out Lan Xichen or was beset by young disciples knocking on his door and asking for stories, mostly the outer disciples but they were occasionally joined by a one or two sporting clouds on their headband.

The check ups with Lan Xiuying were going well, his back healing faster than ever before and she confirmed as much. Unfortunately she kept trying to convince him to press charges and no matter how often he tried to explain that he wasn't abused by the Jiangs he couldn't make her belief it. He was worried she'd go against his wishes at first but no one from the police came by asking for a statement and neither did he have a furious Madam Yu calling so she must be respecting his wishes, as did Lan Xichen.

Lan Zhan tried a couple more times to talk to him about the Jiangs and they always came close to fighting about it, he hated it. It reminded him of the frequent fights Jiang-Shushu and Madam Yu would have. Other than that they got along easily. Lan Zhan coaxing him out of bed with kisses in the morning and taking care of his wounds was already a routine followed by a quiet breakfast. Lan Zhan didn't talk during meals and he wasn't awake enough for his usual chatter. But even when he talked during meals Lan Zhan indulged him. The first couple times he forgot himself he was sure he'd be punished but Lan Zhan hadn't even admonished him for it.

The end of October approached, the foliage on the trees and leaves covering the ground turned the the Cloud Recesses a more fiery color and the sight was breathtaking. Last time he hadn't had a chance to see it, being sent back to Lotus Pier at the height of summer.

He found himself staring out the window more than listening to Lan Qiren, despite finding the lesson interesting. “Wuxian.” He flinched and when he turned back to Lan Qiren he frowned. “Sorry. I can't focus.”

The teacher sighed but didn't lecture him. “Wangji said you planned on going to Caiyi later today. Perhaps we should end the lesson here.” Maybe it shouldn't come as a surprise but when he didn't disrupt lessons and actually showed interest Lan Qiren was a good teacher, patient, willing to listen to his thoughts and good at explaining things.

He still marveled that Lan Qiren was willing to let him practice demonic cultivation. It came with conditions like taking precautions for his safety, always get a cleansing after, never night hunt alone and use a spiritual tool to direct it to minimize the influx of resentful energy on his body but those made sense. The most important condition however was to lessen resentful energy, not create more, which was easy to adhere to. What need did he have for raising the dead? He didn't need them to fight others when he could instead dissipate the resentment clinging to them and put the dead to rest or had his sword when he couldn't.

Lan Qiren didn't have a deep understanding on how to use demonic cultivation, acknowledging that between the two of them he knew more and therefor left him to figure it out himself.

He did a couple experiments in the past, talking to the spirits he could see or manipulating resentful energy but nothing more. His cultivation with the sword path was strong so there wasn't a need to focus overly much on his other talents.

“Thank you for your guidance, Grandmaster,” he said as he bowed. Lan Qiren stopped in the door with an exasperated sigh and he wondered if he did something wrong. “How long will you insist on calling me that, I wonder.” He gave a pointed look which he returned with a dumbfounded one. “We are family, Wuxian.”

“...Shufu?” He couldn't help the questioning lilt to his voice and waited to be berated for misunderstanding but the older man just gave a nod and left. He stood there a while staring after him.

It was nice to end the lesson sooner but he'd still have to pass another two hours before Lan Zhan would be back, he waffled back and forth on what to do before he sat down to work on his talismans. The lesson with Lan Qiren had given him the idea for one luring in resentful beings.

He became engrossed in the work but the sketches he put together wouldn't work out, it'd never quite do what he wanted it to but then it occurred to him that there were already talismans for repelling evil. Could they be adapted to do the opposite? He drew one out but didn't infuse it with spiritual energy. Too many experiments blowing up in his face made him more cautious. He studied the radical lines, figuring out how each of them contributed to the spell and where he'd have to intervene to change the effect.

There. If he-

“Wei Ying.”

He startled out of his focus but was quick to grin up at Lan Zhan. “Hey. You're back.” He wrote out a quick note and then put everything away. His first instinct was to just leave it there for the next time he'd work on them but he didn't want to clutter Lan Zhan's immaculate home.

“Mn. Do you still want to go?”

“Definitely. Just give me a second.”

A couple minutes later he was ready, waiting in the front room for Lan Zhan who went into the bedroom earlier.

When he emerged he saw why. He had exchanged his white robes for jeans and a dark blue Henley and he grew warm as he drank in the sight. Lan Zhan had incredibly broad shoulders but his slim waist was usually hidden by all the layers he wore. Right then, it was on full display, as were his long legs. He had pulled his hair up into a bun. He looked like a very attractive civilian aside from the ever present headband.

Then he looked down himself, at the ratty jeans and ink stained shirt. As long as he wasn't going on night hunts or working on his cultivation there was no need to wear robes but he had asked Lan Zhan for a couple of Lan robes with tight sleeves like he had seen Lan Xiuying wear. “Ugh, I'll be right back.” He slipped past Lan Zhan into the bedroom and changed into more presentable clothes.

Lan Zhan was gorgeous and he didn't want to look like a slob on their date. His mouth dried and his stomach fluttered. Date? Was this a date? They were married so obviously, right? Or was this just friends hanging out? He gnawed on his lip. There was no way he could ask, it'd be humiliating.

Either way he made sure to dress nicely in the pair of black jeans Nie Huaisang gifted him while waxing poetic about how they made his ass look great and a dark red hoodie he accidentally bought a size to small. It clung to his hips and a look in the mirror showed that he looked okay, not as great as Lan Zhan. He quickly brushed and retied his hair.

He rejoined Lan Zhan and together they made their way to the gates and down the mountain walking close together. Their hands kept brushing and eventually Lan Zhan took hold of his. Flying on their swords would be quicker but he enjoyed the walk. When they reached the foot of the mountain it was like stepping out of a xianxia novel and into the 21^st century.

Caiyi was an old town but it always flourished and they had to take a train into the center of town that was bisected by a canal, a train station located close by. The canal was lined with traditional buildings and a tourist attraction with numerous gift shops, restaurants and food stalls.

They went past a stall selling Xianbing and his stomach grumbled, he had skipped lunch earlier but he could ignore the hunger. He kept walking and it took him a moment to realize Lan Zhan wasn't beside him anymore. He looked around in the crowd for white robes when he remembered that he wasn't wearing any, after that he quickly spotted his husband at the food stall and he walked over to him.

“You just disappeared on me. Were you that hungry, Lan Zhan,” he teased but in truth was confused why he'd stopped. Lan Zhan didn't eat meat.

“Nn. For you.” Lan Zhan paid and then handed him the meat pie.

“Oh, thank you.”

“No need.” He looked up from the food, but Lan Zhan already started walking again and he hurried to keep up. He blew on the steaming pastry but his appetite won out at the hearty smell and he took a bite. It was great aside from scalding his tongue. But not actually as good as the food Lan Zhan cooked.

He still didn't understand why Lan Zhan went through the trouble every day, as heir to the Lan Sect he was busy enough as it was. He had thought about what Lan Xichen said about the upcoming sect meeting and he'd be sure to provide some arguments of his own.

The Xianbing was gone in a flash and he enjoyed checking out all the stalls with their trinkets and the easy conversation with the vendors. Some tried to scam him, clocking him as a tourist, probably due to his dialect but stopped when they noticed Lan Zhan behind him glowering. The Lan headband easily gave him away as part of the sect and many people even greeted him by title, thanking him for helping out with a haunting or other and he was obviously uncomfortable with the attention.

In the age of mobile phones and the internet cultivators had a bit of a celebrity status and he could understand why. If he'd been a civilian he'd be in awe of people who fought monsters with swords, could use magic and fly, as well.

“You're Wei Wuxian, right?” He looked up from a beautifully handcrafted bookmark at a young woman who held her phone clutched in her hands.

“Sure am,” he answered with an easy grin but took care not to make it too flirty. She beamed back at him, a slight blush on her face. “Would you take a picture with me?” Chuckling he slipped in next to her but didn't sling his arm across her shoulders like he'd usually do. Instead he took her phone and raised it to take a selfie of them. His other hand forming a peace sign. She thanked him and skipped over to where her friends were waiting, the three off them giggling as they looked down at the picture.

“Wei Ying.” At his name he turned around, Lan Zhan's voice deeper than usual which caught his attention. His eyebrows were lowered but the expression cleared when he smiled at him. “For you.” Cocking his head he held out his hand for whatever Lan Zhan wanted to give him and he blinked down at the bookmark he'd been admiring earlier. “Lan Zhaaan, you shouldn't have. You don't have to spend your money on me.”

“Wei Ying deserves nice things,” was all the horrible man said as he walked away and his face exploded with heat. “You can't just say things like that without warning, Lan-Er-Gege.” He hurried after his husband who slipped into a side street away from the canal.

“Where are you going?”

“A surprise.”

Intrigued he followed. It wasn't a part of town he'd explored before and it was less busy, passing just a couple of people as they followed the narrow alley. By the time Lan Zhan stopped in front of a shop without a sign he was filled to the brim with curiosity but Lan Zhan wouldn't cave to his inquiries. Only cited that it was a surprise again.

When he opened the door a metallic chime rang out. announcing their presence as they stepped in. He looked around but there wasn't anything to clue him in to what the store sold. The counter was empty aside from a cash register but he could hear steps approaching from the back of the shop.

A man in his sixties came into view, he wore a button down, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and his wrinkled face broke into a smile when he spotted Lan Zhan. “Lan-Er-Gongzi, are you here to pick up your order? I must say I was surprised at the request.” He spotted Wei Wuxian. “Ah, and this must be your husband. Congratulations.”

As he thanked the man he already disappeared into the back again. “Who is that,” he asked and finally got an answer. “Yan Chun, his family has crafted spiritual instruments for the Lan Sect for many generations. They specialize in stringed instruments. Skilled at making others as well. Repairing them also.”

“Oh, did something happen to your guqin?” Lan Zhan shook his head and soon Yan Chun returned with a polished wooden case that was too small to contain a guqin and it was held out to him. His breath caught when he saw the black jade dizi lying on a bed of silk, there wasn't a single blemish on it and on closer inspection he spotted tiny carvings of clouds and lotus flowers inlaid with silver. The instrument called to him and awed he took it out of the case, bringing it to his lips to play a couple of notes.

The sound rang bright and enticing.

“Do you like it?”

“I do, but why...?

“A gift. Happy Birthday Wei Ying.” Oh, right. He forgot. Swallowing the lump in his throat he looked at his husband. “I can't accept this. It's too much.”

When he tried to hand it back Yan Chun dodged behind the counter with a smile to put the box into a gift bag and handed it to Lan Zhan “It's been specially ordered and already paid for, young master. It's yours.”

Specially ordered? It must have cost a fortune. Horrified he held it out to Lan Zhan, hoping he'd take it back but he just hummed, pulled a red tassel from somewhere and tied it to the end of the flute.

“I'm curious what you'll name her, so please let me know when you decide,” Yan Chun piped up and soon after they left the shop.

“You really shouldn't have, it's way too valuable a gift.”

Lan Zhan glanced at him as they turned back into the direction of the canal, having plans to eat dinner at a restaurant that served spicy food and Emperor's Smile before returning to the Cloud Recesses. The sun already hung low in the sky, bathing the sky in a pinkish hue that faded into a deep blue.

“Wei Ying is valued.”

His heart skipped a beat and then began to race. Lan Zhan said it with such simple conviction, like it was natural to value him. Like it was a foregone conclusion. His eyes stung. He wanted to wrap his arms around his husband. His heart fluttered in his chest and it swelled with so much emotion he was sure he was going to burst any moment. His hands began to shake and something that felt like a giddy laugh tickled at the back of his throat.

Lan Zhan gave him the faintest hint of a smile and he stopped in his tracks. The light framed his husband as he stopped as well, his eyes glowing in the light of the setting sun.

Oh.

Oh.

He was in love with Lan Zhan.

The realization was earth shattering, like lightning striking him down where he stood.

And yet it filled him with a deep sense of ease. Of course he was in love with Lan Zhan. His friend was just so good. How could he not fall for him? Ever since they got married he piled him with kindness and attention and care.

He swallowed, his lips parting to say something, he did not know what. Maybe to tell Lan Zhan the monumental truth he just came to see.

That was when an ear-piercing scream came from the direction they were heading and both of them snapped to attention from years of training and experience. They ran and when they burst out into the main street there was chaos. People screaming and running, trying to get away from the water.

The area around them cleared quickly and he saw what caused the uproar. A handful of water ghouls were wreaking havoc, some destroying the stalls but one was trying to drag a woman into the water. It's claws were buried in her calf and she tried to find purchase on the ground, her fingertips bloody as she was pulled toward her death.

Another two were attacking one of the boats and it was about to capsize, the people on it desperately holding on.

He exchanged a glance with Lan Zhan and both of them burst into action. He pulled Suiban out of a qiankun-pouch Lan Zhan gave to him. He'd learned his lesson after what happened at the Mingshi.

The woman was screaming, still fighting for her life. The bloated corpse was slippery as she kicked it, trying to dislodge it.

He pulled Suiban and channeled spiritual energy into it. With a practiced swing he beheaded the ghoul and it evaporated. It took the woman a moment to register that the threat was gone, still fighting. When she did she broke down into sobs and latched on to him.

“Someone call an ambulance,” he called to the onlookers who had pulled out their phones to film instead of running. There was no point in getting angry or lecturing them about how many people died doing just that, it was more productive to rope them into helping.

Lan Zhan landed next to him, depositing the couple from the bpat on solid ground, Bichen hovering over his shoulder. He threw a glance over at the canal catching a glimpse of the water ghouls fleeing toward Biling Lake.

It was weird for water ghouls to band together like that. He focused back on the crying woman, gently detaching her so that he could take a look at her bleeding leg. “Here.” A first aid kit was deposited next to him and he grinned at Lan Zhan, he really was prepared.

He used saline solution to clear away the blood and take a look at the claw marks. The water ghoul had really dug into her, the wounds were deep. She'd definitely need a hospital. There was nothing much for him to do but try to stop the bleeding. He checked the couple over and they were shook but unhurt.

Lan Zhan meanwhile was on the phone informing someone about the situation. “I should follow. Determine why they behaved like this.” He listened but couldn't make out what the other person said. Lan Zhan glanced over at him. “Mn. I'll wait.”

He took note of his use of 'I'. If Lan Zhan thought he'd stay behind he was mistaken.

He hung up. “Shufu will come.”

And thus they waited. The ambulance arrived first, taking the woman to the hospital and a police car second. An officer questioned both of them about what happened when they were clocked as cultivators. There wasn't much the police could do when the supernatural was involved, there were some rogue cultivators on the force in a couple of places but they usually preferred to work with sects, despite the expense. A sect's cultivator's extensive training and manpower worth the cost.

As far as he knew the Lan Sect worked closely with the police and pro bono when a client couldn't pay, something he'd always admired. No one should be endangered just because they couldn't pay a fee. Likely due to that the policeman was friendly and acted familiar with Lan Zhan, not getting irritated with his short answers.

“What will you do about the ghouls,” he asked, looking genuinely interested.

“Investigate the cause.” The man waited for Lan Zhan to elaborate and looked disappointed when nothing more was forthcoming. He gaped a moment later when Lan Qiren arrived on his sword, a handful of disciples in tow.

“Wangji, are you ready to go?” He didn't bother to dismount his sword. “We'll just do a quick assessment for now, it'll be dark soon.”

“Mn.”

Lan Zhan jumped on his sword, somehow making it look graceful and he followed suit. Both Lan Zhan and his uncle stiffened. “You're injured, Wuxian.”

“It's almost healed, I had no trouble fighting earlier.” Seeing more protests about to follow he continued, “If you tell me to stay behind, I'll just follow you.” He was sure he could hear Lan Qiren grinding his teeth. He raised his brows. “We're losing daylight.”

“Stay close to Wangji.”

He chirped his agreement and they flew off, leaving Caiyi behind.

They reached Biling lake in minutes but scanning the shore line there was no obvious sign of the water ghouls. He scanned the clusters of lotus and reeds where they liked to hide in wait of prey but there was nothing. It was just as strange as them banding together in the first place.

He shared his observation and Lan Qiren frowned. “It is strange.”

“There,” one of the disciples called and pointed toward the center of the lake where a water ghoul dove beneath the surface. They drew closer and unease climbed up his spine. Something was seriously off.

Goosebumps broke out on his skin as a chill rushed over it as they drew closer to the center. He gasped as he felt the plethora of resentful energy swirling underneath the water's surface, Lan Zhan's head whipping toward him at the sound.

“Up!” His shout came too late, the water began to roil from one moment to the next, geysers filled with coiled tendrils of resentment shooting at them. He dodged, wobbling in the rush of displaced air but Lan Zhan was right beside him, steadying him with a hand on his arm.

They scattered, all of them trying to get away from the attack. He noted with relief that the others were already clear and relaxed a moment too soon. He felt something coil around his ankles, dragging him off his sword. For a split second he felt weightless and then he was dragged toward the water.

“Wei Ying!”

Disoriented he couldn't make out where the shout came from and it was almost drowned out by the screaming voices inside his head. The screams and pleading of thousands of souls drowning, he felt his own lungs fill with cold pressure. But it couldn't be water, he was still in the air, wasn't he?

His back impacted with solid warmth, arms wrapping around him and the pull on his legs disappeared. They shot up until Lan Zhan adjusted, then raced toward the shore dodging the tendrils still coming for them.

Lan Qiren drew up next to them and he stared at the older man, he was the only one who was close enough to have severed the hold on him. But how did he do that midair?

He had the presence of mind to call back Suiban but any thought of flying himself was quickly disregarded when Lan Zhan wouldn't loosen his hold on him. When they reached the shore they landed next to the disciples already waiting.

“What was that,” one of them asked, face pale and shaking as the adrenaline faded.

Lan Qiren looked grim. “A Waterborne Abyss.”

The Grandmaster explained how they formed and how dangerous they were but something occurred to him and he voiced it. “There haven't been nearly enough drownings here for one to form, have there?.” Lan Qiren frowned as he shook his head. “So it must have been sent here from somewhere else.”

The implication was grave.

“The Wens?” He rolled his eyes at the question from one of the disciples. Wen Ruohan had been dead for years but whenever something like this happened the Wens were the first blamed.

“No,” Lan Qiren said with a glare at the young disciple. “There are only two cultivators left among the remnants of the Wen family, Wen-Daifu and her brother, and both of them are committed to the healing arts."

No matter who sent the Waterborne Abyss their way, it was now a problem they had to deal with and soon or there would be casualties.

Chapter Text

Lan Xiuying regarded him with a stern expression and he gave her a sheepish grin.

"I think nothing about 'no night hunting' was unclear.”

He turned his smile up to the most charming one he had, it did not seem to affect the healer in the slightest. He tried whining next. "It wasn't like I could help it, the water ghouls and the Abyss just showed up."

Lan Zhan had dragged him to the infirmary the moment they returned to the Cloud Recesses ignoring all his protests. "Wei Ying chose to come," he unhelpfully added. Lan Xiuying raised a brow at that.

"Take off your shirt." With a pout he did. At least he knew nothing had reopened, the fabric wasn't sticking to his skin. The stitches had been removed two weeks ago and whatever was in that salve damn near made it a miracle cure.

He turned around for her to take a look and prove that he was fine.

Fingers prodded here and there and he was happy that he didn't even have to hide a wince. Some parts of the new pink skin were still a bit tender but there was no actual pain.

"Okay. That looks good."

"Great, have a nice evening," he said, ready to pick up his hoodie.

"Wei Ying was attacked by the Abyss. His legs." He glared at his husband, Lan Zhan was a tattle tale.

"Pants off."

He gasped, covering his chest like a maiden. "I'm a married man, Lan-Daifu." She didn't look very impressed and neither did his husband. With a grumble he took off his pants and Lan Zhan eyes wandered over him, his gaze heated until he reached his calves and the heat was replaced with concern.

He looked down himself and saw lines off bruising where he was grabbed, it was still red but come morning it'd be blue.

She waved him over to the exam table and resigned to his fate he took a seat, she took his right ankle in hand and gently turned it this way and that. Then repeated the same with the other. "At least nothing's broken."

"I think I'd have noticed that," he said a bit miffed.

"Probably, and I'm sure you'd have said something.” He had to give her that, her sarcasm was on point.

Taking hold of his wrist she checked his meridians and core but soon he was released with the command to have Lan Zhan play Cleansing for him. And he was allowed to go back to cultivating and practicing his sword forms, still no night hunts for another week though. But finally an end to all the coddling was in sight.

Back at the Jingshi he changed into sleep clothes and lay down in bed, Lan Zhan tried to convince him to eat dinner first but he just didn't have the energy. Unsuccessful, he settled on the floor with his guqin.

He closed his eyes when the first notes rang out, feeling his muscles relax and his breath coming easier. Even the throbbing pain in his legs eased.

By the time the song finished he was floating in that space between waking and sleeping but Lan Zhan wasn't finished. A new song began, this one filled with longing and bittersweet emotion. It was entrancing. He never heard it before and he thought of asking what it was called.

He drifted off to sleep before he could transfer his thoughts into action.

*

The next day Lan Qiren was busy informing the city council of the trouble in their midst and therefore didn't have the time to give him a private lesson.

Instead he sat at a desk in the library after skipping breakfast, everything he could find on the Abyss next to him.

Unfortunately while there was an abundance of information on how they formed and how dangerous they were, there was a lack of ways to deal with it. One could only send it away or drain the body of water it was contained in and let the sun do most of the work. Additional purifying only helped marginally, which would spell trouble for Caiyi, its economy largely tied to tourism.

He chewed his lip and pondered the problem. Only send it away or drain it. He stared down at the text and then jumped up, hurrying to where the maps were stored. Wouldn't it be better to send it away and then drain it? But it would only work if there was a suitable place to send it to where it wouldn't endanger anyone.

He studied the maps. When he found it he shouted in excitement and winced looking around but there was no one berating him to be quiet. Then he gathered up the notes and the map and hurried out of the library and to the hall where Lan Qiren received the representatives of the city council.

He had enough awareness to knock on the door instead of bursting in. All heads turned to him, the men and a lone woman in suits looking none to pleased, not that the situation didn't warrant it. He rushed over to Lan Qiren and he quietly told him he might have found a solution. Lan Qiren frowned as he looked over his notes, eyes widening when he finished.

“Where?”

He spread out the map he found and pointed, Lan Qiren stroking his beard as he thought it over and then gave a nod.

“Grandmaster, I can't say I enjoy the interruption. You still haven't said how you plan to get rid of this thing.”

“Wei Wuxian is about to.” He stared a moment, shocked. He'd let him speak at the meeting? He'd been expecting a scolding after, not to be pulled into it. Lan Qiren gave an encouraging smile and he took a breath turning to the gathered people explaining the exorcising process.

He took the map over to them, spread it out and pointed at the small lake downstream. “Tuanjie lake, it's considerably smaller than Biling lake and originally not connected to the river at all.” He pointed to another spot on the map. “The original river bed is still there, so it should be possible to reroute the river once the Abyss is sent to the lake, thus unable to reach Caiyi.”

He smiled at them as he finished, none of them returning it. The woman instead turned to one of the men. “Can it be done?”

He was confused, he just told them it could.

“A survey of riverbed is necessary as well as the building of a dam.”

She looked resigned. “Cost?”

“Millions.” She sighed and turned to Lan Qiren. “Isn't there another solution? A more cost effective one?”

He did a double take. Cost effective? They were talking about an entity that endangered the lives of everyone that dared venture out on the water and she was worried about money?

“I'm afraid not. Waterborne Abysses are notoriously difficult to deal with.”

She pinched the the bridge of her nose. “I understand. We'll have to adjust the budget and get back to you on a timeline, until then we'll give out a warning not to go out on the water.”

Soon after the both of them were alone.

“Thank you, Wuxian.” He almost spit blood as he waited for the scolding to follow the thanks but didn't. “That meeting went better than expected.”

“Better? How?”

“Dealing with the city council is always difficult and if I had to tell them to drain Biling lake they wouldn't have agreed without a fight. The income generated by the lake easily outweighs the cost of a dam.”

“But don't they see saving lives is more important than money?”

“They do, which is the reason they agreed in the first place. Often I'm not happy with their aloof way of viewing problems that affect people's lives but neither do I presume to understand everything that goes into governing Caiyi and it's surroundings.”

He gathered his notes and handed them to the Grandmaster but kept the map, planning on returning it to the library right away.

“It'll be some time until they're done with their planning we should prepare in the meantime. I can't say I'm familiar with the arrays needed.”

“I can help.”

“I'd appreciate it,” Lan Qiren said with a smile.

They parted ways in front of the building and he returned the map. Finding himself at loose ends and decided to use his newfound freedom and practice his sword forms in the training field.

A couple of disciples were there doing the same but none of them approached him, not standing out in his new white robes. He pulled Suiban and eased into the movements, happy when his back didn't protest.

He lost track of time, sinking into an almost meditative state of mind after weeks of not being allowed to work his body. A light sheen of sweat beaded on his skin and his breath came quicker. When his arms began to protest he slowed to a stop, sheathing his sword and stretching.

“You're fighting looks weird.”

He jumped at the voice. He turned and had to look way down to spot the toddler that appeared out of nowhere. “Your,” he corrected automatically and then resisted to urge to coo at the kid. He wore Lan robes and even had a headband with clouds on it. A frown was on his face and it looked adorable. He wondered if this was what Lan Zhan looked like as a child and vowed he'd ask Lan Xichen for pictures, sure his brother-in-law would provide him with teasing material.

“Jingyi! We talked about being rude.” Lan Fenhua hurried over scooping up the child who struggled against the hold for a moment before settling in.

“I apologize for my son.” Jingyi humphed and he laughed. “No need.”

“It does look weird,” the kid grumbled and Lan Fenhua groaned. He on the other hand was delighted, Lan Xiuying was already pretty un-Lan-like but this kid blew her out of the water. He saw a great friendship and a lot of mischief in their future.

Lan Fenhua reached up with one hand and gently flicked his son on the forehead who rubbed it with a pout.

"His sword forms aren't weird. They're different. Repeat after me, dif-fe-rent." Jingyi did no such thing, instead turned to Wei Wuxian. "Why is it weird? Are you bad at fighting?"

Lan Fenhua looked ready to despair.

"I'm from the Yunmeng Jiang Sect. So learned a different style of sword fighting than the Lan Sect."

Lan Jingyi nodded and looked thoughtful like he just realized a fundamental truth. "So you're badder at fighting than, A-Die."

He laughed again.

"I'm so sorry. We're trying to teach this little gremlin manners but whatever we throw at him just won't stick."

"It's fine. And it's good we've run into each other, I wanted to offer my service in the fight for better meals."

A grin spread on Lan Fenhua's face. "Let's talk about that, we have until December to plan." With Jingyi still in his arms he headed to his house, not that far from the Jingshi. "The elders somehow always manage to turn our arguments against us."

He launched into a report on past sect meetings and went into detail about arguments both sides raised. Ideas were already springing up in his mind and they sat down to plan and take notes, Jingyi coloring on his own sheet of paper.

*

Hours later he returned to the Jingshi, his stomach gnawing in hunger but too lazy to find himself something for a late lunch. He was disappointed to find himself alone. Just thinking about Lan Zhan had his heart beating faster. With the Abyss causing trouble he hadn't had time to deal with his newfound awareness.

He was in love with his husband.

Which objectively wasn't a problem. He buried his head in his hands where stood in the middle of the room, letting out a silent scream. There was no way Lan Zhan felt the same, he would have noticed if he did.

But maybe one day he could? Lan Zhan had told him he cared and that he valued him on two different occasions. And while Jiang-Shushu's marriage was filled with bitter feelings, Shijie was happy with the Peacock and they hadn't had an easy start either.

He swallowed, feeling jittery and paced around the room, unable to stay still a moment longer.

So there was hope. He'd just have to act like someone worthy of Lan Zhan and he might, just might come to return his feelings. And if not, he'd just have to deal.

There were worse things than being in love with his friend. Lan Zhan wouldn't hurt him on purpose, would never intentionally be cruel if he found out.

But he'd keep it to hims-

There was a hollow sound as he stepped on that particular floorboard, he dismissed it the first time but by the fourth curiosity won out. He crouched and knocked on it, as well as the surrounding area. He hadn't imagined it, there really was a hollow space underneath.

Curious he tilted his head as he carefully pried at the seems, trying to see if the there was any give. When part of the floor easily came loose he smiled in triumph. It turned into a delighted grin when he found a hidden compartment underneath.

For a moment he was sure it had to be empty, that Lan Zhan who never had broken a rule in his life couldn't possibly have anything to hide. But it wasn't. He reached in and pulled out the handful of books inside.

Why would he hide books? Not even trying to resist he leaved through one and froze when he found an illustration of two men having sex. It was porn. His eyes almost bugged out of his head. Lan Zhan was hiding porn. And after he almost pulled Bichen on him back when he gave him some as a prank. The hypocrite, he thought not unkindly. He crossed his legs and dropped down.

He scanned the text but it wasn't some smutty story instead there were instructions, his face flooded with heat as he read. Yeah, that was more in line with what he expected from Lan Zhan.

He was so engrossed in his perusal that he didn't notice he wasn't alone anymore until there was a choked off sound from his left. His head jolted up. “This isn't what it looks like,” he said automatically. Paused. “No, wait, this is exactly what it looks like.” Meanwhile Lan Zhan stood still as a statue and looked like Lan Qiren was about to give him the talk. At least he thought that would warrant the horrified embarrassment he saw. It still looked beautiful on Lan Zhan.

The tips of his ears were blazing scarlet and he couldn't resist the temptation to tease. “I see my mistake now.” Lan Zhan wheezed. “Back then I gave you straight porn.” He sighed and got up circling his husband, taking hold of the trailing ends of his headband and letting them slide through his fingers. “And I thought I had insulted you, that there was no way the virtuous Hanguang-Jun would ever stoop to reading porn.”

There was the sound of a dying animal. “Wei Ying-”

It was the same kind of voice he used at the library back then, just without the anger and his stomach swooped. Lan Zhan eyes were heated, downright molten when he completed the circle coming to a stop in front of him, sliding a hand down his chest. He stepped closer and whispered in his ear. “I wonder, is there something in there you found particularly arousing, Lan-Er-Gege?”

Lan Zhan grabbed him around the waist and pulled him into a bruising kiss, the gleeful sound that escaped him cut off by Lan Zhan deepening the kiss. The world fell away, reduced to nothing other than Lan Zhan invading his mouth.

He whined when Lan Zhan pulled away, fisting his hands in white fabric at the front of his robes to keep him close. “Your back. We shouldn't-”

He growled and Lan Zhan startled. “I'm fine. Lan-Daifu pretty much declared me healed.”

The tiny line appeared between Lan Zhan's brows. “I swear.”

They stood frozen in the moment, he saw the struggle behind Lan Zhan's eyes and used his hold to pull him closer, slotting their lips back together. The next time they parted Lan Zhan carefully pressed a hand between his shoulder blades, studying his reaction. When there was none he relaxed.

“Are you sure?”

He swallowed, he was ready to sink to his knees and beg. “Yeah.”

The heat had cooled considerably between them but reignited the moment he closed the remaining distance dominating the kiss this time.

He loosened his grip on Lan Zhan only to push his outer robe off his shoulders. He hated how many layers he wore. They left a trail of clothes as they headed toward the bedroom. Hands not leaving the other longer than it took to discard another piece of clothing. Lan Zhan's skin was hot on his as they tumbled down on the bed.

His legs fell open, Lan Zhan slotting into place between them. Lan Zhan opened the knot at the back of his head and his headband fluttered to the bed, then slid off the edge and out of sight. It was still strange to see him without though he took it off every night for bed.

Then his husband's eyes roved over him, getting stuck on the the red ribbon wrapped around his wrist, the look in his eyes unreadable. Tenderly he took hold of his hand, lacing their fingers and pulled his wrist up to his mouth and kissed it. Looking him in the eyes as he did and he forgot to breathe.

He used their intertwined hands to pull his husband down, needing to feel his lips on his. Lan Zhan deepened the kiss, exploring his mouth. Then he brushed his lips over his jaw and he turned his head, exposing his throat.

Lan Zhan kissed down it and then bit down, he jolted, his hips pushing up against Lan Zhan's, their erections brushing together. When the teeth released his skin a tongue replaced them, soothing the sting.

He trailed kisses down to his chest and he bit his lip, sure that Lan Zhan would lick his nipples like he did last time, was confused, when the kisses trailed down to his stomach. He squirmed, looking down at Lan Zhan who returned his look, pupils blown wide.

He kept going south. Anticipation had his breath coming short. Lan Zhan pushed his legs open farther, kissing his knee, trailing his tongue over the inside of his thigh. His dick twitched when he wondered how it would feel on it.

His muscles tensed and he was ready to push Lan Zhan down when he reached his straining erection, looking up at him and stopped.

“Lan Zhan,” he whined. “Please.”

He didn't hesitate a moment longer.

Lan Zhan licked a long stripe from the root to the tip before taking him into his mouth. He moaned, the wet warmth too much. His head dropped back and his fingers slid into Lan Zhan's hair, in need of something to hold on to as Lan Zhan took more of him. And more. When he pulled back up his tongue pressed against the underside of his dick and sucked. Only to do it again when he reached the tip.

His back arched off the bed and his grip tightened, it must be painful but Lan Zhan didn't show a sign of it. His entire body curled tighter and tighter until-

“Stop.” The word was breathy more a gasp than anything but Lan Zhan pulled off with a pop, his lips slick with spit and red and he almost came anyway at the sight. “I need you to fuck me.”

And if Lan Zhan stopped long enough to ask if he was sure he'd die. He didn't. Grabbing lube from somewhere he swallowed his dick back down. Faintly he herd the snick of the bottle but didn't pay any mind until a lubed finger circled at his rim.

He keened when it pushed in, already feeling full with a single finger. The finger pushed in and out slowly until his body began to give, a second joining it. It felt nice but was nothing compared to Lan Zhan sliding off his dick and licking over the slit at the tip.

He sank down as the fingers pushed back in, deeper than before, prodding at the inside of his walls, searching for something. On the next push they brushed over something that had his hips jolt off the bed, Lan Zhan choked. He couldn't apologize biting his lip hard at the pleasure flooding him.

Lan Zhan had to pull off coughing a bit, the cool air on his erection making him squirm. He didn't have enough brain power to apologize. A third finger joined the other two and he whined. “I'm ready. Just fuck me.”

“Not yet,” Lan Zhan said, already taking him back into his mouth. Time became a blur. He continued to beg and Lan Zhan continued to deny him but with a desperate edge to his voice. He was already scissoring him open with four fingers, occasionally brushing over that spot that made him lose control.

“I don't fucking care if it kills me. Lan Zhan, fuck me. Please.”

The fingers pulled out and he sobbed in both loss and relief. Lan Zhan shifted on the bed as he grabbed his waist pulling him closer. He pushed his legs open further and lined up. He swallowed when the tip prodded at his rim, suddenly understanding why Lan Zhan insisted on preparing him so much. He was big.

Lan Zhan pushed in, his body stretching to accommodate him. It really felt like he was about to break. His husband bit his lip as he paused waiting for him to adjust, hands shaking where they held his hips in a bruising grip.

When he moved once more he pushed in deeper before pulling back. On the next thrust he sank in deeper. His breath left him in a whoosh. It took Lan Zhan an eternity to bottom out and when he felt his hips press against his backside he was full to bursting.

The feeling of Lan Zhan inside him was all-encompassing, earth shattering. And it did feel like he shattered when Lan Zhan began to roll his hips. Goosebumps broke out on his skin as Lan Zhan's dick dragged over his inner walls and then he pushed against that spot that his fingers found before.

He moaned, pleasure racing through his nerve endings like electricity. Lan Zhan must have caught on, hitting that spot on every thrust. He couldn't stop any sounds from escaping him as he was reduced to nothing but feeling. Forced his eyes to open when he realized that he'd stopped looking at his husband.

Lan Zhan looked enraptured. There was no other word for it as he watched him unravel beneath him. He opened his arms unable to articulate what he wanted and Lan Zhan crashed their lips together in a desperate kiss, the change in angle driving him impossibly deeper.

He wrapped his arms around Lan Zhan who sped up his thrust until they turned punishing. His lungs screamed but it was easy to ignore when the pleasure of Lan Zhan fucking him superseded everything else. He had been on the edge of orgasm for a long time already and when Lan Zhan worked a hand between them it took only a stroke or two for him to shake apart.

He came with a moan that was swallowed by Lan Zhan, toes curling and clawing at his back as he spilled between them. The mess spreading as Lan Zhan thrust into him with enough force that it bordered on painful, dragging out his orgasm. He pulled out of the kiss, dragging in air.

As he began to come back down, Lan Zhan's rhythm stuttered and his eyes widened in wonder when he felt him come inside. Heat flooding him inside as Lan Zhan trembled above him. He tightened his legs around his hips pulling Lan Zhan even deeper into himself. Lan Zhan's chest was heaving and he leaned his weight on one arm, his other lifting to cup his face, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips.

They were both breathing heavily for a while between stealing kisses.

Eventually Lan Zhan pulled out and he whined at the loss and then blushed when Lan Zhan's come leaked out as well. His husband rolled off him, pulling him into his arms at the same time. They kissed lazily some more, only stopping when the drying mess became to uncomfortable to bear any longer.

“Bath,” Lan Zhan asked and he was all for it, especially when he wasn't the one getting up to fill the tub. When he dragged himself out of bed to follow his husband more of his come trickled out of him and down his thighs.

He followed Lan Zhan with weak legs, the bathtub mostly filled. A while ago he had spied an unopened bottle of bubble-bath, and he snatched it dumping some in. Apparently it was a bit too much, the bubbles filling the tub until one couldn't see the surface of the water anymore.

Feeling icky at the thought of ruining that bath getting in filthy as he was he jumped into the shower for a quick rinse. Lan Zhan joined him after a moment, taking the body wash from him and washed him with care.

His face felt hot all the while and he insisted on returning the favor. They had sex twice now and both times he didn't have much opportunity to touch Lan Zhan and planned to make up for it now, working his soapy hands over his smooth skin. Shoulders, then firm pecs, stomach. Further down. He bit his lip but Lan Zhan didn't stop him from washing him between the legs. Even when he wasn't erect his dick was long and he blushed when he could feel him growing more firm in his hand. His own giving a valiant twitch but not yet ready for another round.

Lan Zhan gently removed his hand, lacing their fingers together as he brushed their lips together. “Bath.” He turned off the water and they didn't bother toweling off before climbing into the tub, Lan Zhan first and he eagerly followed when his husband opened his arms for him.

The water was pleasantly warm and he leaned back against a strong chest, arms wrapping around him. It was quiet, he didn't feel the need to fill the silence with chatter, even closing his eyes. Lan Zhan lips wandered down his neck and shoulder, not in an insistent way, more the brush of a butterfly's wing.

A pleased sigh escaped him and he turned his head in invitation. The kiss that followed was just as unhurried, just as sweet.

They didn't get out for a long while.

Chapter Text

Before he realized it was already December and as he sat down with Lan Zhan for breakfast, eyes still mostly shut there was something different. He forced his eyes to open wider and first checked Lan Zhan over but it wasn't him, then he looked around the room but everything was in it's place. Then he saw it. Something about the quality of light was different and he jumped up, carelessly letting his chopsticks drop to the table and gasped, startling Lan Zhan.

He didn't have the wherewithal to apologize as he threw open the door and squealed as he saw the blanket of snow covering everything in pristine white.

“Lan Zhan, there is snow.”

“Mn.”

Turning around to his husband with an exasperated huff he waved his arm at the scenery outside. Lan Zhan didn't sound nearly enthusiastic enough about it. “There is snow,” he repeated and that still didn't elicit much of a reaction. “Lan Zhaan. It snowed.”

“Yes, Wei Ying. I can see the snow.” At least there was a hint of amusement in his voice then.

“It never snows in Yunmeng.” There were so many games he could think of but his husband was expected to teach a meditation class, he did promise to play with him later though. He couldn't even play a prank on Lan Qiren who was meeting with the city council again.

It didn't stop him from pulling on boots and a jacket, he even added a scarf but didn't need as much insulation against the cold as those without a golden core and eagerly leaped into the pristine white mass. The crunch underneath his boots was satisfying and he enjoyed every step he took.

He still needed someone to play with and headed toward Lan Fenhua's house, sure that if everyone else was hindered by the Lans famous dignity at least Jingyi could be lured out to play in the snow.

His phone rang and he hurried to pull it out, surprised to see Nie Huaisang's name on the caller id. “Nie-Xiong, to what do I owe this pleasure?”

There was a chuckle on the other side. “Can't I just call to catch up with my good friend?” Sure, but you didn't, he didn't say. “The next conference is held here and I wanted to ask if you're attending. Do you think you'll be competing for the Lan Sect?”

He planned to but he'd have to ask Lan Xichen to make sure. “Maybe. What about you, will we see a rare presence in the competition?” He kept walking as they talked, enjoying how the sun glistened like stars on the snow.

“Alas, until there is room for the finer arts in those competitions I fear it will remain a rare presence.” He laughed at his friend's dry tone. “Wei-Xiong, enough about me, did anything exciting happen lately? Are the Cloud Recesses still standing or did you manage to throw them into chaos?”

“Sure they are. I'll have you know even old man Lan is beginning to warm up to me.” There was a gasp. “Aside from that... oh, something exciting did happen. There is a Waterborne Abyss in Biling lake.”

Silence. “A Waterborne Abyss? Don't they take like massive amounts of death to form? I didn't hear about anything like that in Gusu.”

“Yeah, apparently it was sent here from somewhere. Probably by someone to lazy or incompetent to deal with it long term.”

“I see, you're probably right... Any idea who?”

“Nope. Does it matter? The Lan are going to take care of it now it's here. Luckily no one got hurt too bad.”

“That's good,” Nie Huaisang said but he sounded distracted. Probably something to do with preparations for the Discussion Conference. Nie Huaisang liked to downplay himself but he knew his friend had a big hand in the smooth running of the Nie Sect.

“I'll let you go, I have somewhere to be.” He made it sound like something very important and a play date with Jingyi qualified in his opinion.

“Of course. I won't keep you. Let me know how things with the Abyss go.”

“Will do.”

Soon after they hung up and he walked a bit faster, eager to play with the little rambunctious Lan.

He didn't make it to Lan Fenhua's house.

Passing an archery field he heard someone not shouting but it was close. He stopped. “No, no, no. This is shameful. Not a single one of you capable of hitting an easy target.”

It was hard to spot the figures in white on the white backdrop but when he did his hackles raised. There were a dozen or so disciples, no older than ten, standing in front of their teacher with lowered heads and clutching bows to their chests.

He already made his way over before he made the conscious decision to interfere. When he got closer he could see targets free of any arrows. They were instead sticking out of the snow in front of them, making the mounds of snow look like hedgehogs.

“I've already explained that an object launched under the influence of gravity follows a parabolic path. I do not understand how none of you get it.”

Yikes. He did. What ten year old would understand that kind of explanation? A closer look revealed that he hadn't met this teacher before but there were no clouds on his headband so he wasn't a Lan and he looked old. His hair and beard were white and he had wrinkles. Which left two possibilities, either this man was ancient or he didn't have a strong golden core. He strongly suspected the latter.

“Excuse me, Laoshi.” The man stopped in the middle of his tirade. A moment later all eyes were on him. He didn't feel particularly respectful but he still bowed figuring he had to set an example with the youngsters present.

“I couldn't help but overhear. Aren't you a bit too harsh on the children? They are still learning.”

“And who are you to judge me? I've been teaching for decades.” Decades too long if this was how he treated his students.

“This one is called Wei Wuxian. I'm the former Head Disciple of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect and have some experience with teaching young disciples. Archery is a specialty of mine, perhaps I could help out.”

“You-” He flushed, puffing himself up and he sighed mentally. “By all means then,” he said with a sweeping gesture at the downtrodden kids. “Try to teach this bunch, I wish you the best of luck. You will need it.” And with that he stomped off.

“Thank you, Wei-Qianbei. This one apologizes on behalf of Tang-Laoshi.” He turned back to them, the dismissal already leaving his lips and he had to hold back not to coo at how adorable they all looked bowing to him with such serious faces. They were a mixed group of girls and boys, some with the clouds on their headbands and some without.

It had been a shock to everyone when the female disciples demanded to be taught and work together with their male counterparts, even more so when the sect leader at the time acquiesced without a fight. It only now occurred to him that that must have been Lan Zhan's grandfather.

Many of them were still teary eyed and it broke his heart, they shouldn't be torn down like that by those supposed to care for and teach them. He took a breath. He couldn't just sent them away, but resuming the archery lesson would be a disaster. None of them were in the right mindset for it.

With a grin he clapped his hands. “Gather around.” He expected to have to repeat himself at least once but a moment later all disciples formed a half-circle, all eyes on him and not a single one whispering to their friend. Right. Lans.

“When shooting arrows gravity plays a big part, so one has to aim higher than the target. How much is something that comes with practice.” There are a lot of nodding heads and some even turn to go back to shooting.

“Today we'll do a bit of a different target practice.” He could see their confusion and grinned. “First gather up the arrows, we won't need them today.” Their confusion only grew but not a single one protested.

Five minutes later they had two teams and the most epic snowball fight ever, he frequently switched sides to help some with their snowball making or show them how to best to throw them. The kids were reluctant to aim for him at first but by the end of the lesson he was covered in snow from head to toe and laughing like a maniac.

That's when all the disciples snapped to attention and into a bow. As he turned around he got a bad feeling and sure enough Lan Qiren stood there watching them with a pinched look on his face.

As he gave his own bow he went over the rules in his mind but there wasn't actually one against playing games and the kids hadn't even been that loud or rowdy. “Gr- Shufu.” It was still weird to call him that.

“Wuxian, where is Tang-Laoshi?”

“Ah, about that.” He fidgeted and got a raised brow in answer but explained what happened earlier. “It's not their fault, he isn't a very good teacher,” he closed and Lan Qiren looked thoughtful as he stroked his beard.

“I see.” He eyed him or more accurately the snow still covering him. “And the point of the snowball fight is?

Nervous he tried to put his thought process into words. “Well, the kids were really down after what their teacher said. I figured a fun activity to make them realize how gravity works on projectiles would be more productive. Shooting arrows needs more concentration and precision, of which they were not capable after their teacher tore them down.”

Lan Qiren studied him and hummed, his expression not giving away how he felt about his explanation and he fidgeted.

“Grandmaster, Wei-Laoshi simply stepped in when he saw an injustice as is in accordance with the precepts.” His heart grew three sizes as the nervous looking disciples tried to defend him and it almost stopped when he saw a smile tugging at Lan Qiren's mouth.

“I understand. All of you should be on your way. You wouldn't want to be late to your next lesson.” They wavered a moment and he shooed them away giving them an reassuring smile. At first he thought he would be punished for every little thing but he felt that wasn't Lan Qiren's intention. Their lessons together had shown him that while serious the Grandmaster wasn't as unreasonable as his first impression made it seem. He was the one to raise his nephews and both of them grew up to be good men. He had to be as well or his nephews wouldn't respect him as much as they did.

“I must admit I was coming here with the intention to observe Tang-Laoshi's teaching methods and talk to him. I wasn't aware that he was unfit for the position but yesterday Cui Ming came to me to seek my confidence. Many are unhappy with him as their teacher but no one dared to speak up.”

Seeing the way the man blew up at even the slightest critique he wasn't surprised by that information.

“It was a failure on my part, one I seek to correct. It is time for Tang-Laoshi to retire but that leaves the matter of who would take over his archery classes.”

He looked at him meaningfully but it still took a moment to click. “Me?” Lan Qiren wanted him to teach?

“Did you not teach Yunmeng Jiang Disciples? The disciples already seem attached to you. And your capabilities in archery are well known, as are their showmanship.” His understanding of reality had to realign itself-Lan Qiren was teasing him!-but then he answered.

“Sure, yeah. I'd love to help out.”

Later, when he got a copy of the class schedule, he saw that Tang-Laoshi only ever taught the first lesson of the day and he groaned. He would have to drag himself out of bed early every day, somehow.

“I'll help,” Lan Zhan promised.

“You better, you're my only hope.”

*

“Wei Ying.”

He hummed not taking his eyes off the metal compass he was carving the design he came up with into.

“It's nine.”

If everything worked like he wanted it to, the compass would point toward sources of resentful energy. He got the idea when the Abyss caught them by surprise. He could sense it earlier than the others and could warn them but he wasn't always around and even he had to be close to sense it despite his affinity.

But if the compass worked like he wanted it to they would have a way to suss out danger before they were right on top of it. It could- “Wei Ying.”

He startled and looked up at Lan Zhan who still stood in the doorway to the study. “Right, sorry. Bedtime.” He glanced down at his half finished project and bit his lip. “You go ahead. I'll be in in a minute.” It wasn't the first time this situation happened lately and so Lan Zhan didn't look convinced but neither did he protest. “Goodnight.” He hummed his answer already focused back on the next line he had to notch into the metal. It had to be precise or it wouldn't work.

He had many an experiment blow up in his face and wasn't eager to see what damage the compass did if it blew apart in his hands.

Days passed quickly lately, almost too quickly with how much he wanted to accomplish each day. Lan Xiuying finally cleared him fit for night hunts and he had been practicing to manipulate resentful energy with the dizi Lan Zhan gifted him. He still hadn't given it a name, it would need to be a fitting one.

Lan Zhan always accompanied him on those night hunts, providing back up should he make a mistake or overestimate his abilities and while it hadn't been necessary he was happy to have his company. Night hunting together was fun, he didn't even mind that most of them were easy.

His disciples improved their skill in leaps and bounds and he really enjoyed teaching, the only downside was that he had to write lesson plans, something he never before had to do. Lan Zhan showed him how and it wasn't as hard as he expected but it took time and he often worked on them late at night.

He was finished with the edgings, turning the compass this way and that to make sure he hadn't missed anything. He was ready to put it down and go to bed.

What if it couldn't only tell the direction but the nature of the resentful energy?

With that thought he eagerly pulled his notebook closer to write down his ideas before he forgot them.

It was well after midnight when he finally dragged himself to bed. It felt like his head barely touched his pillow when Lan Zhan woke him the next day. With his eyes glued shut, he fell on his face after getting caught in the sheets and put the inner robe over the outer when dressing. That's when Lan Zhan took over.

“When did you get to bed?”

“Hmm? Oh, around one I think.”

The hands pulling the front of the robes closed paused.

“You should go back to bed.”

He whined. “I'd love to but I have my class.”

“A nap after.”

Wouldn't that be nice? “I'm going to Lan Fenhua's after. Checking over our notes one last time before the meeting tomorrow. Oh, and I have to get my talisman notes organized.” Lan Zhan had encouraged him to present his inventions at the sect meeting for approval. He owned the rights to them but if he was willing to let the sect use them they'd first have to decide if they were safe.

He was excited about that. Whenever he talked about his designs in the past he got a resounding no. Jiang-Shushu was willing to indulge and let him use them but Madam Yu put her foot down, citing that whatever he came up with couldn't possibly be safe.

The Lans would probably shoot them down as well but he didn't think they would do it just to spite him.

Once he was presentable he rushed for the door and stopped only when Lan Zhan caught his hand. “Breakfast.”

Right, he forgot. His mind was filled with so many things lately that he'd be lost without Lan Zhan looking out for him. It was quite the difference to the beginning when he had nothing to fill his days. He infiniately preferred this busy schedule.

They sat down to eat but when he was halfway done he put down the chopsticks. He really had to get going, he wanted the kids to go through a parkour of moving targets and still needed to set it up in one of the forested areas.

Lan Zhan watched him with a frown and on impulse he leaned down as he went past him, kissing the edge of his mouth. “See you later.”

The frown stayed. “Wei Ying, I worry about you.”

He froze. What?

“Lately you barely sleep or eat.”

Oh. He laughed. For a moment he thought Lan Zhan would say something else. “Don't worry. I'm used to it.” That only seemed to have the opposite effect.

“Wei Yi-”

“I have to go. We'll talk later, okay?” He barely waited for the tiny nod before he grabbed Suiban and was out the door, mind already on how to set up the targets.

*

The kids loved the lesson and he thought about ways to incorporate similar stuff in the future as he walked over to Lan Fenhua's place. He'd have to adjust his lesson plans later.

His wive, a lovely woman by the name of Jia Yuming, was kind enough to cook them lunch and it was good but not as amazing as Lan Zhan's. In regards tp the no talking while eating rule he soon set it down to talk strategy with Lan Fenhua.

The parents looked exhausted, even more so when Jingyi woke from his nap and proceeded to run around the house, bursting with energy after sleeping.

"I think that's everything. How about I take Jingyi out to play and the both of you can take a nap as well?"

"Are you sure? Jingyi can be a handful."

"So can I," he answered, laughing. "Don't worry."

They looked unsure a moment longer but he didn't blame them.

"Thank you."

Jingyi was enthusiastic when he learned of the plan and it took some wrestling to get him into a winter coat, boots, scarf, mittens and hat, the excitedly wriggling child sabotaging their attempts.

"Hurry," Jingyi said from the doorway making a grabby hand toward him and he took it with a grin. He had to lean down a bit and Jingyi's hand was tiny in his.

The toddler dragged him out of the house waving to his parents over his shoulder until they dropped out of sight.

He took Wei Wuxian to an open area where a couple older children were already playing. Jingyi watched them with interest but when he encouraged him to go over there he clung to his hand with as much strength as he could muster.

It was adorable but also a little sad to see the outgoing toddler nervous to talk to his peers.

"I see you'd rather play with your Wei-Gege." The little Lan looked unimpressed at the name but nodded. "What do you want to do?"

"Snowman," he said. He wasn't surprised, the other kids were building one as well. "Big one."

"Okay, let's do that."

He showed Jingyi how to form a ball out of snow and roll it around to make it grow. The toddler did so in all seriousness and at first didn't want to let him take over when it became to heavy for him to push. He managed to convince him by telling him they'd need three balls and he went to work on the next.

The base was as tall as Jingyi in the end and he had to assemble the snowman, the snow too heavy for Jingyi to lift.

They searched for a couple of sticks and he picked up the toddler so he could stick them into the torso for arms.

Jingyi looked at the snowman with pride, then wrinkled his nose. "He has no face."

"We'll have to make one. How about we use stones?" They'd have to look a bit with the snow covering the ground but it shouldn't be too hard. After giving it some thought Jingyi nodded and they scanned the ground.

He spotted something dark sticking sticking out of the pristine white blanket. With a triumphant shout he dug the stone out and held it aloft. "How about this one?"

When there wasn't an answer he turned around.

"Jingyi?" His stomach dropped to his feet. The toddler was gone.

Tamping down the panic he looked over the area but there was no sign of him. He took a deep breath and scanned the ground relieved when he could see a single pair of footsteps leading away.

He followed them, fighting against the urge to run, it would be just his luck to be caught right then. The footsteps didn't go in a straight line, winding around buildings and through underbrush and he wondered just how Jingyi was that fast at his height.

His shoulders dropped when he heard Jingyi's voice and began to understand what happened when he stepped into the bunny meadow and saw the little guy chasing after the bunnies, no doubt trying to pet them but only managing to scare them off.

“Jingyi.” The toddler stopped and looked over at him, tears sprang up and he pointed at the the escaping fur balls. “Want to pet bunny.” He walked over and scooped a wriggling toddler into his arms.

“You can't just take off like that, I was worried.”

“But bunny,” Jingyi protested.

“We can pet the bunnies but you can't just run away. Tell me next time.”

“Okay.” He studied Jingyi who looked at him with as serious an expression as a toddler could and left it at that. He sat down cross legged with Jingyi in his lap. “Don't chase the bunnies, they'll only get scared. We'll need to stay still and let them come closer.”

The sitting still part was hard for the toddler who squirmed or played with his fingers, then his robes. But he managed well enough and eventually the bunnies drew close enough to touch. Jingyi's eyes widened in excitement and predicting the shout that would follow he gently covered his mouth. “Quiet.” When he thought the toddler understood he removed his hand and carefully picked up a bunny setting it on Jingyi's legs.

He was ready to stop him if he was to rough and Jingyi surprised him when he pet the bunny with the utmost care, his fingers barely touching the fur. There was a wide happy grin splitting his face. “Soft.”

“Yeah, their fur is very soft.” He rested his chin on Jingyi's head and scratched the bunny under the chin.

There was a choked off sound from the side and he looked up, surprised to see Lan Zhan standing a short distance away with a basket. He stared at them and he cocked his head in question. The movement was enough to prompt him into movement, his husband walking over to them and he could peek into the basket. It was filled with greens and the moment he knelt down in the snow he was surrounded by little balls of fur trying to crawl into his lap.

Lan Zhan handed over greens to Jingyi who eagerly fed them to the bunnies. He showed him how to hold them so the bunnies wouldn't accidentally bite him and Lan Zhan was still watching them with a softness in his eyes he couldn't interpret.

They spent the rest of the afternoon there and he carried Jingyi on the way back, the little guy all played out. The moment his head touched his shoulder he was out. He grinned over disheveled hair at his husband. He planned to make a joke but when he saw a tiny smile tugging at Lan Zhan lips what came out instead was, “Do you like children?”

“Mn.”

The sheer relieve at that single word answer almost floored him, until that moment he wasn't aware just how much he worried he didn't. It wasn't a guarantee that they'd have children of their own one day but... maybe.

Chapter Text

The sect meeting took place in the same hall as their wedding banquet, only this time the room was filled with people wearing white and Lan Xichen sat at the head with Lan Qiren to his right and Lan Zhan to the left. He sat next to Lan Zhan's other side and it was strange to sit with the main family at something official like that. It was another experience he never had at Lotus Pier, part of the family and yet not.

The rest of the seating looked to be arranged by seniority, rather than relation and he wondered if that was by preference or design. The middle of the room was left open.

Lan Xichen welcomed everyone and gave an account of information that concerned everyone. “The Discussion Conference will be hosted by the Nie Sect this year. Sadly Sect Leader Nie was very tight lipped about the competition they planned.” Going by his tone it wasn't by lack of trying to wheedle it out of him, he noted with amusement. “Everyone that'd like to accompany us should sign up by the end of January so we can inform our hosts.” There were a couple more things and than he ceded the floor to others. Things proceeded in a very orderly fashion. The was no whispering or joking, just disciples bringing up whatever concerned them.

A young female disciple was the first. “This one is Lin Meifeng.” She bowed to the room, her hands shaking a bit. “The junior disciples request additional training equipment.” She explained how there weren't enough bows and training swords for the youngest disciples when classes happened to overlap and how having to share cut into training time for individuals.

He was impressed, she couldn't be older than twelve and yet managed to put together her request, backing it up with facts and present in front of a room full of her seniors. When she was done she sat back down and others took the word. “It's a reasonable request. How great is the lack of each?”

“Twentyone swords and fifteen bows.”

The man who asked the question turned to a woman sitting next to him and they discussed the cost and and how soon they could expect the equipment to arrive.

“We'll put together the order and present it to you then, Zongzhu.” Lan Xichen gave a nod and the next one stood up. He stopped paying close attention as he grew nervous. He sought out Lan Fenhua in the crowd, their eyes meeting and the other man gave him a thumbs up. An elder sitting close gave him an unimpressed stare until he dropped it and he had suppress a snicker at his friend getting caught.

The urge died when it was their turn next.

He stood up, meeting Lan Fenhua in the middle of the room and he could swear he saw some of the older generation roll their eyes.

“We'd like to bring up changing the meals prepared by the kitchens. Many find them bland and unappetizing.”

“It would be easy to adapt more to individual taste and the cooks would like the opportunity to broaden their horizons,” he continued. With that the opening salvo had been fired and now they had to weather the arguments anyone would bring up against the request, still not understanding why they would.

A woman with gray hair was the first. “This is ridiculous, as discussed in the past the meals are nutritious and provide everything needed to sustain a healthy body and mind.”

“Respectfully, they do not. When one doesn't enjoy, even dislikes the food it does not contribute to a healthy mind and could even minder the appetite to a point they neglect eating sufficiently.”

“Then they can seek out additional sources in Caiyi, it has proven to work in the past.”

His head wandered back and forth as people slung their arguments like grenades. Lan Fenhua warned him that it was quite the controversial subject but he didn't expect this. Going by Lan Sect standards this could almost be called riotous.

“Why should they have to? This is their home, they should be able to eat here.”

“Then what about those that are satisfied with the meals. Why should they have to acquisce their preferences? What about those that could not stomach a different fare?”

“It was already stated that the cooks would cater to individual preference.”

A man he saw before in the infirmary spoke next. “You complain that the food tastes bland but there are no benefits from adding spice.”

“That's not quite true. Certain spices are anti-inflammatory, others are proven to reduce risk of cancer or diabetes. Some improve the mood and there are additional benefits. I could give a more detailed presentation at a later time if required,” Lan Xiuying added with a wink in his direction.

He returned it with a smile. During their check-ups he might have rambled on about exactly that more than once. Apparently it stuck.

“There is the cost to consider. Many herbs and spices grow poorly in Gusu's climate.”

He quickly spoke up. “Actually that wouldn't be a problem either. I have connections to many spice vendors in Yunmeng, they agreed to sell to the Cloud Recesses at a discount.” That might or might not have to do with them losing a significant amount of income when he moved away.

The discussion kept going for a while but the more arguments were thrown their way the more it became clear that the concerns of the opposing side were unnecessary and the biggest problem was in fact just them being hesitant to allow change.

Lan Xichen cleared his throat. “Both sides had ample opportunity to discuss. It's time to put it to a vote. All in favor of adapting the meals to a greater variety of taste.”

Many hands went up and he did a quick head count but wasn't quite finished when Lan Xichen called for those opposing. He relaxed when there were clearly less raised hands but gasped when he saw Lan Zhan raise his hand with the tiniest of pouts. The betrayal! He gave his husband his most potent kitten (not puppy) eyes and the hand slowly sank back down to his brother's entertainment going by the the emotion dancing in his eyes.

“Those in favor predominate. Lan Fenhua, I'll leave it to you to inform the cooks and help them organize the change.” His friend bowed and expected their side to explode into loud celebrations but it stayed quiet, Lan Fenhua taking his seat.

He stayed where he was.

“Wuxian, Wangji told me there was something you'd like discuss?”

“Yeah, yes,” he corrected quickly as he pulled out the notes he organized last night. Lan Zhan tried talking to him again about his sleeping and eating habits and he felt bad when he had to cut him off but he didn't have the time and there wasn't anything for Lan Zhan to worry about in the first place.

“I've come up with a couple tools that might night hunting easier. After we were caught of guard by the Waterborne Abyss it occurred to me that many cultivators can't sense resentful energy sufficently until they're right on top of it. Usually that isn't much of a problem but when attacked by something unexpected it could be deadly. So I came up with a way to pinpoint sources of resentful energy.”

He paused and the room was deathly quiet. His palms grew sweaty and he pulled out the compass he worked on. “This compass can be used by anyone-”

“It doesn't need a demonic cultivator to work?”

He reeled a moment at the interruption from an elder. “Ah, no. It doesn't even need to be infused with spiritual energy, the design is self sustaining, drawing spiritual energy from the surroundings.

Low murmurs started up and he grew even more nervous. They hated it.

“How does it work exactly? Sensing resentful energy over distance is difficult, especially for those without affinity for it. How can a tool be superior?”

He had to clear his throat to keep his voice from croaking. “Resentful and spiritual energy are opposites of each other, like yin and yang. So the talisman on the back is designed to seek out the energy that opposes the one it's running on.”

There were no more questions forthcoming and he fidgeted in place.

“Can I see?,” asked a woman looking about a decade older than him, holding out her hand, fingers stained with ink.

He handed over the compass and forced himself to stay still as she studied it with a trained eye.

“This is ingenious.”

The tension broke and he took the first deep breath in a while.

“Have you tested it yet?”

“Ah, no. I didn't have the opportunity yet.”

“Wei Ying, finished it the night before last,” Lan Zhan interjected and once again murmurs sprang up and that time he could hear the awe.

She handed it back and he told them about the lure flag next and it meet even more enthusiasm. The woman from before once again studied the design. “Hmm, it should work. It's clever to reverse the repelling talisman, there is only one problem.” She handed it back. “The one holding the talisman will unerringly draw the resentful being toward themselves. They'd become it's target.”

He thought a moment and lit up when the solution came to him. “Then it could instead be drawn on an object, an actual flag and if it's placed inside a containing array, the being should be lured inside and trapped.”

“But how would it recognize the flag as a target, resentful energy is drawn to living beings.”

“By drawing the design with blood. It'd be enough to fool the beings long enough to trap them.”

They brainstormed a moment longer and he was excited to have someone as well versed in the subject as him.

Lan Xichen interrupted them. “Wuxian, I'd like to use your inventions once you're done testing them. Would you be willing to share them?”

Obviously, otherwise he wouldn't have showed them in the first place.

“Sure.”

“What's your plan for testing them,” Lan Qiren asked.

Plan? He usually took whatever he came up on a night hunt and just saw if they worked. Lan Qiren's gaze was piercing no doubt reading that very thought on his face.

“We'll discuss that another time.”

He gave a nod. He skipped back to his seat, squeezing Lan Zhan's hand with a happy grin he couldn't contain. Not only did they not condemn his inventions right away they even seemed excited about them.

Especially Lan Leizu, whose name he asked before returning to his spot next to Lan Zhan.

*

He just sat down to dinner with his husband, who still insisted to cook even with the new and improved meals from the kitchen, when their phones dinged at the same time. Curious he dug it out of his robes. There was an e-mail with information on a night hunt attached.

Lan Xichen marked it as urgent and as he opened the attached file it was clear why. Children. Whatever it was was taking children. Four already. Over the course of four nights. He felt sick just reading through the police reports.

The parents put them to bed like they did every day only to wake up to an empty bed and an open window. No sign of forced entry or struggle, nothing aside from the children missing. The police filed reports and started a manhunt. They'd suspected human involvement but when an officer with training visited the last scene he could sense faint tendrils of resentful energy. When the police couldn't locate whatever was responsible they contacted the nearest sect.

He was already up and moving before he finished reading through all of it. “Lan Zhan...”

“Mn.” His husband abandoned their meal as well with a grim expression, they only took the time to gather whatever they needed. He grabbed finished talismans and his compass along with Suiban. He still didn't have the chance to test it but it should work and better to have it than not.

He double checked that he had everything he needed as he headed to the door Lan Zhan doing the same. They rushed through the Cloud Recesses and the moment they cleared the gates they took to their swords. A car ride would be more comfortable but it would be faster to fly straight there than have to deal with traffic and winding roads.

And he couldn't care less about comfort.

He let Lan Zhan take the lead, there had been a map among the information but Lan Zhan was more familiar with the area than him.

They raced through the night, city lights like little pinpricks rushing by beneath and the air was frigid. His robes were made for the winter months but he still had to circulate spiritual energy through his system to keep his face and hands from going numb.

The urgency of the situation was clear in Lan Zhan's speed, he had to push to keep up. It was the fastest they could go without depleting themselves too much and yet it still took them until the morning. The plan was to meet with the police and head over to house the last child had been taken from but as they descended he could hear the siren of a police car and it only took a moment to spot it.

The town was small with presumely little crime so he figured there wasn't much of a possibility for this being related to another case. He exchanged a look with Lan Zhan and they followed the car from above.

It stopped in front of a home and they startled the policemen stepping out of the car when they jumped off their swords close by. The one to recover first asked, “Hanguang-Jun?”

“Mn.”

“There has been another kidnapping.” The man looked weary and in dire need of some sleep but he made his way to the door which was thrown open a moment later by a woman in tears. They followed but let the police talk to the parents and he grimaced when he could feel cold creep up his spine, the air oppressively thick.

He didn't need anyone to show him to the room of the child, he only needed to follow the sensations to it's origin. When he opened the door his heart broke. The room belonged to a girl, maybe six or seven years old going by the pictures in pink glittery frames hung around the room. They showed her with her parents and with friends, laughing and happy.

There were books on the desks and toys strewn around the ground. Stuffed animals dominated the bed, the sheets belonging to a children's tv series he didn't know the name off. The bed was ruffled like it's occupant got up only a moment ago.

It was freezing inside belying that impression, cold air rushing in through the open window and nausea rushed up as he spotted the bloody fingerprints coming from small hands on the sill, making him glad they'd skipped dinner.

Lan Zhan stepped up next to him putting a bracing hand on his lower back but he still felt heat prickle his eyes. But tears wouldn't help the little girl.

He took a deep breath and when he closed his eyes he could feel the trail of resentful energy leading out of the window like a bad smell but he wasn't confident he could follow it. He pulled out the compass, looking down at it with grim satisfaction at it unerringly pointed the way the trail lead.

They only waited long enough to inform the policemen. One stayed behind with the parents and the other came along with them, right into the woods surrounding the town. The gnarled trees grew dense and he gritted his teeth. They'd need to go on foot, even if they flew on their swords they couldn't go quickly without risking crashing into anything and flying above would make it difficult to descend through the thick cover, at least without a racket alerting the thing they were hunting.

A couple going after children came to mind, one worse than the other and he forced down his imagination on the state the children were in. Already knew finding them alive was unlikely.

They followed the compass deeper and deeper into the murky darkness of the trees. The ground was covered in moss and rotting branches. There was no sound of birds singing or animals rushing through the underbrush, the air eerily still.

He stopped when they came to the mouth of a cave, the compass pointing at the small mouth of it. Enough for a child to go through unhindered but a grown man would have to crawl inside. He grimaced at the blackness beyond.

“Stay here,” Lan Zhan said to the policeman accompanying them. Who gave a nod with a grim face and pulled the radio from his belt, relaying their position.

He put the compass away in a qiankun-pouch and didn't hesitate to drop to his knees crawling into the darkness. He could hear Lan Zhan's protest but ignored it. He couldn't see anything as he made his way in, his hands and knees scraping over cold wet rock.

His heartbeat ratcheted up, blood rushing the only sound he heard and he let out a soundless breath when he sensed the walls surrounding him fall away. He straightened and didn't wait to pull out one of his talismans, channeling spiritual energy into it and it burst into flame, hovering over his shoulder and yet it was bright enough to blind him until his eyes readjusted.

Once he could see clearly he found himself in an open space, his chest burst with pain as he saw the bloody bones and ripped clothes littering the ground and he had to look down to check if he'd find it covered in blood but no. The pain was merely his heart ripping into pieces at the knowledge that they were too late.

Then he heard the sob and it took a moment to realize it didn't come from him. He looked around for the source when he felt Lan Zhan entering behind him and he shuffled to the side a bit to make room for him to get up.

“Wei Ying.” He sounded angry but he shushed him, still straining his ears. Following the sound he dropped to his knees when they grew weak. The girl from the pictures was still alive, she cowered against a rock wall, her face hidden in her knees as she cried. Her hair was a mess and her pajamas dirtied and ripped in places. She was covered in scrapes and and shallow cuts, especially her hands and bare feet but she was alive.

“Oh, sweetheart. It'll be alright. We're here to take you home.”

Her head lifted and she stared at him with frightened eyes. He softened his expression as much as he could and she threw herself at him, she clung on hard bu he didn't complain when it hurt. He'd kill whatever did this to her but first they'd have to get her out of here, let the policeman take her home.

Eventually she loosened her grip enough that he could get up.

Warily he scanned the cave but there was no sign of another being and there weren't any other corners to hide in either. He covered her eyes as he lead her back to the entrance, figuring she already had enough trauma to deal with without seeing what would have happened to her if they hadn't found her.

Lan Zhan's eyes still wandered through the cave, hand on the hilt of his sword, guarding their retreat. He got back on his knees and crawled into the tight tunnel leading outside, with the light streaming in it looked a lot shorter than it felt on the way in. Still, it was slow going with the girl holding on to the back of his robes.

Outside, he waited until Lan Zhan was out of the cave as well before relaxing minimally. Lan Zhan's robes were still pristine while his own were covered in dirt and normally he'd find humor in that but not after what he saw in that cave.

He'd have to talk strategy with Lan Zhan and nudged the girl gently. “Can you go over to that policeman for a moment? There is something I need to talk to this Gege about.” She still looked frightened but was so brave when she let go of the vice grip she had on his robes and rushed to the policeman, who picked her up without hesitation talking to her in a low murmur.

“Any idea what we're dealing with?” They obviously found it's layer but it wasn't in there so it could move about during the day. Which already ruled out some possibilities.

“Yao?”

“Opening a window?” That was usually hard without opposable thumbs. They threw out a couple more ideas dismissing them just as quickly.

“Oh, thank god! You found her.” An old woman in a dress and with a walking stick appeared between the trees and walked over to the policeman.

“Ma'am.”

“You found my granddaughter.” She held her arms out to the child and the policeman already began handing her over.

He let Suiban fly and the old woman jumped back with a hiss, revealing sharp teeth. “Nice try.” The girl's grandma just happening to show up in the middle of the woods? Unlikely.

Suiban returned to his hand and he leapt her way, slashing down but the monster caught Suiban's blade with sharp claws growing from the tips of her fingers. He made sure not to give anything away when Lan Zhan attacked from behind and yet she dodged.

The fight that followed flowed like a dance, both of them working together seamlessly, one stepping around the other in fluid motions but the monster kept dodging. He was aware of the frozen policemen taking cover behind a tree, smart enough not to run off. The girl in his arms screamed in terror whenever the fight moved too close.

The grandma changed more the longer the fight went on. Bones moving and cracking beneath her skin until she resembled more beast than person. Still, he was caught off guard when instead of him it lunged for the girl. Her form changed mid jump into that of tiger, maw opened wide, ready to rip out the girl's throat and he moved on instinct.

The pain was blinding where it shot down his shoulder and neck. He felt the razor sharp teeth sink into his flesh, his bones splintered under the force of that jaw. Black spots danced in his vision and his body felt numb aside from where the searing pain originated.

He lifted Suiban, his sword weighing heavier than ever before as he forced it into the tiger's chest and right into it's heart. It yowled and thrashed but did not let go, ripping his flesh even more.

They crashed to the ground, the weight of the beast driving the air from his lungs and the tops of the trees above began to spin.

He could hear screaming voices but they faded quickly. He tried turning his head, barely managed a tiny movement but it was enough to see that the girl was unharmed.

Then Lan Zhan appeared in his line of sight. He had never seen his husband that frightened before and couldn't explain to himself why he would be. Forcing a smile, blood trickling out past his lips he reached up, cupping his cheek. His strength left him and his hand dropped, leaving behind a bloody handprint.

He wanted to apologize for getting him dirty but the black creeping into the edges of his vision overwhelmed him and the last thing he saw before he fell into nothingness were Lan Zhan's scared eyes.

Chapter Text

He once again awoke in the infirmary and puzzled over why. His back was fine. When he sat up he saw his arm in a sling and a jolt of pain dulled by medication throbbed in the side of his neck and shoulder.

Right. He was on a night hunt with Lan Zhan, who was slumped over the bed at his other side, one arm serving as a pillow for his head while he held his hand with the other. His grip was slack in sleep but he didn't try to pull away.

Lan Zhan looked awful, the circles under his eyes were stark, his hair and clothes disheveled and at first he thought it might be same robe he had worn on the hunt but there weren't any blood stains so he must have changed at some point.

He wanted to know what happened to the monster, that in hindsight must have been a Hu Gupo and more importantly to the little girl. Was she alright? Was she safely returned to her family? But he wouldn't wake Lan Zhan who must have succumbed to sleep after keeping vigil over his bedside.

Carefully, he lay back down and turned his head to watch his husband sleep.

After an hour or so his eyes blinked open, taking only a second to snap into focus, widening when he saw him awake. With a jolt Lan Zhan rose into his straight backed sitting position and squeezed his hand in a bruising grip. “You're awake.”

The relief in that short statement was humbling. It was clear from everything that he worried Lan Zhan and he sat up as well, returning the squeeze. “I'm fine. Don't worry.”

He didn't expect the anguish flashing through Lan Zhan's eyes, nor the anger in his voice. “Don't lie.”

He flinched in surprise, never before did he hear Lan Zhan shout. “I'm not. I'm really fine.” With his one arm in a sling he used their intertwined hands to gesture at his chest. “See? Up and raring to go.” He smiled at his husband. It died a quick death. Lan Zhan didn't relax at his levity like he intended. With rising panic he watched as tears began to roll down Lan Zhan's cheeks and drop to the sheets, leaving little soaked spots.

Lan Zhan was crying.

No. No, no, no. He had to do something but telling Lan Zhan he was fine backfired in a big way. He leaned over planning to hug him but Lan Zhan pulled back with a glare. “You're not fine. You are hurt. Again.”

He listened with wide eyes. “Lan Zhan, people get hurt on night hunts. It happens.”

“Reckless. You let it jump you.”

His mouth worked but Lan Zhan didn't let him talk. “You neglect yourself.”

“I don-”

“You skip meals. Barely sleep. Don't rest.”

“It's not a big deal. I'm-,” he cut himself off before the 'fine' could slip out.

“No. It is. I care about Wei Ying. It hurts to watch you treat yourself with negligence. You actively throw yourself in harms way. Don't care when you get hurt and dare to tell me it's fine. Stop. I can't-” He gritted his teeth, frustration on his face. “It hurts to watch Wei Ying hurt himself.”

He stared back speechless. Lan Zhan made it sound like he thought...

“I'm not trying to kill myself.” He sounded defensive even to his own ears and Lan Zhan closed his eyes before he opened them again. “No. But you're not careful with your well being. Your life. I can't-” He once again cut off and growled. “I can't lose you, Wei Ying. I beg you. Don't make me. Please.” Lan Zhan forced the words out, the last nothing more than a rasp.

He never heard Lan Zhan talk that much at once. Never heard so much pain and desperation.

He felt tears prickle at his eyes, ready to join Lan Zhan's in falling. His chest tightened and a lump formed in his throat, he tried to swallow it but it stayed where it was. “I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.”

A choked sob came from Lan Zhan and he pulled him into a crushing hug, his nose filled with sandalwood where his face was pressed into Lan Zhan's shoulder.

What the hell was wrong with him? The hand of his uninjured arm curled into the white robes clinging on for dear life. The tears wouldn't be held back any longer. Why wouldn't they stop?

“I'm sorry.” He repeated it over and over again, Lan Zhan's arms tightening with each reiteration.

He didn't know how long they hung on to each other but eventually the tears dried and when they parted Lan Zhan's eyes were red rimmed. Not ready to let go completely he pulled at his husband until he sat next to him on the bed, arm wrapped around him and pulling him close. Lan Zhan was shaking still.

He had messed up big time, hadn't he? He never thought Lan Zhan would react like that. Eventually the shaking stopped and Lan Zhan's head settled on his shoulder. When he peeked down Lan Zhan's eyes were closed. He must be exhausted.

He didn't dare try to move them, settling in and holding his husband close. That's how Lan Xiuying and Lan Xichen found them. With both arms unable to move he tried to convey with his eyes for them to not disturb Lan Zhan's sleep. Lan Xiuying looked unimpressed but Lan Xichen showed a soft smile but his eyes were filled with worry as they wandered between them.

Lan Xiuying came over and gently took the wrist held up by the sling and her shoulders relaxed at whatever she found. “You really need to be more careful. I don't appreciate repeat patients.” She held out a steaming bowl filled with a foul smelling concoction and he wrinkled his nose drank from it nevertheless. Bracing himself he downed it in big gulps nausea rushing in at the bitter taste.

She pulled the bowl back once it was empty and raised an eyebrow, daring him to complain, wisely he stayed quiet. Lan Xichen took the seat Lan Zhan occupied before as the healer left, his voice barely above a whisper. “He was distraught when he called. I've never heard my brother that scared, Wuxian. He hasn't left your side once in the past three days. I had to bring him a change of clothes when he refused to step away even that long.”

Guilt struck it's claws into him and wouldn't let go. Three days, with Lan Zhan sitting at his bedside waiting for him to wake up. Looking at Lan Xichen he realized he wasn't the only one that had been fretting over him.

“I'm sorry.” The words slipped past his lips automatically by now.

Lan Xichen smiled, but it was sad. “I believe you are. But Wuxian I don't want you to apologize. What I want is for you to understand that we care about you. About your health and well being, you're family. You clearly don't value yourself nearly as much as we do and we don't want to loose you. Especially not after-”

The lump was back in his throat and he swallowed as Lan Xichen admonished him with such gentleness.

“Did Wangji ever tell you about our mother?”

He blinked at the sudden topic change and cleared his throat, he didn't trust his voice not to break so he just shook his head. He knew she died, as did their father but nothing beyond that.

“She was a wonderful mother, kind and caring. Showed how much she loved Wangji and me without reservation,” he said with a faraway look in his eyes. “But she was...unwell after father died at Nightless City. She held so much love in her heart for others but stopped caring about herself.”

He paused and gave him a look that had him shrink into himself.

“She was good at hiding it, at first, but eventually the signs were apparent even to us as young as we were. She kept growing thinner, she barely slept, was always exhausted.” He frowned. “She hurt herself, cut her arms. Eventually she stopped eating at all. Wangji tried to make her eat and drink, cooking her congee himself. He was only six.”

His heart broke, imagining a tiny Lan Zhan cooking for his mother in vain. Lan Xichen didn't go on but it was clear how the story ended by the grief shining in his eyes and he wouldn't make him say it.

“Her loss was difficult for us but Wangji took it harder, he blamed himself. Sometimes I think he still does.”

His heart broke for his husband. “It's not. How could it be his fault?”

Lan Xichen reached out and carefully brushed Lan Zhan's bangs aside so they wouldn't tickle his nose. “You're right and yet he did. Shufu tried his best to help us but when he realized he was out of his depth he had us talk to Lan-Daifu. It helped.”

“Lan Xiuying,” he asked, surprised.

“Yes. Not only is she a gifted healer but she studied psychology as well. The mind can ail just as easily as the body. Cultivators deal with traumatic events regularly and yet those hurts remained untreated, she wanted to change that.”

“Oh.” He knew therapy was a thing but he never thought about it like that. It went unspoken but he had grown up with the mindset that those seeking therapy were weak, insane, irreparable. Now Lan Xichen was telling him he and Lan Zhan both had therapy in the past and they were among the strongest and best people he knew.

“Wuxian.”

He hummed, distracted by his worldview readjusting itself.

“I don't want to tell you what to do but I think you'd profit from seeking her help as well.”

His hackles raised at the suggestion on instinct but he beat it down. Lan Xichen waited patiently for his reply, he took the chance to study his brother in law who showed none of the contempt or pity he expected, there was only sympathy.

Still everything in him wanted to say no, not even entertain the notion.

One look at Lan Zhan's sleeping face made him hesitate. He wasn't an idiot, he noticed the parallels between Madam Lan and himself and how frightening it must be for his husband to see them as well.

He never wanted Lan Zhan to be that distraught over him again, he'd have to do better. If therapy was what it took, he could deal. His stomach tied itself into knots.

“Okay.”

Lan Xichen excused himself eventually and with a pat on his brother's head that had Lan Zhan frown in his sleep he left. He was under no illusion that he wouldn't tell Lan Xiuying about his agreement to seek therapy.

He let Lan Zhan sleep, dozing off at times but always awoke when a change in position caused a twinge in his neck.

Lan Zhan slept for hours but looked not rested in the least when he woke. Gently, he nudged him. “You should go back to the Jingshi.” He wanted to reassure him he'd be fine but thought better of it.

Either way Lan Zhan didn't budge. “No,” was all he said and he did stay through the night.

*

“Wuxian, Wangji.”

He looked up from his breakfast to see Lan Qiren in the door, looking decidedly unhappy, it was directed at him but when before it would have him believe the older man hated him he now saw the worry beneath. It reminded him a bit of Jiang Cheng, only that the Grandmaster wouldn't yell or hit him.

He swallowed the bite of congee, that was less bland than in the past and happily greeted him. Lan Qiren's eyes roved over the bandages and the sling and the line between his eyebrows deepened. “How are you?”

“On the mend.” He tried to avoid the word 'fine' now that he knew it wouldn't be taken well.

He stepped over to the bed, laying one hand on his nephew's shoulder while the other took his wrist to check himself. He didn't protest, Lan Zhan had been giving him spiritual energy whenever he could so he was already used to have his wrist taken.

Lan Qiren hummed approvingly and let go before he launched into lecturing him about recklessly throwing himself in harms way. To his surprise he once again wasn't punished, when he asked Lan Qiren looked like he was about to throttle him.

“Then enlighten me, which rule did you break?”

With a blink he went through the ones he remembered, it took a while but he came up with nothing.

“While you endangered yourself, you did it to save another. Again. It's a bad habit, one you should break.” He narrowed his eyes. “You've been suspiciously well behaved.”

He gave the Grandmaster a charming grin. While he tried not to make trouble on purpose there have been rules broken regularly but when no one was around to witness them, aside from Lan Zhan who indulged him.

But now that he mentioned it he had been in the Cloud Recessed for months and not once had he been punished, he hadn't even tried that hard. It couldn't be that the Cloud Recesses became that much less strict in the past four years, so was it only because he didn't go out of his way to flaunt the rules?

Lan Qiren stayed a bit longer but soon after he left there was a knock on the door. It was Lan Fenhua holding a squirming Jingyi in his arms. “Down, down.” His father obliged before the toddler could slip out of his grip and Jingyi launched himself unto the bed. “Jingyi! I said to be careful with Wei-Gege.”

It didn't stop the toddler from squishing himself against his chest but at least he veered enough to avoid his wounds. For a moment he was worried the kid was crying but when he turned his head enough to reveal his face he looked disgruntled.

“Baba said you can't play. You're hurt.”

He patted his head making the toddler look even grumpier.

“How are you holding up?”

He talked with Lan Fenhua while Jingyi made himself at home in his lap, Lan Zhan content to listen quietly, only occasionally adding to the conversation. It was touching that they took the time to check up on him, and he'd deny it to the end of his days but he teared up a little when Jingyi presented him with a drawing of two stick figures, one with a red ribbon and the other a lot smaller, holding hands. There were blobs of color as well and when asked Jingyi informed him they were bunnies with a tone of voice that made it clear he thought him an idiot for not recognizing that himself.

“Thank you. Lan Zhan, look at this masterpiece. We have to hang it up in the Jingshi.”

“Mn.”

A tiny smile was on his lips and he was relieved to see it. Lan Zhan had been quieter than usual, his face a blank mask even he couldn't read. He took his husband's hand and squeezed it, he wanted to lean in to kiss him but was aware of the others in the room. He might be shameless enough to do it anyway but Lan Zhan might be uncomfortable.

Lan Fenhua's eyes darted between them. “Alright, it's time to leave, spawn of mine.”

“No,” Jingyi protested as his father picked him up.

“Yes. Wei-Gege needs to rest so he can get better quickly.”

Jingyi scrunched his nose. “Play sooner?”

“That's right.”

“Okay. Bye bye,” he said and waved from where Lan Fenhua carried him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. He returned the wave. Once they were alone he leaned over to kiss Lan Zhan, happy when the press of his lips was returned.

It was late afternoon when there was another knock and his eyes widened when junior disciples flooded his room. They were all part of his archery classes but he didn't think they liked him enough to go to the trouble to visit him.

They even brought various snacks from Caiyi and stayed a while to talk to him about the sub who was nice but not nearly as fun as him and that they hoped he'd get better soon and to be more careful in the future. It was humbling to have even kids lecture him about being reckless. Eventually he sent them on their way, knowing they must still have homework to complete, sects not only taught their disciples cultivation but gave them a general education as well, some even sent their disciples to public school but the Great Sects rather hired teachers, it was way less hassle.

He lay awake in the dark hours, the cold moon shining in through the window was the only source of light but it was enough to watch Lan Zhan crammed in next to him on the tiny bed.

It surprised him that so many of the Lan Sect bothered to visit him in the infirmary, all of them caring enough to check on him but wouldn't he do the same without hesitation? Lan Xichen might be right about him not valuing himself as much as others did. He squirmed, tried to get into a more comfortable position. It was disquieting to think about so he stopped, instead he listened to Lan Zhan's quiet breaths and watched the rise and fall of his chest until he fell asleep.

*

A few days later he was released and already annoyed by the sling he had to wear for another week. It felt like he only just returned to night hunting and was benched again. Only having the use of one arm made many everyday things difficult, even the simplest things like eating, washing or dressing. Lan Zhan gad to help him out and while his husband insisted he didn't mind he felt like a burden.

So he tried his best to brush his hair on his own, growling in frustration when his hair got tangled up in the comb, again. He was ready to just rip it out but stopped when he noticed Lan Zhan peek into the room. Without a word he took over the task, carefully untangling his hair.

“You don't have to.”

“Mn. I want to.”

He faced forward to make it easier and the comb gliding through his hair was infinitely relaxing. Without conscious decision his eyes closed and he got lost in the pleasurable tug at his scalp, he was bummed when Lan Zhan tied up his hair in his usual ponytail, the ends of the red ribbon trailing down his back.

He tipped back his head waiting for a kiss, smiling into it when it was granted but he didn't try for more, knowing Lan Zhan would refuse as long as he was hurt.

Half an hour later he was on his way to the Mingshi, sure that Lan Xichen would have something for him to work on. The sun was warm on his face, the first signs that spring was on the heels of winter, the blanket of snow lessened to a slight dusting.

It would be time for the Discussion Conference soon, always held in spring with summer the busiest season for cultivators. Lan Xiuying had reassured him that he should be back to full health by then and she set a date for their first therapy session. He ignored the irrational burst of shame when his husband found out about that. Lan Zhan had been surprised but glad, to say the least.

His steps quickened and he skipped up the stairs to the Hanshi, not bothering to knock as he opened the door and cursing himself for it. He froze in the door, staring. No one had told him Nie Mingjue and Jin Guangyao were visiting the Cloud Recesses.

His mind was still processing the sight of Lan Xichen in Nie Mingjue's lap, arms slung around his neck and the kiss they were sharing which was downright filthy. Jin Guangyao was pressed against Lan Xichen's back, kissing down the side of his throat, hands working on Lan Xichen's clothes.

It felt like an eternity for his brain to restart with a stutter but in reality it only took a second. They hadn't noticed him yet and without a sound he closed the door and stumbled down the stairs, fleeing. His face was burning crimson and he entertained going to the Cold Spring for an insane moment to cool the embarrassment down. The image of the three men was seared into his inner eye and he groaned. It could have been worse, he told himself, things hadn't progressed that far yet, after all.

And they really should have locked the door.

He was still so out of it that he almost didn't notice Lan Qiren crossing his path.

Going the way he just came.

He screeched to a halt and did an about face rushing after the Grandmaster.

“Shufu! Where are you going?” Lan Qiren turned to him with a frown and he hurried to greet him properly. Once he came up from the one armed bow Lan Qiren held up a sheaf of papers. “I need to talk to Xichen about the renovations to the library.” It was one of the things discussed at the sect meeting, so he knew about the planned expansion to the building because frankly they were running out of room for every scrap of knowledge they horded there. It wasn't the first time such an expansion was necessary either.

There was no way he could let Lan Qiren reach the Hanshi.

“Oh, are they not going well,” he asked in a bit to buy time, his mind running furiously. He needed to keep Lan Qiren talking.

“Just some discrepancies in the materials ordered opposed to delivered. We need to check the invoice to make sure it wasn't a mistake on our end.” He turned to leave and his heart rate increased tenfold. “It's good I've run into you, there was something I wanted to ask.”

To his relief he stopped and lifted an expectant eyebrow, now he just needed to come up with an actual question. His mind raced through various topics, discarding them just as quickly.

“...About the night hunt Lan Zhan and I were on, the one with the Hu Gupo. I never encountered one before and obviously that didn't go well.” The rueful smile he flashed wasn't even faked. “Can you tell me more about them?”

“Of course but perhaps another time, I'm afraid I don't have much to spare today.”

Shit, shit, shit. Lan Qiren once again turned to go and he desperately held on to his sleeve tugging on it and schooling his face into his best pleading look. “You can't, Shufu? I can't stop thinking about it, it would help a lot to put me at ease.”

Lan Qiren's face said he didn't believe his act for a second but with a sigh relented. “ A Hu Gupo is a tiger spirit, usually found in the mountains or woods. They need to devour children to acquire and maintain their human forms.”

He relaxed once Lan Qiren entered the rhythm of speech he used during lessons and he asked questions whenever there was a lull, as many as he could think of but eventually the topic was truly bleed dry.

“I really must get going now, Wuxian. If you have anymore questions note them down and we will discuss them later. I'm pleased to see you eager to learn.”

“I'll walk with you.” He fell into step next to Lan Qiren, distracting him with shatter as he gradually slowed his steps but eventually the Hanshi came into the view and aside from tackling Lan Qiren to the ground or faking a seizure there was nothing more he could do to keep him away from the building.

“Do you think Xichen-Ge might have something for me to do?” He said it as loud as he could without crossing into shouting and made his steps heavier. Lan Qiren scowled. “There is no reason to shout.” His eyes narrowed as he looked him over. “You're acting strange.”

He shrugged. “Maybe the pain meds aren't agreeing with me.” Yeah, Lan Qiren didn't buy it for a second but he didn't call him out on it, instead walking up the steps and knocking on the door before opening it.

His heart hammered away in his chest as he followed close on his heels to peek over his shoulder into the Hanshi.

The three men inside sat at the table with cups of tea in front of them and not a hair out of place. His brows drew down. Had he imagined them being all over each other earlier? But as Lan Xichen greeted his uncle he saw that no steam rose from the cups and the faintest tinge of pink crawled up from Lan Xichen's collar.

Chapter Text

Caiyi looked nothing like it did on their last visit. The most obvious sign that something had changed was the lack of crowds. There were no tourists filling the waterfront, looking for souvenirs or enjoying the various treats Caiyi had to offer. The stall owners still opened them but their eyes flickered warily over to the canal from time to time.

The canal itself was empty of boats and the sides were lined with talismans, forming a protective array to keep the water ghouls from attacking anyone. The Lan Sect was diligent in keeping the citizens save and thus checked that array every day, until the building of the dam could be completed in late spring and they could get rid of the Abyss for good.

That day was Lan Zhan's turn to check them over and he volunteered to come along. The look his husband gave him when he suggested it was piercing. “I promise I'm just gonna watch. And when you're done we can make a date of it, you know, support the businesses.”

After that Lan Zhan easily agreed and they left, the same female ghost was outside near the flowerbeds and she lit up when Lan Zhan went past. After his talk with Lan Xichen he strongly suspected who she might be, but he didn't want to say anything until he was absolutely sure. He didn't want to risk hurting Lan Zhan if he was wrong... or if he was right.

He lounged on a bench as he watched Lan Zhan work, the other man had unceremoniously led him over to it earlier and told him to sit. The pout from that unfair treatment was still strong. It was like Lan Zhan didn't expect him to keep his word and not try to interfere.

Spring came sooner down the mountain, the trees beginning to sport new buds and the sun was strong enough to warm him despite the still frosty breeze. Lan Zhan was efficient as ever, already finishing up.

There was a sound next to him, something sniffing and then there was the brush of something wet against his hand. He froze. It couldn't be. His heart hammered and cold sweat broke out on his back. No, it must be a kitten or a bird. Did birds have tongues?

His head turned in small increments and a squeak escaped him when he came face to snout with a dog. His brain short-circuited. He was moving before he consciously decided to. Dog, dog, dog, DOG.

He whimpered as he ran, the dog was close on his heels, he could hear it's panting breath and the thud of it's paws on the ground. Why couldn't it just leave him alone? The scars on his legs throbbed with never forgotten pain, or was the dog already nipping at his heels? He needed somewhere safe.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw white and he veered off his course, heading for it. He leapt behind Lan Zhan and gripped his shoulders tight. “Wei Ying?”

The dog tried to round behind Lan Zhan and he pushed and pulled at his husband to keep him between himself and the dog. When it still tried to get to him he scrambled up Lan Zhan's back, clamping his legs around his waist. It must be painful but Lan Zhan only gave a tiny grunt.

“Dog,” was all he managed but god among men that his husband was he understood. He fixed his eyes on the dog and sent out a small wave of spiritual energy, not nearly enough to cause harm but it snapped it's focus away from it's prey and it sat obediently.

“I'm so sorry. She got off her leash.” He saw a pair of legs rush into his range of vision but couldn't tear his eyes away from the threat. It might not do anything at the moment but it was still right there.

“You should be more careful in the future.”

A young man crouched next to the dog and clipped a leash to it's collar, checking to make sure it was secure. Only then did he dare to look away, burying his face in Lan Zhan's shoulder, tightening his grip on him even more and listened with rapt attention as the padding sound faded.

“They're gone.”

He hummed in acknowledgment and lifted his head but wasn't ready yet to relinquish his safe place, not that Lan Zhan seemed to mind, easily supporting his weight as he stood straight, unwavering under the curiosity of onlookers. He didn't doubt for a moment Lan Zhan would let him cling on as long as he needed.

A smile stole it's way on his face and his stomach grew all fluttery, he planted a kiss on his husband's cheek and enjoyed the way his eyes widened infinitesimally at the unexpected affection.

“Thank you,” he said as he put his feet back on the ground.

“No need to thank me.”

“I'd say there is, you saved me from a vicious beast.” He wrapped his arm around Lan Zhan's and leaned against his shoulder, batting his eyes at him as they walked along the canal. He steered them toward a sweets shop, planning to buy a plethora of snacks. Lan Zhan might not admit it but he noticed his husband had a sweet tooth, the sweets the kids gave him gone in barely a day.

“I will always protect you.” And the sincerity in that statement was an arrow straight to the heart, if he hadn't been in love with Lan Zhan already he'd fall right then. It was novel to have someone be there like that for him, someone to have his back no matter what. That was how he imagined a marriage should be and he had it even without Lan Zhan returning his feelings, he was truly lucky.

They turned in at one of the restaurants and his mouth watered as he read over the spicy options and his eyes caught on the drink section of the menu. The restaurant served Emperor's Smile. The no alcohol rule unfolded in his mind like a banner but Lan Zhan had said he'd let him drink. He bit his lip, warring with himself. They weren't in the Cloud Recesses so it should be fine, right?

He was drawn out of his musing by Lan Zhan saying his name, he tilted his head in question.

“You're afraid of dogs?”

It was pretty obvious but he appreciated Lan Zhan leaving it up to him how much to reveal, he could simply say yes and let the matter drop but he felt like he owed him at least a short explanation.

“Do you know how my parents died?” Lan Zhan shook his head and he continued. “We got into a car crash near Yiling. I was disoriented and walked away from the car.” He still felt guilty about that, but his parents wouldn't wake, no matter how hard he shook them and he had thought he should try to get help, wandered away and got lost.

A couple years ago he forced himself to read up on the accident, his memories from that time not shedding a whole lot of light on what happened. A drunk driver veered into their lane, it was a head on collision that killed the driver and his parents instantly. He was the only one to survive, the backseat was spared the worst of the impact but he must have hit his head.

“I stumbled around for a while and forgot what I was trying to do. Anyway, I was really hungry but it was the middle of the night and I had no idea where to get food but I knew people often threw it away so I figured I should try to look through the dumpsters behind a restaurant.”

It had made sense to him at the time but with the wisdom of age he should have tried to find a police or gas station.

A server arrived and he paused to give him his order. He didn't look at Lan Zhan when the anguish he saw on his husband's face was too great to bear.

“I did find some but I wasn't the only one hungry, a couple dogs showed up and I wasn't as wary as I should have been. I tried to pet them and they attacked me.” He shuddered as he remembered teeth ripping into his legs and arms, trying to get to the stale bread he fished out. He let go of it and ran when they jumped on it. It wasn't the only time that happened either.

“I think I was on the outskirts of Yiling for a week or two when Jiang-Shushu found me, he was part of a search team. It's stupid but I remembered my parents telling me not to go with strangers so I ran away when people tried to talk to me but he seemed familiar. The Jiangs took me in as disciple after that. I'm pretty sure I would have died in Yiling if it wasn't for him.”

He smiled ruefully. “And that's how I became afraid of dogs.”

“That's...”

He wondered what Lan Zhan wanted to say. Sad, horrifying, gruesome? But they were interrupted once again by the server who brought out their meal. The rich smell of the spices had his mouth watering but he didn't start right away.

“What was it you wanted to say?”

Lan Zhan's hand stilled where he was about to pick up his chopsticks, he looked aside before seeking out his eyes.

“I understand you feel grateful to the Jiangs and I'm glad that you were found.”

He nodded. What was he trying to say?

“But it does not absolve Jiang Fengmian of doing nothing while you suffered.”

The muscles in his face stiffened, the smile not dropping but becoming strained, he felt sick. The nasty retort was on the tip of his tongue but he swallowed it. He promised not to snap at Lan Zhan again. He didn't want to fight with his husband, didn't want to talk about this at all. He picked up his chopsticks.

“This smells really good, doesn't it?”

“...Mn.”

He kept up his usual chatter while Lan Zhan ate quietly and soon the strained air between them eased. His leg brushed against Lan Zhan's beneath the table and his eyes flickered up to his, his expression somehow softened without actually changing and his shoulders lost the last of the tension.

*

I can't to do this, he thought as Lan Xiuying stepped into the Jingshi. He was alone at the moment, Lan Zhan out on a walk with his brother and he had no one to blame for that but himself. Lan Zhan had asked if he wanted him to stay and he had told him he'd be fine and as a result he had to brave his first therapy session alone. He should have asked him to stay but he thought he'd have to brave two people trying to convince him he was a victim of abuse.

He greeted her with a plastered on smile and made tea, trying to tell himself they were just going to talk. She had explained about that the last time he had been to the infirmary for a check-up. Surreptitiously, he dried his palms on his pants.

He poured tea for the both of them before he settled back unto his heels, for once his posture was ramrod straight.

“Are you looking forward to the Conference this year? I heard you're planning to compete.”

He blinked. “Ah, yeah. Nie Huaisang has been tight lipped about the competition but he sounds excited. I'm really curious what they came up with.”

Lan Xiuying gave a wolfish smile. “Whatever it's going to be I get the feeling the Lan Sect will take first place.”

“Probably, Lan Zhan is amazing,” he said before taking a sip of his tea.

“Yes, but I meant you, or rather both of you. You're our very own power couple.”

He almost choked on his tea and she looked amused. It was true that they often traded first place between them but that was when they were from different sects. He should try to hold himself back in the future, would have done the same in the past for Jiang Cheng like Madam Yu wanted but his brother always got really pissed when he noticed and he'd rather have Madam Yu angry with him for showing off than his brother for feeling slighted.

“What's on your mind?” She sounded genuinely curious but he fidgeted in his seat, he planned to avoid talking about Madam Yu and the Jiangs.

“Oh, just that I shouldn't try to compete with Lan Zhan from now on.”

“Why not?”

“I- Wouldn't it look bad if I managed to place better than him? He's the heir.”

He wilted under her look, it felt like going through one of those scanner things in the airport. She hummed and picked up her tea cup, turning it in her hands. “You're both part of the Lan Sect, any win is a win for everyone and how could it look bad for you to do your best? Do you think Wangji would be angry if you did better than him?”

“No, of course not.”

“Do you enjoy competing with him?” He gave a nod and she smiled. “Then you shouldn't stifle yourself. If you're still concerned about it you could ask Wangji how he feels about it but I'd be very surprised if he wanted you to let him win.”

He'd be as well so he didn't feel the need to ask Lan Zhan but he did feel more at ease.

“I've noticed that you do that often: Stifle or put yourself down for the sake of others.”

Huh? “Not really.” Where did she get that impression from?

“Would you like to hear why I think that?”

He was equally curious and wary but he gave a nod after a while.

“Both times you've been brought to the infirmary your first instinct was to reassure everyone that you were fine, to downplay your injuries. You don't let others be concerned over you or let them help if you can prevent it. You're willing to let Wangji overtake you in competition in order to save him face. You even agreed to therapy not for your own sake but because Xichen convinced you and Wangji was distressed. You don't mind when others inflict physical harm on you and even protect them when it's brought up. Routinely you put your own wants and needs last.”

While she talked he had lifted the teacup but it froze halfway up to his mouth. He couldn't say she was wrong and yet something squirmed uncomfortably in his gut.

Silence reigned.

He put down the cup and lowered his eyes.

“I don't want to make you feel bad about yourself, I know it must be hard hearing that.”

He swallowed. “I really am fine, I'm not lying when I say that and everyone does things for the people they care about.”

“True.” He looked back up, surprised she'd agree wit him that readily. “But imagine Wangji or Jiang Yanli or anyone was brought to the infirmary with their back shredded, bleeding heavily and being told someone else did that to them. How would you react, how would you feel?”

He didn't answer. She got him there. He'd react the same as them, worse even. He'd have sought out whoever did that to them and torn them apart. But that was different. Unfortunately he didn't know how to make her see that.

“I understand you feel grateful for the Jiangs to take you in and you don't want to feel like you betray them but your own wellbeing should come first.” This was the second time someone said it like that and his stomach dropped.

“I don't- Can we talk about something else?” He'd beg if he had to but luckily she didn't force it.

“Of course. Is there something specific you'd like to talk about?”

Anything would be better but with the talk he had with Lan Zhan in Caiyi at the forefront of his mind he blurted, “Dogs.”

She blinked. “What about them?”

“I'm afraid of dogs, isn't therapy supposed to help with stuff like that?”

“Therapy can help with phobias. Could you tell me more about yours?”

He told her the same story he shared with Lan Zhan and she asked a couple questions. It was embarrassing to have to recount how he reacted whenever a dog so much as came close but she listened with a serene expression, no pity or derision. Lan Xiuying was quiet when he finished, thinking.

“That's quite severe-”

“I know I'm just being ridiculous.” She leveled him with a raised brow and he bit his lip, her earlier words about how he downplayed stuff coming to bite him in the ass.

“You're not. You experienced something traumatic in the past and it caused your fear and even if there wasn't an event like that phobias are real and serious.”

He didn't dare protest further. “So, is there a way to help?”

“There are approaches to lessen or overcome phobias but it will take time and effort. Basically it would entail to slowly desensitize yourself to stressors.”

He grimaced, it wasn't hard to imagine what she meant by stressor.

There wasn't much time left and they used it to plan their approach in more detail. They'd start with seeing how he'd react to pictures, then videos and sometime in the far far away future he might meet a dog, with it on the outside while he was safely inside some very sturdy walls. The step after he didn't even want to think about, so he didn't.

When Lan Xiuying left, he ventured out as well. He was full of jittery energy and didn't want to sit in the Jingshi, a walk sounded just right. If he wanted to seek out Lan Zhan's steady presence because he felt he might need it no one beside himself had to know.

*

They took cars to reach the Unclean Realm and the sight of Lan Zhan driving a car fascinated him, he always kept exactly to the speed limit, not once did he forget to use the turn signal or to shoulder check. The urge to tease him for it was stark but he managed to suppress it, at least until he sprawled in his seat with his feet on the dashboard and Lan Zhan lectured him about safety.

The teens in the backseat promptly sat up straighter and he snickered at the awe on their faces as they listened to their Hanguang-Jun.

After the accident it took a long time until he stopped being afraid of car rides, sometimes unease would still creep up on him but he didn't think that'd be a problem with Lan Zhan driving. He watched his husband's profile, Lan Zhan's ears turned red but he kept his eyes on the road, only when they were stopped at a red light did he look over and surprised him by taking his hand and pressing a kiss to his knuckles.

Even after he lowered his hand he didn't let go. His heart fluttered and heat rushed into his face, he didn't dare look into the backseat for the kids' reaction and looked out of the window to enjoy the scenery instead.

They took a couple breaks along the way, the drive to the Nie Sect taking most of the day.

No matter how often he visited, every single time he would be surprised by how imposing the large stone buildings looked, more fortress than anything else. It was a stark contrast to the other sects.

They stepped through the sprawling gate and to his delight the Jins arrived at the same time as them. There was a lot of polite greetings and bowing but as soon as that was done he skipped over to his sister and gave her a hug. “Shijie, how are you?”

Lan Zhan and Lan Xichen watched them with unreadable expressions but when she greeted him happily, a smile spread on the sect leader's face and he turned away to greet Jin Guangyao. Looking at them the image of the throuple in the Hanshi rose in his mind and he chased it away along with his embarrassment and focused on his sister.

Jiang Yanli always had a kind smile but there was something different about it this time. Nothing bad as far as he could tell, maybe happier? He tilted his head and he gasped, it seemed to summon the peacock who appeared next to her and put a hand on Shijie's lower back.

The rest of the Jin delegation, consisting of the sect leader, the peacock's annoying cousin and others he didn't know went on ahead and he wasn't sad to see them go but Jin Guangyao stayed behind and stepped up on the other side of Shijie with his usual smile but he got the feeling it was to protect her.

Shijie told him in the past that the two of them got along really well and it even improved the relationship between the half-brothers tremendously.

He ignored them, glancing down at his sister's stomach and up again with a question in his eyes. When her smile brightened even more he wanted to pull her into another hug but settled for taking her hands. “Really?”

She laughed. “Really. A-Xian, you're going to be an uncle.”

Chapter Text

He was still grinning like a loon an hour later as he got ready for the welcoming banquet in their guestroom. Shijie made him promise not to tell anyone because aside from the people there earlier no one knew yet and they wanted to inform their respective families when they were ready. Of course he'd respect that but it meant he had to get his face under control before he ran into anyone.

He took a couple deep breaths and forced his facial muscles to do what he wanted. He was sufficiently distracted by Lan Zhan, who put on one of his more elaborate robes for the occasion and it made him look ethereal. Not able to resist he stole a kiss and regrettably had to pull away when Lan Zhan wanted to draw him closer.

“The others are probably already waiting.”

“Mn,” Lan Zhan said and he was sure he wasn't imagining the petulant note he heard. Grinning he grabbed Lan Zhan's hand and pulled him toward the door. When they stepped out he could see a sea of white down the hall and headed over there.

Lan Qiren gave them a nod and Lan Xichen a warm smile as they stepped up to them and soon their delegation was on the way to the banquet hall with the Lan family leading and the other disciples falling in behind. He bit his lip and tried to fall behind, sure he was supposed to find a place among the other disciples but Lan Zhan wouldn't let go of his hand.

He was tense for a while but no one protested his place among the leading family and he relaxed, picking up his usual easy chatter, only quieting down when they reached the imposing double doors leading to a large hall beyond, already filled with guests.

He could see Lan Xichen's face light up in the same way it did earlier when they met the Jin delegation and even Nie Mingjue's softened into something less intimidating when he spotted the fellow sect leader. As one the Lan delegation bowed in greeting to their host and he joined with half a beat delay, wondering if there was some silent cue he missed.

“Mingjue, thank you for having us.”

“Always,” Nie Mingjue said and lay a hand on Lan Xichen's shoulder. The single word was filled with warmth and he threw a quick glance at Lan Qiren, sure he couldn't miss their closeness but the Grandmaster's expression didn't change in the least.

“Wei-Xiong.” Nie Huaisang popped up behind his brother waving his closed fan in greeting. He stepped over to him, Lan Zhan still at his side and greeted his friend in turn, slinging an arm around his shoulder. “Nie-Xiong now that we're finally here can you share what riveting competition you came up with this year? The curiosity has been killing me.”

But Nie Huaisang was distracted by something else, growing pale and pulling away from his side until his arm slid of his shoulder. Confused he followed his gaze but only found Lan Zhan, nothing to be frightened of, he shrugged it off. Nie Huaisang opened his fan and partially hid his face behind it. “It breaks my heart to disappoint but I can't, tomorrow your curiosity will finally be sated.”

“What, not even a hint? And after our long years of friendship...”

He trailed off as the fine hairs on the back of his neck rose, he felt someone watching him and when he looked over his shoulder he could see Madam Yu glaring at him.

The Jiangs had arrived.

The Lans moved aside to let them greet their hosts and Lan Zhan led him over to the rest of his family. Lan Qiren looked grim and even Lan Xichen's smile cooled considerably, he looked between them confused.

Even more so when the Jiangs turned to them and there was no warm greeting coming forth from Lan Xichen to answer to Jiang-Shushu's. Instead the temperature in the room seemed to drop by a couple degrees. The Jiangs bowed and he hurried to do the same but Lan Zhan squeezed his hand and held him back and the rest of the disciples took their cue from their leaders, not a single one of them returning the show of respect to the Jiang's.

Murmurs sprang up among the guests already there, the awkwardness palpable and his hands grew cold and damp as he watched the Jiangs straightening up. Jiang-Shushu was clearly perplexed and Jiang Cheng threw him a questioning look as a slight flush spread on his cheeks, which meant he felt humiliated, he could only shake his head to show he didn't know what was going on either. Jiang Cheng's expression darkened but his vision was blocked by white and silky hair when his husband took a single step forward, his profile looking grim.

He didn't dare look at Madam Yu for her reaction, not that he needed to when she spoke and he could hear the crackle coming from Zidian in it's ring form. “The Lan Sect is known for their impeccable manners and yet. I always said Wei Wuxian would be the ruin of any sect he joined, now perhaps others will see the truth clearly.”

He shrank into himself at the vitriol hitting him like a strike from Zidian but hurting more.

“Do not address Wuxian again,” was all Lan Xichen said before he turned his back on Madam Yu and headed toward their seats. He was stumbling along, shell shocked. The murmurs grew, all eyes were on them and he felt them like needles sticking into his skin.

What the hell was that?

Why would they...

Without Lan Zhan's hand on his he wasn't sure he would have reached the right spot. They were sat across the Jins and he had no choice but to look at his Shijie who gave him questioning looks. She must be so confused, she didn't know that the Lans thought he was abused. His heart plummeted to his stomach. He couldn't tell her that. She'd be so hurt.

He didn't hear a word of whatever Nie Mingjue said to welcome them and when the dishes were brought out he had lost any semblance of appetite but he forced down a few bites because of his promise, everything tasted like ash. Hours passed like that. Lan Zhan threw him concerned looks but the smiles he could muster lacked any of their usual luster.

He never thought a day would come he'd welcome the Lan bedtime with open arms but it meant they left early. As they passed by the Jiangs his eyes were drawn in like a black hole popped up over there, irresistibly pulling at him. Jiang Cheng was talking to Nie Huaisang but he didn't seem more angry than usual, which was still a lot. Jiang-Shushu was avoiding his eyes and that hurt but worst of all was Madam Yu, the moment their eyes met Zidian began to crackle and he wasn't sure he ever saw her like that, even her eyes seemed to crackle with lightning.

His steps faltered but then his line of sight was once again blocked by a Lan, this time it was Lan Qiren but he only breathed easier when they left the hall and made their way to their respective rooms. Once the door closed behind them Lan Zhan turned to him.

“You're quiet.”

The room was spinning and he remembered to suck in a breath. “What was that? She's so angry. I-”

“She can't hurt you. Never again.”

He stared at his husband and it dawned on him. “You all did that because of me? Lan Zhan, what the hell? I'm not worth-”

He was silenced by Lan Zhan kissing him but when he pulled away he tried again. “I'm serious, Lan Zhan. You need to apologize.”

Lan Zhan looked like he just told him to eat dog shit and his lips twitched at the sight.

“No.”

“What do you mean 'no'?”

“They are the ones in the wrong, now they have to live with the consequences.”

Wouldn't it be nice if it were that simple? “But the one that has to life with the consequences is me. How can I show my face in Lotus Pier or to the Jiangs when you don't show them any respect?”

Lan Zhan's jaw had a stubborn tilt to it. “Don't. You have us.” It rubbed him in the wrong way, he grew irritated.

“For how long?”

Lan Zhan stared at him. “What?”

“How long until all of you decide that I'm too much trouble, until you realize I'm not worth it? What then? I'll have nowhere to go.”

“Never.”

He scoffed.

Lan Zhan took his hands and he thought about pulling away but didn't. “Never, I swear.”

He said it so earnestly, too. He had no doubt Lan Zhan meant it but life never worked out like that for him. He didn't want to fight, so he just hummed and started to get ready for bed. Lan Zhan watched him a moment longer. “Wei Ying, you're my husband. You'll always have a place with me. I'll always take care of you.”

He smiled at his husband and it was more genuine than any of the ones in the hours before but while Lan Zhan fell asleep promptly at nine he lay awake. Of course Lan Zhan felt like that, he has always been dutiful, so of course he'd feel obligated to take care of his spouse no matter who they were.

He tried to sleep but he turned and twisted and no matter how hard he tried his eyes just wouldn't stay closed, instead he turned around and watched Lan Zhan sleep. He really was beautiful. Heat pooled low in his stomach as he watched him. Maybe he should wake him. Lan Zhan did say he would always take care of him.

He was already reaching out when he froze. Wait. Does that mean he feels like he has to have sex with me? He felt sick. All this time did Lan Zhan feel obligated to have sex with him? Like it was part of his husbandly duties?

Thinking of all the times they slept together it occurred to him that it was always him who initiated things. His eyes stung and the nausea grew worse. It was always him, not once did Lan Zhan initiate anything. Maybe a few kisses but nothing more intimate.

Shit. He always thought he wouldn't pressure his spouse into anything they didn't want and yet he unwittingly had.

He pulled back his hand and turned the other way, staring out into the dark room while he swore to himself he would stop. From now on he wouldn't force himself on Lan Zhan.

*

He didn't sleep all night but he pretended to when he felt Lan Zhan stir behind him. It must be five. He could hear Lan Zhan get ready for the day. His husband usually let him sleep in as long as possible before he'd wake him. That day he wished he wouldn't, lying there and listening to him putter around the room was torture.

He felt sick to his stomach with guilt. He wanted to apologize for what he made Lan Zhan do but he already knew Lan Zhan would tell him that there was no need, that it was his duty to take care of him and he couldn't bear hearing that.

A couple hours later Lan Zhan came over and he forced himself to breath evenly as Lan Zhan brushed loose strands of hair away from his face before he gently shook his shoulder and called his name.

I was difficult to act as groggy as he usually did upon waking but he must have managed. Just as he finished getting ready breakfast was brought for them and he scarfed it down without tasting anything. It would be time for the competition soon and maybe that would manage to distract him.

Two hours later he found himself in front of a wooden pavillion which had seating for the sect leaders with TV screens set up in front. Other temporary pavillions were set up to the left and a forest located to his right.

The sect leaders were always excluded from joining in the competitions, instead they talked about matters concerning intersect relations. Or just catching up. He knew Nie Mingjue hated being banned from participating which was probably the cause of his sourly expression as Nie Huaisang explained the rules to the rows of disciples in front of him. The Lans were closest to the forest and he tried to spot Jiang Cheng but it was near impossible through the rows of Nie and Jin cultivators. All he could make out were purple robes.

He didn't have a chance to talk to Jiang Cheng or Shijie yet and now it had to wait until the competition was over.

“Inside the forest there are many creatures roaming. Some might be easy to slay others harder, accordingly there will be different values of points assigned for the slaying of each. The participant with the highest number of points by the end will win.”

He frowned as he listened. That was a pretty standard set of rules for a competition, there must be a catch otherwise Nie Huaisang wouldn't have played the competition up in the months before.

“This year we thought we might try something new as well,” Nie Huaisang said as he held up a drone. “Each participant is going to be followed by a live streaming drone, replacing the signal flares of the past.” Nice, but he studied his friend with narrowed eyes. There was still something more. “There are also numerous traps and fake creatures spread out, if a participant falls for one of these points will be deducted. If one falls into a negative point score they will be disqualified immediately.”

He paused for dramatic effect and some of the disciples fidgeted. He smiled. Nie Huaisang was right, this did make the competition different from others, not only did they have to accumulate as many points as possible but they needed to be smart about it as well or they might get kicked out. On top of that cheating became near impossible with drones live streaming their every move.

“You'll have four hours." They spread out at the edge of the forest. "Your time begins now.” Nie Huaisang sounded like the perfect TV host and spread his arm in an inviting gesture towards the forest.

The sea of disciple lurched forward, all hurrying to take the lead. He was justled as he ran, until he felt Lan Zhan pull him loser by the arm, giving them more room to move. "Tha-" In front of him he could see a disciple step on a talisman and the writing lit up into a red glow. In a split second decision he pushed Lan Zhan away and then jumped back himself. Lan Zhan was in the clear and he barely made it out of range before the array activated, trapping a handful participants inside.

Their drones made grating buzzer sounds, they were already disqualified. No one expected a trap right out the gate but it was just like Nie Huaisang. With that in mind he jumped up to a thick branch on one of the trees and swung himself up. He waved at Lan Zhan with both arms who was looking around for him. "See you later, Lan Zhan," he called over the cracking of twigs and rustling of leaves. When their eyes caught, Lan Zhan gave a nod and turned away to head deeper into the forest, the flutter of his white robes soon disappearing between the trees.

He made his own way into the forest using the canopy of the trees and even that wasn't entirely safe, he found a couple talismans that would have glued him to the tree if he tripped the traps. It was funny as hell when he thought about others stuck to a tree like a fly in resin but he didn't want that to be him so he carefully studied the trees before juming between them. 

Just as he got ready to make another jump he heard the crying of a small child and he froze. Another trap? There was no way there as an actual child in the forest filled with beasts. Or perhaps...

The crying grew closer and with a smile he stayed right where he was, hidden in the tree. If he was right his first prey was delivering itself right to him. A couple minutes later, the underbrush rustled and a monster with a human face but an animal like body slunk out on it's four paws. The sound of the crying child came out of it's maw filled with sharp fangs. A yayu, they lured their victims in by pretending to be crying children.

The sound stopped as the yayu lowered it's head sniffing the ground, probably investigating the scent of some wood critter.

Soundlessly he drew Suiban and dropped off the branch. The yayu never saw it's demise coming.

*

He was two hours into the competition and already took care of a number of monsters and spirits.

Quickly he realized that the use of drones had another effect aside from watching them, without the signal flares it was impossible to keep track of how the other participants were doing or their position. There was no estimating how many points they might have or how many from each sect got disqualified. It was devious without being obvious.

He was so caught up in his thoughts that he almost didn't see the soft glint of light catching on a thin wire a couple of inches above the forest floor. He froze with his foot in the air and scanned around for the trap. There, hidden beneath old leaves was a net, no doubt ready to swoop him up if he broke the wire. But the trap might be sprung even if he stepped on the net itself.

Aware of the drone hovering behind him he took a couple steps back and somersaulted over the trap with a running start. He landed on the other side of it facing the drone with a grin and his arms raised like a gymnast at the Olympics.

Laughing as he imagined the expressions of those watching, he took a step back and the ground crumbled beneath his foot as he put his weight on it. With wheeling arms he fell back into the hole that just opened up in the ground.

He managed to turn the backward motion into a back flip landing on his feet at least. Dust was thrown up into the air by the crumbling ground and he waved a hand to help it dissipate as he looked around the cavernous space he found himself in.

Hearing the whirring of the drone he looked up and saw it follow him down through the hole that was at least five meters above. Not an obstacle for him to get out with Suiban but his curiosity was spiked.

When the dust finally settled he realized that he wasn't in a cave like he first thought but a man made structure. There were tiles underneath his feet, pillars holding up the ceiling, and those openings in the walls were doorways.

He should get back to the competition, he knew he should, but he was already here and he still had two hours, it couldn't hurt to explore a bit.

With that thought he set off toward one of the doorways, marking it with Suiban just in case. It was a regular sized room with stone coffins lining the wall up to the ceiling. A tomb then. At the end of the room there was another doorway leading to another room just like this. And on and on it went. He was beginning to get bored and was thinking about going back when he stepped into a chamber that housed a single coffin in the center and no ther way out than the one he came from.

With his curiosity renewed he stepped up to it but there was no inscription on the lid, nothing to identify who might be inside and he wouldn't open it. He watched too many horror movies in his life to think that was a good idea. Besides he still had a competition to get back to and this tomb was on Nie land perhaps Nie Huaisang could tell him more about it later.

Decision made he turned away and promptly tripped over a raised tile. His boot scraped over the ground and he saw that it was not only dirt that was scratched away, there was an array on the ground and he just broke a line.

He could feel resentful energy burst out of the coffin behind him and he closed his eyes as he groaned. They flew back open when he heard the scrape of stone on stone behind him and whirled around. The lid of the coffin was moving and and a bony hand covered in strips of dried flesh appeared in the opening.

If he wasn't a cultivator this would be the moment he'd start running while screaming his head off. Instead he waited for the fierce corpse to get out of the coffin, Suiban at the ready. Once it stepped out of the coffin it attacked and with a neat strike he beheaded it, the corpse teetering for a moment before it fell.

He really should get back to the competition.

He was halfway through the next room when he once again heard the scraping of stone, only this time not from a single source but dozens. Once again he raised Suiban and struck down one fierce corpse after another but more swarmed in through the doorway. He tried to estimate how many rooms there might have been, how many coffins he passed and paled when he realized there must have been hundreds.

The room was getting crowded and he changed tactics, dodging as he ran. He needed to get back to the chamber he started in, otherwise he would run out of room to move and if he couldn't move they'd tear him to shreds. That was not a way he wanted to go. He hacked of hands snatching at his clothes as he ran.

He forced his way through a sea of bodies room after room until he finally burst into the wide open space of the first chamber with the circle of light in the center from the hole he crashed through. His robes sported smudges of dirt and rips where rotting hands gripped them, he noticed as he spun around to face the doorway.

The fierce corpses were right on his heels, streaming out of the dark opening, tripping over each other as they rushed him. Once again he found himself surrounded but now he had enough room could cut them down easier, didn't need to worry abou Suiban getting caught on a wall or the ceiling.

He fought and fought. It dragged on endlessly, each corpse he struck down replaced by another. They moved through the chamber as he dodged and spun and wielded Suiban. His breath was frowing short and still there was no end in sight. His back and arms screamed in protest but he ignored it. When he had a split second to look around there were still too many corpses to count and sooner or later he would run out of spiritual energy, sooner or later he wouldn't be able to keep fighting and he didn't know if it would be before or after the last corpse dropped.

He knew he had another option but he was uncomfortably aware of the drone still following his every step.

Lan Zhan's face as he told him he couldn't lose him rose in his mind's eye and with a string of curses he sheathed Suiban and pulled out Chenqing, finally having decided on a name for the dizi. He licked his lips to moisten them and brought the dizi up.

From one moment to the next a chilling note rose in the chamber and the fierce corpses stumbled and froze.

His heart hammered as he noticed the claws coming to a stop just inches away from his throat. It was the first time he tried controlling so many corpses at once and he couldn't allow himself a single mistake. He closed his eyes, focused on his playing and on the all encompassing resentful energy he needed to bend to his will.

Dissipate.

He made the order as clear and simple as he could.

Dissipate.

He kept playing and flinched when he heard the thuds of bodies hitting the ground.

Dissipate.

He had no idea how long he kept playing, his jaw first hurting and then beginning to grow numb. He had lost all feeling in his fingers when he finally, finally sensed the last of the resentful energy listen to his command.

With a final note he stopped playing and dropped down on his butt, his whole body shaking with exhaustion and gazing at the corpse littered ground as he waited for everything to stop spinning.

He jumped when there was the sound of chimes and he looked up at the drone. It was the signal that the time was up. The competition was over. With a sigh he levered himself up on shaking legs and pulled out Suiban, flew up out of the cave and then headed for the edge of the forest. He barely cleared the tops of the trees when he found himself surrounded by Nie cultivators. He'd like to say he was shocked to see that his use of demonic cultivation elicited this reaction but he'd be lying.

“Wei Wuxian.”

“That's me.”

He braced himself for the accusations and insults coming his way.

“Are you alright? Nie-Zongzhu sent us to back you up.” The man who spoke looked almost as large as his sect leader and his eyes wandered over him with concern before he relaxed, the others following suit. “But apparently you didn't need it.” He clapped him on the back and it almost threw him off his sword with how shaky he still felt or maybe it was the surprise at not being dragged off like a criminal.

Together they made their way back, joined by Lan Zhan when he spotted them in the air. “What happened,” he asked with a frown as he looked him over, no doubt noticing his exhaustion and the state of his robes.

“I'll tell you later.” They might be accepting enough but he didn't want to go into detail with the Nie cultivators in listening distance.

As soon as the landed Lan Xichen rushed over grabbing him by the shoulders and checking him over. “Are you alright?”

He barely got out his assurances when Nie Mingjue stopped in front of him and bowed, he choked on his spit. “My apologies. You found yourself in a dangerous situation because we weren't cautious enough.” Apparently the tomb was used by Nie cultivators from hundreds of years ago to seal away fierce corpses. No one had expected one of the participants of the competition to stumble inside or wreck the arrays.

“That's me, always sticking my nose where it doesn't belong.” He laughed but stopped when Madam Yu spoke up from the left, having come over from the speactator's seats. “And causing everyone trouble while you do.”

Lan Xichen turned toward her, looking miffed, which for him probably meant he was furious. “Your opinion is unwanted. Nor will I have you insult a cultivator of my sect and more importantly my brother-in-law like that. Be warned that I will not let a third time go.”

Whatever Madam Yu wanted to answer they didn't hear, Jiang-Shushu appeared apologizing for her while she scoffed, leading her away after. Not once did he look at him and he had to swallow disappointment. Apparently Jiang-Shushu finally acquiesced to Madam Yu's demands to cut ties with him. At least he still had his siblings. He flinched. Did he? He didn't know if Jiang Cheng still saw him as his brother but he was sure Shijie did.

Chapter Text

There was a bit of a wait for everyone to return and for the organizers to count the points during which they all could partake in some snacks and drinks in the set up pavilions. Lan Zhan, of course, chose tea but when he noticed cooled soft drinks he quickly snatched one up. They settled in a corner where the spring sun could warm their faces and was far enough away from potentially prying ears, some of the other participants throwing them curious looks.

He used the time to fill Lan Zhan in, who looked more worried the longer he kept talking despite him downplaying it as much as was reasonable without lying, there was footage after all. If Lan Zhan checked it any lie he told would be obvious and more importantly he didn't want to lie to his husband.

He ended with “I'm fine, no injuries.” He did a slow spin with his arms thrown wide so Lan Zhan could see for himself but the small line was still between his brows. “A bit tired maybe.” Exhausted would be more accurate but he knew his husband would then insist on having healers check him over and he didn't want to miss how he placed. Before that whole misadventure with the tomb he had a good chance to place top three, now he hoped for top ten but he missed out on two hours of hunting time so the odds weren't in his favor.

“I should have been there.”

He was startled out of his musings by the quiet words. “Lan Zhan, don't. We both wanted to compete and no one could have known trouble would come looking.” He should have, trouble always stuck close to his heels but there was no need to mention that, Lan Zhan already felt responsible for him and it'd only get worse if he did.

Lan Zhan opened his mouth, no doubt to say something righteous and good that would give him heart palpitations but that was when a gong called them to assemble. They were about to announce the winner.

He grew excited, if not for his own place then for Lan Zhan's. After grabbing his hand he pulled his husband to his feet and dragged him off to where the disciples assembled. They stopped near Lan Xichen who was still with the other sect leaders and gave them a warm smile when he spotted them.

Nie Mingjue watched him and his eyes were soft, it was clear how much he loved Lan Xichen.

Speaking of he wondered where Jin Guangyao was, he hadn't seen him in a while, he hadn't participated and he wasn't anywhere around the other Jin disciples. He let his eyes wander and spotted a lone golden figure on the edge of the proceedings. He was looking at his two partners as well but his face looked frozen, a hard line replaced his usual smile, at least until he noticed him watching, then it returned as if nothing was amiss. He gave a friendly wave and then turned away.

He didn't think about it further as one of the organizers stepped forward with a tablet in his hands and cleared his throat. Instantly a hush fell over the participants. “Thank you for your patience, I'm sure you're all eager to hear the results. As always the complete rankings and a breakdown of the assigned points will be forwarded by e-mail later.”

They usually only announced the top ten or the whole thing would take forever with close to a hundred participants. Places ten to six were a mix of people from all sects but he was disappointed when he didn't hear his own name. At least the peacock's annoying cousin's name wasn't called either, he couldn't bear to place worse than him, it would be the greatest shame of his life and frankly there was no way that idiot got anywhere close to top five. He'd have to check the e-mail.

“In fifth place, Jin Zixuan with 122 points.”

He clapped politely along with everyone else but the last spark of his hope died a sudden death with the announcement. Whatever, there always was next year.

“In fourth place, Jiang Cheng with 179 points.”

His clapping turned a lot more enthusiastic and he looked over at the Jiang disciples who swarmed his brother to celebrate his win. Jiang Cheng smiled but when the disciples turned away it dropped and the usual line appeared between his eyes. If he had been over there he'd reassure him that placing in the top five was nothing to be disappointed about and not to worry about the tongue lashing Madam Yu would give him for not doing better. Nothing but first place would be acceptable and sometimes he wondered if she'd find something to criticize about that as well, she always did with him after all.

“In third place, Nie Kexin with 183 points.”

He didn't recognize the name so he looked around the assembled Nie disciples and he spotted a young woman with a proud grin, this must be her first year competing and already she placed third. She was definitely someone to keep an eye on in the future.

“In second place, Lan Wangji with 257 points.”

He cheered loudly and jumped his husband slinging his arms around his neck and planted a smacking kiss on his cheek. Lan Zhan's ears turned scarlet and as close as he was he could feel the heat radiating off it. Ooops. He might have forgotten for a second that they were in public, Lan Zhan must be embarrassed. He quickly let go and took a step back but he did take his hands and swung them up and down.

“Congratulations, Lan Zhan, you're amazing.”

Wait. Lan Zhan was in second place. Who could have possibly done better than him? He frowned, no one he could think of. Was there another excellent newbie this year?

“In first place-” He perked up, ready to search out whoever it was in the crowd. “Wei Wuxian with 404 points.”

The crowd fell silent, he could hear the birds twittering in the branches, before they exploded into applause scaring the birds into flight while he stood frozen unsure if he heard correctly. There must be a mistake.

It took a while for the noise to die down but once it did there was a snap and all eyes turned toward the sect leaders where Jin Guangshan had closed his fan with force and tapped it against his chin. “I don't see how that is possible, Wei Wuxian was in that tomb for most of the competition.”

Lan Xichen turned toward him. “Where he defeated a great number of fierce corpses and was awarded the corresponding points.”

“With the use of demonic cultivation. Shouldn't he instead be disqualified? At the very least those points should not be counted.” He looked around the sect leaders for support with a smile but found none. Finally he turned to Nie Mingjue. “Surely, you agree as the organizer.”

Nie Mingjue shrugged but his face was hard as he regarded his fellow sect leader. “The use of demonic cultivation was not forbidden. Wei Wuxian didn't break any rules.”

He squirmed where he stood but Jin Guangshan didn't say any more so it looked like his win was legit and he turned when he felt a hand squeeze his shoulder. Lan Zhan smiled at him and his heart skipped. It wasn't one of those barely there smiles either, on anyone else it would be beaming. His eyes were soft as he looked at him.

“Congratulations, Wei Ying.”

He wanted to look at that smile a whole lot more but something behind Lan Zhan caught his eye, namely a figure in purple robes stalking off. “Thanks, Lan Zhan,” he said with sincerity. “I'm gonna talk to Jiang Cheng real quick.”

Lan Zhan's smile dropped off his face. “I'll come with you.”

He laughed and shook his head. With the frosty way they treated the Jiangs that was decidedly not a good idea. “I'll be right back, don't tell me you can't be apart from me for even a moment?” Lan Zhan's expression became blank, he couldn't read it but he used the chance to skip away. “I'll be right back.”

After he followed the wooded path Jiang Cheng walked off on for a while he found him leaning against a tree , one hand covering his face but as soon as he heard someone approach he dropped it and schooled his face. At least until he saw that it was him, then the anger broke through.

“What? You came to gloat?”

“I came to talk to my brother.”

Jiang Cheng scoffed and crossed his arms. “So you still call yourself that, even after you fucked off to the Lans. After everything my parents did for you, you just threw us away when it was convenient.” His voice grew louder with every word until he was nearly shouting.

“I didn't,” he said calmly. There was no point for this to devolve into a screaming match. “They arranged that marriage, I didn't have a choice in the matter.”

“Don't fucking lie. You look disgustingly chummy with Lan Wangji for someone you had no choice but to marry.”

Seriously? “You're angry because I'm not miserable with Lan Zhan?” Blood rushed in his ears and he grit his teeth.

“I'm angry because my 'brother' broke all his promises to help me lead the sect.”

“I had no choice in the matter, Jiang Cheng. Do you think Madam Yu would have let me stay another day if I'd said no?”

“Fuck you. That never stopped you from doing anything you wanted. I can't believe you're lying to me about this. Just admit you wanted to be married off to the Lans. Is it the money? Do they pay you more? Or is it because they let you show off however much you want?”

His eyes stung. He was used to hear hurtful things from Jiang Cheng when he was angry but did he really think he cared more about money than him and Shijie? “I'm not showing off.”

Jiang Cheng laughed but it was cold, not a single trace of humor to be found in it. “Tell that someone who hasn't known you for five minutes. I wonder how long Lan Wangji will put up with you and your bullshit.”

The blow lands worse than Zidian. He winced. This was a mistake, Jiang Cheng was still too angry, still too hurt to listen to anything he said, like a wounded animal that was cornered and couldn't discern those wanting to harm from those wanting to help.

He sighed and turned away, walking back the way he came. Jiang Cheng was soon hidden behind trees as the path curved. Stopping he used the chance to take a couple deep breaths. He needed to calm down before he rejoined Lan Zhan or he might notice something was off. The last thing he needed was the relationship between the Lans and Jiangs getting even worse because of him.

Just as he finally felt ready to go back he heard a fight break out behind him. Did something get out of the forest? It shouldn't be possible, it was warded to heaven. He was already running the way he came earlier, drawing Suiban, ready to help. As he rounded the bend he saw his brother curled up on the ground. He ran faster.

Jiang Cheng was writhing in agony, curled into a tight ball and pained whimpers escaped through his brother's gritted teeth as he fell to the ground next to him, his knees taking most of the impact, the rest shooting up his spine. He ignored it in favor of looking around quickly to make sure there wasn't a threat nearby. Whatever attacked Jiang Cheng was already gone.

His brother was pale, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

“What happened?

There was no answer, Jiang Cheng only curled up tighter. His stomach? Chest? Abdomen? He couldn't see any blood. Was it internal? He grabbed one of Jiang Cheng's arms and pried it away from where it was pressed against his midsection, his brother fighting him all the way. He still couldn't see anything but now he could reach his wrist, laying two fingers on his pulse point he sent out a tendril of spiritual energy.

He might not be a healer but he should be at least be able to figure out where he was hurt.

Frowning he sent out more energy, there wasn't any wound. The next moment he froze, the energy he sent should have reached Jiang Cheng's golden core already. He focused more on his lower dantian but nothing. There was nothing, not a single trace of his golden core, a black hole was all that remained where it should have sat.

He checked again and again.

That couldn't be, he must be doing something wrong, or there was something hiding his core from him. It couldn't be just gone. But whatever was wrong he wouldn't be able to help. Using the arm in his grip he levered Jiang Cheng into a fireman's carry and flew off on Suiban, cutting the short trip back down even more.

He was shouting for a healer before his feet touched the ground. People rushed in to help, taking Jiang Cheng. A healer checked his wrist and blanched.

His heart plummeted.

*

He was pacing in their guestroom. It had been a day and there was no word on Jiang Cheng. He'd tried to follow as they took him to the infirmary but the healers wouldn't let him come and whenever he tried to visit afterwards, he was stopped by abashed looking Jiang sect disciples.

They wanted to tell him what was going on, but either they didn't know themselves or Madam Yu made sure they wouldn't. Sixth Shidi finally admitted that she told them not to let him through when he came.

He had tried texting Shijie but she didn't see it yet and he didn't want to blow up her phone. The only news he got came from Nie Huaisang who told him that the renown Wen healer arrived in the middle of the night with her family. Nie Mingjue wasn't happy to host a relative of Wen Ruohan but even he admitted that none of that branch of the family had anything to do with his crimes.

And if anyone had the right to hate the Wens it was the Nies, their father died at Wen Ruohan's hands during the sect leader's attack. As far as he knew Nie Mingjue was there to witness it and making him one of the youngest sect leaders to date. Nie Huaisang was too young to be there at the time but he lost his father all the same.

“Wei Ying.” He startled out of his thoughts, almost stubbing his toe on the bed. “You should rest.”

He laughed but there was no mirth in it. Lan Zhan meant well but there was no way he would be able to sleep until he knew how his brother was doing. What the hell happened?

When it became clear he wouldn't be allowed to visit Jiang Cheng he returned to the spot he found him to look around. There was no trace of what attacked his brother. No disturbance in the underbrush, no claw marks, no blood, no resentful energy. Nothing.

He couldn't help his brother, couldn't see him, couldn't even kill the thing that hurt him. He was so goddamn useless. Something close to a scream build in his lungs but he kept a tight hold on it.

At least until Lan Zhan stepped into his path and drew him into a hug. He pressed his face into Lan Zhan neck and it escaped, turned out it was a sob. His arms came up and he buried the in the white flowy fabric and Lan Zhan only held him tighter in answer, one arm around his waist and the other stroking over the hair at the back of his head. After a while he noticed that Lan Zhan was humming.

His shoulders came down and he melted into Lan Zhan's hold gradually, listening. It was beautiful, a melody full of bittersweet yearning. He felt like he heard it before but he couldn't remember when. He let the notes wash over him, taking his tension along and time became a blur.

He was still worried about his brother, he still felt useless but right then it was more like a slow simmering instead of a pot about to bubble over.

Neither one of them stepped away and he wondered if Lan Zhan would stay like this with him forever if he made no show of letting go when there was a knock on the door. They still didn't move for another moment until he reluctantly pulled away from his husband who studied him and then leaned forward to brush a kiss over his forehead.

It was enough to drive tears into his eyes but he blinked them away quickly at the second knock and Lan Zhan went to open it.

Sixth Shidi was on the other side. “Shixiong, Madam Yu said you can come visit now.” He looked happy on his behalf and while he worried she might have suffered a stroke he wouldn't let this chance pass by.

“Let's go,” he said already moving forward and almost ran into Lan Zhan who blocked the doorway. His posture was rigid as he stared down Sixth Shidi who shrank under the intensity of it. “Madam Yu allowed it.” It sounded more like a statement than a question but the boy nodded quickly.

After a moment he stepped out of the room, looking straight ahead as he spoke. “I'll accompany you.”

His mouth opened automatically to argue but everything about Lan Zhan screamed that he wouldn't be told no. With a sigh he gave up even trying and rushed after Sixth Shidi as he led the way.

*

The infirmary looked much like the one in the Cloud Recesses but somehow less warm, for the life of him he couldn't give a reason for that impression. Not that it mattered as he stepped in and spotted Jiang Cheng still pale resting in bed with Shijie holding his hand. He was awake and it looked like the pain was better as well. His next exhale was long as a lot of anxiety left along with.

Jiang-Shushu was on Jiang Cheng's other side along with Madam Yu whose head snapped up the moment he came through the door but the scathing comment he expected didn't come. She did look angry though as her eyes skipped over him to his husband.

He barely registered Lan Zhan abswering glare as he rushed over to the bed. “Jiang Cheng, how-” The question stuck in his throat. His brother looked gutted. Empty. There was no emotion in his eyes, not even anger.

Helplessly, he turned to Shijie. “Oh A-Xian, his golden core is...”

“Gone,” Jiang Cheng said. The finality of it had him speechless. Gone? It couldn't be just gone. There had to be something they could do.

Madam Yu turned toward him, her voice friendlier than he ever heard it aimed at him before. “There is something I'd like to talk to you about.” She left the room and he followed, Lan Zhan of course stuck to his side and she gave him a nasty look. “I meant to talk to him alone.”

Lan Zhan didn't even answer her just stayed right at his side. She scoffed but continued. “As a matter of fact I talked to the Wen doctor, there is a way to restore A-Cheng's core but it needs your cooperation.”

“Yeah, of course. Anything.”

Her smile sent a shiver down his spine and her next words had his insides freeze over.

“We need your golden core, it will be transplanted to replace the one A-Cheng lost.”

His mind was still trying to catch up when Lan Zhan stepped in front of him. “Absolutely not.”

“And who are you to decide that? Wei Wuxian only has a golden core because the Jiang Sect took him in from the streets and gave him the education to build it. He only ever was a shameless street-rat freeloading on our generosity, finally he has a chance to repay some of what he owes.”

He closed his eyes, feeling the spiritual energy coursing through his meridians, feeling the warm glow of his golden core in his center and tried to commit it to memory.

“I'll do it,” he said once he opened them.

Lan Zhan whirled around to face him. “Wei Ying, no. She cannot demand this of you.”

“I'm offering.” Because she was right, he did owe them and more importantly he wanted to help his brother. What he saw earlier scared him. Seeing Jiang Cheng that devoid of any spark scared him. He was the heir to the Jiang Sect but how could he become sect leader if he no longer was a cultivator? If giving up his golden core was the only way, he would do it.

Whatever he saw in his face had Lan Zhan not even try to argue with him, instead he glared at Madam Yu. “Wei Ying owes you nothing. He was a child. You could just as easily offer your own core to your son.”

He blinked. Oh, he hadn't even thought about that.

Madam Yu scoffed. “Child or not. All he has he gained because of us.” She looked over to him and he wilted under her eyes. Lan Zhan didn't hesitate to step between them.

“His talent, his core, his accomplishments are all his own. You have no right to claim them.”

“No right?,” Madam Yu said, her voice steadily getting louder. "I have more right than you." Zidian began to crackle and he grabbed his husband's hand. He didn't think Madam Yu would actually strike Lan Zhan with Zidian but if he was wrong he was ready to take the blow instead.

Lan Zhan's back straightened impossibly more. “I'm Wei Ying's husband. You however made it clear that Wei Ying means nothing to you. Nor is he part of your sect. He is part if the Gusu Lan. You cannot demand anything of him.”

He could feel the air crackling between them. This needed to stop before it turned into an intersect incident. With raised hands and a disarming smile he went around Lan Zhan. “Okay, okay. How about Lan Zhan and I go for now and-”

“Silence, brat.” Madam Yu's arm swung up into a backhanded slap and he braced himself for the impact, except it never came.

Lan Zhan caught her wrist tight enough to make her wince, not letting go even when she tried pull away. “Let go of me!” Her shout reverberated through the corridor.

“You will not touch Wei Ying.” He took a step forward. The door behind him was opened and he froze but Lan Zhan didn't seem to notice. “You will never hurt him again. You will not take his golden core from him. Xiongzhang already warned you. Now I will as well. If you lay another hand on Wei Ying every injury you caused him will be repaid twofold.” He finally dropped her arm and with a hiss she stepped back.

“A-Xian? What is he talking about...?” Shijie looked between them with confusion, growing pale. “What injuries?”

He opened his mouth to explain it away, find some kind of excuse but nothing came out, his mind blank. He was so focused on her it took him a moment to notice that she was bracing Jiang Cheng. This time he didn't look empty, he was snarling, his face red.

“Wei Wuxian! If you dare try to give me your core I will break your legs and what the fuck is he talking about?” The relief that flooded him at seeing his brother angry was replaced by dread. He shook his head.

“You should be in bed. Go,” a new voice said. They all turned to a severe woman that had come down the corridor without anyone noticing, she was wearing white robes with red sun trimmings.

Jiang Cheng tried to protest but she lifted a single brow. “Either you will get back to bed on your own power or dragged. Your choice.” When he still didn't move she pulled out acupuncture needles, staring at him. To his surprise his brother obeyed with Shijie's help.

Then she looked at all of them, taking in the tension. “Inside, all of you.”

“They are not family, they have no ri-”

“I don't care,” the doctor said, no doubt the famous Wen-Daifu. “It's up to my patient who he allows to visit him, not you.” She looked at said patient. “But I think it would be prudent for everyone to hear what I'm going to discuss with you because apparently you mother can't be trusted not to misconstrue my words.”

She ignored Madam Yu entirely as she raged. “Well?” Jiang Cheng looked at his mother and he was sure he would listen to her as he so often did but then his eyes landed on him and there was something in them that was gone before he could identify it.

“I want my brother here.”

She gave a nod and then introduced herself as Wen Qing before explaining that Jiang Cheng's core was destroyed by a coremelter and silence reigned for a while. No monster but another person. Who would do that? Core melting was a technique that was around for centuries and pretty much illegal as long as that, in top of harming the body there were psychological repercussions which were often worse.

“Luckily the coremelter was inexperienced or perhaps did not have the opportunity to learn the entirety of the technique.”

Jiang Cheng straightened on the bed, eyes hopeful. “So my core isn't gone.”

“No, it is,” she said gently. “But your meridians are intact and I could prevent a lot of scarring in your lower dantian, which makes re-cutlivating a core possible. A transplant isn't necessary, inadvisable even if rejected by the recipient's body.” At his brother's excitement she lifted a hand. “It will be difficult and you shouldn't expect it to grow as strong as the last.”

She talked more about Jiang Cheng's recovery process and how to best re-cultivate but he only heard it in broken shards. A transplant wasn't necessary. He was ready to give up his core, to give up being a cultivator and it wasn't even necessary. He would have done it for his brother no questions asked and without regret.

But...

Madam Yu demanded it of him. She wanted him to give it up and there was no need. For what? Just so Jiang Cheng could safe some time? Because she didn't want him to be weaker than before? He knew Madam Yu hated him but was that the only use she saw in him, a convenient spare part?

“Wei Wuxian?” Jiang Cheng was looking at him with irritation, the concern hidden to anyone who hadn't known him for years. He plastered on a smile. “I'm just going to get some air.” He didn't wait for a response and turned to the door. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Jiang Cheng try to get up but Wen Qing once again lifted the needles threateningly.

Once he was out of sight he ran, though he didn't make it far. The infirmary had a garden with spring flowers in full bloom and he slowed to a walk giving Lan Zhan enough time to catch up.

“Wei Ying.”

He didn't look at his husband but he stopped, arms slung around himself like he tried to hold himself together, to keep the broken parts from spilling out. They didn't stop his mouth. “I'm fine.” It sounded like a lie even to himself. Lan Zhan stiffened but didn't berate him.

“I- Why would she do that to me? If it had been the only way, I would have done it. I would have been happy to help.” But she tried to take away a giant part of his life, his livelihood, his identity, for convenience.

Hot tears spilled out, running down his cheeks and Lan Zhan gave a strangled sound, stepping closer to wipe them away with his thumbs. New ones replaced them immediately and he buried his face in Lan Zhan's shoulder, strong arms coming up to squeeze him tight and it was the only thing keeping him from falling apart completely.

Chapter Text

He didn't know how long he was crying for but when the tears finally dried his eyes felt puffy and the skin around them sore. Lan Zhan was still holding him and he mumbled into his shoulder.

“Hm?”

Reluctantly he turned his face a bit to make his words intelligible. “Thank you. And sorry for crying all over you.”

Lan Zhan kissed the top of his head. “There is no need for thanks or apologies between us.”

He hummed and stayed where he was.

“Would you like to talk about it?”

Nope. He couldn't imagine wanting to do anything less. He grimaced into the wet spot he left on the pristine white robes. Lan Zhan would call all of it abuse again.

Wouldn't he be right, though?

He startled. No. No, it wasn't true. Was it? His mind simultaneously tried to shy away from and latch on to the thought, resulting in a disorienting tug of war with himself.

It left him dizzy and he was sure he imagined the sudden weight hanging off his leg. Confused he glanced down and found a child looking up at him with big dark eyes rimmed with tears.

“Oh, hi.” On instinct he reached out to the boy, still a toddler that clung tighter to his leg until he realized that he wasn't trying to push him away but pick him up. The child let go at the last moment and then encircled his neck with his short arms. “A-Die, A-Die.” The boy began to cry in earnest and his heart clenched, then soared, then dropped.

Lan Zhan drew in a sharp breath next to him but he focused on the wailing boy in his arms. “Little one, are you lost?” He didn't get a verbal answer but his head moved in the approximation of a nod. “Okay, no worries. We'll find your grown-ups.” And he had a good hunch where to start, the child wore the same red trimmed robes as Wen Qing. He didn't look forward to getting anywhere close to Madam Yu again but a lost child was more important.

“What's your name?”

The child loosened his grip a bit and leaned far enough back to look him in the face, tears still running down his face but slowed nearly to a stop. “A-Yuan.”

“Nice to meet you A-Yuan, I'm Wei Ying and that is my husband Lan Zhan.” He gave no indication that he wanted to be let down and he didn't mind carrying him so he started back in the direction of the infirmary with Lan Zhan in tow who was staring at them. He lifted a brow in question and Lan Zhan's mouth opened and then closed without a single word.

He chuckled and turned back to A-Yuan, telling him about the time he was racing his brother in the lake at Lotus Pier when he saw a young man and an old woman rush down the path. Both were dressed in what apparently were the Wen Sect's robes and changed direction toward them.

The young man spotted them first, not slowing down his run until he reached them and once he did he doubled over a bit, his breath coming harsh and wheezing. A coughing fit hit him before he spoke. “A-A-Yuan. Y-You can't just run off like that.”

The toddler in his arms looked chagrined, his bottom lip wobbling as he apologized. The old woman joined them as well and introduced herself as Popo and with red cheeks after some gentle admonishing from her the young man turned out to be Wen Ning, he didn't like to be called by his courtesy name and they introduced themselves in turn.

They had lost sight of A-Yuan as he played in the garden and he was reminded of the time he lost Lan Jingyi, apparently disappearing was a talent of young children everywhere.

“Thank y-you for t-t-taking care of him,” Wen Ning said and held his arms out to A-Yuan but A-Yuan didn't let go. His small hands fisted in his robes. “A-Die.” It felt like his heart was squeezed in a fist but in a good way.

Popo's face fell and she spoke kindly. “A-Yuan, do you remember when we talked about your A-Die and A-Niang? How they love you very much but aren't with us any more?”

A-Yuan nodded. “They met Meng Po and went over the bridge.”

Oh. Oh, no.

She held her arms out to him as well but still A-Yuan wouldn't let go. He was beginning to feel like he didn't want to let the child go either but he wasn't A-Yuan's A-Die so he quickly knelt down trying to set him down. While A-Yuan was standing on his own feet he still wouldn't let go of him and he wouldn't do something as heartless as pry him off.

He looked around helplessly and Lan Zhan answered his silent plea, kneeling down next to them, putting a gentle hand on A-Yuan's back when he didn't shy away from the touch. “You want to stay with Wei Ying?” A-Yuan nodded. “Understandable, but your family loves you and want you to go with them.” The boy looked between him and said family with an adorably conflicted face. After a moment Lan Zhan hummed. “How about a compromise? You go with your family and you will meet Wei Ying again another time.”

“Promise?”

Lan Zhan looked to the Wen's for confirmation. “Yes.”

A-Yuan looked up at him. “I promise, too,” he said with a laugh.

At last he let go, only to attach himself to Lan Zhan's leg and the sight did something funny to his insides. “You, too?” Lan Zhan patted his head as he promised to come see him again as well and soon with plans to meet the next day they left.

*

They all stayed another day, the Nie Sect was busy investigating what happened and the relationship between the Jiang and Lan Sects, if it could even be called that, deteriorated further.

Lan Zhan warned him that he would talk to his brother about Madam Yu's demands and while it made him queasy he understood. Lan Xichen had basically warned her to stay away from him, not only did she ignore said warning but as he was no longer officially part of the Jiang Sect, she had no ground to demand his core from him, nor did she discuss it with Lan Xichen either.

He chose not to go with Lan Zhan, waiting in their guestroom instead and tried to work on a talisman that would ensure cell service no matter where he was but mixing technology and spiritual energy was difficult at the best of times and his mind was even more scattered than usual.

When there was a knock on the door he got up to open it, thinking it was Lan Zhan and only when it wasn't did he realize that it was Lan Zhan's room as well and he wouldn't knock in the first place. Instead he was faced with Shijie and Jiang Cheng.

His brother stood under his own power today, color had returned to his face and a scowl had replaced the forlorn expression from before.

He swallowed. He hadn't returned to the infirmary the day before and he could imagine why his siblings came.

“Can we come in, A-Xian? We'd like to talk.”

He gave a stiff nod and let them in and before he could blink Shijie folded him into her arms, gently patting his head. “I'm so sorry. After you left yesterday we talked to Mo-Madam Yu.”

He froze in her arms and his breath wouldn't leave his lungs.

A moment later Shijie's breath hitched and she began to sob quietly. “A-Xian, we didn't know. I swear, we didn't. Please forgive us.” Without hesitation he adjusted their position until he was the one holding his sister and he tucked her head under his chin, rocking her slightly.

It gave him the chance to glance at his brother who looked livid but not at him, when their eyes met he looked like he was about to throw up. It was an interesting combination of emotions. Not one he had seen before.

“I- Why the fuck didn't you say anything? All this time she... And I did whatever she wanted. I'm sorry. I-” He growled and stomped over. It looked like he was going to hit him or maybe shake him, instead he opened his arms wrapping them around both of them, joining the hug.

They stood there like that for a while and finally Shijie's tears dried up. When they stepped apart he felt lighter, like they took some heavy burden from his heart. He never wanted them to find out but now that they did he felt better.

“There's nothing to forgive.”

“There is. We should have been there for our brother. We should have protected you. Dad should have stopped her. Instead we all let her do as she pleased.”

“Of course I forgive you, you didn't know.”

“And whose fucking fault is that?” Jiang Cheng went to hit his shoulder but changed the motion halfway through instead patting his shoulder in the most awkward show of affection he ever witnessed. He couldn't help the peals of laughter breaking out him.

“You-” His brother flushed and glared at him but only crossed his arms.

“What he means is we'd like to hear from you what happened but only when you're ready to tell us.”

Well, that would be never. He didn't want to burden his siblings further and Madam Yu probably did not hesitate to tell them exactly what her punishments entailed. Instead he made all of them tea and they sat down, talking about this and that.

“I swear, little white fluffballs are hopping around that clearing. I'll show you when you come visit.”

“I still say you're bullshitting.” Jiang Cheng studied him as he leaned back in his seat.

He could hear the door open and turned around to greet his husband. He wasn't alone. Behind a glaring Lan Zhan was his brother along with a suit-wearing man he had seen around the Cloud Recesses but didn't know the name of.

They all got up to greet the newcomers and Lan Zhan relaxed after he took in his easy smile. As if taking cues from his brother Lan Xichen smiled at his siblings and even returned their bow, Jiang Cheng looking surprised at the regained courtesy.

“Young Madam Jin, Jiang-Gongzi, while it's nice to see you paying Wuxian a visit I'm afraid there is something important that we need to discuss.”

Jiang Cheng bristled. “And what would that be?”

“Gusu Lan related matters.” Lan Xichen still smiled but the friendly worded 'none of your business' came across clearly nonetheless.

“We understand. We will take our leave for now,” Shijie said and hugged him again. “I'll see you soon.”

Soon after his siblings left he was introduced to Sun Haoyu. “I represent the Gusu Lan Sect in legal matters.” His heart sank.

A warm weight appeared on his shoulder and he looked over to see his husband give him a nod and bracing himself he sat down at the table again with Lan Zhan at his side, the others taking a seat across from them. He couldn't resist taking Lan Zhan's hand and interlacing their fingers underneath the table. Lan Zhan traced the back of his hand with his thumb, the motion soothing.

“Lan-Zongzhu informed me that a member of the Jiang Sect has been harassing you despite multiple warnings to back off. The harassment ranging from insults to coercion and attempted assault. Multiple people have witnessed this behavior.”

He waited for the lawyer to mention the scars on his back but he didn't. His eyes flitted over to Lan Xichen who gave a tiny shake of his head, if he wasn't so adept at reading Lan Zhan's micro-expressions he would have missed it.

So they haven't said anything about the years he stayed with the Jiang Sect.

“There are legal options you could pursue. You could press charges-”

“No,” left his mouth before he could even think about it.

The lawyer looked a bit surprised at his vehemence but shook it off a moment later. “The other option would be to file for a restraining order, prohibiting said person to contact or come close to you.”

“A restraining order?” He felt ridiculous even entertaining the idea but a part of him was relived at the thought of Madam Yu being unable to come looking for him again. “Would people know if I do that?”

“The people either of you inform would be aware but while restraining orders are on public record the contents are classified. Unless the other party violates the order not many people would need to know.”

In theory he wouldn't have to talk to Madam Yu ever again.

“I know you're reluctant to press charges, but I encourage you to at least go with the restraining order. She tried to coerce you into giving up your golden core and you would have if Wangji hadn't been with you. What will she do next? She showed no hesitation in her actions in regard to sect relations or my warnings.”

Lan Xichen looked regretful as he talked but there was steel in his voice. “I have no choice but to sanction the Jiang Sect until such a time that they show appropriate reparations. I cannot allow them to act however they please without expecting consequences.”

Oh.

“Can I think about it?”

“Of course. Take as much time as you need.” The lawyer gave him his number and told him to contact him directly once he made his decision and that they could discuss the steps and what a restraining order entailed in more detail. “And don't hesitate to call if you have any questions. I realize this must be a difficult situation with them being your former sect.”

“M-hm” He turned to his husband. “We should head out soon. It's almost time to meet A-Yuan.”

Lan Xichen paused in the middle of raising from his seat. “A-Yuan?,” he asked with clear curiosity.

“Wen Yuan. Wen-Daifu's family.” Lan Zhan didn't volunteer more information than that so he took over explaining how they met and about their promise.

“We will get out of your hair then.”

The four of them left together but soon parted ways with Lan Zhan and him heading for the same garden they met A-Yuan the day before.

*

“Don't go.”

He had a crying toddler attached to his leg and no matter what anyone tried he would not let go.

They had played with A-Yuan the day before like they promised and it had been wonderful and very bad for his heart at the same time. Watching Lan Zhan with his usual stoic face playing hide and seek walking past the bush where A-Yuan's small butt was sticking out and giggling was too much.

He had to look away for a while or he would have melted into a puddle.

They played the afternoon away and the Wen's invited them to have dinner together, an invitation they gladly took them up on. Wen Ning asked them about Gusu because he'd never been before and they talked a lot.

He and Wen Ning soon exchanged numbers and Wen Popo asked when they planned to leave. When he said the next day A-Yuan had insisted that he wanted to come say goodbye. It was the goodbye part he was having trouble with.

“Don't go.”

It was the only thing he would say and when Lan Zhan came over and tried to reason with him again his leg was snatched up as well, making them look like they were about to compete in a three legged race.

Wen Ning and Popo tried their best to convince him but it was beginning to look like they would have to pull him off and leave him distraught. Wen Qing was there as well and looked between the three of them with calculating eyes, like she was trying to solve an especially pesky math problem.

The rest of the Lan delegation already packed the cars and were ready to go, only waiting for them. Nie Mingjue was next to Lan Xichen along with Jin Guangyao all saying their own goodbye. With two of them being sect leaders finding time for all of them to be together must be hard to organize.

He could hear them talking about how the one who attacked Jiang Cheng wasn't found yet but Nie Mingjue also said that they would keep looking. An attack like that on Nie territory left him chagrined.

When he noticed their trouble Lan Xichen came over.

“You must be A-Yuan. Wangji and Wuxian told me about you.” Despite his friendly expression the toddler gave him a suspicious look, holding on tighter. “I really need the two of them to come back home with me. They teach classes and go on night hunts. If they stay they can't do that but you're welcome to come visit them in Gusu.”

He turned to the other Wens extending the invitation to them as well. “I know for a fact Lan-Daifu would love to meet you, Wen-Daifu. She greatly admirers your study on how treatments with spiritual energy can help cancer patients without the side effects of chemo therapy.”

Oh, he heard about that. Modern medicine and healing had been separated for the most part because cultivators didn't get cancer, diabetes and the like because of their cores. When a healer started to break down those conventions it made a lot of waves. He hadn't know that was Wen Qing.

There was a tuck on his pants. “I can come visit?”

He smiled down at A-Yuan whose eyes were still red rimmed but the tears stopped running down his cheeks. Surreptitiously he glanced at the Wens, not wanting to promise the child something he might not be able to keep and was relieved to see Wen Qing give a decisive nod.

“Of course. In fact you need to come, what would I do without my A-Yuan to keep me company?” He winced internally at his slip of the tongue, he had no right to claim A-Yuan as his but no one else seemed to have noticed.

At last A-Yuan let go of them but held up his arms to Wen Ning right away, asking to be picked up. He almost hurt his neck watching them grow smaller in the back window of the car returning A-Yuan's wave until they were out of sight. For once he wasn't in the mood for conversation and pretended to take a nap.

He didn't expect to actually nod off at some point.

“Wei Ying.”

Lan Zhan was shaking his shoulder gently and he came awake slowly, stretching in the car seat and yawning. When he finally opened his eyes they were back in the Cloud Recesses and it was already beginning to get dark. He slept the entire drive back.

“Shit, sorry. I was supposed to switch with you. Why didn't you wake me?”

“Wei Ying needed the rest.”

So Lan Zhan had noticed that he had been barely sleeping since the night before the competition. He couldn't say he was surprised.

He unbuckled the seat-belt and got out of the car. Lan Zhan took their bags out of the trunk and when he held his hand out for his Lan Zhan eyed his hand for a moment before switching both bags to one hand and interlacing their fingers with the other.

Not what he meant but okay.

The walk back to the Jingshi went by quickly and he was surprised to realize that he was glad to be back. He liked the Unclean Realm but it wasn't...

He turned away from that thought before it could take root and instead distracted himself with chatter.

Once they were inside Lan Zhan deposited their bags in the bedroom, still not letting go off him. When he turned toward him his face was soft and he couldn't help but lean in for a kiss. Lan Zhan's lips were warm on his and soon the kiss deepened but stayed languid, exploring.

Without his conscious input his hands slipped underneath Lan Zhan's shirt tracing the soft skin over defined muscles. Lan Zhan pulled him closer by the hips and the resulting friction send a shiver down his spine. He was starting to grow hard and the sensation of heat pooling in his lower body jolted him out of his lust addled state.

Without warning he pulled out of Lan Zhan's embrace who blinked slowly, then frowned. “Wei Ying?”

“It's late, we should sleep,” he blurted out and then winced when Lan Zhan glanced at the clock and it was in fact closer to eight than nine.

He soldiered on anyway. “I guess I'm still tired. I should go to bed early.”

“Are you feeling well?” Oh no, Lan Zhan looked concerned. And he couldn't tell Lan Zhan that he was trying not to force him to have sex, that would make things awkward.

“I'm great.” He gave Lan Zhan a double thumbs up and groaned internally. “Well not great great. I'm still tired like I said. I just meant great like not sick. We should go to bed. For sleep I mean. Because I'm tired. But if you're not tired yet of course you don't need to come to bed with me. To sleep.” Oh god. He was babbling. He forced his mouth shut with a loud clack and feeling his face heat he escaped to the bathroom, telling himself he didn't see Lan Zhan looking at him like he grew a second head.

When he came out of the bathroom a long while later Lan Zhan was already asleep and he felt guilty at how relived he was at that.

Chapter Text

Gusu wasn't spared from spring rains making the archery classes miserable but it was good practice for the kids to shoot no matter the conditions they found and so he trudged through the mud for hours looking for lost arrows.

They still hadn't found who attacked Jiang Cheng and his brother unfortunately never saw the face of the coremelter but like Nie Mingjue promised he was still looking.

As for his own troubles, he had decided to go with the restraining order and spent a few afternoons with Sun Haoyu to make it happen. When he finally filed the aftermath was anti-climatic. No Madam Yu stormed the Cloud Recesses in outrage, no angry calls. Nothing. Well, it was supposed to be like that he just hadn't expected Madam Yu to comply without a fight. He even texted his brother to make sure she received the order and she did.

When he finally found all the arrows he was drenched to the bones and shivering. He headed for the storage and dried all the archery equipment before he headed back to the Jingshi. The ghost was in the garden again watching him curiously and waved at him tentatively, delight lit up on her face when he returned it.

He had tried going over to talk to her a couple times but she disappeared each one. She probably was worried that he'd try to exorcise her and he couldn't reassure her without yelling his intentions and no.

He stopped in the doorway to pull off his muddy boots balancing on one leg and he almost fell over when Lan Zhan opened the door. He looked surprised to see him and guilt squirmed in his gut. After the disaster the other night he might have made himself a little scarce, heading out as soon as breakfast was done and returning just in time for curfew.

Lan Zhan hadn't said anything but he must have noticed, hence the surprise.

“Hey,” he said and slipped past Lan Zhan.

“Wei Ying, you're drenched. I'll run you a bath.” His husband reached out like he wanted to touch his cheek or maybe brush away the strands of hair sticking to his face and he waited with baited breath.

The hand dropped after a moment.

Lan Zhan disappeared into the bathroom.

Right.

That was a new development after that night as well, his husband hadn't touched or kissed him once. Like he couldn't bear to. Like he didn't want to.

A while later Lan Zhan returned and ushered him into the bathroom where he found a steaming bath waiting for him and Lan Zhan must have added something to the water, it smelled nice. He smiled. Even when Lan Zhan finally realized he didn't have to be tactile with him he still took care of him. He really was the best.

He took off his dripping clothes and slipped into the hot water with a groan. His muscles relaxed under the warmth and the chill that had begun to settle into his bones was drawn out. Closing his eyes he leaned his head back.

He stayed a long time, only getting out when the water became to cool for comfort and dried off. Then he stood in the bathroom looking down at the sodden pile on the ground. He forgot to bring new clothes. With a sigh he slung the towel around his waist and got ready to leave the warm bathroom and flit into to bedroom to quickly pull on some comfortable lounge wear.

When he opened the door he braced for cold air but found none. Lan Zhan must have turned on the heater. He thanked him as he passed the open door to the study and had to swallow when his husband's eyes followed the line of his body before dropping away.

After he dressed he settled in the main room with his laptop to run some maintenance on his program and where before he would have sat with Lan Zhan filling the air between them with chatter silence reigned.

In the late afternoon Lan Zhan headed for the door taking an umbrella. “You really don't need to cook for me.”

Lan Zhan paused in opening the door, his shoulders rigid. “I want to,” was all he said before he stepped out.

The Jingshi became even more silent with him gone. Even without talking he had filled the space with sounds. His quiet breathing, the rustling of paper, the scratching of his pen.

All at once it became to quiet and he got up, itching for something to do. He went to take a look at what Lan Zhan had been working on. A nasty voice sounding much like Madam Yu telling him it might be divorce papers. Ridiculous, countered Lan Zhan's and he smiled despite himself. Still he was relived when he found lesson plans sitting neatly arranged on the table.

He admired his husband's neat writing for a while before he went over to the shelves. Books were lined up neatly but one fell into his eye because it looked different than the others.

Curious he pulled it out. It was a photo album.

He shouldn't he told himself as he flipped it open and cooed at the picture of a tiny Lan Zhan looking just as severe as his adult counterpart. Lan Xichen, half a head taller, stood next to him and the two of them were holding hands.

There were many pictures of them growing up and they drew delighted laughter out of him.

Lan Xichen pushing Lan Zhan on a swing, face just as unimpressed as usual.

Lan Zhan and Lan Xichen sitting on front of a younger Lan Qiren without a beard reading to his nephews.

Lan Zhan crouching at the edge of a pond watching a family of ducks.

Lan Zhan on the shoulders of a man he didn't know but looked to much like the brothers to be anything but their father.

Lan Zhan sitting on the lap of a woman who poked his cheek, making him pout.

His laugh trailed off as he studied the woman closely. She was the ghost outside the Jingshi, as he had suspected she was Lan Zhan's mother.

He could hear Lan Zhan return and a moment later his husband came into the study finding him with the photo album. His eyes widened a tiny bit and his ears turned pink. His hand twitched toward the photo album and he quickly pulled it closer with a grin.

“There's no need to be embarrassed, you were adorable as a child.” The pink tinged darker and he couldn't resist. “Still are.” He watched eagerly as the pink turned to red. Were they as scorching as they looked? He wanted to check but didn't dare to, it would be the death of his self control.

Very, very subtly he changed the subject. “I'll make some tea.”

As soon as it was done he poured for both of them, dinner being kept hot with talismans until they were ready to eat and while Lan Zhan took a sip he flipped the page, there was a picture of all of them. Lan Zhan's parents sitting close together with their children on their laps and Lan Qiren standing next to them. “Your parents look really happy together.”

“Mn.”

He waited but there was no more forthcoming. “How did they meet?”

“On a night hunt.” Lan Zhan glanced at the pictures as he flipped through the pages, eyes never lingering. His hands were clenched around the tea cup.

With no little amount of guilt he kept asking. “Oh? What sect was she from?”

“No sect. Rogue cultivator.”

Oh. So maybe she had never had the spirit rest ceremony like the sect disciples did. But he couldn't ask Lan Zhan that, the subject was already difficult for him. Maybe he could ask Lan Qiren when he saw him next.

He was about to flip the page again when Lan Zhan turned to him. “Why?”

“Hm? Why what?”

“Why ask about mother?”

He blinked and then smiled. “No reason, I was just curious.”

Lan Zhan's eyes narrowed. “Lie.

“I'm not lying.”

“Wei Ying.”

He deflated. “It's just...” He was searching for a way to break the news gently. “Well, I- so sometimes I see a ghost outside and-”

“Mother is lingering?,” Lan Zhan interrupted him and he was so surprised at him breaking a rule that he could only nod. In the next moment he could see a plethora of emotions flickering over Lan Zhan's face. There and gone again so quickly that it made him dizzy. Only the last one lingered and his heart hurt when he recognized it as remorse.

“Lan Zhan.” He reached out wanting to put a comforting hand on his husband's but Lan Zhan shrugged him off. Like he was scalded he pulled his hand away and Lan Zhan looked even more guilty.

“It's fine,” he blurted without thinking and plastered a grin on his face.

“Apologies. I-”

“It's fine, don't worry about it.” He spoke quickly, trying to get past the awkward moment. “Sometimes I see her in the garden, over by the flowerbeds. I didn't know who she was, I swear I didn't. Oh, and she always looks really happy when she sees you. She must really love you.” He cut himself off there before he slid into babbling and good thing he did or he would have missed Lan Zhan's words.

“I couldn't...It's my fault that-” Lan Zhan fell quiet, face so still he couldn't read it and his eyes looked empty.

Huh?

Lan Xichen's words came back to him, how Lan Zhan blamed himself for the death of their mother.

He didn't dare try to reach out to him again physically but he tried with words. “Lan Zhan, how could it be your fault? You're amazing.”

Lan Zhan finally looked at him and he kept going. “You're the kindest person I know. You always take care of others. I should know, as your husband I get the brunt of it. I'm not exaggerating when I say you're the best.”

His husband was finally beginning to lose the forlorn edge and it only encouraged him more. “At first I didn't know what to expect but being forced to marry you has been the best thing that ever happened to me and I-”

He stopped, there wasthe sound of something shattering. He looked around thinking something must have fallen from a shelf or something. It took red spots blooming on Lan Zhan's pristine white robes for him to realize that it was his teacup that broke.

The teacup that he had been holding in his hand.

He gasped. “Shit. Lan Zhan, let me see.” He didn't. Lan Zhan was as immovable as a mountain as he stared at him. His voice was dark when he spoke. “Forced?”

“Huh?” Oh. “Yeah, but that doesn't matter. Let me take a look.” The shards must be digging into Lan Zhan's hand, no wonder with how tightly his fist was clenched. “We should get you to the infirmary.”

He tried to pull Lan Zhan up but he still wouldn't move. He huffed.

“Wei Ying.” He stopped. He never heard this tone before. His eyes snapped to his husband's. “You were forced into this marriage?”

“Yeah, Madam Yu made it pretty clear I could either accept or get gone.” He didn't get what the big deal was. Wasn't that how arranged marriages worked?

Without warning Lan Zhan got up and he took a step forward, thinking he was going along with his plan to head to the infirmary at last.

Instead the sight of tears running down Lan Zhan's cheeks left him frozen. Lan Zhan was crying. His brain still tried to reboot when his husband was suddenly gone. Lan Zhan stepped out into the rain and was swallowed up by the dark of night. The door was left open and the chill air crept into the house, slinking around his ankles. He stood there dazed.

What just happened?

The Lans were the ones to ask for the marriage in exchange for a trading agreement, of course the Jiangs made him accept. Why was Lan Zhan so shocked?

The imagine of tears running down Lan Zhan's face wouldn't leave him alone and while he was sure Lan Zhan seeking solitude was the reason he left he couldn't leave him alone. Never could, not from the day they first met as he tried to smuggle some alcohol over the wall into the Cloud Recesses.

He rushed out into the night once again drenched to the bone in seconds but he ignored the freezing rain making his clothes stick to his skin. He tried to think of where Lan Zhan would head for comfort.

But the Hanshi lay dark and quiet, Lan Xichen asleep. Neither did he seek out his uncle.

He dodged the disciples on patrol whenever they crossed his path and kept searching. He tried the bunny clearing next but his husband wasn't there either, neither were the bunnies, they must have hidden from the rain.

Already he was beginning to run out of ideas where Lan Zhan could have gone. But if he didn't go to his family then he must have gone somewhere he could be alone.

He rushed to the Cold Spring and looked around for telltale white robes. He circled the entirety of body of water once but there was no sign of Lan Zhan.

By this point he had been searching for more than an hour.

Did Lan Zhan go to the infirmary for his hand? He didn't think so.

He searched the classrooms next and after that he truly ran out of ideas but he refused to give up. If he had to search every single inch of the Cloud Recesses he would, he almost tripped when it occurred to him that Lan Zhan might have left them altogether.

He ignored that option for now and kept walking, his boots covered by mud.

When he finally stumbled across his husband he almost went past him without noticing.

Lan Zhan stood on the outer wall of the Cloud Recesses with his back to him, seemingly looking out at nothing. He stood there and looked up at his husband for a moment wondering why he chose this place out of all others but couldn't figure it out. There was nothing interesting or special about this stretch of wall.

“Lan Zhan.”

His husband stiffened but didn't take off again and he jumped up to join him, almost slipping on the wet tiles. Even studying Lan Zhan closely he couldn't tell if tears still ran down his face or not, the rain concealing the answer but his eyes were red rimmed and his hand still bleeding.

He didn't reach out to Lan Zhan, the sting of the earlier rejection stark.

Silence reigned strong between them, for once he had no idea what to say. The role reversal was completed when Lan Zhan spoke first.

“There was a refusal clause.”

“What?”

“In the marriage contract. I made brother add it,” Lan Zhan said as he turned his head to look at him.

It took a moment to click.

“I could have said no and the trade agreement would still have been valid.” He wasn't asking but Lan Zhan hummed an affirmative.

Madam Yu really did get rid of me. It wasn't to serve the sect, it wasn't even for political alliances. She saw a chance to finally get him out of the Jiang sect and took it.

He laughed. It sounded broken. It went on for a long time.

Lan Zhan bowed his head but he could still see the misery he tried to hide from him. His laugh petered off.

“If it had no bearing on the trade agreement why add a marriage proposal? What's the point? You could have married someone you love instead of being stuck with me.”

Lan Zhan's head snapped back up. He opened his mouth but no sound came out. Lan Zhan looked at him like he was trying to convey his meaning without words but he could only look back uncomprehending.

A frustrated growl escaped Lan Zhan. When he spoke it was quiet but determined. “Wei Ying, ...fancy you...”

He stared back dazed. There was no way he heard that right.

“I want you...It has to be you.”

No, Lan Zhan couldn't be serious. He must be dreaming. This sounded almost like...

“I don't want anyone else but you...I wanted to marry you.”

Lan Zhan looked into his eyes and spoke a last time. “I love you.”

His ears were ringing, the words of love repeating over and over in his mind. Love. Lan Zhan said he loved him.

You could have blown him away like a feather, he felt so light. He was preoccupied with this major revelation and it took Lan Zhan's lower lip wobbling a bit to notice that he had been silent too long.

He took a step forward and then he was throwing himself into Lan Zhan's arms knowing he would catch him. “Lan Zhan, I fancy you. I want you. It has to be you.”

Lan Zhan's arms closed around him, pulling him to his chest and he could feel his heart racing, heat radiating off his husband despite the frigid rain.

“I don't want anyone else but you. I wanted to marry you.” Lan Zhan's breath hitched against his chest.

The last he said against Lan Zhan's lips turning the words into a kiss. “I love you.”

The rain continued to fall on them but he didn't care, his entire perception narrowed to the gentle kiss that continued for a long time.

*

Lan Xiuying hadn't been impressed when they had stumbled into the infirmary in the middle of the night drenched from head to toe from the rain but she hadn't asked any questions as she picked shards out of the wound and then healed the cuts with a small burst of spiritual energy.

She had insisted they take an umbrella on the way back, the point of which eluded him. They were already soaked but Lan Zhan took it without complaint, interlacing their fingers and pulling him close to his side.

There was something that had been bothering him since earlier but decided not to ask but he was betrayed by his mouth when they nearly reached the Jingshi. “Why did you not want to have sex with me?”

Lan Zhan's head snapped toward him and he cursed himself. He tried rushing ahead but Lan Zhan wouldn't let go and he had no choice but face the answer.

“I do want that.”

He turned back to Lan Zhan with a brow raised. “You never initiated anything.”

“I...” The tips of Lan Zhan's ears turned red. “I thought you didn't feel the same, I held myself back, didn't want to pressure you. Last time you pushed me away, I thought...”

He had thought Wei Ying was the one who didn't want it. It was his turn to blush. “What a pair we make. Both trying not to take advantage.” He chuckled a bit. “Just to be clear then, Lan Zhan you don't need to hold back with me.”

Lan Zhan's eyes heated. “Mark your words.”

The laugh that broke out of him when Lan Zhan rushed back to the Jingshi pulling him along was full of joy.

Going by the urgency with which he was dragged inside the house he expected to be pulled into a bruising kiss but instead Lan Zhan cupped his face after he dropped the umbrella, his thumb brushing over his lips before it was replaced by the brush of lips.

The kiss was sweet, loving and grew only more intense when Lan Zhan's tongue joined his. He didn't even notice being picked up until he was deposited on their bed, Lan Zhan slipping between his spread legs. Only parting long enough to hurriedly divest themselves of their clothes.

When Lan Zhan sat up to reach for the lube he tightened his legs around his hips and flipped them over. Lan Zhan looked stunned where he found himself beneath him and he leaned down for a kiss and didn't stop when he felt Lan Zhan circling his rim with a wet finger.

He moaned into his mouth when it slipped past the ring of muscle and found his prostate unerringly. Lan Zhan prepped him with a patience he wasn't capable of at the moment and pulled out of the kiss when he wanted to add a third finger.

“I'm good.”

“Don't want to hurt you.”

He smiled down at Lan Zhan but quickly pulled his hand away. “I need you.” He watched Lan Zhan throat bob and reached behind himself to line him up. Lan Zhan's dick felt massive in his hand and he had to brace himself as he sank down on it. The press of the head against his entrance was intense but he bore against it until it finally popped in.

Lan Zhan's hands gripped his hips guiding him as he sank down, not stopping until he met his hips. He bit his lips as he keened, the stretch greater than he expected.

Lan Zhan stared up at him in wonder as his thumbs massaged circles into his skin and a soft sound escaped him when he moved his hips experimentally.

Then he rose up and slid back down, he moaned at the friction he movement caused and all but collapsed on Lan Zhan who rose up to meet him. His arms coming around him and pulling him into a kiss.

He tried to keep moving but was distracted by the slide of tongue on his and was completely lost when Lan Zhan's hands returned to his hips guiding and moving him like he wanted, all he could do was hold on for dear life as Lan Zhan took him apart.

And Lan Zhan wasn't in any kind of hurry, his thrusts slow and deep. He didn't think he would come like this and was surprised when his orgasm crested over him, making him shiver from head to toe, gasping against Lan Zhan's mouth.

Then he felt the heat of Lan Zhan's cum inside him with a final thrust, his husband holding him even tighter.

Both of them were panting when they came back down, exchanging sweet kisses for a long while. Lan Zhan didn't pull out and he could feel him growing hard again before his world turned upside down as Lan Zhan flipped their position.

“Again?,” he asked laughing.

“Mn.”

Chapter Text

As he woke up the next morning he found himself sore in places he didn't know could be.

When Lan Zhan had told him to mark his words he'd meant it, there was no doubt left that Lan Zhan wanted to have sex with him. They haven't gone to sleep until the sun began to rise and it must be past noon already.

He expected to find the spot next to him empty and his breath hitched when he saw that Lan Zhan was still asleep. It was a rare treat indeed for him to be the one to wake his husband but he took his time watching him sleep first.

After he looked his fill, he leaned over him, stomach fluttering at the liberty he was about to take but recalling Lan Zhan's words of love the night before gave him the courage to lean in the rest of the way to kiss his husband awake. At first there was no reaction, then a tiny jolt and then finally the press of lips was returned. He smiled into the kiss and it turned wider when he pulled back, golden eyes blinking back at him with contentment and something he now recognized as love.

Lan Zhan's arm circled around him, not letting him retreat entirely and they stayed in bed longer. He was content to stay cuddled there with his head on Lan Zhan's chest, his steady heartbeat soothing but unfortunately hunger drove them to get up.

Luckily it was the weekend so they haven't missed any work.

As soon as he put down his chopsticks Lan Zhan reminded him of something else that had gone unresolved during the happenings of last night.

“I'd... like to talk to mother.” There was a furrow between his brows as he said it. “Would you stay with me while I do?”

“Yeah, of course.” It was the least he could do after the way he botched breaking the news to him gently. Not that he'd have refused if he hadn't.

After the downpour last night the flora was still wet but with the sky clear of clouds and the afternoon sun shining down every drop sparkled like a diamond and flowers were beginning to bloom in the warmth. The porch around the house stayed dry, protected by the roof as it was, and it was there Lan Zhan settled with his guqin, close to where the gentians were beginning to bloom.

He sat next to Lan Zhan, not close enough to touch and accidentally jostle him but enough that he could feel his presence. Madam Lan was there among them as well looking up from the flowerbed, first curiously and then worriedly when Lan Zhan had brought out Wangji.

Neither of them missed his hand's slight tremor as he put them on the strings.

When the first notes of Inquiry rang out she relaxed and floated over to them to settle opposite of her son.

The melody changed and he knew that the Lans always asked two questions first 'Who are you?' and 'Who killed you?'

Madam Lan reached out to the strings plucking a couple of them, no doubt her name not that he would be able to tell. He couldn't translate the notes into words like his husband learned to from a young age. But neither could Lan Zhan see his mother like he could, it was weird to think that the space in front of him looked empty to him, the strings seemingly moving by themselves.

As Lan Zhan asked the second question there was a discordance as he played and his mother's smile turned sad. She barely waited for Lan Zhan to finish before she played her answer.

Lan Zhan closed his eyes for a moment and they sprung back open as Madam Lan kept playing. A gentle melody that seemed to go on forever and he could guess at what she was telling her son in the way the rims of his eyes turned red. Lan Zhan's hand crept toward him and he didn't hesitate to take it and pull his husband into his side, supporting him.

When the melody rang out into silence Madam Lan watched them for a while, a smile playing around her lips. “He chose well, I think. Please take care of A-Zhan” It was all she said to him, turning to Lan Zhan one last time to kiss his forehead, right where his ribbon sat. Then vanished.

She wasn't gone, not yet but the already weak resentment tethering her to the mortal plane was reduced to nearly nothing.

His husband sat unmoving and he squeezed him tighter and let him sort his thoughts in peace.

“She asked to talk to Xiongzhang as well.” By the way he said it he knew that she'd finally be able to move on afterwards, with her last wishes fulfilled.

*

Lan Zhan was melancholy for a few days but with every morning the sadness in his eyes grew less, replaced with a shining happiness. With the summer months they grew busy, night hunt requests flooding in and after some delay in the building of the dam they could finally get rid of the Waterborne Abyss.

He was worried when they used his lure flag to make sure it went where they wanted it to after they banished it but everything went off without a hitch and they drained the small lake exposing it to the sun that grew steadily stronger.

There came an invitation for Jin-Zongzhu's birthday as well. He groaned when he learned they would have to go. He'd relish any chance to go visit his sister and this time was no exception but Jin Guangshan's birthday parties were nothing but an excuse to show off his wealth to the rest of the cultivation sects.

But it was a while away yet. At the moment he paced in front of the gates to the Cloud Recesses, Lan Zhan watching his impatience with fond amusement. When he finally saw the ones he was waiting for it took all of him not to run out to meet them halfway.

That didn't stop a small figure from doing just that.

He crouched and A-Yuan crashed into his open arms, hugging him around the neck. “Hi, little radish.” Thus he had a toddler clinging to him as he greeted the Wens.

Lan Zhan on the other hand formally welcomed their guests to the Cloud Recesses and then they showed them to the guest house that had been prepared in advance. Usually they would leave them to get settled but predictably A-Yuan didn't want to let him go, only transferred from his arms to Lan Zhan's, still holding onto his robes when he did.

“How about you give him a tour,” Wen Qing suggested and so they did just that, showing A-Yuan around the Cloud Recesses for the afternoon. They returned in time for dinner, Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren already there when they arrived. Instead of a large gathering to welcome them they thought it preferable to host a small dinner.

They joined the others with A-Yuan sitting between them, he chattered about what he saw until the food arrived. “And there was a waterfall, it was so tall.” Lan Zhan waited until he finished. “Meals are to be taken in silence.” His tone as he said it was gentle and A-Yuan looked at him and then didn't say another word as he ate, trying to mimic his husband's perfect posture as well.

Lan Zhan occasionally helped adjust A-Yuan's grip on the chopsticks or placed food in his bowl and he found himself spending more time watching them than eating.

When he looked around the table he saw that he wasn't the only one. Lan Xichen looked on with a soft expression but Lan Qiren looked like he was trying to puzzle something out. His eyes widened as A-Yuan climbed into Lan Zhan's lap when the meal was over, catching one trailing end of his headband in his small fist.

With his belly full and after the excitement of the day A-Yuan was already drooping, soon to fall asleep and he couldn't resist leaning over to gently ruffle his hair. A-Yuan looked more alert but only for a moment, grabbing his hand and holding on.

“I should take A-Yuan to bed,” Wen Ning said as he got up, trying to take the child who only burrowed deeper into Lan Zhan shaking his head. “You'll see them tomorrow, we'll stay for a while yet.”

It didn't sway the toddler and he was about to suggest that they put down A-Yuan for the night when Wen Popo beat him to it. “How about he stays the night with you? He really missed you. He barely talked about anything else.”

“What a wonderful idea. I'm sure you don't mind, Wangji, Wuxian?,” Lan Xichen said, his eyes alight. “I'll have someone bring another bed to the Jingshi.”

And thus it was decided without either of their input, not that they minded.

As they walked back a while later, A-Yuan held out his arms for him and he took the nearly asleep child who cuddled into his arms to find a comfortable position.

The small bed was already in the study when they arrived and Lan Zhan went around the room, removing anything that A-Yuan could hurt himself on while he put him down. He couldn't resist placing a gentle kiss in his forehead as he tucked him in.

They were quiet as they got ready for bed themselves. After he slid under the covers Lan Zhan drew him into his arms.

He slept peacefully, only waking once in the middle of the night when a small figure climbed onto the bed and wiggled in between them.

*

They had to work the next day but they quickly figured out how to fit A-Yuan into their routine. Lan Zhan got up like usual and got ready for the day, then he woke them before he headed out to make breakfast. Meanwhile he helped a half asleep A-Yuan to get dressed and brush his hair, barely awake himself.

After all of them had breakfast together Lan Zhan took him along to his meditation classes, both of them figuring that was a better idea than a toddler running around in the middle of flying sharp objects. And while he was disappointed they switched after lunch as Lan Zhan helped Lan Xichen with some project.

He should have worked on some lesson plans but figured he could do them later and took out A-Yuan to spot where some of the children that were too young for classes liked to play, their parents ever watchful.

“Go on,” he said encouragingly but A-Yuan was hiding behind his legs, watching the other children play but perhaps too shy to join them. But maybe that was too much expect from him, A-Yuan was after all in an entirely new place and surrounded by strangers.

He was thinking about taking A-Yuan to the bunny clearing instead when there was another small figure crashing into his legs, luckily on his free side. It was Lan Jingyi. Perfect. With his outgoing personality he should be a good playmate.

Lan Fenhua was giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder as he greeted him and looked at A-Yuan with curiosity.

“This is Wen Yuan, I'm watching him today.” He introduced the father and son to his little charge and then added, “How about you and Lan Jingyi go play?”

“No.”

He blinked at the instant refusal and looked down where Lan Jingyi was glaring at A-Yuan with half of his face mushed into his leg. Yikes. Was Lan Jingyi tasting the vinegar? It was a bit funny honestly, the outgoing toddler wasn't usually this clingy with him.

“Be nice,” was the swift admonishment from Lan Fenhua at which his son gave a defiant head shake.

His amusement died a quick death when he looked at A-Yuan and saw tears gathering in his eyes. He was holding his robes in a tight grip, like he was afraid he would dislodge him as he watched Lan Jingyi warily.

This did not go the way he expected it to. Time to try and salvage this.

He crouched down, which was a feat in and off itself with two unhappy toddlers attached to him. Now the three of them were at the same height and A-Yuan quickly slung his arms around his neck which made Lan Jingyi glare even harder.

He patted him on the head and whispered like he was sharing some great secret and Lan Jingyi leaned closer automatically. “Did you know that playing with other kids is way more fun than with some decrepit old man like me?”

The toddler looked unimpressed but he whispered as well. “You're not old.”

“Sure I am. I'm already twenty.” Lan Jingyi's eyes widened at the number that must seem immeasurable to him. “But A-Yuan here is around your age. He would make a great playmate, he's great at hide and seek.” He barely could say that with a straight face but he managed. “And it's his first time in the Cloud Recesses, he doesn't have any friends here yet.”

The toddlers eyes widened. “No friends?”, he asked with gravity. He gave a nod, making a sad expression.

Meanwhile A-Yuan watched all of this, the threat of tears drying.

Lan Jingyi scrunched his nose and was silent for a minute, then he held out his hand with great magnanimity. “I'll be your friend.”

A-Yuan stared at his hand and he waited with bated breath. His little charge looked at him and he gave an encouraging nod at which A-Yuan took Lan Jingyi's hand and was drawn away. Lan Jingyi took charge in their games and A-Yuan looked a little shy still at first, frequently looking back to where he was standing but soon warmed up to the other boy.

He sighed in relief. Crisis averted.

Lan Fenhua laughed, then watched the children play for a moment. “Are you and Wangji looking to adopt?”

His breath got stuck in his lungs but then his heart sank. “Ah, no. The Wens are visiting and we're just watching A-Yuan today.”

“I see.” Lan Fenhua gave him a knowing look and he got a feeling he did see and especially in regard to what wasn't said.

The boys played beautifully together and when it was time to get back it was difficult to pry them apart. He met up with Lan Zhan and together they went to the Wens' guesthouse to return A-Yuan to his family but when they arrived Wen Ning smiled at them. “How about another sleepover?” They agreed immediately.

They did have dinner together with the family though and then once again they carried the sleepy child back to the Jingshi.

The following week flew by in a blink, A-Yuan's sleepover got extended again and again and while it was wonderful and he cherished every moment he couldn't stop worrying about the inevitable end it had to come to. He knew he would be heartbroken when the time came but it didn't stop him from getting attached to A-Yuan.

One evening there was a knock on the door. It was Wen Qing.

His heart dropped into his stomach making him feel queasy. “We were about to put A-Yuan to bed,” he blurted out after they greeted her. She was giving said toddler a hug, straightening after and looking at him with a raised eyebrow. “Don't let me stop you.” Huh? He was sure she came to take him back. Instead she watched as they tucked A-Yuan in and Lan Zhan read him a story with his soothing voice until he fell asleep.

He hesitated over kissing his forehead like he had all the other nights but decided to do it, if Wen Qing didn't like it he would bear her scolding. There was no scolding, whe simply watched silently.

They moved to the sitting room and sat down. He watched Wen Qing warily. Was she going to tell them to back off? Or that they would be leaving soon? They had been staying for while.

“I'll be leaving in the morning, there is a case of qi deviation back in Qishan and my colleague's expertise lie elsewhere.

Oh. She did come to tell them they were leaving.

His eyes were drawn to the closed door of the study. So this would be the last night they would have A-Yuan. “I see,” he said while Lan Zhan stayed completely frozen. There was a beat of silence as he sought out his husbands hand, when he found it Lan Zhan's hand squeezed his tight.

Wen Qing studied their expressions. “So, there is something I'd like to discuss with you.”

Chapter Text

Koi tower looked as needlessly ostentatious as usual as they climbed the stairs which were adorned with a golden carpet for the occasion and he was sure there was actually some of the precious metal worked into it. The time until the birthday celebration had gone by quickly.

He missed A-Yuan already.

His mood lifted when they reached the top and his sister waited for him. He was careful as he hugged her, her belly already growing.

Shijie was the one to show them to their guest room and he spend the time until the evening catching up with her. Normally they'd take a walk around the garden but that was off limits as the last preparations for the party were being completed. Instead they sat on the balcony of her and her husband's quarters.

“A-Xian, you seem really happy.”

“Well, we,” he started and hesitated. Lan Zhan and him had planned to keep quiet on any official announcements until the paperwork was settled but Shijie was family and Lan Qiren and Lan Xichen knew. “Lan Zhan and I are going to adopt Wen Yuan.”

She gasped and then smiled blindingly, he couldn't contain his own happy grin and regaled her with tales of A-Yuan's adorableness until he was thrown out by Jin Zixuan so they could get ready.

*

The garden was lit by lanterns and while it did look nice it meant the garden party itself started pretty late with it being summer. It was no problem for him or even most of the guests but it was inconsiderate of the Lans who were known to go to bed early. Not that he expected much from Jin Guangshan in the first place.

He could already see Lan Zhan growing tired with his usual bed time going by but they couldn't leave for another couple hours at least.

It was a nice party. As it took place in the gardens there was no sit-down banquet, instead there was a buffet that sported any delicacy one could possibly think of and waiters were carrying around trays with drinks. Most of it was alcoholic so he'd been taste testing them for Lan Zhan.

Only once did he get Lan Zhan to agree to drinking with him and that had been a memorable evening but while he didn't mind being dragged around by an adorable drunk Lan Zhan he was surprisingly jealous of the thought of anyone else seeing his husband like that.

They walked around and he instinctively kept an eye out for Madam Yu, even more so when they ran into Jiang Cheng.

“You look better,” he said as soon as his brother was in hearing distance.

“I've completely recovered, I can start re-cultivating any day now.

Jiang Cheng went for a shoulder punch but changed it halfway into a pat that amused him to no end. It would take a lot of time to stop being funny, as long as he didn't think about why his brother's shows of affection changed like that. As if reading his mind Jiang Cheng spoke up. “Madam Yu stayed home. She wanted to come but the lawyer told her it'd be in her best interest not to.”

And they actually survived telling her that? He didn't ask, just acknowledged the information with a nod.

“Oh, there is something I need to tell you. Lan Zhan and I are going to adopt.”

Jiang Cheng hadn't actually met A-Yuan yet so he pulled out his phone and showed him pictures of the little radish. He might have started gushing a bit but eventually they had to move on. They still hadn't seen the guest of honor and the sooner they congratulated Jin Guangshan the better. That man had the tendency to get sloppy drunk and harass women, unfortunately any law suit was dismissed when the victims suddenly withdrew their claims.

They made their way past stages with dancers, fire breathers and musicians but still hadn't spotted the sect leader when he accidentally ran into a man, almost spilling his drink all over him in the process. “Shit, sorry.”

“No worries,” the man said with a kind smile but his partner was glaring at him. He apologized again and was about to go on his way when the man's eyes widened and he stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Wait.”

He could feel Lan Zhan tense behind him but stayed relaxed himself. “Yeah?”

“Are you perhaps... Do you have any relation to Cangse Sanren? You look just like her.” Usually people told him he looked like his dad so color him intrigued. “She was my mom.”

Grief flitted through the others eyes for a brief moment before he bowed. “Please excuse my rudeness. I'm Xiao Xingchen, Cangse Sanren was a distant cousin of mine.” His partner introduced himself as Song Zichen and it was his turn to stare in shock.

Everyone knew about the famous pair of rogue cultivators, one of which was apparently related to him.

He swallowed his surprise and bowed in turn. “Wei Wuxian. And this is Lan Wangji, my husband.” He almost tripped over the courtesy name, so used to calling him by his birth name.

They talked for a while and soon exchanged numbers to meet up in the future.

While he was happy about the coincidence he did wonder what they were doing at the party. Jin Guangshan might invite everyone from major to minor sect but he wasn't known to look favorably on rogue cultivators who often times picked up the hunts that the sects didn't find interesting enough or those that didn't pay well.

“What brings you to Lanling?”

“We've been pursuing a young man, Xue Yang. He's a suspect in the murder of the Chang sect. There have been sightings of him in Lanling and we wanted to coordinate our efforts with the Jin sect.”

He had heard about that, it was all over the news a couple weeks ago but he hadn't known that the two of them were involved. It made sense though for the police to request the help of strong cultivators in a case like that.

“Unfortunately Jin-Zongzhu has been too busy with party planning to deal with the threat of a mass murderer.” Song Zichen's voice was dripping with derision, not that he blamed him. It was worrying and there was something that he'd been puzzling over since he heard about it. “How did he kill an entire sect?” They and even all the reports spoke of only one suspect. “Is he that strong a cultivator?” If so they might need more than a couple gifted cultivators to catch him.

“He is very dangerous but not necessarily because he is strong.” Xiao Xingchen put his empty glass on the tray of a passing waiter. “All the victim's had their golden cores melted before they died. They had no chance to fight back.”

Their cores were melted? He exchanged a sharp glance with Lan Zhan. What were the chances of more than one coremelter showing up out of the blue? He was suddenlywery glad that he was close enough to hear his brother scream that day, he shuddered to think what might have happened if he hadn't.

And now Xue Yang was seen in Lanling just all all major sects and their leaders were about to gather in one place? That couldn't be a coincidence. Chances were he was going after someone else.

He shared his thoughts with the others.

“We need to inform, Jin-Zongzhu.”

“The other sect leaders as well. I'll look for Jiang-Shushu.”

“Xiongzhang. Nie-Zongzhu will most likely be with him,” Lan Zhan said, looking unhappy as he spoke. He wasn't happy to split up either but it would be more efficient and Xue Yang could already be hidden among the guests or the staff.

It would help to know who he was going after or why but they didn't have that luxury so they could only do their best to alert and protect the sect leaders. Without a moment more wasted they split up and he dove into the throng of people scanning for well known purple robes.

He went past the the stage with the dancers when someone caught his eye. It wasn't Jiang-Shushu. It was a young man with gray eyes and hair in a messy ponytail. He fit the description Xiao Xingchen gave them earlier and he followed him. He thought he did so surreptitiously but without warning Xue Yang turned around and waved at him with a shit eating grin before taking off into an unlit part of the garden.

Cursing he ran after him.

That really must be Xue Yang. He rushed past flowering trees and pulled Suiban from a qiankun-pouch as he did, almost running into a pavilion he didn't see, his eyes had not yet adapted to the changed light. He could have lit a talisman to light his way but that would have given away his position.

There was a laugh and he changed direction to follow it. They moved further and further away from the party and he was wondering if he should call Lan Zhan to tell him what was going on when he felt movement behind him. On instinct he threw himself to the side and it was a good thing he did. Xue Yang had slipped behind him at some point and aimed a palm strike at the middle of his back, he could feel the spiritual energy suffusing his hand.

He swallowed, he could not be hit by that.

“Aren't you a quick one.” Xue Yang danced back a couple steps but he stayed on high alert. “This worked on that guy in purple. He didn't even see me coming.” Gritting his teeth he pushed down his anger, this wasn't the time for that. “Why attack him at all? Why kill the Chang Sect?”

Xue Yang's eyes were filled amusement and it was annoying as hell, the urge to punch him in the face grew every second.

“Why not? Seemed like fun,” Xue Yang said as he began circling him. He moved along with him, never exposing his back. “And the Changs had it coming.”

Something flickered in Xue Yang's eyes and he got ready for an attack, only it didn't come from him. He whirled around and parried the sword with Suiban but the angle was off and he stumbled back a couple steps. The newcomer didn't pause, attacking once again. He tried to see who it was but their face was blurred by shadows.

Now he was clearly at a disadvantage. While he fought the new threat he didn't dare leave Xue Yang out of his sight and it made his attacks and parries sloppy. Just as he went in for a strike Xue Yang moved in the corner of his eye and his opponent used the chance to give him a stinging cut to the side.

He jumped back and pressed a hand on it, it came away bloody and the cut was long. Luckily not too deep, the sword was stopped by his ribs.

Xue Yang was gone. He cursed internally and tried to look around for him without leaving the other threat out of his sight.

He couldn't sense another presence but that didn't necessarily mean he wasn't there, Xue Yang might be hiding somewhere waiting for a chance to strike. The newcomer didn't let up, lunging for him again and he dodged the sword coming for his throat.

“You should focus on me, you arrogant piece of shit. He's off to do his actual job.”

He blinked. “Do I know you?” That insult had way too much venom in it to be random. His question was genuine but it only served to enrage the other more, showering him with a series of strikes.

Unluckily for him, he gave away a crucial piece of information. With Xue Yang really gone he could focus on the fight and he easily parried all strikes and even disarmed the other with a flick of his wrist before plunging his sword into his chest. As he pulled out Suiban the guy collapsed to the ground and bled out quickly. The disguise on his face dissipating as he died. He studied his face for a moment but couldn't remember ever meeting him before.

Neither did he waste much time trying to, Xue Yang was still on the loose and he turned around to race back toward the party. He didn't notice before too preoccupied by the fight but the music cut off and was replaced by screams. He ran faster.

With Xue Yang apparently not working alone he expected more disguised cultivators but what he saw when he reached the party were people fleeing from dozens of fierce corpses. Already the ground was stained with blood and littered with the corpses of those who either couldn't run or pull their weapons in time.

His blood chilled in his veins when he saw one of those corpses, a woman in a now ripped and blood stained dress, rise from the ground to attack a man that was running past. She shouldn't have turned into a fierce corpse that quickly.

With a lunge and a clean sweep of Suiban he cut of her head but it was too late to save the man she attacked. He was about to take down the next fierce corpse when something grabbed his ankle, tripping him. He dropped to his knee and looked behind him, the man that just died was digging his claws into his leg. He didn't hesitate to strike him down as well.

There was no time to think about what the hell was going on. He got up and and made his way through the increasing number of fierce corpses, looking for anyone that was dear to him, needing to make sure that they were okay.

The first he spotted was his Shijie and his heart stopped. She was wandering around in the chaos, one hand on her belly and looking around as if searching for someone. Yet she didn't see the corpse rising to his feet behind her, reaching out to her.

He didn't consciously let go of Suiban but in the next moment he lifted Chenqing to his lips and played a quick melody. The only command it carried was stop with all the power he could infuse into it.

The fierce corpse didn't listen.

It lunged for his sister's throat, who turned her head to look behind. Her scream was piercing and his heart ripped in two as he realized that even if he tried to intercept the fierce corpse without a weapon he would not be in time to save her.

Blood splattered and the dark red fluid was all he could he see until he frowned. It was too dark to come from the living. His vision righted itself and Lan Zhan was pulling his sister close as he cut down anything that tried to attack her. Tears ran down his face in sheer relieve.

Once again he raised his flute and tried to control the fierce corpses but no matter how he played they didn't listen to a single command he gave. Siphoning the resentful energy from them didn't work either and he frowned as he kept trying different things.

Luckily with cultivators overcoming their initial shock they organized themselves to fight back and the number of corpses dwindled until the last one dropped to the ground unmoving. Lan Xichen joined his brother, asking him if he was alright as the three of them made their way over to him.

He sighed as his arms dropped. Why couldn't he manipulate the corpses? That never happened to him before. Was he too panicked?

He was still pondering that when he was grabbed from behind and forced to his knees. Something closed around his wrists and his access to his golden core cut off. Chenqing was pulled from his hands and when he turned his head he was met with the sight of a Jin cultivator holding him at sword point while another made sure that the cuff sat correctly.

What the hell?

Jin Guangshan stood behind them with a grim expression. “Wei Wuxian, how dare you use your disgusting cultivation to cause havoc.”

He wanted to laugh, thinking this must be a really bad joke but the sect leader was serious. “I didn't.”

Jin Guangshan scoffed. “Everyone saw you controlling the fierce corpses.”

Except he didn't. Not that he was given the chance to protest further, the Jin cultivators grabbed him underneath the arms to drag him away.

There was a commotion behind them. Lan Zhan tried to get to him but was blocked by Jin cultivators. Lan Xichen placed a hand on his shoulder asking him to calm down but he looked just as angry as Lan Zhan.

The peacock's cousin tried to grab Suiban and Chenqing but Shijie was quicker, telling him something he couldn't hear before handing them to Lan Zhan.

He felt numb as he was dragged away, his mind racing to come up with a way to prove his innocence but every thought was like water in his hands, unable to hold on to a single one.

They passed Xiao Xingchen and his partner who watched the proceedings with neutral expressions but still he took a step closer when he gestured him too. “Xue Yang is here,” he hissed and Xiao Xingchen narrowed his eyes. Out of the corner of his eye he saw him talking to Song Zichen and then the two of them slipped away.

Soon after he was thrown into a cell with iron bars and he was wondering why the Jin Sect had their own dungeon when the door was locked behind him. His hands were still cuffed behind his back as he sat down on the cot. He tried to stay calm but after what happened with Wen Ruohan the cultivation world was suspicious of demonic cultivators and no matter how much he proclaimed his innocence if he couldn't prove it no one would believe him.

That's not entirely true. Lan Zhan would believe him, Shijie and Jiang Cheng would. And he was pretty sure most of the Lans as well.

With a groan he dropped on his side. Their believe in him didn't change the fact that he was screwed.

Chapter Text

He didn't sleep a wink that night. No one came by to tell him what was going on or what would happen next or even to uncuff him, his arms quickly grew numb. Therefor when dawn finally broke he was uncomfortable, exhausted, hungry and thirsty. The last two were offset by the nausea he felt when he thought about being convicted of attempted mass murder or whatever charges they threw at him.

Officially Jin Guangshan would involve the police but when it came to convicting cultivators the government would oftentimes leave it to the Chief Cultivator to take care of the sect's messes. But since Wen Ruohan's case they at least wanted to be kept informed and would help enforce prison sentences.

He looked around and wondered if he would have to spend the rest of his life in that dingy cell when footsteps were nearing. For a hopeful second he thought Lan Zhan would be able to come visit him but it was dashed when it was the peacock's cousin with a sneer on his face.

He could never remember his name, only knew that it sounded similar to Jin Zixuan's.

“Not so high and mighty now, are you, Wei Wuxian?” He unlocked the door and stepped into the cell.

“Should I know you?” He relished the way anger spread on the others face, right up until the man grabbed him by the lapel with one hand pulling him to his feet. He didn't flinch or close his eyes as the Jin cultivator pulled back his fist.

“Stop. You can't hit him.”

He looked over the asshole's shoulder and despite the situation Jin Guangyao gave him an apologetic smile as he entered the cell. “I apologize for Jin Zixun. Emotions are running high at the moment.”

He didn't say anything but to his surprise he was let go, on top of that Jin Guangyao refastened his cuffs in front of him and even handed him a water bottle and a bun. “I'm afraid in the confusion your comfort fell by the wayside. I hope you can forgive us.”

Jin Guangyao seemed genuine but he couldn't help but wonder. 'Forgetting' about the only prisoner in the dungeon seemed awfully difficult, no doubt even more so with the Lans no doubt demanding his release. Shijie as well wouldn't have forgotten to feed him.

Soon he was once again left alone and none the wiser.

*

The grand hall of the Jin Sect was even more lavishly decorated than the rest of Koi Tower, his eyes hurt as he was led in.

He stayed another day in the dungeon but at least from Jin Guangyao's visit onward he was given three meals a day. Still no one other than Jin cultivators entered the dungeon. Therefore he had no idea what to expect when he was hauled out of the cell and taken there. He was surrounded on all sides as they led him along like they expected him to stir up trouble or try to escape.

The hall was brimming with people but they left a corridor open in the center and his procession stopped some way from the raised throne where Jin Guangshan sat looking down on him.

He was distracted from the sectleader by a short scuffle to his left and when he turned he saw Lan Zhan settling at his side with a stubborn expression.

“I was sure we agreed the Jin Sect would provide the guards for the prisoner,” the Chief Cultivator said.

“Wei Ying is my husband. I will stand with him.”

“Suit yourself.” Jin Guangshan waved a lazy hand. “Wei Wuxian, you've been brought before the sects to answer for your crimes. Using demonic cultivation to attack the sects. How despicable.”

“I haven't.” His words were drowned out halfway by the noise that rose in protest to his claim of innocence. He ground his teeth but had no choice but to wait for it to quiet back down before trying again. He was beat to it. “Since that night you've been claiming Wuxian committed this crime, but in all the time since you've yet to bring forth any evidence. I'm beginning to wonder if you're accusing him without any.” Lan Xichen's usual smile was absent.

“Who else could it have been? Luckily the affinity for resentful energy is a rare one. Who else here beside him had the means to puppeteer fierce corpses like that?” Sect-leader Yao spoke about him with dislike coloring his voice. “There were multiple witnesses of him playing his flute to control them like he has at the Discussion Conference. What more proof is needed?”

“I tried to stop them, they didn't listen to me,” he yelled but realized as the words left his mouth that they would sound like nothing but an empty excuse. As expected he was answered by scoffs and sneers.

While he sat in that cell he figured out the reason why. It had indeed seemed like a mystery at first but the solution was quite simple. He couldn't control the fierce corpses because someone else already did. But who? Like Sectleader Yao said the affinity was rare. He had an idea. Xue Yang. The guy he killed last night told him he left to do his job and shortly after the party was attacked by controlled fierce corpses. That definitely wasn't a coincidence.

But what was truly unsettling was that he didn't think either of the two were in charge.

“He even murdered Sectleader Su Minshan.”

He blinked. Who?

Oh. They must be talking about the cultivator that had been hiding his face. They wouldn't belive him but neither would he let them fling crimes at him without him protesting.

“He attacked me, I was protecting myself.”

“A likely story.” People interrupted him whenever he tried to to tell them what actually happened and they wouldn't let anyone trying to defend him get a word in edgewise. "He was probably the one that attacked Jiang-Gongzi as well. They're always fighting, he probably resents his former Shidi." His heart sank as he stood there being barraged by accusation after accusation.

Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue were looking to Jin Guangyao for help but the man had his eyes averted were he stood next to his father and while he tried to hide it Jin Guangshan looked smug. He gritted his teeth. It didn't matter that he was innocent, he would leave here a convicted man. In hindsight it was stupid to go after Xue Yang alone. Jin Guangshan needed a scapegoat, having that many people killed at a party he ivited everyone to was an exceedingly bad look, it would only be worse if he didn't find a culprit to punish.

And he served himself up on a silver platter.

“It's obvious Wei Wuxian tried to overthrow the sects just like Wen Ruohan did, he's even in contact with the remains of the Wen Sect. To prevent this from happening again we should seal his golden core and imprison him here in Koi Tower.”

Lan Zhan stiffened next to him and he looked over, worried his husband would try to do something stupid. It wasn't in his nature but he could be stubborn at the worst of times.

A clamor of agreement rose in the hall as the doors flew open and a figure in black was hurled inside. Xiao Xingchen admonished his partner quietly as he strode in but Song Zichen didn't look repentant in the least and as the figure straightened with difficulty he could understand why. It was Xue Yang.

A relieved breath exploded out of him but he soon frowned in confusion when Nie Huaisang followed after the two, with his fan in one hand and a tablet in the other. Thinking about it, he hadn't seen Nie Huaisang at the party at all but he must have been there, Nie Huaisang never missed an opportunity to socialize.

“Wei-Xiong is innocent, it was Xue Yang,” Nie Huaisang said, coming to a stop next to them. “I can proof it.” Usually he would have tried to make himself look small as he talked but this time he stood tall and talked confidently.

He blinked. Nie Huasaing without his usual pretense was a rare sight.

“I don't think-” Jin Guangshan shifted in his seat but was cut off mid sentence by Nie Mingjue. “I was under the impression that this is a trial, not a witch hunt. Wei Wuxian should get the opportunity to defend himself or have people bring forth evidence.” While many people didn't look happy about it they had no choice but to allow it and so there was a large screen rolled into the hall. As soon as Nie Huaisang connected his tablet footage from a drone began to play.

It was a birds-view of Xue Yang sneaking unto Koi Tower grounds, one might have expected him to notice the drone following him but even at the competition he thought that they were surprisingly quiet.

He watched and saw Xue Yang walking over the grounds like he belonged there and soon he met with another person. They talked but unfortunately there was no tone accompanying the footage. It was someone all of them recognized.

“A-Yao?” That simple inquiry from Lan Xichen was heartbreaking and he glanced at the man in question, there was a crack in Jin Guangyao's usual placid smile but he didn't say anything. Whispers rose in the crowd.

Already the footage showed them going separate ways and Xue Yang joined the crowds at the party, keeping to the edges and looking around like he was searching for someone. When he came into the frameXue Yang made his way over the grounds before turning around to wave and dipping into the darker parts of the garden. Watching that and the subsequent fight against him and the other cultivator it became clear that he had been deliberately drawn away from everyone else. He didn't end up as the scapegoat simply because of bad luck, they planned to set him up from the first.

The outcome of his fight against Su Minshan wasn't shown, the camera once again followed Xue Yang as he snuck away. After a minute or so he stopped at a small building, nothing more than a shed but stupidly ostentatious and slipped inside. When Xue Yang stepped out again he played a flute and fierce corpses followed him like fucked up ducklings. He lead them right to the party, staying out of sight while he sent them forth to murder the party guests.

Nie Huaisang stopped the video there, no one wanted to watch the bloody massacre at the party again.

There was silence in the hall for a short moment before pandemonium broke loose, everyone was shouting, flinging accusations at Jin Guangyao. He sighed in relief at being cleared but then glanced at Lan Xichen in concern, he was pale as aghost but looked at Jin Guangyao with confusion and unextinguished hope.

Nie Mingjue's voice rose above the others and at his command everyone shut up. He was pale as well but anger colored his voice. “Jin Guangyao, explain yourself.”

Jin Guangyao opened his mouth like he planned to do just that but was stopped when Jin Guangshan waved over guards that promptly cuffed his son. “It turns out this is the doing of these foolish boys. I apologize and rest assured everyone, I'll punish them harshly.”

Xue Yang laughed where he was dragged to his feet.

Jin Guangyao glared at his father with hatred in his eyes. “And cover up anything that would be inconvenient, I'm sure.” Jin Guangshan hissed something that was too quiet to understand and Jin Guangyao gritted his teeth. “Keep talking”, Nie Mingjue said but when Jin Guangyao looked at him Jin Guangshan raised his hand and there was a crack. "There is no reason to listen to more of his lies." A red mark bloomed on Jin Guangyao's face but the one that flinched at the strike was Lan Xichen. Jin Guangyao simply stayed silent.

Nie Huaisang cleared his throat and held up the tablet. “Trying to keep him silent is useless. I also have proof that Jin Guangshan ordered the Waterborne Abyss to be sent to Gusu, as well as the attack on Jiang-Xiong and his own party. Jin Guangshan possesses an instruction manual on the core-melting technique that he gave to Xue Yang to learn."

“How could you possibly know that, Huaisang?”

“He boasted about it when he got drunk at Wei-Xiong's and Lan-Xiongs's wedding.” He played a sound recording where he did just that and Jin Guangshan's face grew steadily more red. “That proves nothing.”

Without blinking Nie Huaisang tapped on the tablet again and there were records of cultivators deployed on a hunt of the Abyss in Lanling and another video of Jin Guangyao instructing them to send it to Caiyi on Jin Guangshan's behalf. More and more recordings and videos played and Jin Guangshan looked more disbelieving with every single one.

"They obviously must be fake, he's trying to frame me." He looked around the room for support but his former allies, even Sectleader Yao stayed silent, looking at him with suspicion.

“Everything will be thoroughly checked but it is enough to cast doubt on your innocence. The Jin Sect will have no hand in the investigation.” At Lan Xichen's words, Nie Mingjue gave the go ahead for his cultivators to arrest Jin Guangshan and he was dragged from the hall, along with Xue Yang. When Jin Guangyao followed he didn't look at either of his partners but they stopped him anyway. Nie Mingjue looked furious but stayed quiet, letting Lan Xichen talk. “Why?”

“...If I refused he would have stopped paying for mother's treatment.”

They stared at him, eyes widening in understanding and even part of his heart softened at hearing that. He knew that Jin Guangyao's mother was ill and he only tried to ensure her wellbeing. Wouldn't he do the same for the ones he loved?

“You could have said something, we would have helped.” Lan Xichen reached out to him, wanting to put a hand on his shoulder but was shrugged off.

“Really? Would have either of you?” For once the smile slipped of Jin Guangyao's face and his voice broke.

“Of cou-”

“I don't think you would have,” Jin Guangyao said, watching their faces fall. “It would have just given you both the opportunity to finally get rid of me. Now you can announce your relationship, no one is standing in the way of your perfectly respectable happy ending anymore.” There was venom in his voice but it couldn't quite cover the hurt.

Lan Xichen was struck speechless and Jin Guangyao turned away. Nie Mingjue grabbed his arm, stopping him. “It won't be a happy end without you.” Jin Guangyao looked stricken and in the end the three headed for the dungeon together. They had talked quietly enough that he doubted anyone else heard and he watched all of that with a heavy heart.

He glanced at Lan Zhan. He had difficulty to believe his husband loved him as well and thinking about Shijie and Jiang Cheng he didn't know what lengths he might go to to protect them, so he couldn't say he forgave Jin Guangyao for his actions but it was hard to entirely condemn him either.

*

Lan Zhan didn't hesitate to lead him out of the hall and toward their guestroom, the moment the door closed behind them he drew him into a hug.

He was still dealing with the whiplash from the bloody events of the party, his subsequent arrest, the trial and the revelation that this was some plot cooked up by the Jins. At least the peacock looked shell-shocked when they left, if he had anything to do with his Shijie almost getting killed he would have murdered him.

But it seemed it was still not over, there was a knock on the door.

They parted reluctantly and he opened the door to find Nie Huaisang on the other side. His friend smiled apologetically but squeezed past him anyway. It was good timing, he had been wondering about his friend's involvement in all of this.

They headed for the seating area and Lan Zhan was already brewing tea.

He cut right to the chase. "If you knew about the Abyss and Xue Yang, why didn't you say anything?"

"When you told me about the Abyss I only had a hunch. And the significance of Jin Guangshan owning a scroll on core-melting only occurred to me after Jiang-Xiong was attacked, after all sects collected many interesting odds and ends over the centuries."

Fair enough.

“I don't get it, why do any of this in the first place? What's the fucking point?” Jin Guangshan murdered people and he hated that Jin Guangyao was involved, Lan Xichen was heartbroken.

Nie Huaisang opened his fan with a flick and absentmindedly waved it. “Don't take it to heart but I think your and Lan-Xiongs's wedding was the catalyst.”

He stared at his friend. “You're saying this was my fault?”

“Of course not,” Nie Huaisang said and flicked his head using the fan. “You're not responsible for others idiocy. I only meant that Jin Guangshan most likely feared the Lan Sect was starting to get too powerful.”

Lan Zhan joined them with the tea. “Powerful?”

“Think about it. The Lan Sect has always been prestigious and in recent years famed for their Twin Jades. One of which is the sectleader who is on good terms with my brother." The way he said good terms made obvious what he really meant. "And then Wei-Xiong, an outstanding cultivator of the sword and demonic paths, marries the other and joins the Lans which also connects them to the Yunmeng Jiang Sect.”

Well, the last part not so much but he could see how that could spur a power hungry bastard like Jin Guangshan into action, people like him could never believe that others weren't just like them. It must have seemed to him that his position as Chief Cultivator was about to be usurped.

Soon after they bid Nie Huaisang goodbye. Both of them were silent. He was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that Jin Guangshan send the Abyss to Gusu, sicced Xue Yang on Jiang Cheng and killed his people for some perceived threat to his position.

He felt very tired. Rubbing his face he thought of the beautiful tranquility of the Cloud Recesses, the Jingshi that perfectly balanced his chaos and Lan Zhan neatness, the Lans that welcomed him and his ideas with open arms, his classes and students and most importantly A-Yuan who was having a sleepover with Jingyi while they were gone. He yearned for all of that with a sudden intensity that hurt. He took a deep breath, released it with a sigh and leaned against his husband while Lan Zhan wrapped his arm around him.

“I want to go home.”

“Mn.”

Chapter Text

“Uncle, there is something I need... no, that I want to tell you.” Lan Xichen's voice broke at the end and he silently cheered him on from where he almost suffocated in the awkward air. Lan Zhan sat next to him at the table in the Hanshi, not entirely happy but willing to support his brother nonetheless.

Nie Mingjue sat on the right of Lan Xichen, ramrod straight and it was the first time he ever saw the man look nervous, he didn't think he was capable of that. On his left sat Jin Guangyao with his usual friendly smile but his nerves were betrayed by the rigidness of the expression, not a single muscle so much as twitched.

The three of them were clutching hands out of sight from Lan Qiren.

A while ago Lan Xichen told Lan Zhan and him that he finally wanted to talk to Lan Qiren about his relationship and asked them to help him deal with the expected fall out, ranging from Lan Qiren having a fit to to a major qi deviation.

After the events at Koi Tower there had been a drawn out investigation and even the government got involved but everything turned out like Nie Huaisang said. Jin Guangshan was the one pulling the strings and either threatening, bribing or blackmailing people into compliance with his schemes.

Jin Guangyao fell into the latter but the man was smart, he kept records of everything. His mother's hospital bills only getting payed after he completed whatever was asked of him. Voice recordings and videos from hidden cameras which clearly showed Jin Guangyao being coerced into the crimes he committed and being belittled all the while, what exactly was said was something he tried to forget but it wasn't surprising the man thought his partners didn't love him, merely saw him as an amusing toy to use until they grew bored of him.

Not once did he more than Jin Guangshan demanded. Not that he thought Jin Guangyao wasn't capable of being a criminal mastermind, he was a lot like Nie Huaisang in that way. But he simply didn't seem to have the ambition for it. Maybe it was his mother's influence or that of his partners'.

Perhaps even Shijie's.

When he visited her last Jin Guangyao had still been in the dungeon and asked to see them. He hadn't known what to expect but the man kneeling in front of them and asking for forgiveness for his part in the crimes against them hadn't been it.

Many were convinced it was all an act to mitigate his punishment, maybe they were right, maybe not. But he thought he had been genuine in his apology.

In the end Jin Guangyao got off with a very strict probation while Jin Guangshan would rot in jail the rest of his life. Xue Yang got a life sentence as well but seemed more amused than anything about it.

The Jin Sect was placed under the oversight of the other major sects by the government for now to ensure something like this wouldn't happen again. Jin Zixuan had to step up as the new sect-leader, horrified and mortified at what his family had done, trying to do better. The bar certainly wasn't high off the ground and with Shijie by his side he should do well.

When Jin Guangyao was released, he was allowed to stay in the Jin Sect. His relationship was rocked to the core but none of them wanted it to end and they've been to counseling.

Month's later they were here. Lan Xichen was downright terrified to tell his uncle, had been a nervous wreck for days until the other two arrived but finally wanted to go public with their relationship. Of course that meant telling Lan Qiren before any announcement was made.

He didn't envy his brother-in-law.

His life on the other hand had turned peaceful. His days were filled with teaching more and more classes and occasionally night hunting with Lan Zhan. Every day was spent with their son. He still randomly got teary eyed about being able to call A-Yuan that. They had signed the adoption papers shortly after the events at Koi Tower.

Lan Xichen cleared his throat while Lan Qiren watched him with a raised brow. It jolted him back to the present and he would have nudged his brother-in-law if it would have been possible without being obvious.

“I... have been in a relationship for a while now with... A-Yao.... and Mingjue.”

Silence.

He held his breath as Lan Qiren stared at his nephew and the men at his sides with an unreadable expression. No one dared move.

Lan Qiren was the first to do so, picking up his tea cup with a trembling hand, almost spilling the contents as he took a sip. His shoulders began to shake as well. Lan Xichen swallowed audibly.

Lan Qiren sat the cup down with a click that echoed in the room, his lips pressed in a thin line.

“Uncle, I assure you-”

He was too stunned to finish the sentence when Lan Qiren coughed. It clearly was an attempt to cover laughter. His mouth dropped open, he had never seen Lan Qiren laugh. A smile at most.

“A while?,” he pressed out when his fake cough faded. “It's been nearly a decade.”

Lan Xichen was white as a sheet. “You knew?”

Lan Qiren cleared his throat, regathering his dignified air. “Xichen, you are great at many things, deception is not one of them.”

*

He hurried along the path home, Lan Xichen had asked him to come over after his afternoon classes but it turned out that it wasn't anything that couldn't have waited and suspected it was a ruse to keep him out longer.

He was eager to get home.

The wind crawled underneath his clothes, the weather getting more chilly by the day. It reminded him that his nephew would be born soon and he was looking forward to visiting his sister when the time came. He and Lan Zhan have been planning an extended trip to Koi Tower for months now, this time they'd take A-Yuan as well.

As he quickened his steps even more he played with the small gift box in his pocket.

The Jingshi was lit with warm and inviting light as it came into sight and it reminded him of his wedding day, only that this time Lan Zhan wasn't at his side but waiting for him inside. In the beginning he couldn't think of this building as more than a house, now he realized that it wasn't so much the place but the emotions he associated with it that made it his home.

He skipped up the steps and quickly went inside after opening the door. “Sorry I'm late. Xichen wanted to talk about...” He trailed off, watching his husband set out chopsticks on the table ladden with all of his favorite dishes, his eyes zeroing in on the pot of soup. The aroma of lotus root and pork rib soup had his mouth watering instantly.

Lan Zhan straightened and he didn't wait to throw himself into his arms, knowing he would be caught. They shared a kiss and when he pulled back he spotted something else that made him laugh, burying his face in his husband's shoulder.

There was a flask of Emperor's Smile among the dishes.

“How did that get here?”

“Smuggled in.”

He laughed even harder, having to wipe away some tears. “Lan-Er-Gege, how shamelessly you break one of the precepts and after so cruelly fighting me for exactly that in the past.”

Lan Zhan's ears turned pink, he relished the sight and he'd love nothing more than to tease him further but perhaps later. There was something he wanted to do even more.

Releasing Lan Zhan he stepped back, his husband reluctantly let go of him, and he pulled out the box he had been fiddling with on the way back. It looked pretty unassuming and he presented it with a shy smile, nervous despite himself.

His stomach fluttered as Lan Zhan took it, he looked at it with curiosity before he opened it and his eyes widened at what lay within. He didn't say anything, only continued to stare.

He shifted his weight and swallowed, his mouth opening without conscious thought. “Do you like it? I wanted to give you something meaningful but it was kind of hard to figure out what and then I thought you gave me yours but you never gotten one from me and isn't this a giant deal for you Lans?” Lan Zhan still didn't stir, didn't even give a sign he heard. “If.. if you don't like it I can give you something else, anything you want, just name it.”

He was cut off in his rambling, pulled into a bruising kiss and crushing hug as the box clattered to the ground. The red silk ribbon adorned with golden lotus flowers it contained held reverently in his husband's hand.

“Love it. I love you,” Lan Zhan said, voice raspy as he held it out to him. “Would you?”

He gave a nod and with a dry mouth he took the ribbon and wrapped it around the wrist his husband held out, Lan Zhan watching him all the while with a fond smile on his lips.

When he was done he placed a kiss on the inside of Lan Zhan's wrist that now matched his own. “I love you, too. Happy anniversary.”

It was the first of many to come.