wuding | Date in Lotus Pier

I could face him anytime. It’s the aftermath of facing him that I’m trying to avoid.

[It’s not like Lan Qiren could kick him out of Cloud Recesses with Lan Zhan as acting clan leader. These days, the old man would be more likely to ask him to stay. The house they’re building is no secret nor is the amount of genuine love shared between Lan Qiren and Lan Liang.

He smiles, tasting the rice again. Lan Zhan could be tricking him into eating more by suggesting this impromptu marriage, but he suspects it’s just an added benefit for him and not the main reason for the offer.]

With you by my side, what’s he going to do? Bore us to death? Doesn’t it mean anything that I follow more of the precepts than half of the disciples he teaches?

[Despite their tolerance of one another, he can tell his presence isn’t entirely welcome. Even when he brought it up recently, he still isn’t allowed to teach any classes.]

( It should. But then, Lan Qiren has never been the most readily forgiving of men, and Wei Ying — despite his improvements before the precepts — still willingly courts disaster. He has, Lan Wangji suspects, an appetite for playful riling, for inviting correction.

Feeding each other, Wei Ying speaks through his meal — and should that not give him pause? Of course, Wangji will not be the man to say so. Yet it would be unfair to his uncle to pretend all of Wei Ying's life has been reshaped around the Gusu Lan commandments.

Gently, once Wei Ying has consumed enough mouthfuls to Lan Wangji's satisfaction, he lays down the chopsticks and nudges the bowl forward, should his freshly minted husband wish to once more take over. )

He would offer his life for yours and that of your children. ( A truth, no matter Wei Ying's doubts. ) He would not hesitate.

[When Lan Zhan abandons the rice, Wei Wuxian takes over for him and offers a fresh bite to his husband. He pauses, however, when Lan Zhan claims Lan Qiren would die to keep him safe. It should make him feel like he’s accepted, maybe even liked in some way, but it isn’t so simple. He doesn’t particularly like the idea of someone laying down their life for him.]

He doesn’t have to go that far. I’d be happier if he’d just let me train the disciples.

[He starts up again, offering the bite he’d stalled. It’s true that he’d love the opportunity to work with the kids, but he’s so far been denied the chance outside of traveling for night hunts. Wen Ning is the one who accompanies them during their outings most of the time as a protector in the shadows, leaving him to watch for flares in case something goes wrong.]

Do you think Uncle Lan will ever let me teach in Cloud Recesses?

[It’s unfair to put the burden on Lan Zhan, so he tries not to bring it up too often, but it does still bother him to be excluded. There are other things that he could do to help out the clan, and he does try to do those things, but they’re not his calling.]

( Teaching the disciples, imprinting on them an example, being a formative presence — certainly, Wei Ying isn't at fault for wanting the privilege. Uncle, too, only wishes to ensure that the most impressionable minds of Gusu Lan are exposed to the essence of Cloud Recesses' learnings.

It is... a natural tension, unlikely to be extirpated through the passage of time and pleas alone. He cannot hope to abolish it, only perhaps to quiet some of the flames of Lan Qiren's anguished anger. So be it — he knows the work set before him, nodding in increments, only daring to gaze up at Wei Ying again once he has solidified a battle plan. )

I shall speak to him on our return. ( An unwise intervention, both as a nephew and the acting clan leader, to force his uncle's hand. Yet what else can he do? He, too, sacrifices for their sect. Is the price of his contentment, so that he may best serve the clan, not enough? )

[He shakes his head, reaching to the side to touch Lan Zhan’s hand. It’s a tricky situation to have Lan Zhan speak on his behalf to Lan Qiren. It’s not fair to put that on Lan Zhan’s shoulders or to gang up on the old man to get his way. It would likely end in him getting what he wants and being allowed to teach the kids some practical knowledge to help with their training, but he doesn’t want it to be a forced concession.]

You don’t need to speak on my behalf. I can ask again. It’s been a while since I have and maybe he’s warmed up to me more than the last time. The worst that can happen is him saying no again.

[He rubs at the back of Lan Zhan’s knuckles with his thumb before turning his hand to invite Lan Zhan’s palm against his own.]

I would want his blessing before I took on any classes and I won’t get that if we force his hand. It’s just a shame since I’m a font of useful knowledge most of the kids don’t get to have access to.

[He brings Lan Zhan’s hand up to his mouth so he can kiss his knuckles. It’s their first kiss since they’ve renewed their marriage.]

( Barely bidden, his palm slips onto Wei Ying's, grateful for the contact and reassurance that they're together, bound and true, that — no matter the hurdles of their empty chatter — Wei Ying makes no attempt to abandon him. This should not be what they speak of on their marriage day, not toil or trouble or the infinite complications of clan politics and family dynamics.

Still, they've ventured. Still, Wei Ying remembers enough of Lan Wangji's private discomfort to steer them back and away from the abyss. Gratitude blooms in his cheest, thunderous, the bones of his ribcage groaning. His thumb catches on Wei Ying's knuckles, answering the morsels of affection in the only language that finds him forthright.

The kiss finds his hand shivered, pale, straining. He wants to hold, to reassure. Cannot. The truth of Lan Qiren's objections remains a bridge they cannot forge between them, and Wangji will not lie to his husband in this. He will offend neither the blood of his familial bond, nor the sanctity of his matrimony. )

Then, will you speak to him? ( Alone, without Lan Wangji to shield him? Surely not. )

[This time he nods his head, agreeing to handle the situation himself. He passes his lips over Lan Zhan’s knuckles again before he presses one cheek to them instead. It may be strange to have such a serious conversation while sharing some affection, especially after a wedding, but he doesn’t mind.]

I’ll talk to him after we get home. Would it be playing dirty to wait until he’s holding Lan Liang to bring it up?

[It would do wonders to improve the old man’s mood, but it’s unlikely to change the answer. He’s expecting another ‘no,’ but it’s been a year since the last time he’d suggested it. A lot of stuff has happened since then and Lan Qiren seems to hold some minuscule amount of affection for him now.

Still, his reputation and willingness to break rules and orthodoxy both make him an odd choice to teach the children of Gusu Lan.]

It’ll be okay no matter what he decides.

( But will it? Wei Ying's disappointment is the bittermost medicine, a slap upon two cheeks. With one blow, Lan Qiren risks disciplining both his nephew's mercurial wife and the boy he raised on his knee. A difficult choice, on both sides.

And still it is not Lan Wangji's war to wage, not with its political implications. Perhaps, one day soon, Wei Ying and his uncle may negotiate their understanding. For now, he is Wei Ying's foremost accomplice and the elder's most obedient servent, and he prays the twain positions need not come into conflict.

As for Wei Ying's shrewd suggestion — he laughs, timidly, quickly chocked off after, the shake of his head faint. )

Do not make weapon of Liang. ( As if Lan Wangji too has not strategically held or invoked the child, whenever he wished to summon Wei Ying's better behavior. ) He will learn to leverage himself and become unstoppable.

He’ll learn it one way or another.

[But he’s laughing as he says it. Seeing the mirth on his husband’s face and hearing the bell chime of his laughter breaks the mood that had fallen over them. He leans his shoulder against Lan Zhan’s and sets the chopsticks down. They’ve had their ceremony and he wants to enjoy their renewed matrimony.]

I’ll talk to him alone, then. He might budge if I promise to only teach what’s in an approved lesson plan but that won’t give the disciples practice using their brains when they’re out night hunting.

[He massages Lan Zhan’s hand between his two, rubbing the meaty part below the thumb at first before moving onto the digits.]

It’s been a while since I accompanied the junior disciples night hunting. Maybe I can take Sizhui and Jin L… or just Sizhui while we’re in Lotus Pier. We can see if any locals have any problems.

( Ah, but he flinches when Wei Ying nearly slips, the specter of his wretched nephew yet darkening the horizon of their peaceful days ahead. Of course he cannot expect Wei Ying to suddenly and effusively neglect this boy he has chosen for his family.

...will he ever be able to accept him? Perhaps. But to welcome Jin Ling, to desire his company? Here, Lan Wangji feels as if a wretched thing, fingers curling alongside his husband's, mouth slack. He wants, more than anything, to set Wei Ying's mind at ease and promise him peace and contentment.

Cannot. ) Will you take Liang, also?

( Perhaps they should begin to consider when and whether to expose their youngest son to such things. )

[He ignores the look on Lan Zhan’s face at the prospect of going somewhere with both Jin Ling and Lan Sizhui. To put it out in the open doesn’t feel appropriate after their nuptials. They’ve already argued about it once today and they’re both far too stubborn to concede to the other in this.

His desire to go night hunting is diminished by the feeling of not wanting to separate the two love birds. He knows how happy he feels when he spends time with the one he loves and who is he to deny them that?]

Sure, I doubt there’s anything too dangerous. Maybe we can find some water spirits. They’re not uncommon around here.

[They’ll be here a few days longer than Jin Ling, so he plans to wait until then to bring it up with Sizhui. It’s the only way his conscience will allow.]

You can come too, you know. Since we’re bringing Liang, there’s no reason you’d have to skip it.

( Lan Liang, Lan Sizhui, Wei Ying. The three poles that govern his heart, while his uncle and brother both retain their distance. Warmth floods his chest, and he is, not for the first time, nearly too fond to breathe.

He manages belatedly, the sound half wheezing, his own gaze impossibly loving. Truly, Wei Ying, his Wei Ying, is a gift. Clenching his husband's fingers, he brings them up to kiss once more. )

I have enjoyed that pleasure often enough before. ( Perhaps not with Lan Liang, but certainly the opportunity will come. ) My fierce husband must also.

( After all, there is intimacy and a deepening of relations between cultivators that only night hunting together may achieve. It's Wei Ying's turn to enjoy himself with their children. )

Summer draws out energy sappers. Fine prey.

I’ll ask around town if anyone’s been having trouble. You’re sure you don’t want in?

[He won’t push it too hard, since it’s Lan Zhan’s choice. Though, maybe it would be better if Lan Zhan sat this one out. He can’t tease Sizhui about Jin Ling too much in front of Lan Zhan otherwise he gets sulky and temperamental. And Sizhui wouldn’t be as open to talking about how things are progressing between him and Jin Ling with an audience.]

Sizhui's clever. He’ll have no problem taking the lead against either of those. The energy sappers might be a good lesson, too. He’s usually so calm and unhurried, but he won’t want to spend too much time against a foe like that.

[He takes his hand back so he can turn more towards Lan Zhan because he wants to look at his handsome face and bewitching eyes. His husband is practically radiating contented happiness, at least to a trained eye. He’s powerless against it.]

I’ll make sure he packs a flare, but I don’t think we’ll need it. Especially not if we use dual cultivation the night before.

( All sensible plans, entirely reasonable. Far more organised and peaceful than Uncle Qiren would ever presume to give Wei Ying credit. If only he could see this side of the vaunted Patriarch —

But then, they would no longer be at war over Wei Ying's involvement, then. They would have no grounds, no appetite to dispute him. And Lan Wangji — he would hardly need to mediate.

For now, he can only agree, radiating smug contentment, entirely too at ease with Wei Ying's proposal. Let uncle say as he wishes, intercede as he will. Let the world try to stifle them. As long as they are together, they are unbeatable. )

We will dual cultivate ahead. Attend to Sizhui's weaknesses. ( A pause, then: ) Perhaps test Liang's core.

[His hands squeeze Lan Zhan’s at the suggestion to test the potential of Lan Liang developing a golden core. He vaguely remembers being put in a “dangerous” situation shortly after being welcomed into the Jiang clan. There are dozens of ways he can simulate danger without putting their son through something that could scar him for life.]

I didn’t realize I’d be the one testing him. I don’t mind being the one to do it or anything, but I assumed it involved your uncle somehow.

[He’s already coming up with a hundred ideas that he’ll whittle down to a handful once he has an idea of where they’ll be night hunting. Lan Zhan has been torn between hoping their son will be able to become a cultivator and dreading the curse of that fate. Personally, he wants Lan Liang to have a golden core because that means he’ll be better able to protect himself.]

Is there some way the Lan clan does it or do I get to make it up as I go?

Apologise. I misspoke. The clan will wish to attend his diagnosis.

( A half-truth, though one the precepts will accept. Of course they could push the point and force the sect to permit the parents to carry out the procedure, though it would be unwise, given their likely sentimentality. But Lan Wangji would not be tempted by the possibility, not when Wei Ying, lacking a fully developed core, could not yet hope to partake in the rites to the same extent.

It's one thing that they must both wait out the result of a practice carried out by the elders, hand in hand. It would be a deeper wound for Wei Ying to watch as Lan Wangji shares in a moment so profoundly intimate with their child alone. No, he will not force his overly generous husband to make that choice, knowing all too well it would favor Lan Wangji.

For once he will be selfish enough to decide for the twain. )

But we may ask them to perform it before your hunt.

[He relaxes marginally, somehow feeling the relief of not being the one to callously ignore their son’s fear response. If someone else is in charge, the betrayal won’t cut so deep. Though, he doesn’t like the idea of being completely uninvolved, either.]

If the results come back inconclusive, then what? I could try to push him or I could just hold and protect him from whatever we find. If he reacts to my methods, would that be enough for the clan?

[He plays with Lan Zhan’s hands, massaging each of his fingers and kissing the fingertips of each one.]

I’ll take him with us either way. It’ll probably take a few days to get everything organized.

[He opens up Lan Zhan’s hands and presses the palms to either of his cheeks. Lan Zhan’s hands feel cool against his skin. It’s refreshing.]

I’ll keep them both safe, Lan Zhan. I’ve faced all the common hauntings in this area. If for some reason it feels like too much, we’ll notify you and I’ll start using ghost cultivation to make sure there are no nasty surprises.

( If, if, if. Wei Ying, naturally, wants his answers. And Lan Wangji — feels shamefully, impossibly overwhelmed. He had not considered these matters. Perhaps should have. There is neither beginning nor end to the number of things that can go, if not wholly wrong, perhaps astray.

He is not prepared for the possibility, hand soft when it turns around with Wei Ying's in his own, fingers curling around his husband's. Hanging. Then, Wei Ying's cheeks come beneath his gelid touch, and he feels... anchored again. Able, between hard blinks, to breathe again.

Come what may, Wei Ying will keep them safe. )

Will you yet enjoy this?

I almost always enjoy night hunts. I’ve never done it with a baby before, but I’ll be there as back up for Sizhui, so he shouldn’t get in the way of anything. I’ll probably strap him to my chest so I can reach for my sword if needed.

[He’s not at all worried about it, though he is aware of Lan Zhan’s fears. It’s the only reason why he’d thought about using a flare at all. Well, that and he wants to keep both their kids safe during the night hunt even if it means asking someone else for help. He’s not as opposed to that sort of thing when it involves other people, though he does tend to neglect the option when it’s for him alone.

He turns his face so he can kiss Lan Zhan’s palm and wrist. How he loves this man and wants to make him feel happy. At least he seems to be relaxing again after Wei Wuxian brought up the danger part of a night hunt.]

You can count on me to keep in touch, too. But what are you going to do while we’re out?

( He wonders, at times, if he is too easily soothed, if he has allowed Wei Ying to tame him as if he were a spooked rabbit. Surely, he should be showing more of his strength, his composure. It should not be that Wei Ying must go above and beyond to ease him down from his questions and tumults at every turn.

But he is grateful, far too grateful when Wei Ying's mouth lands on his palm, when it slips to his wrist, where Lan Wangji's pulse yet beats a hard drum. He tangles his own touch in Wei Ying's hair, fingers curling, drawing his husband forward so that Lan Wangji might ease his mouth on his forehead once. Again.

Then, he releases him. )

Perhaps I shall take brother to the seaside. ( It has been too long since Zewu-Jun has been teased free from his seclusion. Now is Lan Wangji's chance, when there are fewer members of his family to overwhelm him. ) He cannot be allowed to continue so.

[His eyes fall closed when he’s brought in close and he smiles. This sort of soft affection makes his chest feel warm and full with their shared love. He lets go of Lan Zhan’s hand and wraps his arms around Lan Zhan’s waist, hanging onto him even as he pulls back. He looks up at Lan Zhan’s face and his grin widens.]

It’s been a while, huh? He could probably use your company.

[And not Wei Wuxian’s. He isn’t offended by it or anything. He just knows that his own presence is sometimes too disruptive when it comes to his brother-in-law’s healing. It makes him feel good knowing Lan Zhan will be spending some time with Zewu-Jun. The elder jade, regrettably, doesn’t enter his thoughts as often as he should, but he wishes him well.

His smile settles back into something more appropriate to their conversation, but he doesn’t move away. Instead, he rests his head on Lan Zhan’s shoulder and breathes him in. ]

I won’t bother you too much while you’re with him.

( His company, perhaps. More likely, Zewu-Jun will simple enjoy the ability to choose be silent or engage in companionship without the forcible weight of another's presence. They understand each other on a level that defies language, that requires no stimulation. Lan Xichen may speak to him, or he may pull away — and Lan Wangji will simply hover beside him.

It will be fine, he thinks, to return the kindness his brother showed him in his childhood. The ability to simply reassure another with his physical company alone. He nods, and a smile nearly warms his mouth, and he is free of the burden to heal Zewu-Jun, so long as he may simply alleviate some of his hardships.

A lost gesture, affection radiating toward Wei Ying instead, as he kisses the top of his husband's head. )

Liar. Wei Ying will send me wicked notes of wanting. ( They excel at yearning. )

[Well, Lan Zhan isn’t wrong about him sending notes that will probably be flirty at best, but most likely explicit in nature. He loves getting under his husband’s skin and sometimes that means making him want him fiercely even when occupied. Just imagining Lan Zhan’s ears going bright red and his pants feeling too tight is enough to fill him with glee.

He nuzzles his nose against Lan Zhan’s throat, just letting himself relax against his husband’s warmth. Or maybe it’s full on heat. It’s pretty warm out and he’s not sure if it’s water that hasn’t dried or sweat covering their skin.]

I’ll try to behave myself, but sometimes all I can think about is Lan Zhan. I’ll be with the kids and you’ll be with your brother. The only thing less sexy would be if one of us were with my brother instead.

[He peels himself off of Lan Zhan’s chest and looks up at him again.]

It’s not my fault you’re irresistible. That’s on you, Lan Zhan.

( Irresistible, says Wei Ying, and he can't know, can he? He can't know that he looks like a living mannequin, a creature of sullen want, all plump lips and bright eyes and the glow of his sweat-kissed skin sparking his radiance. Lan Wangji should not think so, not now that his desire has already been once sated, and the man before him is likely worn by both Hanguang-Jun's ministrations and the heat that surrounds them.

For all that, shamelessly, he can't help himself. Draws a hand out, sinks it on Wei Ying's shoulder, brings it up to cup his chin — and directs him toward Lan Wangji, where their mouths may meet, and their tongues do heated battle.

He breaks only belatedly, carelessly, when Wei Ying is sure to already curse out his name for teasing. )

We should swim back.

[His eyes drop down to Lan Zhan’s lips moments before their lips meet. He tilts his head up, sighing through his nose while they start to kiss. His arms loosen from around Lan Zhan’s waist and he drags his fingers up his husband’s sides and then to his chest.

He looks up blearily when Lan Zhan pulls back, eyebrows knitting together. As he pouts.]

Lan Zhan! So mean, teasing me right after I told you how irresistible you are. Do you think I’ll be able to hold myself back just because you want to go back to town?

[Well, he can hold back if he needs to. The heat is starting to get to him, which means Lan Zhan must be feeling miserable by now. He doesn’t want to push his husband too far, even with his strong golden core.

He slumps back and sighs in an intentionally exaggerated way.]

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