Wei Wuxian has appeared back into his life, now with a family of his own.
It's most likely a misunderstanding, and it would have been solved if Lan Wangji had bothered to ask the most obvious question.
Or the story where Lan Wangji is (unsurprisingly) more of a dumbass than Wei Wuxian.
The first thought that came to Lan Wangji’s mind was, Why am I being screamed at 6 am, then followed by, Cookies?
Standing currently outside his front door was a small person with a plate of biscuits attached on top of its head.
“Cookies, cookies, cookies!” It continued to shout, until it was promptly silenced by a hand on its shoulder.
“A-Yuan, stop screaming.” When Lan Wangji looked up to see his savior, he found a woman in her mid 20s, hair tied in a neat ponytail, a pleasant smile on her lips in contrast with the shadow accumulating under her eyes.
“Sorry about that. We’re the new tenants of the apartment across yours,” she says apologetically, about the noise or being his new neighbor, Lan Wangji wasn't sure, but the woman probably meant a bit of both.
“I’m Wen Qing, and this noisy kid here is—”
“I’m Wen Yuan!” The boy cut her off excitedly and she sighed. Wen Qing lifted the plate off the child’s grasp so Lan WangJi could take a better look at him.
The boy craned his head upward as he looked at Lan Wangji with impossibly wide eyes, his mouth open in a small o. He continued to gape, and Wangji thought that he’d have to endure a stare-down with a child six in the morning until the boy started speaking.
“I’m Wen Yuan. I have cookies,” he boasted, while holding up his arms to reach for the plate in his mother's hand. Lan Wangji was about to introduced himself when someone talked.
“A little help here, please. I’ll probably trip myself to death first before I can put these down.” The newcomer has had his face hidden behind the boxes stacked in his arms as he slowly walked towards them, his complaints echoing through the hall.
Wen Yuan rushed towards the man and clung on his pant leg, causing for the items to tilt heavily on one side. “Papa! Mama got the cookies!”
“That’s an interesting way to die. I’d want to see that.” Wen Qing laughed and gave the plate of cookies back to an ecstatic Wen Yuan, before taking the box that was blocking the person’s face.
“And you call yourself a doctor?” The voice sounded vaguely familiar— it's what Lan Wangji usually heard in his dreams, a voice he’d thought he’d never hear outside of sleep again.
“How could you—” The man stopped babbling as their eyes locked, and suddenly Lan Wangji was staring at Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian was taller than he remembered, his face already absent of its childish roundness, replaced by sharp jawline and high cheekbones. These changes were expected when they hadn't seen each other for eight years, but Lan Wangji still had to remind himself to breathe. Wei Wuxian's grey eyes were striking as ever, his mouth opened in surprise— a perfect mimicry of Wen Yuan’s look before.
Interestingly enough, Wen Qing was the first one to speak. “You know each other?”
Wei Wuxian blinked away his surprise, and nodded in affirmation, his gaze not tearing away from Lan Wangji. “He’s Lan Zhan, a friend from high school,” he explains, his lips curling upward. “When’s the last time we saw each other?”
“High school,” Lan Wangji answered, probably too fast, but the two people in front of him didn't seem to notice.
“Oh, yeah.” Wei Wuxian chuckled disbelievingly, then shook his head, as if it was bad of him to forget. “It’s been a long time, but you look even more handsome!”
Lan Wangji caught Wen Qing rolling her eyes, and something finally clicked in his mind.
Wei WuXian was standing in front of him, with a wife and a son.
After the initial shock of seeing an old acquaintance and his family, Lan Wangji believed he did the most rational thing to do: closing the door on their faces and locking himself to his apartment, appointments cancelled. Lan Wangji didn't see them the whole day after that, probably because he never left until the next morning.
Wei Wuxian has a wife and a son. It's something inevitable, a thought that crossed Lan Wangji’s mind more than once. He’d picture an older Wei Wuxian surrounded by a bunch of kids, a woman by his side. He’d imagine Wei Wuxian happy and healthy, all those years Lan Wangji didn't even know if he was still even alive.
He didn't even expect Wei Wuxian would come back in his life now.
Lan Wangji sighed, the latter part was just wishful thinking. How could he even think that Wei Wuxian would want to talk to him after the incident yesterday? He didn't even offer to help them with their move.
The last thing Lan Wangji needed was to see them when he’s unprepared. He wanted to apologize, but he still wasn't sure if he could face them anytime soon. At least it's common for neighbors to only bump into each other once in a blue moon.
Lan Wangji opened his door at 6:30 am. He was positive that if that old acquaintance of his still stuck to his schedule of waking up late, then he’s all clear. He made the perfect plan for the day— he'd go out early in the morning for gym, then go home an hour later to take a bath. Afterwards, he'd stay in the library to work on his novel until it’s closing time at around 7:00 pm. Walk home, eat, take a bath, then sleep.
It was an impeccable schedule, it should have been, but Lan Wangji was just barely outside of the apartment complex when he heard a familiar voice calling out to him.
“Lan Zhan!”
Suppressing the urge to flee, Lan Wangji turned to Wei Wuxian, who was wearing a sweatshirt and running shorts, a pair of worn-out trainers on his feet. Wen Yuan was standing beside him, barely awake, but fortunately wrapped with enough clothing to withstand the cool morning.
“I’m going jogging,” Wei WuXian says without being prompted to. Wen Yuan yawned and stretched, blinking away his sleep.
Lan Wangji looked at Wen Yuan, then at Wei Wuxian, and raised an eyebrow. “With the child?” Wei Wuxian nodded, and Lan Wangji glared at him.
“What? I refuse to run with a child in my arms.” It was a very Wei Wuxian thing to say, and Lan Wangji stopped himself from moving into Wuxian’s personal space and shake him out of his irresponsible self.
“You can leave him there, he'll manage. I’m gonna go ahead!” Before Lan Wangji could even speak a word, Wei Wuxian was already a few meters away out of earshot.
Yuan trod a few paces behind his father, and when he realized he couldn't catch up, he looked at Lan Wangji, asking for help.
Lan Wangji could have just walked away, could have gone back to the apartment and pack up his bags and look for another place to live in, but his conscience wanted him to do something else.
He lifted Wen Yuan from the ground and started walking. The child weighed almost nothing which worried Lan Wangji a little, but he seemed high spirited considering the time of day, so Lan Wangji didn't pay it much mind.
Wen Yuan stared at him with an openly curious expression, his little hands patting Lan Wangji’s cheeks, as if discovering something fascinating for the first time.
Lan Wangji let his face be patted; as long as his eyes weren't blocked by cold fingers, he could still see what direction Wei Wuxian was running to. He continued to walk steadily while Wei Wuxian was getting further away, until the man turned around and jogged towards them.
“A-Yuan, give your father a high five!” Wei Wuxian brought a palm up as he stopped in front of them, and Wen Yuan eagerly smacked both of his hands against Wei Wuxian’s. The child leaned his weight into the clap, and Lan Wangji had to move closer to prevent dropping him. The father seemed to have no intention of carrying his child, and the son seemed comfortable enough perched into Lan Wangji’s arms to bother moving to his father's hold.
“This is careless of you,” Lan Wangji said disapprovingly. Wei Wuxian wasn't clearly a child anymore, having brought one in this world himself, and Lan Wangji thought that adulthood would teach him responsibility. It apparently didn't.
“What? I know you'll help him.” Wei Wuxian gave him a knowing grin, like he could see beyond Lan Wangji's objections, and maybe he really could.
Lan Wangji turned away before the man could read his mind further. “Shameless.”
He heard a sharp intake of breath and when he looked back, Wei Wuxian was laughing, his eyes crinkling in delight. “You’re still kind, Lan Zhan,” he said between his laughter, the sound begrudgingly pleasant to Lan Wangji's ears. It was more natural and sincere than last night, and it's closer to how Lan Wangji remembered Wei Wuxian’s laughter in the past.
“A-Yuan, Lan Zhan helped you. What do you say?” Wei Wuxian asked, his voice still laced with amusement.
“Thank you, Lan Zhan!” The child exclaimed happily, and Wei Wuxian poked his forehead before saying, “That’s rude, call him Uncle.” Wen Yuan whispered an okay and smiled, rubbing his forehead.
Wei Wuxian turned his attention back at Lan Wangji. “Aren't you tired carrying him?”
Lan Wangji felt the question to be rhetorical since he had no choice but to carry Wen Yuan himself, but when Lan Wangji shook his head, he was rewarded with a bright smile. “Okay. I’ll use this opportunity to run, then.”
Wei Wuxian would run a few meters, before jogging back to them. Lan Wangji’s long strides kept the distance between them short, and Wen Yuan would giggle when his father would make funny faces while approaching them. Oftentimes, the child would beg to be put down so he could run on his own for a few meters before looking up to Lan Wangji, a cue for the man to carry him again.
During the long walk home, Lan Wangji realized a little too late that Wei Wuxian wouldn't have really abandoned his son in the middle of the street, that Wei Wuxian would come back if Lan Wangji left. It must have been Wei Wuxian's way of forgiving him for last night, with a bit of a payback in mind.
Lan Wangji knew that he should have backed off when he got the chance; he finally saw Wei Wuxian, happy and healthy and alive, with a family that seemed to adore him.
It's supposed to be enough for Lan Wangji, but he continued to walk with Wen Yuan in his arms, Wei Wuxian jogging beside him, ignoring the way his stomach would flip whenever the scent of sunblock and sweat was carried to his nose on the early morning breeze.
Lan Wangji’s schedule began revolving around Wei Wuxian and Wen Yuan.
Their day would start early in the morning with Lan Wangji accompanying the father and child on their jogging. After an hour, Wei Wuxian and Wen Yuan would go home to prepare for school and Lan Wangji would go straight to the gym.
Wei Wuxian was a nursery teacher. It's befitting, Lan Wangji knew how good he was with kids, and Wen Yuan could be around his father the whole day.
They wouldn’t see each other until the end of the day, where Wei Wuxian and his son would join him in tending the vegetable garden behind the apartment complex.
The vegetable garden was probably Lan Wangji’s favorite place next to the library. It’s a small plot of land, but large enough to fit four raised beds adjacent to each other with pathways in between. He had made the garden himself, having asked the landlord for permission after finding out the overgrown backyard a few years prior.
“Is the garden yours?” Wei Wuxian asked a week after he discovered where Lan Wangji was hiding every afternoon.
“No,” Lan Wangji answered. “Everybody can use it.”
“But you’re the only one that uses it,” Wei Wuxian pointed out, his eyes darting to one garden bed to another.
“Mn.”
Nobody really paid attention to the backyard. A few tenants had been interested when Lan Wangji started his little project, but as soon as they realized how much labor needed to be put into, they gave up.
“Figures. You’re the only person I know who grows their own food,” Wei Wuxian said, before moving out of Lan Wangji's sight. Something must have piqued his interest again. Wei Wuxian would go around the garden, fingers nimbly touching some leaves, brows knitted in concentration as he asks things that may or may not be about the plant.
For a small vegetable garden, Wei Wuxian seemed to have an endless list of questions about it.
“You can grow something here,” Lan Wangji offered when he caught Wen Yuan staring at an empty patch of soil beside the lettuce. The child’s face immediately lit up from his words.
“Apple!”
“We can’t plant that.”
“Banana?”
Lan Wangji shook his head.
“Cactus?”
Before Lan Wangji can open his mouth, Wei Wuxian placed a hand on his shoulder, immediately cutting him off.
“It’ll take a long time if you let him choose. Just give him options.”
Lan Wangji considered the patch, squatting on the ground while gently digging through the dirt. He planned to grow watermelon on it so the empty soil was considerably large, but the fruit might be difficult for a child to grow.
“You can grow a sunflower.”
“A sunflower?” Wen Yuan stared at him, a bit doubtful. “They’re taller than me! Can I really take care of it?”
Lan Wangji wanted to pat his head reassuringly but his gloved hands were already dirtied, so he nodded instead.
He had expected to be thanked cheerfully, but the tight hug from Wen Yuan had definitely caught him off-guard. Lan Wangji had already pat the child’s arm awkwardly when he remembered that his gloves were covered with soil.
“Ah.” Wen Yuan stares at his arm covered with dirt, then at the empty patch of soil. Lan Wangji somehow knew what that look meant, the slight glint in the eye he always saw with Wei Wuxian when he was about to do something Lan Wangji wouldn’t approve. Knowing didn’t mean he’d be able to prevent it, however, as Wen Yuan started playing with the soil patch, digging with determination.
“Where do we buy the seeds?” asked Wei Wuxian who squatted beside him, not even batting an eye at the grimy state of his son who already took a seat on the garden bed when Lan Wangji wasn’t looking.
“No need.”
He smiled and Lan Wangji took that as his way of saying thanks. Wen Yuan was still digging on the soil, so Wei Wuxian leaned closer to get his attention, Lan Wangji’s thigh brushing against his. Lan Wangji felt his knees getting weak, probably because from squatting too long.
“Maybe you’ll get taller if we bury you with the sunflower,” Wei Wuxian whispered with such a serious face while sizing up the patch and his son that Lan Wangji was compelled to stop him.
“Don't.”
Wei Wuxian guffawed, his head thrown back to let more of his laugh out, and Lan Wangji forced himself to look away.
Wei Wuxian with his stupid ideas and his stupid laugh always made him react uncharacteristically.
The three of them worked in companionable silence, if companionable silence meant Wei Wuxian egging his son on digging a pit until he could fit inside.
Giving up from reprimanding the two, Lan Wangji’s mind wandered a bit. He has learned bits and pieces about Wen Qing from Wei WuXian. Their disastrous first meeting was the last time he saw her since she always go home late in the night and go out during midday. Her odd schedule was due to her work as an ER doctor who practically lives in the hospital.
“Don't you miss Wen Qing?” Lan Wangji asked him, and Wei Wuxian pursed his lips before directing the question to Wen Yuan.
“A-Yuan understands why Mama isn't always around, right?”
“Yup! And I have you both so it's okay,” Wen Yuan said, giving both of them a toothy grin. “Mama rescues a lot of people too, she's a superhero!”
Lan Wangji tried to discern if he was saying the truth, but children rarely ever lie, so he believed Wen Yuan.
By the time the sun had completely set, Lan Wangji had given a basket of ripe cherry tomatoes and lettuce to the two as they finished putting the gardening tools away.
“Let’s cook this for dinner,” Wei Wuxian suggested, before looking at Lan Wangji. “You'll join us, right?”
That night, with a burnt tongue and sweaty palms, Lan Wangji had survived the spiciest meal he ever had.
It wasn't easy to throw Lan Wangji off balance, but Wei Wuxian did it constantly. He’d pull off harmless yet annoying pranks, converse with Lan Wangji in puns, make dumb jokes about his plants. The list went on, it was both childish and endearing, and Lan Wangji couldn't find it in himself to complain.
So when Wei Wuxian introduced him to Mianmian, who was Wen Qing’s girlfriend, Lan Wangji had waited for the punchline. It never came.
“It’s nice to finally meet you! I’m sorry you have to see me in such a state,” Mianmian chirped despite her shortness of breath, her movements a flurry of limbs as she hurriedly put on her shoes and coat.
“I’ll better head out soon or I’m gonna be late from work.” She kissed Wei Wuxian on the cheek and waved a hand at Lan Wangji's direction, before moving past them.
Wei Wuxian called out, “Wen Qing will kill you!”
“She'll kill you first!” Mianmian shouted back before disappearing around the corner of the hallway.
“Touché.” Wei Wuxian grinned and turned around, his smile faltering a bit when he noticed Lan Wangji gazing at him, unmoving from the front door.
“What's wrong?”
“You’re fine with this?” Lan Wangji gave him a stern look
“What do you mean?” Wei Wuxian crossed his arms against his chest like a teacher ready to reprimand his student if he’s about to say something mean.
Your wife has a girlfriend, he wanted to say badly, but Lan Wangji chose to keep his mouth shut.
He asked instead, “You have that kind of arrangement?”
“Arrangement?” Wei Wuxian tilted his head, pondering over the question for a moment, before finally reaching a conclusion in his mind. “Wen Qing can date anyone she wants. The same goes for me. A-Yuan is still our priority, so don't worry about that.”
Lan Wangji frowned. Are they just together for the sake of Wen Yuan? A marriage of convenience?
Before he could fully mull those words over, Wei Wuxian started again.
“Do you have anything against gay people?”
“No.”
“Bi?”
Lan Wangji shook his head. Gender doesn't matter when it comes to these things.
Wei Wuxian seemed satisfied at his answers. “Good. ‘Cause I am.”
Lan Wangji stared at him blankly, and Wei Wuxian sighed, exaggerated and long. “Nevermind. I’ll just give A-Yuan a bath then we'll leave.” They left the topic at that, and Lan Wangji had to deal with his confusion on his own.
After an hour, Wen Yuan has both of his hands held by either Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji as they arrived in the indoor playground the child has been itching to visit.
The two adults stayed at the guardian’s area where they could watch Wen Yuan play with a plastic sword and slash block towers he built himself.
The child had invited Lan Wangji to play with them over the weekend. He didn't have it in him to refuse, so here they were.
Wei Wuxian was idly playing with a toy teacup on the table, chattering continuously amidst the chaos of toddlers and pre-teens shouting around them.
“So this student, the one with ponytail and stuffed bear…” he trailed off, trying to remember the boy’s name.
“Zizhen,” Lan Wangji supplied, to which Wei Wuxian nodded.
“Yes, that kid— Wait, how did you know?”
“You told me about him last time.”
There was a pause, and when Lan Wangji looked up from his book, Wei Wuxian's eyes showed awe and disbelief. “You’re listening.”
Lan Wangji quirked an eyebrow at that. “Of course.”
“Huh.” Wei Wuxian considered him for a moment, before laughing. “Of course you're listening.” He continued to chuckle, and Lan Wangji watched him, knowing that Wei Wuxian was about to say something else.
“You know, I was waiting for you to ask me why I suddenly left before.” Wei Wuxian brought his arms on the table, his face cupped in his palms.
“It doesn't matter.”
Wei Wuxian gasped with exaggeration, a hand over his heart. “You hurt me, Lan Zhan. Do you really not care for me at all?”
“It doesn't matter since you're here,” Lan Wangji said bluntly, as it was the truth. At his words, Wei Wuxian smiled at him fondly, his eyes closed in contentment.
“I ran away.”
This wasn't a good time to be talking about this. Or maybe it was. The sounds of children playing drowned their voices, and Wei Wuxian had to lean over so Lan Wangji could hear him, Wei Wuxian’s breath tickling his cheek. Maybe this was really a good time.
“I know.”
“But do you know why?”
Lan Wangji stared at him before shaking his head. Wei Wuxian grinned.
“I don't know either. I think I just felt like it. It was better for me to be out of sight, after all.”
Lan Wangji’s lips curled down.
“What’s with that frown? Are you disagreeing with me?” Wei Wuxian couldn't help but poke Lan Wangji’s nose. When he saw the slight twitch of brows at the action, he chuckled.
“I think I can read you better now, Lan Zhan.”
Lan Wangji leaned back and returned his attention to his book. That’s going to be a huge problem if you really can.
When he was sure he wouldn’t get any verbal response, Wei Wuxian continued with his endless chatter about his students and Wen Yuan.
Despite all the talk that happened between them in a span of a day, one question persisted in Lan Wangji's mind. It was a question he'd happily bury in the depths of the ocean.
Why can't I have you instead?
“Dad!” Wen Yuan shouted and clung to Lan Wangji’s pant leg.
The force of the word threw him out of balance more than the impact of the child’s foot accidentally kicking his shin.
“Your dad is over there.” Lan Wangji pointed at Wei Wuxian who was walking towards them, an innocent smile on his face.
Wen Yuan shook his head insistently.
“Papa is Papa, Mama is Mama,” he explained, then clutched a bit tighter on Lan Wangji’s clothes. “You’re Dad!”
“I’m not.” If Lan Wangji could shake his head as hard as Wen Yuan without endangering his dignity, he would have already done so.
“You are! I heard from school today that a dad takes care of his children. You take care of me.”
There were so many things he could point out to counter the child’s statement. Like, Your teacher takes care of you, so is he your dad? Which Lan Wangji realized that it wouldn’t work since Wen Yuan’s teacher is his dad.
By the time Lan Wangji was still formulating a response, Wei Wuxian had already reached the two. When he asked his son what's wrong, Wen Yuan animatedly told him Lan Wangji’s adamant refusal of being called a dad.
“What’s wrong with that? Unless you don’t want to be called dad in public,” Wei Wuxian said to Lan Wangji in a challenging tone, a smirk already forming on his lips. “Afraid someone will get the wrong idea?”
Lan Wangji glared. “No.”
“I already have a lot of uncles,” Wen Yuan nodded to himself as if that was reasonable enough, and there was no room for objections when he continued, “Dad is dad!”
“See? He likes calling you dad,” Wei Wuxian began, eyes gleaming, and Lan Wangji somehow knew that Wen Yuan wasn't the only one happy with the development.
“And don't worry, I’m still A-Yuan’s favorite.” He winked, and Lan Wangji sighed, the upturn of his lips betraying the discontentment he’s supposed to feel.
Lan Wangji figured the hard way that being called dad wasn't just for show and he has to fully bear the responsibilities that came with the title. It's not like those common courtesies when you call every elder your uncle or aunt, a friend your brother or sister.
Maybe that's why Wei Wuxian insisted on him being called dad by Wen Yuan.
So when Wei Wuxian called Lan Wangji to pick the child from school, he grabbed his car keys and took off, his mind finally clearing up as he was walking towards the school gates.
Why did he have to fetch Wen Yuan when Wei Wuxian was clearly there with him?
Conceding to his fate, Lan Wangji headed towards the playground, and saw a familiar back hunched over the sandbox.
“Wen Yuan.” The child immediately straightened his posture at the mention of his name and turned around, a grin splayed on his features. “Dad!”
Lan Wangji was still not used to being called like that, but the passiveness of his face never showed an ounce of his honest feelings for that matter, so Wen Yuan continued to call him with glee.
“I was just playing with A-Ling. Join us!” Just as Wen Yuan mentioned his friend, a child behind him popped up with a plastic shovel in his hand. He must just be a year younger than Wen Yuan, or probably not, since there’s not much difference in height between them.
“The castle is not gonna built itself, A-Yuan!” Jin Ling shouted in a haughty manner, his arms crossed against his chest. When the child saw Lan Wangji staring at him he flinched, his hand automatically clutching on Wen Yuan’s sleeves.
“What’s wrong, A-Ling? Aren’t we going to build the castle?” Wen Yuan turned to his friend who suddenly became unusually docile. Thinking that Jin Ling was sad that he'd go home without finishing their sand castle, Wen Yuan looked at Lan Wangji.
“Can I build the castle first before going home?”
Lan Wangji nodded; he didn’t mind letting Wen Yuan play a bit more with his friend. Finding an empty bench near the edge of the playground, Lan Wangji took a seat and opened a book to keep him company for a while.
Ten minutes later, a shadow loomed over him, making the words on his book barely readable. He looked up to see Jiang Cheng standing in front of him.
“Good afternoon,” Lan Wangji greeted him before going back to his book.
“Afternoon,” replied Jiang Cheng. He finally stopped blocking the sun and sat beside Lan Wangji.
Lan Wangji wasn't into small talk nor was Jiang Cheng, so that two sat in amicable silence until Jiang Cheng called out, cupping his mouth between two hands.
“A-Ling, be careful!” When Lan Wangji looked at the direction Jiang Cheng was shouting at, he saw Wen Yuan helping his friend stand up and dust his knees. It seemed Jin Ling tripped over their sand castle and was on the verge of crying.
“Your son?” Lan Wangji asked.
Jiang Cheng snorted. “Hell no. He’s my nephew.”
Lan Wangji figured that Jin Ling is Jiang Yanli’s son. He vaguely remembered his family being invited to her wedding; time must have really gone fast, seeing her child already playing around with his friends.
“What are you doing here? Got a kid?” Lan Wangji's mind was brought back to consciousness by Jiang Cheng's inquiry.
“Waiting for Wen Yuan.”
“You’re hanging out with Wei Ying?” There was a surprise in Jiang Cheng’s voice.
“Mn.”
Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng’s last long conversation was a week after Wei Wuxian’s disappearance from the Jiang’s household. Lan Wangji asked Jiang Cheng for Wei Wuxian's whereabouts which had led them to a heated discussion. In the end, Lan Wangji went home without knowing anything
It was disguised as a school transfer, but the truth was Wei Wuxian ran away.
Lan Wangji didn’t want to meddle with the Jiang’s family affairs, but it was no secret that Wei Wuxian was adopted by them. It was also known that Yu Ziyuan wasn’t fond of him.
They must have been thinking the same thing as Jiang Cheng opened his mouth. “Sorry about last time,” he said like their fight happened recently, and as if it didn’t happen almost ten years in the past.
“I apologize too.” Lan Wangji didn’t know if he had to, but he figured Jiang Cheng would want to hear that.
“We saw Wei Ying again just a year ago,” Jiang Cheng began. “I didn’t think he’d be a nursery teacher, but it oddly suits him.” “He’s a good teacher,” Lan Wangji agreed. During the handful of times he visited the school, Wei Wuxian was always surrounded by enthusiastic students. He really looked like a mother hen with all the chicks in the farm imprinted on her.
“But that dumbass never contacted us though. We just found him when jiejie had to attend Jin Ling’s parent-teacher meeting,” Jiang Cheng bit out, the memory still irritating him up to this day.
Lan Wangji has nothing more to say, and as if on cue, Wen Yuan jumped out from the sandbox and went to the bench, Jin Ling following closely behind him.
“Dad, look!” Wen Yuan tugged on Lan Wangji’s hand and pointed at the sandbox. “Our castle’s finished!”
“Are you done?” Jiang Cheng asked Jin Ling as he patted the dust off his nephew’s clothes.
“Yes, uncle.” Jin Ling nodded, before turning to Wen Yuan. “Let’s add the knights tomorrow.”
“What about soldiers?”
“And soldiers too.”
“Ok!” Wen Yuan beamed to his friend, who grinned in return. “See you tomorrow A-Ling!”
After the kids bade their farewell, Jiang Cheng stood from his seat and grabbed Jin Ling’s hand. He regarded Lan Wangji and said a few words before leaving.
“Well, good luck being a dad. Also must be tough to be that idiot’s husband.”
Lan Wangji watched Jiang Cheng's retreating back, his mind a confused mess. Just as when Wen Yuan tugged his hand, it made him realize what Jiang Cheng meant.
He heard Wen Yuan call Lan Wangji his father.
Groaning internally, he left the bench and let Wen Yuan guide him to the sandbox.
Lan Wangji has been in love with Wei Wuxian since at the tender age of ten. It took him a few years to realize that, but it didn't change the fact that he's been in love with Wei Wuxian before he even knew that he was.
They weren't exactly childhood friends, but they were present in each other’s lives the majority of their adolescence.
Wei Wuxian was always the center of attention whether it was good or bad, and Lan Wangji was there to witness them all. Sometimes he’d be roped in his schemes, with Lan Wangji reprimanding Wei Wuxian or telling him off to the adults. That never deterred Wei Wuxian from his antics however, and kept disturbing Lan Wangji from having a peaceful day on his own.
“You really like him,” Lan Xichen had told Lan Wangji one afternoon, when his older brother caught him staring at the boy who was covered in mud and grass, playing with the kids from the neighborhood. They were thirteen, too old to play with dirt, yet too young to know any better.
His mind was caught between vehemently denying the claim or just ignoring his older brother, but instead he asked, “I do?”
Lan Xichen laughed, amused and all-knowing, and even if Lan Wangji was just a few years younger than him, he strongly believed that his older brother knew everything.
So Lan Wangji believed his words. He believed that he liked Wei Wuxian, even if he gave Lan Wangji nothing but headaches and trouble. Even if Wei Wuxian did something he didn't like. It took him only a few days to be uncertain of his brother’s words. How could he like something that always makes his chest hurt?
He stopped doubting his own feelings at his father's funeral.
Lan Wangji stayed after everyone left, his brother and uncle went to attend some matters after the ceremony. They will pick him up when they're done, so Lan Wangji decided to wait on the shed nearby.
The heavy downpour of the rain hit his umbrella steadily, his shoulders and the hem of his pants still soaked despite the protection. It was still early in the spring, and he couldn’t help but shiver in the biting cold. When he reached the shed, there was already someone occupying one of the seats, and Lan Wangji was surprised to see that it was Wei Wuxian.
It started just like how most of their interactions did— Wei Wuxian talking out loud, provoking Lan Wangji, and they started to fight.
Lan Wangji was growing frustrated, his heart was beating faster, he could barely breathe, and the ringing in his ears didn’t bring him any relief either.
Why did he have to deal with Wei Wuxian out of all the days? Did he have no shame? They were just a few yards away from his father's burial place, the soil covering the coffin still fresh. Why did Wei Wuxian have to be so difficult?
A droplet of water hit his cheek. When Lan Wangji looked up, there was no leak on the roof. He touched his face and felt his eyes sting as tears started to roll from his eyes uncontrollably, his vision already blurring.
Lan Wangji harshly wiped his eyes, turning away from Wei Wuxian’s view.
There was something warm on his back, patting him gently as he continued to sob. He didn’t know how much time has passed until he was pressed on someone’s chest, the soothing hand on his back never ceasing its movement. Wei Wuxian remained silent as Lan Wangji clutched into him.
Wei Wuxian knew that this was going to happen, Lan Wangji thought. He’s here to embarrass me, a bitter part of Lan Wangji told himself.
Wei Wuxian is here to comfort you, said a small, and very startling voice in his head.
They never spoke of that day again.
It felt like a dream. Lan Wangji was started to believe that it was, if not for the numb feeling on his cheek after being held against Wei Wuxian’s thick clothes for who knows how long. He could still feel the warmth lingering on his back even after he had gone home.
Lan Wangji wondered how many people on their father's funeral had Wei Wuxian waiting on them so he could give them a hug. The thought that he was most likely the only one made Lan Wangji somewhat happy.
He knew he wasn't special, though. Wei Wuxian was kind to people. Too kind and too reckless, and Lan Wangji wanted to protect him, but they were barely even friends and if he got too close, Wei Wuxian would probably figure him out.
When the news broke out that Wei Wuxian disappeared, he immediately went to the Jiang’s house. Jiang Cheng grew suspicious of him after that, but Lan Wangji paid it no mind. However, he never got any information from them about Wei Wuxian. That was why he stopped, knowing that this was something out of his hands.
So he went along idly with the days, until they turned into weeks, months, and into years. The gap Wei Wuxian left never fully healed, but Lan Wangji learned to live with it. They say that first love never works out anyway, and in his case, it never even had the chance to see the light of day.
Those feelings he had buried a long time ago has resurfaced the moment he saw Wei Wuxian again.
Wei Wuxian was still infuriating, but he’d smile expecting Lan Wangji to forgive him, and it's even more infuriating because it's how their relationship worked, just how it had always been, eight years ago.
Lan Wangji had never planned on confessing, so a married Wei Wuxian was something he had foreseen, but it still didn't help to subside the ache of his broken heart.
It was nothing compared to when Wei Wuxian disappeared however, and Lan Wangji had learned to live with it like always.
Now that he discovered Wei Wuxian was willing to see someone outside of his marriage, Lan Wangji felt more uneasy.
Did he really just marry Wen Qing for Wen Yuan’s sake? Or did they fall out of love but decided not to get a divorce? He could never ask those questions without looking sounding like a gossip, so he never dared to say those things carelessly.
Staying by Wei Wuxian's side was selfish enough, what more if Lan Wangji got stuck at the idea of pursuing him?
So Lan Wangji resorted in saying those three words in the back of his mind.
I love you. Lan Wangji saw Wei Wuxian get flustered when Wen Yuan talked about him with his friends at school, bragging on how awesome his father was. Wei Wuxian was used to unwanted attention, but praises and appreciation, Lan Wangji figured that he didn’t receive as much as he would have.
I love you. Wei Wuxian smiled his boyish grin at Lan Wangji when they entered a thrift shop full of toys with Wen Yuan. Lan Wangji watched Wei Wuxian slowly revert back into his ten year old self, checking every nook and cranny of the worn-out store, asking Lan Wangji if he remembered this toy or that, explaining to Wen Yuan the importance of taking care of one’s belongings. They binged watched Toy Story that night, and Wei Ying and Wen Yuan was unable to go to school the next day because of their swollen eyes.
I love you. The words were already on the tip of his tongue as Wei Wuxian held his hand in the amusement park. He'd get lost, Wei Wuxian had said, since Lan Wangji had been spacing out while carrying Wen Yuan in his arms. It’s just that the sight of Wei Wuxian in a silly headband while doing stupidly cute poses put him in a daze. Thankfully, Wen Yuan was always clutching on his neck tightly, unconsciously aware of how sometimes his dad would suddenly lose his grip on him.
“I love you,” Wei Wuxian's voice rang out across the room and Lan Wangji felt his heart jumping out of his ribcage, and out of his chest.
“‘I love you,’ the bunny says to his husband. ‘That’s why I’ll protect you from the monster.’” Wen Yuan was eagerly listening to his father's bedtime story, his eyes darting back and forth between pages.
“And then, and then!” The child almost jumped out of Wei Wuxian's lap.
“And then, that's it.” Wei Wuxian closed the book.
“Whaaat? That's it?“ Wen Yuan grumbled as he made grabby hands at the book, which Wei Wuxian raised above his head. He threw Lan Wangji a look, and Lan Wangji walked towards Wei Wuxian to grab the item from his hand.
“You have to sleep now. We'll continue tomorrow.” Wen Yuan pouted and crossed his arms, the action totally copied from Wei Wuxian.
Lan Wangji patted Wen Yuan’s head, before returning the book back to the shelf. “Listen to your father, Yuan.”
“Okay…” Wen Yuan relented as he started to yawn, his energy from a few minutes ago already diminishing.
Wei Wuxian started walking Wen Yuan to his room when the child turned around to Lan Wangji.
“Aren't you going to sleep with us?”
Wei Wuxian stopped in his tracks, unable to look Lan Wangji in the eyes. Wen Yuan’s question must have startled him as well.
The child was looking at him expectantly, and Lan Wangji hurriedly thought of an excuse. “I have to… feed the bunny.”
Wei Wuxian burst out laughing as Wen Yuan jumped excitedly at the prospect of playing with a rabbit.
“You have a bunny?! Why haven't you told me that? I want to see it!”
“You’ll see him tomorrow,” Lan Wangji promised.
He inwardly sighed. Now he had to go to a pet shop first thing tomorrow morning to bring his pet rabbit into existence.
When Wei Wuxian finally put Wen Yuan to sleep, he caught Lan Wangji before he left.
“Don't get pressured into buying a pet, all right? A-Yuan will forget it tomorrow,” Wei Wuxian assured him.
“He won't.”
“No, he won't.” Wei Wuxian laughed, before continuing. “The offer still stands, you know?”
Lan Wangji gave him a questioning look, so Wei Wuxian clarified, “You can sleep with me.”
“I—” Lan Wangji stopped himself just before the next word flew out, and glared at Wei Wuxian. “Don’t joke like that.”
How long could he control his heart from spouting those three words out of his mouth?
Wei Wuxian saw how Lan Wangji’s jaw clenched at his suggestion, the anger palpable on his eyes, so he chuckled humorlessly and shook his head. “Don't be so serious, Lan Zhan. I was just messing with you,” he said, before swiftly pushing Lan Wangji out of the apartment. “Good night! See you tomorrow.”
With the door shut on his face, Lan Wangji took a while to collect his thoughts and walk back to his own place.
Lan Wangji finally saw Wen Qing again three months after their first encounter. He immediately apologized for his rude introduction and Wen Qing laughed, saying that she didn't really mind and would have done the same thing if she were in his shoes.
“This is my brother, Wen Ning.” She thumbed at the person behind him, whom Lan Wangji only noticed when Wen Qing addressed him.
“Good morning,” Wen Ning greeted meekly which Lan Wangji returned.
“Join us for tea. I haven't thanked you for taking care of Wei Ying and A-Yuan,” Wen Qing offered.
Lan Wangji tried to turn her down. “You don't have to. I don't want to impose.”
“Let's just say that if you join us, we'll forgive you for shutting the door to our faces,” Wen Qing pressed him, a smile that was a bit intimidating overtaking her pretty features.
With those words laced with guilt, Lan Wangji had no choice but to accept.
He has been in Wei Wuxian’s apartment more times than he could count on his fingers, but going in with the Wen siblings gave the place a different feel.
They talked about work. Wen Ning had been studying in a nearby college as a pharmaceuticals student, with following his sister's footsteps in mind. Wen Qing’s job had been taking most of her time away from home, but she looked happy and contented, and she loves saving people’s lives. She and Wei Wuxian were alike in that aspect.
Lan Wangji opened up a bit about his book when asked, but he immediately changed the topic back to the two.
He knew Wen Qing invited him to check on how Wei Wuxian and Wen Yuan are doing, so he didn't hesitate on telling her everything he learned about them. Like a student doing a class report, he retold everything that happened in the past three months
“A-Yuan is considerably more behaved now that he has you,” Wen Qing started, nursing a hot tea between her palms. Wen Ning was sitting beside her, opening a pack of biscuits and crackers to offer to their guest. “One time I caught him scolding Wei Ying for not folding the bedsheets.” She laughed.
“Wen Yuan is a good child,” Lan Wangji answered. “He’s also smart, and doesn't get into trouble as much as his father.”
“You talk a lot about them, but never about yourself.” Wen Qing chuckled. “Wei Ying’s like that.”
Wei Wuxian’s habits must have rubbed off on him. Lan Wangji shook away the thought.
Wen Qing was also never short of stories involving Wei Wuxian and Wen Yuan. Despite her long absence, it was no doubt that she had done her best to be Wen Yuan’s mother.
“You balance each other out really well,” she suddenly said while looking meaningfully at Lan Wangji. “He's happier now, and I’m sure it's all thanks to you. Wei Wuxian really likes you.”
He felt cold sweat forming on his back. What was she trying to say? Whatever her next words are, he was somewhat afraid to hear it.
When Wen Qing saw the downturn of Lan Wangji's lips, she immediately apologized. “Sorry, I thought you two are…”
Lan Wangji shot up from his seat, his face obscure from the siblings. “I have to go. Thank you for the tea.” Before the two can even speak a word, he already left.
“Did you look for me when I ran away?” Wei Wuxian questioned him once Lan Wangji opened his apartment door.
Wei Wuxian looked like he just ran, but their usual morning routine was already done for hours. Did he just sprint hurriedly somewhere just to ask that question?
“I heard from Jiang Cheng that you did. Why?”
When Lan Wangji refused to answer him, Wei Wuxian pushed closer until he was inside Lan Wangji’s apartment.
“Can I kiss you?” Wei Wuxian asked out of the blue.
If Lan Wangji was being honest, it wasn't that sudden. It's slowly been building up, casually touching each other, arms and knees brushing, a hand lingering more than it should.
Sometimes Wei Wuxian would laugh at him, their lips close enough that he could almost taste him.
Lan Wangji had noticed it, little by little, and instead of pushing Wei Wuxian away, he'd encouraged everything.
He took everything that he could, using his friendship with Wei Wuxian as a pretense. If Wei Wuxian only saw him as a friend, then Lan Wangji could deal with his unrequited love on his own while still allowing himself to be close to Wei Wuxian. He'd still have ulterior motives, but Lan Wangji would never act on it, especially if Wei Wuxian didn't want him that way.
If he kissed Wei Wuxian, he wouldn't be able to go back. Lan Wangji would want Wei Wuxian for himself. It wouldn’t be unfair to anyone, and they’d end up miserable.
Lan Wangji remembered the day Wen Qing talked to him and said that Wei Wuxian liked him. What was he supposed to say back then? Tell her that he’s in love with him too? How could he say that to Wei Wuxian’s wife?
Lan Wangji didn't want Wei Wuxian, knowing that he'd have to share him with someone. He didn't want to force Wei Wuxian to make a choice just for him, and he'd have to make a choice eventually, since Lan Wangji had always been a selfish man.
If he wasn't, then they wouldn't have this problem in the first place.
It’s enough for me just to be by his side, Lan Wangji kept on telling himself.
“Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian called out, his lips pursed in worry. Or was that nervousness?
Lan Wangji couldn't speak, the lump in his throat preventing him to utter a word. He was never good at explaining himself, so he relied on his actions instead.
He gently pushed Wei Wuxian away, just until his lips were out of reach.
“Oh.” Wei Wuxian looked at him blankly, then at the palms pressed against his chest. Lan Wangji hastily removed his hands.
There was a pause where Lan Wangji could have sworn he had already been swallowed by the ground when Wei Wuxian uttered, “Sorry.”
Wei Wuxian owed him a lot of apologies, but hearing him saying that word made Lan Wangji regret from ever thinking that he did.
One week had passed before Lan Wangji had seen Wei Wuxian again.
He’d imagine every possible scenario— silent treatment, possibly another door shut on his face, but not this.
Wen Ning was standing in front of Lan Wangji's apartment, a nervous look on his face.
“I’m sorry to bother you, but can you take us to the hospital?”
“He’s been sick since yesterday. His fever keeps on coming back, but jiejie brought the car with her the other night so I couldn't bring him to the hospital,” Wen Ning explained worriedly, busying himself with the discarded clothes on the floor. He had helped Wei Wuxian change this morning when his fever had subsided and he started to sweat.
Wei Wuxian was lying on his bed in a fetal position, his hands clutching on a blanket that was barely draped over him. Lan Wangji touched his forehead and felt the warm and sticky skin against his palm, confirming Wen Ning’s words.
“Where's Wen Yuan?” Lan Wangji asked as he tried to fix the blanket over the feverish man. Wei Wuxian was shivering in his sleep, his lips chapped and face too pale, his breathing harsh and shallow. It made him a bit too fragile, and Wei Wuxian was never meant to be anything like that.
“I took him to a friend since gege was afraid that he'll get sick too.”
Wei Wuxian stirred at the middle of their conversation, his red and watery eyes slowly opening up. “Lan Zhan? Why are you here?”
Lan Wangji stroked his hair. When he was about to grab the glass of water on the bedside table, Wei Wuxian squeezed his hand.
“Your hand’s cold. Feels good.” He placed Lan Wangji’s palm on his forehead and sighed contentedly, before wincing. “My head hurts.”
“We’ll take you to the hospital. Drink water first.” Wei Wuxian obediently complied, taking small sips of water until smacking his lips, signaling Lan Wangji that he was done.
Hooking an arm on his knees and bracing the other one on his back, Lan Wangji gently carried Wei Wuxian off the bed. Wei Wuxian leaned his head on Lan Wangji’s chest, curling in on himself, silent for once. Lan Wangji took pity on him and hugged him closer as he could, hoping that his warmth would placate him for a while.
Wen Ning helped them to the car, Lan Wangji sliding Wei Wuxian on the passenger seat and buckling him securely. He made sure to turn the heater on before making their way to the hospital.
Thankfully it wasn’t a busy day in the emergency room and they were accommodated once Wen Ning explained the situation. After a staff has taken a sample of Wei Wuxian’s blood and urine, they let him stay on one of the beds separated with curtains. Wen Ning went to the reception area to fill up some forms.
Wei Wuxian felt better than he was an hour ago. One of the nurse had given him paracetamol for temporary relief while they’re waiting for the test results. He’d close his eyes for a while before opening them again, too uneasy to stay still. Unable to drift off, he fidget with the console beside him and made the bed recline. The movement caused Lan Wangji to turn around, who was on his phone before.
“You’re still here.” Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Wangji with eyes already devoid of their mistiness; his mind must have started to get clearer.
As Lan Wangji started to get up and leave, a hand on his sleeve tugged him back.
“We need to talk.”
Lan Wangji shook his head. “Now’s not the time. You have to rest.”
“No. Listen,” Wei Wuxian began, before sighing. “About that night—”
“Don't.” Lan Wangji interrupted him, which made Wei Wuxian angry.
“Don't? Why? Why are you here anyway? What am I even to you?” His voice had gradually gotten louder, and Lan Wangji had no choice but to harshly whisper.
“You know that.”
“Do I really, now? I’ve been flirting with you since the minute I saw you! I’ve been asking you out on dates for months! I wake up early everyday just to catch you before you go to the gym. And I feel so stupid for thinking that you liked me too,” Wei Wuxian said in a rush that made him cradle his head in his hands, a low pathetic groan escaping his lips.
So Wei Wuxian really liked him. If the kissing attempt last night wasn't enough for Lan Wangji to realize that, then this semi-public confession was more than he bargained for.
Wei Wuxian was starting to get impatient with his silence so he exclaimed, “I let my son call you dad! Who even does that?”
At the mention of Wen Yuan, Lan Wangji got his bearings back. As if a dam that finally burst, he snapped back, “You’re a married man!”
Wei Wuxian’s eyes widen at his loud voice. Before he could retaliate, Lan Wangji moved towards Wei Wuxian until his back was leaning on the reclined bed, Lan Wangji’s body trapping him. “No matter how fine Wen Qing is with this arrangement, I’m not. I can't share you with anyone else, be it just a title or something else.”
Lan Wangji clenched his fist against the bed sheets, and stared Wei Wuxian down. “If you want to be mine, mean it.”
When he finally released most of his repressed frustration out of his system, Lan Wangji realized what he had done. Wei Wuxian was looking at him, face still pale and unreadable, and Lan Wangji thought that he might as well let out the words he badly wanted to say since forever.
“I love you.”
Lan Wangji watched Wei Wuxian’s face slowly go back to its original color, then turn a shade redder, as if he was on the verge of overheating.
“You really need to rest—” Lan Wangji released his grip on the bed sheets , but Wei Wuxian held on to his arm.
“No, wait.” Lan Wangji’s outburst definitely surprised him, and he really wanted to savor the confession, but more than that…
“Wen Qing and I aren't married. We’re just roommates.”
“What…?”
That's when Lan Wangji realized, with a lurch in his stomach, that he’d misunderstood everything.
Wen Qing chose to open the curtain at that moment. Of course, the nearest hospital had to be Wen Qing’s.
“You’re disturbing the other patients, please lower your lovers’ quarrel noises to a minimum,” she said as professionally as she could.
Wen Qing didn’t really want to intrude, but her eyes caught the almost bewildered look Lan Wangji was giving her (she's not sure, Lan Wangji's face was unreadable as ever), and so with a sigh, she helped Wei Wuxian explain.
“But yes, he’s right. We're just roommates. I honestly don't have it in me to date an intolerable guy like him. And I’m gay.”
Then Wen Qing stalked over to the bed and grabbed Wei WuXian by the ear, and Lan Wangji swore that she was probably the first doctor to do that to their ailing patient.
“I told you to explain yourself better. So that was why he was so uncomfortable talking to me!”
Wei Wuxian cried out as he begged for forgiveness. “I’m still sick! Have mercy! Lan Zhan, help me!”
Lan Wangji blinked away his stupor and finally moved. When Wen Qing saw this, she eventually let go of Wei Wuxian's poor ear.
“Okay, I’ll leave you two. Just don’t shout again.” Wen Qing stepped out and closed the curtains behind her.
Once she was gone, Wei Wuxian began talking. “I adopted Wen Yuan, and he's a nephew of Wen Qing. Have I really not told you that?”
Lan Wangji shook his head. He never doubted that Wen Yuan was Wei Wuxian’s biological son. The were perfectly alike, peas of the same pod, be it with their personality or the shape of their nose, one would immediately think that they are of the same blood.
“I even introduced Wen Qing’s girlfriend to you. Are you that dense?” Then to Wei Wuxian’s horror, he recalled what Lan Wangji asked him, “That’s what you meant by arrangement!”
Lan Wangji couldn’t help but berate himself for that. He didn’t know what else to say, so he tried to be on the defensive. “Wen Yuan calls her mom,” he said weakly.
“And he calls you dad. Are you married to Wen Qing?” Lan Wangji wanted to retort to that, but he felt himself too exhausted to fight back anymore.
Looking at Wei Wuxian who was almost trapped under him, Lan Wangji uttered words he thought would never leave his mouth. “I’m an idiot.”
He felt a brewing headache at the absurdity of it all. “This is stupid.”
“Are you done throwing childish insults? I know you're an author, but have you ever thought of expanding your vocabulary? It’s magnanimous,” Wei Wuxian swore, his hands waving for emphasis.
“You used that word wrong,” Lan Wangji deadpanned.
“Aha! I’m just testing you.” Wei Wuxian pointed at him, before hooking a finger on Lan Wangji’s collar, pulling him closer.
“Does this mean if I just spelled it out clearly that I’m very much single, you'd kiss me in a heartbeat?”
“Yes.” Lan Wangji’s quick answer earned him a soft laugh.
“Then what are you waiting for?” Wei Wuxian smirked and yanked Lan Wangji towards him, pressing their lips together. For someone who just had a fever, he was still well-coordinated as their mouths slotted perfectly together despite the abruptness of the kiss.
Lan Wangji realized a little too late that he shouldn’t be doing this to a patient, but there was no going back for him since it was getting really addictive.
“Don’t blame me if you have a fever tomorrow,” Wei Wuxian whispered as he sucked on his bottom lip, the warning too weak against both of their urges.
“Mn.” Lan Wangji kissed him again. He was almost on the bed, his upper body hovering over Wei Wuxian’s, his arms braced on either side of Wei Wuxian’s head. With just a swing of his leg, Lan Wangji could be at the top of the bed, stradling Wei Wuxian below him, but his mind was nagging him not to do that.
Wei Wuxian nibbled on his lower lip, making Lan Wangji groan softly, and took this an opportunity to slip his tongue inside Lan Wangji’s mouth.
It was too hot, that should have alarmed Lan Wangji already, but his reason had already slipped away the moment their lips met so he immersed himself on the way Wei Wuxian’s tongue ran the length of his, the feel of Wei Wuxian’s searing mouth against his own.
When they pulled away briefly, Wei Wuxian frowned as he licked his lips. “I can't taste you,” he muttered under his breath and Lan Wangji could get dizzy over the warmth that passed by his face.
Wen Qing abruptly opened the curtain and without missing a beat, started talking about Wei Wuxian’s test results. “Congratulations, you have UTI.”
Wei Wuxian groaned. “Why?!”
Wen Qing rolled her eyes, as she couldn’t believe Wei Wuxian was asking her that. “Anyway, you should drink eight glasses of water a day. Wen Ning has the prescriptions so just get it from him.”
“Eight glasses? I couldn’t even finish a cup,” Wei Wuxian boasted, and Lan Wangji shot him a glare.
Pointedly ignoring Wei Wuxian’s idiocy, Wen Qing continued. “Avoid alcohol. You can't have sex for a week. And this curtain will remain open.”
Wei Wuxian gaped at her, then at Lan Wangji. “I bet those things are not even true.”
“She’s the doctor,” Lan Wangji informed him.
“But Lan Zhan! No sex! For a week! How can I wait that long to jump you?!”
I’ve waited for a decade, but Lan Wangji would rather not mention that out loud.
It didn't take a long time for Wei Wuxian to get discharged. When his fever and headache didn’t return for another hour, he was allowed to leave the emergency room.
“Papa! Dad!” A lump of jacket and surgical face mask came rushing towards them, whom Lan Wangji successfully identified as Wen Yuan. Another lump was walking close behind, followed by an irritable Jiang Cheng.
Wei Wuxian frowned at his brother. “Why are you here? What if the children get sick?”
Jiang Cheng pointed at Wen Yuan. “He looks miserable! And A-Ling wouldn't stop giving me the stink eye. What should I have done then?!”
Wei Wuxian watched Wen Yuan and Jin Ling bumped on each other a few times, intentional or not, they could barely see where they’re going. “It’s not like I have deadly disease, you didn’t have to wrap them that thick.”
Jiang Cheng scoffed. “Better safe than sorry.”
Wen Yuan walked towards his father once again, bumping on Wei Wuxian’s thigh. “I’m sorry, A-Yuan. I can't hold you because Papa’s sick.” Wei Wuxian rubbed Wen Yuan’s hair apologetically. “But your dad can carry you. You miss him, don’t you?”
Wen Yuan looked at Lan Wangji and automatically raised his arms. With a smile, Lan Wangji lifted him up from the ground and carried Wen Yuan in his arms.
“You’re not fighting anymore?” Wen Yuan asked, his hands searching Lan Wangji’s face once more.
“Mn.” Wen Yuan cheered at the affirmation, and kissed Lan Wangji on the cheek, his face mask wrinkling around his lips.
“Ugh. Why do I have to be here?” Jiang Cheng scowled at anyone that looked his way.
Wei Wuxian nudged his side. “Aw, don’t be like that. You’ll get the Best Uncle Award eventually, I guarantee it.”
“As if I wanted that in the first place,” Jiang Cheng growled out, before lifting Jin Ling in his arms.
“But Uncle, I want to walk,” Jin Ling complained, but Jiang Cheng ignored him, shifting his hold so his nephew could be more comfortable.
“No, it’s dangerous.” Whatever it was Jiang Cheng deemed dangerous in a hospital parking lot, no one would ever know.
Wei Wuxian slumped on the couch, dangling his head above the armrest, and let out a long sigh. Wen Yuan was staying at Jin Ling’s for the night and someone decided to do a general cleaning of his apartment.
In Lan Wangji’s defense, Wei Wuxian had eagerly volunteered to help him yesterday.
“Lan Zhaaaan. We could have done a lot of amazing things instead of just dusting your furniture,” Wei Wuxian grumbled. His tiredness was an over-exaggeration; since Lan Wangji had a habit of cleaning his apartment everyday, there were only minimal work to be done. Wei Wuxian was able to sneak a few make-out sessions in between; he was just being a baby about it.
“I’m so hungry, but the food is in my apartment,” he complained some more and turned his head to look at Lan Wangji sitting on the opposite end of the couch, posture straight as ever, a sudoku book in his hand.
“I can cook for you,” Lan Wangji offered.
Wei Wuxian shot up straight from his seat, his energy coming back again. “You’re the best, Lan Zhan!”
Wei Wuxian stretched and his eyes caught the front door. Voicing out his thoughts mindlessly, he said, “I wish we live together, then it'd be easier. Can I move in?”
Lan Wangji closed his book and put it on the nightstand. “Mn.”
“I guess you're right, I can't— Wait, what?” Wei Wuxian whipped his head on Lan Wangji’s direction.
“Move in with me. Wen Yuan, too,” Lan Wangji said, a slight quirk on the corner of his lips betraying his supposed nonchalance over the matter.
Wei Wuxian stared at him with his mouth agape, and Lan Wangji couldn't help but think that the stunned man in front of him looked utterly beautiful.
Wei WuXian laughed. The sound made Lan Wangji's heart jump just a little and he smiled. He felt kind of dopey, but he didn't really care if he's high or not because Wei WuXian was already in his personal space, pushing him down the couch.
He waited for the dull ache he has already associated with Wei WuXian but it never came, instead, a comfortable warmth filled his chest, his fingers tingling as if they're itching to touch, and so he did.
Lan Wangji reached out and thumbed Wei Wuxian’s bottom lip, tracing the movement with his eyes.
“Can I kiss you?” he asked, well aware that it was the words Wei Wuxian asked him a few months ago.
Wei Wuxian gave him a soft smile. “You can.” With those words, Lan Wangji leaned in to press Wei Wuxian’s lips against his.
It always started slow and sweet, something experimental, and yet Lan Wangji felt home. With a swipe of his tongue, Wei Wuxian opened up to him, his arms automatically wrapping around Lan Wangji’s neck, his fingers carding through Lan Wangji’s hair.
They stayed like that, sometimes kissing, sometimes touching, often both at the same time. Lan Wangji was the first one to pull back, admiring the view of Wei Wuxian lightly panting above him, lips swollen and glistening.
Lan Wangji offered Wei Wuxian to move with him at the spur of the moment. The idea of it wasn’t new, however. Ever since Wen Qing told them her plan of living with Mianmian, Lan Wangji immediately thought of asking Wei Wuxian the same thing.
He wondered if he was doing things too fast. They just became a couple almost six months ago, and even if they knew each other for a long time, this was uncharted territory.
Lan Wangji thought of their almost nightly sleepovers at each other’s apartments, a part of him asking, Aren’t those enough for now?
“You can be more selfish, you know. I don't mind,” Wei Wuxian reassured him, as if reading Lan Wangji's thoughts. “I wouldn’t want to share you with anyone either.”
Lan Wangji quirked an eyebrow. “Even with Wen Yuan?”
“That’s negotiable,” Wei Wuxian began, his eyes brimming with mirth and a touch of mischievousness. “If he could buy me the spiciest dish in the world, then maybe we could talk.”
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