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Chapter Text

Jiang Wanyin had known that when he had decided to come back and show the people of the past their future, he would have to face his parents. More so, he would have to fix his parents. Hopefully make them understand their faults, lock them in a room so they can fix things. He knew that damage would already be done, but he believed he could prevent anything worse. He wasn’t who his past self was. He was confident in himself. He had found himself. 

He had learned that he didn’t need their approval, he just needed to be himself and do what he believed was right. To be who he was and protect those he loved to the best of his abilities. He didn’t have to be the strongest. He didn’t need to be perfect. He was a Jiang, and a Jiang could do the impossible. A Jiang was a ranger. A Jiang was who they wanted themselves to be.

He could face them, he could. He could stop their fights if they started one. He would defend his siblings. He would defend himself. They needed to realize that all the problems were their fault. He had wanted to teach his mother that her grudge was pointless. That yelling at the three children who were supposed to be hers to nourish and protect would fix nothing . He had wanted to help her realize that his brother’s parents were already long gone. 

But of course, his mother knew that. Had always known that as it was her who had killed CangSe Sanren. It was her who had seen the bodies. And Jiang WanYin could say with a strong credibility that it was most likely her who buried them. Who preserved the swords, the items, the pendent. It was Yu ZiYuan who had caused Wei WuXian to ever be brought into the YumengJiang Sect. It was Yu ZiYuan who had always brought up Wei WuXian being CangSe Sanren’s blood, yet never Wei ChangZe’s. It was Yu ZiYuan who was close enough to CangSe Sanren to be referred to as a sister . A Meimei.

And yet, it was Yu ZiYuan who had been hurting his brother for their entire childhood.

He stares at the two doors of the Swords Hall, the silence of the room just settling. No one knew exactly what to say, no one knew how to break it. How to address the events that had just transpired. Jiang Wanyin blinked softly, glancing over to where Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli stood, gazing at the door with complicated expressions of pain and even some guilt. 

Though…it wasn’t their fault either. 

Jiang Wanyin turned slowly, turned to fix his eyes on Yu ZiYuan and Jiang Fengmian, both who had yet to move from where they sat. He stared down at them, expression clouded over, yet guarded. Yu ZiYuan was staring down at her lap, fingers clenching her robes with white knuckles. There was a faint tremble in her figure and Jiang Wanyin had spotted the shame and guilt when it had been revealed. The secret his mother had so cruelly kept away. Kept away so deep that she had convinced herself to hate the woman she had murdered, that she had convinced herself to be cruel to the child she orphaned in place of facing what she had caused. Of the blood on her hands. 

Jiang Wanyin shifted to his father. Jiang Fengmian looked as pale as a ghost, his carefully neutral expression shattered. Jiang Wanyin could only phantom the thoughts running in his head.

His father loved Wei WuXian, he knew it. He knew his father cared. But he also knew that his father had turned blind eye to many things, choosing his mask of silence in fear of escalating a situation. He always sought to shy from conflicts. And yet…and yet, now he had learned a great deal of things. That his sworn brother, his best friend, was his half-brother, that the ward and martial nephew he had taken in was just as granted a place in the line of succession as any member of a branch family. No, even more so. Wei WuXian’s father was a child of the sect leader just like Jiang Fengmian, meaning Wei Ying was a member of the inner clan, heir following Jiang Cheng himself. 

Jiang Fengmian had learned that his brother and sister-in-law were killed, had been hunted down by members of his own sect, by his own mother because of that bloodline. And to top it all off, he found that the woman who had led him to fear uttering his dearest sibling’s name was the woman who had killed his brother’s wife. That had caused his nephew to be an orphan. That had whipped him with a first-class spiritual weapon to please a servant girl from the QishanWen Sect. That had kept such a thing hidden for years- no, she had kept it until her death. Those of the future had no idea. Yu ZiYuan had told no one .

“Yu…ZiYuan…” Jiang Fengmian whispered slowly, inhaling deeply and turning to look at her.

Jiang Wanyin watched his mother grow tense, the grip on her robes becoming even tighter. She lifted her head up slightly, revealing the ashamed expression in her eyes. Her beautifully sharp features had always held anger. In just about every memory Jiang Wanyin had of her, it was all anger and hate. His bitter mother. It was how he had known her. Always visualized her. Even in his dreams, she was shouting and scowling. 

The mother in front of him was one he had never seen before. He checks his younger self and Jiang Yanli, to see them staring at their parents with expressions that seem to mirror his own, but with heavier feelings. He can see frustration and confusion when they stare at Yu ZiYuan. 

Why?

Jiang Fengmian stares at her expression for a few moments, before sighing and speaking up, “I…I don’t even know what I’m supposed to say,”

Yu ZiYuan’s guilt doubles. She hated it and her defence acted up without much thought. She attempted a scowl, but it was hardly effective, “Of course you don’t. You never say anything when it comes to him ,”

Jiang Wanyin steps in before a full argument even had a chance of beginning, “A-Niang, do you really think you have a right to refer to A-Xian as some dirty stain you could never remove. Or is that what he is to you? A physical stain of the blood you have on your hands that you have decided to all but ignore for years and years, festering into some false hate and anger. A-Niang, do you really think anyone knows what to say right now?”

He can’t help but glare at her when protective fury comes up, “Do you think Wei WuXian knows what to say to you right now?!”

Yu ZiYuan stares at him, eyes wide and expression frozen into one of anger and guilt. She grits her teeth, glaring to the side, “Don’t speak on things you do not understand!”

“Madam Yu,” Grandmaster Lan speaks darkly, “Why do you not take that sentence for yourself? A-Xian has learned that the woman that was supposed to be his mother figure, the woman that has hated him, abused him mentally and physically, that he had once strived to gain recognition and acceptance from has killed his own mother . Do you really think you can tell any of us to not speak on things we do not understand when it is you who has been at fault for everything you ever blamed A-Xian for?!”

That seemed to have hit right where it hurt the most, because Yu ZiYuan flinched . She then glared furiously at Grandmaster Lan tears in her eyes. She shot to her feet, a multitude of emotions on her face, “Of course I know that!!! Do you think I do not know that it is my fault that he is even in my home!? Do you think I do not know that it is my fault he was on the streets for four years!? Do you think I did not look for him when I realized who had died on my sword?!”

Jiang Fengmian and Madam Jin have rose to their feet, along with Lan Qiren. The young heirs and Nie Sect Leader all remain seated, eyes wide as they watch. Yu ZiYuan pants slightly, turning away, “I have locked away this so deep for the sole reason I wished him to never know what happened to his parents. It was better for him to believe they were killed on a nighthunt like normal cultivators rather than murdered in cold blood! The revenge of a child is one that is almost impossible to rid of!”

“But does he not have that right to get revenge?!” Jiang Fengmian can’t help but challenge his wife, “ZiYuan, you are telling us right now, that you have all but killed A-Xian’s mother and yet you have treated him with such harshness since I brought him back! Not only that, but you would go so far in your treatment to use Zidian on him!? How old was he when you whipped him then?!”

“17,” Jiang Wanyin answered, before muttering, “Next year…everything starts getting worse next year,”

Madam Jin stared at her friend, doubting everything she had heard regarding Wei WuXian from the woman before her, “ZiYuan, there were so many things to do. You could’ve done so many other things!”

“Like what?! Admit to murder?!” Yu ZiYuan challanged and then scowled at her husband, “I bet you would prefer that! Then you’d have a wonderful excuse to get rid of me!”

Jiang Fengmian hisses, “In such a moment like this and you’re still accusing others!”

Jiang Wanyin stepped in again and yelled, “For fucks sake, it doesn’t matter anymore!!” 

Everyone stares at him, but Jiang Wanyin stares at his mother, “The past is the past, CangSe Sanren is dead. Her husband is dead,”

He then looks towards the door, “but their only child is still alive and has a fate worse than hell itself. A-Niang, you do not have the right to even ask for his forgiveness. That is if you would actually ask for it. The only thing you have to do is talk, and you owe him an apology. You owe him everything you’ve done to him. You owe him a mother !”

“He’s not my child,” Yu ZiYuan spits out with difficulty and Jiang Wanyin can’t believe she’s still trying to avoid the matter. Still trying to play a facade. Still refusing to accept what she had done all those years ago and all the years after. But then again…it was painstakingly familiar to him. He wonders, briefly, if this is how Lan WangJi had felt regarding him all those years before.

Jiang Yanli seems to be in disbelief as well, speaking up, “A-NIANG!! Is your pride really worth it right now?!” She then shakes her head, pain in her voice, “A-Niang, you have so much shame and guilt over this event, so much that you’ve gone to the point of convincing yourself that you hate him and his family. That you hate his mother. A-Niang, your pride is what caused you to send that sword out,”

Yu ZiYuan goes as still as statue, blood draining rapidly from her face as her daughter says the words that have haunted her ever since that day. 

“Your pride caused his pain. Your pride costed Aunt Wei her life. It cost A-Xian his family. It is costing you your marriage! It’s costing A-Cheng his passion! It’s costing me my childhood! It’s costing Father his voice! Mother, is your pride really worth it for everything its caused!!???” Jiang Yanli screams, tears clutching the corner of her eyes.

Jiang Cheng grips his sister tightly, avoiding the eyes of everyone else in the room. Jiang Fengmian looks so tired and hopeless, checking the older version of his son who is staring at his mother with frustration and hurt. Yu ZiYuan stands silent and still, her heart beating and the voice in her head mocking. Her daughter’s words are like knives, the memories she had seen are like knives.

‘Auntie Yu,’

Yu ZiYuan feels a sob etch itself from her mouth, before she snaps a hand over her mouth in horror. The tears are not stopped though. Jiang Wanyin feels his shoulder’s untense because he knows that they have managed to crack his mother’s armor. That he has a chance to maybe fix things. He does not know what will happen to Wei Ying, not after this. He does not know if his mother will ever gain the small love her brother had held for her. He does not know how Wei Ying will look at the purple robes he was wearing ever again.

He does not know if Wei Ying will be able to look at Jiang Cheng, who has always been his mother’s son, ever again.

He speaks slowly, “When A-Xian wakes up, you should speak to him,”

“Both of them?” Madam Jin is confused.

“...my shixiong won’t care,” Jiang Wanyin says with pain, “He’s not the same anymore. My Mother is dead to him, has been for a very long time. He will be angry, hurt, but he will not search for an explanation. He stopped caring for those sort of answers when he lost his husband,”

The atmosphere seems to droop further. Jiang Yanli sniffles slightly, Jiang Cheng gritting his teeth in anger at the words of his brother’s fate. Lan Xichen feels his heartache, reminding himself once more of the promise he had made to the young boy in his head. 

Yu ZiYuan glances towards the doors and then at her children. She stares at their reaction, before her eyes move to Lan SiZhui. This was Wei WuXian’s son, his future son. A grandson CangSe Sanren should’ve been able to spoil and meet. She could see the pain in his expression, knew that even his life had not been so kind. For all her fabrication, she had never wished death upon CangSe Sanren’s son. Never such a fate as the one that was coming for him. She had approved of the match between him and Lan WangJi. She was glad to know it was a happy one, even if it had been hidden deep just like every other good feeling she’d had towards him. Just like how she had hidden her guilt and pain from seeing that damn smile that was too much like hers .

The voice in her head whispers traitorously, ‘CangSe must hate you. She’d forgive you for killing her, you know that. She’d never forgive you for what you’ve done to her child,’

Yu ZiYuan grits her teeth painfully, heart twisting in a familiar way. Her own son had told her she didn’t deserve to ask for that forgiveness. Yu ZiYuan knows its true. But she is a prideful woman. She had always found her pride as her reward. As a way to make herself known in household with two elder sisters. Her pride was her armor. Her pride had been her weapon.

Her pride which had become her demon .

“Okay,” she whispered.

She turned to her husband, “I will…I will talk to him,” 

He smiles at her, one of slight relief and happiness. There is something else, but she does not have the comprehension to decode it. She swallows down her sobs, “Will we wait again?”

“Yes,” Grandmaster Lan agrees, “And maybe, we should show some happy things,”

“Like Wei-Xiong’s and Lan-Xiong’s relationship?!” Nie Huaisang suddenly pipes up with glee.

Jiang Wanyin snorts, “That depends on the progress made by the Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi of your time,”

He then thinks of something and takes a step towards the doors, speaking over his shoulder, “Let’s not venture too far from this room. I’ll be back,”

He leaves the Sword’s Hall and heads towards Wei Ying’s room. With steady steps, he slowly finds himself in front of the room. He knocks once, lightly, before opening the door. He’s greeted with the sight of Wei WuXian sitting on a chair near the bed, eyes closed in concentration and hand gently holding Wei Ying’s wrist. The younger Wei is asleep and laid on his bed, the blood from earlier cleanly wiped away. Closer to the door, Jiang Wanyin finds Lan WangJi standing beside Lan Zhan, the two discussing something, which paused as Jiang Wanyin entered the room.

“Wanyin,” His ice-block brother-in-law greeted him.

“WangJi,” he returns casually, before making a beeline to his brother. 

Wei WuXian opens his eyes when Jiang Wanyin is only two steps away, straightening up and releasing his younger self. He glances up, only to blink and take the gaze downward. Jiang Wanyin kneels in front of his brother, placing his hands over his brother’s and leaning his head in the older’s lap. Wei WuXian responds to the gesture easily, the other hand raising to gently stroke the sect leader’s head. 

Jiang Wanyin relaxes into it, closing his eyes and lets himself drift for just a while. And he knows Wei WuXian wouldn’t call him back until he was ready. That was just how he was. Lan WangJi had seen them do this before, both ways, and Wei WuXian had his own version of this escape with Lan WangJi. But this particular gesture was one they learned from their sister. And they had taught it to their children, to their nephew.

Lan Zhan glanced away in respect of the intimacy shared between the brothers. He met the expression of his older version again, the male glancing at the two with a slightly concerned gaze, before catching Lan Zhan’s eyes. Lan Zhan asked softly, “You will not go?”

“Just because I am his husband does not mean I am his only source of safety and comfort,” Lan WangJi speaks gently, yet the words are heavy with a weight that stems from his past, his husband’s past, “I will not keep him from the place or people he calls home,”

Lan Zhan doesn’t understand Jiang Cheng. He really doesn’t. And from what he saw in Cloud Recesses, he always treats Wei Ying with harsh words and scowls. His feelings of disapproval have ever grown. Especially when he watched Jiang Cheng lead an entire siege on Wei Ying. When he realized which parent Jiang Cheng clearly followed. And what exactly that parent had done to Wei Ying.

Lan WangJi gives a slightly amused huff, telling Lan Zhan, “He is complicated. You will realize with time…” he then adds with a firm gaze, “He is not his mother. Just like we are not our father,”

Lan Zhan inhales stiffly, glaring slightly at his older self, before yielding it. His eyes move towards the brothers when Jiang Wanyin’s voice breaks the atmosphere, “How is he?”

Wei WuXian glances down for a brief moment, but Jiang Wanyin does not lift from the position. Wei WuXian does not stop the strokes of his hand on his shidi’s head. He speaks, “Fine. There is no damage and his core is unharmed. The smaller bits of resentment are being cleansed naturally after I steadied his spiritual energy flow. Though its slower than usual, it will quicken naturally,”

Jiang Wanyin smiles, “Thank you,”

Lan Zhan furrows his eyebrows, confused. Why would Wei WuXian saving Wei Ying require such a genuine thanks? Were they not the same person? Would it not just be Wei WuXian saving his own…

Ah .

He had forgotten. Wei WuXian seemed to have no regards to live, nor seemed all too interested in helping Wei Ying live either. He had resigned himself to the fate he had. Believing himself to be at fault and the only way to fix everything was to remove himself from the situation. Permanently. 

Wei WuXian had killed himself, after all. And before that, from the small bits they’d seen, he had already been thinking quite ill of himself. Lan Zhan knew Wei Ying was reckless, seeming to have no thoughts towards his own safety. Lan Zhan recalls the sight he had found Wei Ying in before the last viewing.

It hits him with a start that all this happens the next year of Wei Ying’s life. That Wei Ying will kill himself in four years. That Wei Ying will start seeing himself as burdensome and useless even before that. 

Lan Zhan was not pleased with the realization in the slightest.

Jiang Wanyin speaks up, “A-Jie yelled at her. I yelled at her. A-Die, Grandmaster, even Madam Jin,”

Wei WuXian’s hand stills for a brief moment. The two Lans watch his expression tighten into hate and pain, before schooling back into the neutral calmness. The hand resumes its course.

“And?”

“She listened. A-Jie said what needed to be said and brought up things A-Niang always complained about. My strength, your family, A-Jie’s choice of lifestyle, A-Die’s silence,” Jiang Wanyin explained, “She agreed to talk. Was willing to talk,”

Lan WangJi voiced up, “With the assumption Wei Ying will heed her voice at all,”

Jiang Wanyin lifted his head up. He had his own hands cover Wei WuXian’s before resting his chin on them and letting his brother continue stroking his head, “I know…you and Shixiong should stay with them,”

“I have no desire to hear her words,” Wei WuXian spoke up.

“Wei Ying,” Lan WangJi called softly.

Wei WuXian shakes his head, “She’s dead to me. Has been for far too long,”

“I do not want your younger self to be here alone,” Jiang Wanyin confessed.

Lan Zhan mutters, “I could stay,”

He doesn’t think they’ve heard him until they all turn to him and Lan Zhan finds his ears heating up. He puts up a hard mask, “You brought me here to help Wei Ying. I will help,”

Jiang Wanyin blinks twice, before laughing and fully straightening from the earlier position. He slowly rises to his feet, Wei WuXian giving him a small squeeze on the hands, before following him to standing. The Jiang sect leader teases, “Already in love Second Young Master?”

Lan Zhan glares, “Ridiculous!!”

“Ah, that’s teenage Lan Zhan for absolutely but I refuse to talk about it ,” Wei WuXian translates with a small glint of amusement.

Lan Zhan glares harder. Lan WangJi chuckles, placing a hand on his younger self’s shoulder, “You may stay,”

Lan Zhan releases a small hum then steps out of the touch and towards the bed. He stands over Wei Ying, glare melting away into his normal face, though his eyebrows are slightly furrowed and his lips are tilted downwards in a frown, “When will he wake?”

“When his mind wills him to,” Wei WuXian says.

Lan Zhan looks at him for a moment, trying to gouge an estimated time from the expression. His older self tells him, “Soon. Wei Ying is strong,”

Wei WuXian grumbles, “Not strong enough,”

He is promptly ignored except for the two stern looks he receives and Lan Zhan’s slight stare. Jiang Wanyin says, “Second Young Master Lan, please be patient with him. With what he has learned, I do not count on him being completely…stable,”

Lan WangJi then adds, “If he does seem that way, he is trying to deflect. He is trying to not worry you, others. Wei Ying despises worrying others,”

Wei WuXian pretends he doesn’t hear any of this. If it were in public, he might’ve protested or silenced both of them. But…this was Lan Zhan getting the information. He was not too opposed to Lan Zhan knowing this because Lan Zhan was one he trusts without fault. Someone who has always been good to him, someone who Wei WuXian believes he could depend on. Someone he is too selfish for to push away again.

“Here,” Jiang Wanyin says and waves his hand. 

On the bedside table, a pair of black and red robes appear neatfly folded. Lan Zhan understands at once, “For Wei Ying?”

“If he desires them,” Jiang Wanyin muttered, a resigned look in his eyes.

Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi glance at the robes, before looking at Jiang Wanyin with matching expressions. The sect leader says nothing, only glancing at Wei Ying, with soft yet sad eyes.

Lan Zhan, who hadn’t caught the quick exchange, nods, before asking, “May I play for him?”

Wei WuXian answers this time, his eyes softening slightly, “That would be a good idea,”

Lan Zhan moves to the table and pulls out his qin. With gentle plucks of his fingers, the strings vibrate and produce a melody, the calming effects drifting to the room. Wei WuXian leaned into Lan WangJi, who took a gentle but secure hold on him. Jiang Wanyin breathed deeply, listening to the music and letting it take some of his stress away, even if for only a moment. 

The four remain in silence until two gentle knocks sound at the door. Wei WuXian stares at the slab of wood before permitting, “Come in,”

The door opens slowly and the reveals Lan SiZhui with Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng. He smiles at them all, eyes straying to the younger version of his father for a few seconds as he said, “They were worried about Young Master Wei,”

Wei WuXian raises an eyebrow. Lan SiZhui moves to the side and Jiang Yanli steps in hesitantly. Following her is Jiang Cheng. Wei WuXian immediately catches the red around their eyes and his expression shifts, “You’ve cried. What’s happened?”

The sentence makes the two Jiangs flinch slightly. Wei WuXian frowns and cannot stop himself taking a step forward, “Did something happen?”

“We’re fine,” Jiang Yanli sighs, giving a weak smile. Her eyes fall to look at Wei Ying, “Just…overwhelmed,”

Wei WuXian follows their eyes. A complicated expression takes over, before it breaks with a long exhale. Wei WuXian turns to Lan WangJi, “I want to go back,”

Lan WangJi’s expression is understanding. He nods, taking Wei WuXian’s hand in his own. Nodding to his younger self, the couple exit the room. Jiang Wanyin smiles at his sister and younger self. He hands his younger self a talisman, “Activate this when A-Xian wakes,”

“What is it?” 

“A signal of such,” Jiang Wanyin explains vaguely, before tilting his head towards the robes, “Do not stop him. Do not, and I mean, do not–” he turns back to look at the two in purple “–stop him. Please, let him go if he wishes to,”

Jiang Yanli’s expression is pained, but she nods. Her brother does no such thing, only gritting his teeth and turning away. Jiang Wanyin stares at his younger self, knowing and feeling exactly what he was. He was a selfish man, selfish for affection. Denied of it by both his parents, his siblings were his home. His siblings were everything to him. 

And yet…

Jiang Wanyin turns and exits the room, closing the door behind him.

The silence descends over those awake in the room. Lan Zhan blinks once before beginning to pluck the strings of the qin in front of him, beginning to play a new triade of songs. As the notes drift through the room once more, Jiang Yanli exhales and shakes her head lightly. With delicate steps, she makes her way to Wei Ying’s bed side and sits on the edge, gently reaching for his hand. She lets herself feel the steady flow of spiritual energy, the steady beating of his heart. Her eyes close softly and she tightens her grip.

Jiang Cheng hesitates, remaining standing in the center of the room. But his eyes are fixed on his brother– cousin– Wei Ying. 

“A-Jie,” 

“Hm?”

“...He’s not going to leave, right?”

Jiang Yanli opens her eyes. 

Lan Zhan gives the heir a glance, before schooling his expression again.

Jiang Yanli looks at Wei Ying, “I don’t know, A-Cheng,”

“But–”

“A-Cheng,” Jiang Yanli smiles sadly, motioniong him over.

Jiang Cheng grits his teeth before walking over and sitting down in the chair beside the bed. Jiang Yanli reaches over and takes Jiang Cheng’s hand in her own, giving it a firm squeeze, “A-Cheng, whatever happens, we need to be with him,”

“We will!”

“Then if A-Xian feels unable to stay at Lotus Pier, how could we stop him?”

“W-we’re fixing it…that’s what they said. A-Niang said she’d talk…” Jiang Cheng mutters, before wilting, “I…I don’t want him to go,”

Jiang Yanli grips tighter. She doesn’t want Wei Ying to leave either…but she does not want to hurt him either. Well, she doesn’t want to hurt him further than he already was. Her beautiful A-Xian; always so strong and selfless. How could she have been so blind? How could she have not seen the true extent of pain going on right in front of her?

She hopes she’s wrong. But she doesn’t think she is. And that makes it worse.

Jiang Yanli blinks her eyes slowly, staring at the sleeping face. Slowly, she raises her hands and brushes a loose strand of hair aside. She finds herself saying, “A-Xian will always be our A-Xian, our brother…” she adds after a moment, “Our cousin. He will always be family…and I wish we could let him heal with us, but I worry of the repercussion such a decision could have,”

“We can protect him! I won’t kill him! A-Jie, I–”

“A-Cheng, that’s not what I meant,” She smiles lovingly at her didi, reaching out to fondly caress his hair, “We can protect him, of course we can. But A-Xian doesn’t need our protection right now…”

She exhales softly, “The information we are being given, this advantage of the future…we shall harness it. We will ensure his safety,”

She glances over at Lan Zhan, giving him a friendly smile, “and the safety of those he loves,”

Lan Zhan’s eyes widened a fraction, ears burning and the following string is plucked a bit too hard. Jiang Yanli giggles amused at the interaction of the second jade. A hand squeezes her own and Jiang Yanli turns around quickly, leaning over the male on the bed, “A-Xian?”

The atmosphere shifts and all attention is on the boy in bed. Wei Ying’s nose scrunches a bit, eyebrows furrowing. Another soft sound hums from his throat. Jiang Yanli calls again, “A-Xian, are you awake?”

“Sh…shijie…” a soft and hoarse groan echoes out.

Wei Ying’s eyes crack open and he finds himself staring up at his two most favorite people. And yet, for a moment, the purple makes him flinch. He shuts his eyes, lifting a head and rubbing his forehead to ease the dull pain. When he reopens his eyes he stares up at the ceiling for a moment, before saying, “I had a nightmare…”

“What?” Jiang Cheng frowns.

“It has to be one…” Wei Ying mutters, “...all that…none if it's real…”

Lan Zhan finds himself plucking the strings harder and placing more spiritual energy in the notes. Wei Ying hears the qin and finally glances back to those in his room. He finds his shijie(tangjie?)…begging her, a sliver of pain slipping into his voice, “Please…please tell me none of it was real…the Madam…my parents…”

Jiang Yanli’s expression falls and Jiang Cheng flinches, turning away. Wei Ying knows it was not a dream from that alone. He exhales, covering his eyes and letting out a weak laugh, “Hah…”

A pause settles, no one knowing quite how to break it. Jiang Cheng, still faced away, pulls out the talisman, igniting it. He watches the paper disintegrate in his fingers, eyes straying towards the black and red robes. 

‘ He looked nice in black and red,’ he thinks abruptly, ‘ Despite them being of low quality’

Wei Ying’s voice cuts the silence, jolting Jiang Cheng from his thoughts, “This song is nice,”

Lan Zhan blinks and then informs, “It is Song of Clarity , a piece designed to calm the mind,”

Wei Ying turns, “Oh, Lan Zhan, your here too,”

“Mn,”

“Of course he's here,” Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, “Have you seen your elder counterparts?”

Wei Ying flushes, giggling softly. The delightful sound echoes and the three find themselves easing into the atmosphere. Wei Ying moves his arms over his head, stretching like a cat, rolling over until he’s draped over Jiang Cheng’s legs. The younger reacts immediately, “Don’t cling to me!!”

“Ah but Jiang Cheng!!!” Wei Ying whines, “I’m an injured man!”

“If you can roll around and joke like this, you’re well enough for me to break your legs!!” Jiang Cheng threatens trying to pull Wei Ying off, though the older just clings on tighter, smiling silly.

Jiang Yanli watches them with soft eyes, giggling at their display fondly. Lan Zhan watches the display silently judging them…yet, also a little curious. Such a display was forgein to him, aside from the occasionally display he had seen between Nie Huaisang and Nie MingJue. But their brotherhood was still different than Wei Ying’s and Jiang Cheng’s.

“A-Xian, don’t move too much. A-Cheng be careful,” Jiang Yanli gently reminds them, however she cannot bring herself to add any sterness to her tone.

The display is so warm and familiar. She wishes it to remain like this. She wonders, briefly, if she’d ever get to see such a display again. There is no doubt that once they are finished here, they will all be different. A knock from the door has three of the four tensing. Wei Ying feels Jiang Cheng stiffen beneath him and his smile falls, “What’s wrong?”

He glances at the door as it opens. Two adults in purple stand in the doorway, one with a tired and hesitant smile, and the other…blank. Wei Ying unlatches himself from Jiang Cheng, staring at Jiang Fengmian and Yu ZiYuan a number of emotions raging through him. Distantly, he hears Jiang Yanli, Jiang Cheng, and Lan Zhan, rise to bow in greeting.

He thinks the two sect leaders greeted back, but he has long since moved from the present time. His emotions are storming and the images of his parents dead bodies are swirling in his mind- his mother getting killed by the woman in front of him is very clear in his mind. 

“A-Xian, how are you feeling?” He hears Jiang Fengmian ask him and he is now aware that the two have entered his room.

‘Answer’ he tries to tell himself.

He doesn’t. 

His mouth doesn’t move. Wei Ying stares at Jiang Fengmian and for a moment, he really cannot recongize him. No, that’s not it. He doesn’t understand why he’s brought her here. Wei Ying’s eyes flick over to Yu ZiYuan and the silver hardens further. 

Yu ZiYuan wasn’t looking at him and that angers him further. Everything in him feels like its fighting. He can feel his connection with suibian, the sword placed on his desk on the other end of the room. He can feel the sword vibrating and prepared to make damage. And he also feels any ounce of restraint and teachings he’s had being put to the test. 

He had learned how to act around her, he knows how to avoid her ire. And yet, there is none of those feelings. All he wants is to yell and push at her. He wants her ire, he finds. He wants an excuse to fight her back. Because out of the two of them, he’s not the villain right now. Maybe in the future, but he hasn’t done anything near the level of crime she’d done.

His silence breaks first, “I’m great. I mean, as great as one can be after learning that their parents were killed by someone they’ve been around for the past six years,”

Yu ZiYuan flinches and Wei Ying feels a small sense of satisfaction. It dies when he’s suddenly facing a familar scowl, “Watch your mouth! Is that how you speak to the people who save you off the streets?!”

‘How dare–’ Wei Ying glares at her. He kills the yell, keeping his voice at a level of restrained rage, “Saved me? You put me there,”

Yu ZiYuan’s eyes widen for a moment before she clenches her jaw, fingers curling into fists. Jiang Yanli swallows, closing her eyes from hearing her A-Xian fight back , and Jiang Cheng stares at Wei Ying, heart dropping to his stomach at the same revelation. Jiang Fengmian shifts awkwardly, before clearing his throat and looking to Lan Zhan, “Second Young Master Lan, we will take our leave,”

“Mn,” Lan Zhan bows.

“A-Cheng, A-Li,” Jiang Fengmian says and the two nod, before turning to Wei Ying, who is staring at them all with wide eyes, “Why are you leaving?”

Jiang Yanli smiles kindly, “We have been told to not interfere,” she then adds after a mental push, “Sandu Shengshou, left these robes for you should you choose to wear them,”

Wei Ying stares at the black and red robes. He doesn’t know how to feel, nor does he know what expression he is making. Whatever it was, it made Jiang Yanli tighten her grip on his shoulder for a brief moment, before turning to leave the room. He watches them, before realizing that Yu ZiYuan had not moved to follow the other three in purple.

He is obtusely aware of what is about to happen. He glances to where Lan Zhan stands near his qin. They make eye contact and Lan Zhan speaks, “I will not be leaving,”

“Second Young Master Lan,” Yu ZiYuan begins to object.

“I have been told to stay while you remain in the room to discuss,” Lan Zhan informs her politely, though no one can ignore the obvious jab.

Lan Zhan is here because Yu ZiYuan shall not be alone with Wei Ying. Yu ZiYuan thinks the implication might hurt almost as much as the watching herself whip CangSe Sanren’s child a year in the future.

“Discuss?” Wei Ying repeats, breathless from disbelief, before looking at Yu ZiYuan, “I don’t want to discuss. I know enough,”

“You know nothing,” She bites out.

Wei Ying frowns before laying down and turning away from her. Yu ZiYuan’s anger flares and she just barely manages to kill the reflexive scream. She closes her eyes, forcing herself to breathe. It would do her no good to lose her temper, would it now? Afterall, her pride, what was her pride really worth anymore? 

She had pretended not to see it’s harm, but hearing it from her dear daughter, watching the boy with her smile wail in grief and betreyal…everything, seemed to throw her into the eye of the storm she had conjured. 

Opening her eyes, she stares at Wei Ying’s back. He’s always looked more like Wei ChangZe, but to her, his smile and heartfelt laugh had always been a memory of her.

She walks forward, sitting on the edge of the bed. Wei Ying turns further away, pulling the cover around him tighter. Yu ZiYuan speaks without moving her eyes away from Wei Ying, “Second Young Master Lan, could you keep playing?”

Lan Zhan stares at her, before bowing and settling back in front of the guqin. He does a good attempt of pretending to not pay attention, but Yu ZiYuan knows better. She hesitates for a brief moment, unsure of how to start. She picks with the easiest, CangSe Sanren.

“Your mother and I first met when she came to Gusu with an invite to the lectures. I wouldn’t have gone had it not been for my eldest sister. She had gotten an invite and thus, the sect leader at that time extended it to my er-jie and myself when we were of age,” She stares off into the distance, but she is aware that she has the child’s– and that’s what he was, wasn’t he?-- attention.

“She was…bright, loud,” Yu ZiYuan lets out a soft laugh as the memories flow to the surface with a mix of pain and nostalgia, “clumsy. A walking mess,”

Her voice loses its hesitance and after a very long time, Yu  ZiYuan feels the most attuned to herself than she had in almost a decade, “But she was beautiful and very talented. One may not have known she was the student of an immortal, but they would know she was skilled. For despite her inability to understand the way of sects, she was trying and she learnt fast. Back then, we’d refer to her like a light. She’d attract all sorts of things and once you noticed her, it was hard to forget,”

Wei Ying has never heard Yu ZiYuan sound the way she does now. She sounds…longing. As if she was reminiscing about a lost love. 

He has never heard her–anyone–speak of his mother with such…fondness. His fury and hurt is stirring, but he stays still and silent, eyes fixed on the wall, but ears eagerly listening. For a moment, he can almost convince himself that what he has always wished has happened.

“Within the great sects, there was no female heir. But there were female nobleity from other smaller sects like myself. Peizhi had joined me from Meishan, so the two of us had expected to room. But we didn’t. Instead, I roomed with CangSe, while Peizhi roomed with ShuFang, a young orphaned cultivator that CangSe had befriended,”

Yu ZiYuan pretends not to catch the startled pluck of strings from the side of the room. She thinks back to her time in Gusu, staying silent for a bit. She could say many things, but that was not what was supposed to speak of, was it? No, she owed an explanation, an apology. And to do so, she needed to accept the pain she had felt that day again. She swallows and continues, “I don’t know how the four of us clicked, how Peizhi and I clicked with those two,” Yu ZiYuan laughs at a fond memory of their personalities clashing, “It worked, somehow. We became very close and I trusted them with my life,” her face begins to harden as she ventures to the harder feelings, “I trusted CangSe-Jie with my life,”

Wei Ying inhales sharply and Yu ZiYuan glances at him, but he is still turned away from her. She is slightly grateful for it. She doesn’t think she could handle his expressions.

“After the lectures, it was harder to stay in touch. CangSe-Jie wandered, I think ShuFang might’ve joined her for a while. Peizhi and I occasionally joined them, sometimes Fengmian, ChangZe, YongZhen, HuiLang, Guangshan, and Ruohan joined us,” Yu ZiYuan glosses over those years, “Then she settled in Yunmeng for a while. For the few years she stayed, it was just me, her, ChangZe, and Fengmian. PeiZhi was busy with her own marriage arrangements. Mine were put on hold,”

Wei Ying stiffens and the slight calm that had settled as he listened to the memories began to fizzle. Here it was. 

“When she told me ChangZe had confessed to her, and that she had recorpiated those feelings, I was happy for her. And yet I felt bitter,” 

She pauses, seeing if he would speak. He does not and she sighs, “It was not because I knew what was coming with me in regards to Fengmian…” she tilts her head, “Not entirely,”

“...It…most of it was because I knew that I was about to lose the closest person to me,” Yu ZiYuan lets herself confess and she can feel her emotions begin to spiral, but she grips them. She had been doing well, she will not lose her temper. She will not.

“They never visited, you know,” She tells Wei Ying, “Never came back once they left. Just the letters,”

Yu ZiYuan wrinkles the fabric of her robes due to how tight she’s gripping them, “I remember when she told me about you after you had been born. She gushed in every letter, of her A-Ying,”

Wei Ying flinches beside her and Yu ZiYuan knows her mistake. She stares at him for a moment, before sighing, “WuXian…I am not telling you any of this to confuse you. I am not telling you this for any mercy, you may feel what you wish. You may resent me,” – ‘I hope you resent me,’–  “I am not telling you this to fix things, its not going to fix things,”

Yu ZiYuan swallows her pride, closing her eyes and thinking of a beautiful woman with silver eyes and a laugh that had become the Violet Spider’s favorite song. Yu ZiYuan whispers, “When I killed her, when I realized what I had done, I had never wished to die more. Hurting your mother was one thing I wished to never do,”

“...did you search?”

It’s the first words he’d spoken to her the entire time. It was so unexpected that she opened her eyes in shock, glancing at him. He’s not looking at her still. 

“...I did,” 

She adds after a moment, “I looked but I could not find you,”

“If you had…” Wei Ying says, “If you had found me, what would you have done?”

The answer is obvious to her, but she says it as if its shameful, “Bring you back to Lotus Pier,”

Wei Ying lets out a small laugh, its mocking and pained, “Then why have you been trying to get rid of me?”

She doesn’t answer. Does not know how. She wants to scream at him, slightly. Give out the reasons she had always said. But she kept her mouth shut because such things were excuses. Yes, she hated it when her children were ignored, but that anger was towards Jiang Fengmian. It was not supposed to be at him . Her anger…her grief and love…should never have been directed at Wei Ying.

And yet…it had been. 

Yu ZiYuan smiles pathetically, “Your mother will kill me when I die. Not for killing her, though I wish she would. She’d kill me for channeling everything to you,”

Wei Ying is surprised at the admission of guilt. He bites his lip and turns very slowly, looking up to take in Yu ZiYuan’s expression. He thinks its the most human, the most real, he’s ever seen her. He is angry at her, he thinks he always will be. He thinks that a part of him will always hate her for everything. But that is in the future. Right now, he despises her with every cell of his body, yet also can understand…and that hurts him. How could he dare to sympthize with her, her who killed his own mother? Who had been yelling terrible things of his parents for years? Who had yelled at Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli terrible things? Who had hurt other people because of her own faults?

“These years…have you ever regretted anything?” 

Its a heartless question but Yu ZiYuan takes the sword without a fight. She turns, expecting to see his hair again, but is taken aback by the bright silver. She stares at him, taking in the expression of numbness, yet also pain. She doesn’t look away when she answers, “...I have,”

His expression tightens and Yu ZiYuan has a feeling he doesn’t believe her.

“Why…” he trails off.

There are too many whys. 

She blinks softly, turning away, “I loved your mother. I love my children. Once, I would have loved you…”

She doesn’t let him think further before adding, “But such a word cannot be thrown in the Jiang Sect freely…”

She looks at the clarity bell on her waist. The words and sounds of the past echo in her mind. She can almost hear the teasing song of CangSe Sanren, can almost see that beautiful smile. 

“I am sorry…” She whispers, a quiet thing. A shameful thing. Yet…sincere, “for deriving you of that love,”

Wei Ying thinks he’s crying again. His chest feels tight and his head hurts. He turns away to not show her the effect of her words. He believes she noticed anyway. 

Yu ZiYuan stands slowly, looking straight ahead. She turns after a moment of thought. Then before she could hesitate she reaches over and runs a hand through the teenagers hair.

Wei Ying freezes.

She whispers, “When we return, if you so wish, I will go with you to their graves to retrieve their items,”

Her hand is gone from his head and he listens as she walks away. He listens as the door opens and shuts. He listens to the slow stop of zither notes. He listens to himself break into sobs, before attempting to silence them.

“Wei Ying,” 

‘Lan Zhan…’  

Lan Zhan hesitates before the words of those from the future, of the things his future self had told him, ring in his head.

“Do not hesitate to reach out. I know there are rules, I know we have never been one for touch…but for him, please. Reach first, or meet him halfway,”

“Wei Ying is a bright person, do not mistake this. But he is human. He is human and he feels strongly. His pain has been left unshared for years. It is not a weakness, though he might presume. He is very strong, but even the strongest men cry,”

“Wei Ying, I am here…”Lan Zhan said, reaching forward and thinking of what his older self had done. 

It’s weird, it feels weird, but when he pulls Wei Ying into his arms, he knows he’s done the right thing by the way the younger one turns into him, gripping the white robes. Lan Zhan keeps a firm yet not bruising grip on Wei Ying, repeating the words “I am here” and “let it out”. Two sentences his older self had said were grounding, not just for Wei Ying, but anyone in such a scenario.

Wei Ying grips tighter, sobbing until the volume quiets down into sniffles and hiccups. Lan Zhan had subconsciously began to rock a bit, something his mother did when he was child. He didn’t realize he was doing it until Wei Ying whispered, “Thank you…”

“What?” 

“Thank you…I’m sorry about your robes,” Wei Ying sniffles, pulling back and Lan Zhan regrets letting go the moment they’re apart.

“That is of no matter,” Lan Zhan states.

A silence descends for a moment. Lan Zhan shifts before asking awkwardly, “How…how does Wei Ying feel?”

Wei Ying looks down, “I feel like I want to kill her…but I also feel closer to her than ever before,”

He lets out a laugh, “God, I’m pathetic…”

“Wei Ying is not pathetic,”

“You’re too nice, Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying smiled weakly, “but I’m very pathetic. I don’t…I’m just…I don’t know what I’m feeling, but I know that I’m furious…”

He looks at Lan Zhan, exclaiming, “I mean- how could she?! How could any of them!? My parents didn’t do anything!! Hell, Madam Yu was so close to my Mama!! And yet all these years she’s…shes…”

Lan Zhan, in his defense, doesn’t have anything to say. He doesn’t know how to comfort Wei Ying, what to tell him. He settles for actions instead, reading over and holding Wei Ying’s hand. 

The head disciple looks at him and Lan Zhan holds the gaze, “Wei Ying does not have to forgive, frankly, this one does not know how one could ever forgive in such a situation…Wei Ying does not need to know how to feel, nor how he feels. Wei Ying does not owe anyone answers. Wei Ying may rest, take time, and feel….” He tightens his grip, “I…I will be here, if Wei Ying so wishes,”

“Lan Zhan, you…” Wei Ying whispered, “I thought you hated me…”

Lan Zhan knows that’s his fault. He looks away, “…sorry,”

He adds after a moment, “Did not hate you…”

Wei Ying blinks at him before smiling. Lan Zhan feels his throat dry at the sight. It’s a sweet smile, not like his big and bright ones. Wei Ying’s eyes are slightly red and there’s still reminiscences of tears flowing down the slightly pink cheeks. 

Lan Zhan had never seen a more beautiful sight.

Wei Ying leans carefully into Lan Zhan’s space. When the other doesn’t pull away or tense, he commits fully, leaning against the older. Lan Zhan stares at him, a silent question. Wei Ying doesn’t know the answer so he stays silent. 

His eyes stray to black and red robes again. He knows what it would mean to wear them…what it would like. But, Wei Ying can’t find a big reason to care. He doesn’t want to wear this uniform, not right now. 

Lotus Pier has been his haven for a years…but it is the home of those who took away his. His feelings are confused. It might be mostly betrayal, Wei Ying isn’t quite sure if this is what it feels like. He thinks it might be. The cross of anger and pain, of grief and love, of regret and hate.

“Do you want to wear them?” 

Wei Ying blinks, before he whispers, “I do,”

Neither of them move for a few minutes more. Only when Wei Ying feels a little more in touch with reality and his emotions does he get up. Lan Zhan watched as he picked up the robes and walking behind the privacy screen. The jade remains in place before moving to pick up his qin. When it’s on his back once more, Wei Ying steps from behind with a soft call, “Lan Zhan,”

Lan Zhan turns and he stared at the sight. Wei Ying looks the same, but there is something about the black and red robes that fit right. Lan Zhan nods, “You look good,”

He is rewarded with a flushed Wei Ying who whines about his “poor heart” while grabbing Suibian. The two exit the room and head back towards the hall. Lan Zhan notices the clarity bell—Wei Ying’s father’s clarity bell. He doesn’t know much about them, and he wonders if they’re like the Lan forehead ribbons. He makes a note to inquire…someone about this. Maybe Wei Ying.

Lan Zhan knocks twice out of courtesy before the two open the doors to the swords hall. All eyes turn to them, before flickering to Wei Ying. Wei Ying breaks into a grin, “I got a robes from the future!”

Lan Zhan blinks at the sudden change. He doesn’t get to ponder before Wei Ying gasps, “Wait! Sandu Shengshou, how did you know these robes would fit me anyway?”

Jiang Wanyin knows what his brother is doing. He lets him do it and rolls his eyes, “I have a daughter. Eyeballing a robe size is a skill I’ve mastered,” 

Wei Ying laughs skipping forward and throwing an arm around Jiang Cheng, “You hear that! You’re going to master the art of fashion for your kid!”

Jiang Cheng flushes before protesting, “Shut up! I bet you learnt something to!”

Wei Ying looks at Wei WuXian, “Hm? Did I?”

Wei WuXian gives a look at the four juniors, “Patience,”

The four boys all make varying sounds of offense. Nie Huaisang breaks into laughter, following quickly by others. Wei Ying and Wei WuXian meet eyes across the hall, nodding, ‘Goal reached,’

Lan WangJi clears his throat, “Let us resume?”

“What are we going to do now?” Jin ZiXuan asks.

“How about something good? As like a small break?” Jiang Wanyin mumbles sheepishly.

“Like Senior Wei and Hanguang Jun!!!” Ouyant Zizhen cheered.

“Huh?” Wei Ying and Lan Zhan perk up.

“Hm, why not? A little brief intro,” Wei WuXian smiles at his husband.

Lan WangJi smiles back, “Mn. I agree,”

“Wait a sec- what does that mean?” Wei Ying questioned but was ignored.

“Yesss!!! We get to watch Hanguang Jun and Senior Wei’s story!!!” Lan JingYi exclaimed.

“But first—“ Grandmaster Lan says, “I believe it’s only appropriate for A-Xian and WangJi to sit beside each other…in both times,”

The younger of the two flush. Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi smile amused. However, neither Wei Ying or Lan Zhan move, just staring blankly at one another.

So of course, Jiang Wanyin moves them with a flick of his hand, ignoring Wei Ying startled squawk as he is suddenly rearranged. Now, he sits on the side of the hall, beside Lan Zhan. Lan Xichen smiles, “Welcome Young Master Wei,”

“Brother!”

Wei WuXian laughs softly, before settling between his husband and brother. His one hand glows red and he takes Lan WangJi’s hand with the other. Lan WangJi’s own free hand is already glowing blue with spiritual energy. The two share a gaze of love, before letting out the energy in sync. 

The array glows to life and the surroundings dim to highlight the stage.

The purple hues of YunmengJiang’s swordhall fall away as the conjured image reveals much lighter and softer tones of white and blue. They are projected the image of a building, a white-pebbled path leading up to the wooden stairs and front deck. 

“This is…?” Jin ZiXuan asked.

“The jingshi,” Lan Xichen informed, “WangJi’s quarters,”

At his words, the view shifts slightly to follow the back of a tall man, the gusulan forehead ribbon cascading through his hair and the whites of his robes fluttering elegantly with everystep. Another shift reveals the face of Lan WangJi as he enters into the jingshi.

The inside is as one would expect, undeniably Lan WangJi. Neat shelves, whites and blues, a designated place for books and his qin. However, there is more than just Lan WangJi. 

The clutter of parchment on the table, a few thrown robes here and there. THey half-except Lan WangJi to clean, but he seems as if he hadn’t even noticed the eye-grabbing mess, eyes looking around as he ventured deeper into his quarters. His eyes steady onto another door at the back of the jingshi. 

Lan Zhan furrows his eyebrows, “What is that?”

Lan WangJi looks confused for a moment, before he recalls such a door does not exist in the jingshi of his younger self, “Ah, that is the door to the back. I had it built,”

Lan Zhan stares, but nods. He doesn’t quite get why he would build such a thing, but he has a feeling the answer will be revealed eventually.

Lan WangJi slides open the back door, stepping outside once again. 

“Oh my,” Jiang Yanli breathes out at the lovely back area.

Lan Qiren blinks, “It’s…it’s very nice,”

Wei Ying looks to where a pond is settled, boarded by large polished stones. The water is clear and Wei Ying thinks there might be some fish in it, but he doesn’t see any. He is more focused on the sprouts of green and pink. The undeniable presence of lotuses.

“You have a lotus pond,” Jiang Cheng sees it as well.

Lan Zhan thinks he knows why he built a back area now. Nie Huaisang giggles, giddy, “You built a lotus pond for Wei-Xiong!!!”

Lan Zhan flushes red at his ears, checking Wei Ying, who is blushing pink, but also staring at the scene with wonder. 

He moves back to look at the projection when the view shifts to focus on a young man in casual red under robes, an untied and much too large set of white robes shucked over his shoulder. His hair is tied up loosely, clearly not muche effort in appearance. He sits not too far from the lotus pond, hair blowing with the soft echoes of wind, a bruch in his hand and a pad with parchment on it settling on his lap. 

“Oh…” Wei WuXian squeaks staring at himself on the screen. A verision so different than now.

Lan WangJi smiles at the scene and says, “Wei Ying looks nice,”

They havent even started but Wei Ying has already blushed red.

Jiang Yanli smiles at the sight of her brother. He looks carefree, relaxed…at peace. Something she has never seen before.

Wei WuXian looks up as Lan WangJi walks closer. A smile breaks,  and everyone softens at the pure joy and light such an expression emits, “Lan Zhan! You’re back!”

Lan Zhan can’t tear his eyes away from the picture.

He is almost angry when the projection switches to show them both, taking away full focus from the smile.

“Mn,” Lan WangJi settles on the grass and Wei WuXian shifts over so he is leaning into the taller’s side.

Lan WangJi wraps an arm gently around his waist, shutting his eyes for a moment as he leans his head onto Wei WuXian’s. 

Lan Xichen exhales at the content he sees in his brother. He breaks into an amused smile as Ouyang Zizhen bounces in his seat, “They’re so cute!!!”

“Zizhen…” Wei WuXian chastised fondly.

“Look!” Wei WuXian says, showing the parchment, “I finally figured out how to fix the teleportation talisman!”

Lan WangJi looks at the parchment, a multitude of scribbles and sigils on it. He prompts his beloved to explain further, “I was not completely aware of a problem with them?”

Wei WuXian sighs fondly, “There’s no problem with them. They work completely fine, but to use one takes such a tremendous amount of spiritual energy, that to, its only ever limited to the use of very powerful cultivators like my Hanguang Jun. Its such a waste of such a tool! What’s the point of making the perfect talisman for emergencies, when one barely is able to use it without completely depleting themselves of energy!?!”

“That’s right!!” Nie MingJue agrees.

“The teleportation talisman is a powerful one though,” Madam Jin points out, “To perfectly transport yourself from one point to the next with just a parchement…of course, using such energy is required,”

“Mn,”

“So obviously, I looked at it! And I even read books about what I could find in the library. Huaisang sent me some archives too, but they weren’t as helpful as the Lan Sect’s history notes. Anyway, look, you see this sigil here in the original talisman? It’s the one that burns up spiritual energy, it’s common in a lot of talsiman but is usually overwritten by other key sigils. We write it without thinking about it. I made the spirit-attracting flags by simply adding four strokes to a spirt-warding talisman, so we know that one simple stroke can change things. I mean, obviously, for such a complicated talsiman that’s not the case but my point stands! I took the talisman and wrote it out as I always have, while also decontrusting it onto a separate piece of parchment so I can truly analyze every sigil. Look, some of these I didn’t even recongize!! This sigil right here, this is connecting to the sigil that burns spiritual energy. Its an amplipher. So of course, I took that out and checked how it fared alone and just how much it amliphed the talisman, and I realized it was quite essential, yet also the source of the problem! So, instead of switching things around, I went with creating a new talisman from scratch, you’ve seen me work on it for weeks now, but I finally figured out how to balance the consumption of spiritual energy and the energy needed to perform the task. Humans have a nataral abundancy of spiritual and resentful energy, cultivators are more susceptible to energy as they’ve attuned their bodies to detect it. And since talisman can only really be used by cultivators, well a talisman of this feat, I decided to use that to work with me. So, instead of just using a cultivators spiritual energy, I removed a few unneeded symbols and added this sigil which is common in tracking talisman. Its used to sense spiritual or resentful energy in an area, depending on the corresponding sigils its around. I added it here so now, the talisman takes in natural spiritual energy from around the area. That’s the primary function, but I also am going to betatest it so it can take resentment energy out of the air too, just incase there’s a situation where there is no spiritual energy! But it worked!! I finally did it!”

The silence of the room was mostly just stunned.

Half were still trying to process, the others were just shocked at how Wei WuXian discussed the changing of a talisman so powerful as if it were a common play.

“...so this is why Huaisang was able to pass this year,” Nie MingJue breaks the silence.

Nie Huaisang exclaimed, “DA-GE?!”

Jiang Fengmian stared at Wei WuXian, “That’s…oh my god,”

“I didn’t even know you could…mess with talisman to improve efficiency?” Jin ZiXuan furrowed his eyebrows.

Wei Ying hums softly, looking at his older self, “But wouldn’t taking the energy out of the environment be risky? After all, if near a spirit, wouldn’t the resentment energy be dangerous?”

“That’s why you test your talisman and keep tweaking them until it works,” Wei WuXian nods, “But also no, its only dangerous should the energy directly affect you. Cultivators are not made to harness resentment, that is not to say they couldn’t. Directing the resentment into the talisman creates both a conduit and a shield,”

“Ah…” Wei Ying understands, before blinking at realizing everyone was staring at him, “What?”

Nie MingJue speaks again, “Young Master Wei, would you like to teach at Nie Sect?”

“Now, now, MingJue,” Lan Xichen smiles, “Young Master Wei would make more sense for him to teach with the Lan,”

“You’ll have his genius when he marries! My sect needs some fresh minds and Huaisang needs a tutor,”

“Da-Ge!!!”

Jiang Cheng kills an angry snap in his throat. If his brother should teach, shouldn’t it be for the Jiang Sect? The sentence reminds him of earlier events and he wilts slightly, sighing. 

Wei Ying flushed in embarrassment, “Can we focus again?”

Lan WangJi smiled at Wei WuXian through his rambles, watching him with soft eyes. When Wei WuXian finished, he beamed and Lan WangJi was weak to resist kissing his forehead, “Well done,”

The sincerity of the praise makes Wei Ying swallow a lump in his throat.

Wei WuXian giggled, before tilting his head up and saying, “You look relaxed. A good day?”

“A very good day,” Lan WangJi agreed.

“Oh?” Wei WuXian raised an eyebrow, “What happened?”

Lan WangJi didn’t respond for a moment. He looked at Wei WuXian, searching for something. Then, he exhales and looks ahead, towards the pond. The sky above them was a light orange and pink, the hues causing the gold of Lan WangJi’s eyes to almost glow.

“Wei Ying…are you happy here?”

Wei Ying jolts slightly at the question.

His actions are echoed by the Wei WuXian on the projection.

Wei WuXian looks shocked by the question and for a moment, he is only staring at Lan WangJi. The older glances back hearing no answer. It is only after their eyes meet, does Wei WuXian blink and smile softly, “Of course. I’m happy with you,”

Lan WangJi smiled for a second, before it dropped, “That is not what I meant,”

A few confused expression bubble around the circle. Lan WangJi and Jiang Wanyin both force themselves to keep their mouths shut from reacting.

“Hm?”

“Here. Cloud Recesses, the Lan Sect…are you happy here?”

Wei WuXian blinks softly. He then laughs, a gentle thing and turns to look towards the pond, “You are here, A-Yuan is here, I am perfectly content,”

“Wei Ying…”

“I am fine,”

“But not happy,”

Wei Ying blinks in shock. He can read himself, he knows how nothing he had said was a lie. But also, it wasnt the full truth. And no one has been able to quite see it, he doesn’t think anyone has ever been able to read past his words which answer everything, and yet nothing. 

So how does he, Lan Zhan, Lan WangJi, know?

Wen Qing furrows her eyebrows, “How could you tell?”

Lan WangJi moves to speak, but Wei WuXian rests a hand on his knee, shaking his head softly. He does not want to deal with that yet. Not now.

“Lan Zhan…” Wei WuXian sighs, “It’s not…I am fine. I am content, very very happy with you,”

“I know you are happy with me,” Lan WangJi turns, “But I wish for Wei Ying to be happy, truly happy…I want you to feel safe,”

“Lan Zhan…” Wei WuXian muttered helplessly, a wry smile on his lips, “Safety is such a delicate thing. In time, I will know this place as well as I know Lotus Pier,”

Lan WangJi’s face tightened, “I do not wish for Cloud Recesses to be another lotus pier to you,”

Wei Ying thinks there’s an implication that he’s missing. 

Jiang Cheng scowls, “What does that mean?!”

Lan WangJi gave a look, “What do you believe it could mean?”

“Lan Zhan,” Wei WuXian scolds his husband and the older relents.

“Aiyo, Lan Zhan,” Wei WuXian exhales. He asks after a moment, “Why are you asking me such a question?”

Lan WangJi turns fully to face him. They stare at one another, before Lan WangJi reaches over and holds Wei WuXian’s hands gently. He stares softly at Wei WuXian, breathing gently, “I…”

He blinks and says, “Wei Ying, I love you…”

Nie Huaisang and Ouyang Zizhen may or may not have squealed. 

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan go red.

Wei WuXian flushes slightly at the serious declaration, before smiling, “I love you too, Lan Zhan,”

Lan WangJi reaches one hand up to brush a few strands of loose hair out of Wei WuXian’s face, “This one wishes to love Wei Ying until his heart can no longer beat for Wei Ying,”

“EEK-” Wei Ying covers his face, curling into a flushed ball.

“Oh my god!!!” Lan JingYi screams.

“Jingyi- Jingyi- stop shaking me!” Jin Ling complains.

Wei WuXian’s face breaks into shock as the blush deepens. Lan WangJi continues, “I have lived a time where you were gone…a time where I never got to see you smile, never got to hear you laugh, never could feel your presence,”

The earlier heat of embarrassment dwindles to something delicate and soft. There is the sudden reminder to them all that the loving couple in front of them had been torn apart. Twice.

Wei Ying lowers his hands, frowning worriedly.

Grandmaster Lan swallows, looking down at the ground.

“Lan Zhan…” 

“Wei Ying, when I found you, again. I promised, I promised myself I would never lose you again…even if you didn’t return my feelings, I had never dared wish for something as selfish. Even if you didn’t return my feelings, I would have protected you, and cared for you, and loved you,” Lan WangJi tells him.

Wei WuXian has tears building in his eyes, “Lan Zhan…what…”

Wei Ying doesn’t know where this is going, but he really hopes it gets there soon, because he might be unable to stop himself from trapping Lan Zhan in a hug as he sobs again.

“Wei Ying, this place is not somewhere you would call home, I know such a thing is fragile,” Lan WangJi smiles, “But I want to build a home with you. I want to wake up with you by my side for the rest of my life, I want to show the world how much I love you,”

“I’m gonna cry,” Ouyang Zizhen sniffled.

“I never thought Lan WangJi would be so….romantic,” Jin ZiXuan spoke out everyone’s thoughts.

Lan Qiren has not said anything, because he is franky to caught up in the genuineity he feels from this projection. From his nephew.

A tear hits Wei WuXian’s cheek.

Lan WangJi swallowed, looking down, “This one wishes to ask Wei Ying for permission,”

“Pe- Permission?” Wei WuXian repeats.

“Permission to stay. Permission to build a home, a permanent home,” Lan WangJi  looks into Wei WuXian’s eyes, “Permission to call Wei Ying husband,”

“OH MY GOD ITS THEIR  MARRIAGE PROPOSAL!!!” Ouyang Zizhen screamed.

Nie Huaisang gave a dramatic cry, “This is beautiful– Lan-Xiong–”

Wei Ying chokes, flushing deeply. Jiang Yanli bows towards Lan WangJi at the center of the room, “Thank you for taking care of A-Xian,”

“Mn,” Lan WangJi bows his head back.

Yu ZiYuan finds herself cracking a small smile at every teenager losing their minds over the couple. She finds Madam Jin and Jiang Fengmian watching with similar looks of amusement.

Jiang Wanyin gives an approving smile, before nodding to Lan WangJi, “Hm, I approve,”

Lan WangJi gives him a dry look, that clearly speaks, ‘I did not need your approval’ .

Wei WuXian pretends to not see the exchange. There is no blush on his cheeks for he knows the conversation is far from over, remembers this day clearly.

Wei WuXian’s eyes widen and tears fall rapidly. He is silent, as if collecting his thoughts. He finally matters a weak, “Lan Zhan…”

Then a watery smile makes his way onto his face, “Even if I dared to agree, your sect hates me. They would never allow someone so wonderful as you to wed this lowly rat,”

And that happiness falls flat.

“What…” Wen Qing mutters.

“You…you…” Lan Qiren began, but then Lan WangJi stops him sharply, “Please listen to the whole conversation,”

Lan Zhan blinks, frowning at the words of self depreciation. Wei Ying perks slightly, seeing perfect reason.

Lan WangJi scolds, “Wei Ying is no rat. He is a wonderful star,”

Wei WuXian opens his mouth, but Lan WangJi speaks first, “And as for my elders…they have agreed,”

Wei WuXian goes still, “What?”

The disbelief makes Grandmaster Lan flinch discreetly. 

Madam Jin abruptly recalls, “...right…the elders had given you two eight months to prepare an entire wedding,”

Then his face turns worried, “Lan Zhan…Lan Zhan what did you do? Please tell me you didn’t get punished, Lan Zhan what–”

“Wei Ying,” Lan WangJi stops him, “Nothing like that…I assure you,”

Its alarming to know that is where Wei WuXian’s mind strayed to. Jiang Fengmian frowns, “Qiren…”

Lan Qiren doesn’t answer, staring at the projection with a hard face.

Lan Zhan frowns and speaks up, “Punish me for asking to marry? That…”

Is too similar to his parents situation. He looks to his older self, “You said he wasn’t–”

“He’s not,” Lan WangJ assures.

“What are you talking about?” Wei Ying frowned.

Lan Zhan just shakes his head, while Lan Xichen gives him a look of worry.

“I have asked for some time, constantly. They finally agreed,” Lan WangJi explains. He pulls out a parchment from his sleeve, a blue ribbon tying it.

Wei WuXian takes it and opens it up. A sob breaks as looks at the official seal of the Lan sect. He rolls the paper up, looking at Lan WangJi, “Lan Zhan…you’re too good for me,”

“Nothing is too good for Wei Ying,”

“But this is!” Wei WuXian cries, shifting to his knees and cupping Lan WangJi’s face, “Don’t you understand, my love? Already, I have ruined you, the scars on your back, the tension of the internal affairs, this beautiful love of ours. To marry will be a step you can never undo…i’d be a permanent stain here…I…”

Jiang Wanyin frowns deeply.

“Senior Wei…” Lan JingYi whines, “You’re not…you’re not a stain, or anything bad! You’ve made Gusu so much better!”

“Yes, yes! The GusuLan Sect should be honored!” Jin Ling agrees.

It hurts, Jiang Yanli realizes. Hurts to see her A-Xian’s pain. Such an extent that he will go so far to deny himself of something any of them can see he wants. Would go as far as convincing Lan WangJi to reconsider.

“I don’t care about my reputation,” Lan WangJi says, “You have not ruined me. Wei Ying has made me feel more alive than I have ever felt before, more human than ever,”

Lan Xichen thinks there’s more to that sentence. He feels a seed of doubt and worry in his heart once more.

Wei WuXian sobbed, “I-I’m messy…I throw things around, I can’t sleep well, I have nightmares, I hurt people, Lan Zhan. I dont want to hurt you…Please, please, I’m too selfish to deny you of this, so im begging you…”

Wei Ying swallows. He had hurt Lan Zhan…

Afterall, Lan Zhan had died like everyone else Wei Ying had grown close to.

Lan WangJi only smiles.

Wei WuXian sniffles, “I…I…I’m a menace, I bring trouble wherever I go,”

Yu ZiYuan flinches.

“I will go where the trouble is,” Lan WangJi has not broken his smile.

Wei WuXian’s protests become weaker, “You fell in love with the bright head disciple, you realized you were in love when I had already become a monster. Lan Zhan…I am a shell of the kid you loved. I…I’m never going to be good enough, I have never been good enough,”

“Oh, A-Xian,” Jiang Yanli whimpers, looking at her brother who was silent and staring at the screen with a multitude of emotions. Her call makes him look at her. She promises, “You have always been enough, A-Xian. More than enough,”

Wei Ying’s eyes widen and he almost thinks he’ll cry again.

Lan WangJi reached up, wiping a few tears and cupping Wei WuXian’s face. He leans up, pressing their lips softly together, before pulling back and whispering in a tone filled with devotion, “You are bright and as good as the day I first saw you,”

Wei Ying kills a sob, it comes out more as a strangled gasp. It makes eyes turn to him, but he does not acknowledge them. Lan Zhan is staring at him from the side, concerned.

Wei Ying doesn’t know when he was able to see the concern.

Wei WuXian hugs Lan WangJi tight, crying into his shoulder. 

Lan WangJi hugs him back, “Wei Ying…will you marry me?”

The younger laughs weakly, “Yes, yes, I will,”

Lan WangJi smiles a bit wider, closing his eyes and hiding his face in Wei WuXian’s shoulder.

It is only then does the sudden sound of gentle music waft through the room and the scene fade out.

“Shit–” Jiang Cheng cursed, “I forgot about that,”

“Huaisang, are you crying?” Jin ZiXuan points out.

Nie Huaisang sniffles, “They’re so in love,”

“Dajiu, dajiu! Was that really how it went?” Jin Ling asks.

“Of course, this thing hasn’t lied once,” Wei WuXian says.

“You know,” Lan SiZhui suddenly speaks, “I was half expecting A-Die’s and Baba’s song to play, but I do not recongize this tune,”

Its a lovely song, highpitched and almost like bells. There is something delicate, yet bright about the atmosphere the music invokes. 

“Their song?” Wen Ning asks.

“Oh. Baba wrote a song for A-Die. It’s how Baba recongized A-Die when he came back to life, A-Die played that specific song…” Lan SiZhui pauses before adding, “Though, A-Die didn’t know where he had heard the song due to him being high with fever at the time. He also didn’t remember the name…”

Jiang Wanyin suddenly speaks, “Why is that the two times WangJi confessed and the time A-Xian confessed, A-Xian was an inch away from death?”

“If you find an answer, please let us know,” Lan Wangji deadpans.

The scene shifts to show a bustling street. They are focused on Lan WangJi, who is looking alarmingly helpless as he stares down at a young child wrapped around his leg and crying.

Lan Xichen doesn’t catch his laugh in time.

Wei Ying can’t help but giggle at the scene, ‘Cute,’

Lan WangJi, looks pomrpty embarrassed, “Oh no,”

“Oh yes!” Wei WuXian smiles widely, “A-Yuan, why don’t you take a guess who that kid is?”

Lan SiZhui already has an idea, his cheeks pink with shame.

‘Maybe it’s the way you say my name,’ Lan WangJi’s voice sings softly.

On cue, the call of, “Lan Zhan!” echoes and Lan WangJi looks up.

They are shown Wei WuXian, in black and red robes and a flute at his side, smile as his walks through the crowd. There is a look of shock and slight happiness in Lan WangJi’s face at the sight of–

“Oh my god,” Wen Qing realizes first, “I can read your expressions perfectly, I was not able to do that before,”

It is then the others realize the same. Yes, they had seen Lan WangJi be expressive, but his normal face was still hard to dissect. Yet now, it seemed like they could understand perfectly. 

“Wa- I can too?” Jin ZiXuan blinks.

Lan Zhan does not know how to feel about this development.

‘Maybe it’s the way you play your game,’

The scene shifts and they’re met with a younger Lan WangJi and Wei WuXian. The latter is propped on an open window grinning as he holds up two rabbits. Lan WangJi is staring at him a mix of awe and annoyance.

“Er-gege, im wounded,” Wei Ying finds himself saying, obviously he’s been tame for too long, “I gave you such a gift and you’re staring at me like that,”

Lan Zhan gives him a look, “I kept them,”

Wei Ying’s teasing ends as he screams, “You kept them?!!”

“You did what??” Lan Qiren turned towards his nephew.

His nephew who very firmly states, “Not pets. They live freely. WangJi just ensures their safety and health,”

Nie Huaisang is appalled by this new side of Lan Zhan. Madam Jin tries and fails to hold back her laughter. Lan Qiren gives her a glare.

‘But it’s all good,’

The scene now projects the two sitting in a dark cave. They’re still young, Wei WuXian is still in the purple robes of YunmengJiang, yet neither have their swords. Wei WuXian grabs two planks of wood, placing them on the sides Lan WangJi’s leg. He then looks around, before his eyes go up to Lan WangJi and without hesitation he reaches forward to pull the forehead ribbon off.

Lan WangJi slams his hand to keep the ribbon in place, golden eyes furious, “You–”

“Wei WuXian!!!” Lan Qiren yells.

“Uh…present?” Wei Ying says, “I’m confused,”

Lan Zhan looks at Wei Ying, dryly, “How many times did you copy the GusuLan rules when you were at Cloud Recesses?”

Wei Ying gapes, betrayed, “I copied them until I nearly died! Lan Zhan, there no such thing about the ribbon!”

Lan Zhan sighed. Wei WuXian smiled sheepishly, “In my defense, I have all the rules memorized except that one. I really never recalled it,”

“You memorized them?” Lan Qiren stares at him.

“Of course, even death couldn’t get rid of those things,” Wei WuXian admits.

“Really, all it did was help you find loopholes,” Jiang Wanyin rolled his eyes.

Lan WangJi smiles, albeit proud, “Wei Ying is very smart,”

Lan Qiren thinks his nephew is possessed.

“I am also a bit confused,” Jiang Yanli politely speaks up.

“Ah, Maiden Jiang, our forehead ribbons are–”

“SiZhui, don’t tell them,” Jiang Wanyin stops, “Let him figure it out,”

“Jiang Cheng!!!” 

“What? Is losing your leg really more important than your ribbon right now?” Wei WuXian challenges him and Lan WangJi clenches his jaw, before relenting.

“Lose his leg?” Lan Xichen caught.

“After the burning of cloud recesses, the wen sect took wangji and a few other lan disciples to Qishan for the indoctrination,” Grandmaster Lan explained, “WangJi’s leg did not get to heal until he and A-Xian were trapped in this cave,”

“Why were they trapped?” Jiang Fengmian frowned.

“A-Xian stayed behind to hold off the demi-Xuanwu that was in the cave so the rest of us could get out through a route in the water. The wens had escaped and left us disciples to die,” Jiang Wanyin said, “but A-Xian nearly got killed and WangJi decided to stay with him. A-Xian then ensured mine and Jin ZiXuan’s escape so we could return to our sects and get help. Presumably, some time during the sprawl, the hole had been blocked, trapping WangJi and A-Xian inside, even after they killed the damn thing,”

“Xuanwu? Like the divine beast?” Nie MingJue exclaimed.

“A mimic of it,” Wei WuXian said and then motioned back to the projection which shifted.

‘I’ve never known anybody like you,’

The scene is far further in the future now, Wei WuXian already in the robes of the YiLing Pathriarch and Chenqing at his side. He is holding A-Yuan near as Lan WangJi stands in front of him. They are on a weakly traveled path, behind Wei WuXian, the flicker of red wards shimmer.

“What can I do? Give up the people on this mountain?” Wei WuXian was saying, “I can’t do that,”

He sighs, “Can anybody give me a nice option where I can protect the people I want to protect and not walk this path?”

A silence falls between them. They both know. 

No such option exists.

“Why don’t you use your sword, again?” Jin ZiXuan asked, confused, “Did we ever get an explanation for that?”

“No, why don’t you use your sword, Young Master Wei?” Nie MingJue asked.

The people of the future glance at Wei WuXian who stares silently. He then smiles, “I didn’t feel like it,”

Lan WangJi and Jiang Wanyin give him a look.

‘It’s all good’

“Wei Ying,” 

Lan WangJi walks into a building, that they soon recongize as the jingshi, and walks to where Wei WuXian was sitting and scribbling something. Lan WangJi calls again, “Wei Ying, dinner,”

“In a minute,” 

Lan WangJi sighs fondly, placing the trays down–

“Emperor’s Smile!!” Wei Ying spots, “Lan Zhan! You brought wine!”

Lan Zhan’s eyebrow twitches.

“Eh?” Jiang Wanyin said, before remembering, “Ah, I forgot that WangJi having a stash of wine is not a thing yet,”

“A stash of what ?” Lan Qiren spits.

Lan Xichen smiles awkwardly as Nie MingJue throws his head back in laughter. Nie Huaisang explodes, “Lan-Xiong!!! We’re friends now,”

Lan Zhan glares at Nie Huaisang, who only grins wider.

‘I’ve never dreamed of nobody like you,’

Lan WangJi walks forward, wrapping his arms around Wei WuXian from behind. He then leans down, placing a soft peck on the male’s forehead and cheek, “My heart, come eat dinner,”

“Mm…I have to get this right–”

“Wei Ying has to rest,” Lan WangJi gently used his fingers to force Wei WuXian to look up at him, “This can wait,”

“But–”

“A-Ying,”

Wei WuXian huffs, placing the brush down in surrender. He looks at Lan WangJi with a fond smile, “Fine…the great Hanguang Jun has won over the YiLing Patriarch once more,”

“Hm…Hanguang Jun wishes the YiLing Patriarch eat his dinner before it gets cold,” Lan WangJi played along, before shifting and scooping Wei WuXian off the chair.

The young man squeals in shock, before laughing happily and hugging Lan WangJi’s neck, placing a kiss on his cheek, “Mn! He will!”

Jiang Cheng’s eyebrow twitches, “I’m starting to think the shameless one is Second Young Master Lan,”

“That’s because it is!” Wei WuXian says, “I am say shameless things, but Lan Zhan actually does them,”

‘And I’ve heard of a love that comes once in a lifetime,’

The scene is just Wei WuXian. He is dressed in black and red, eyes curved into cresents as he throws his head back and laughs. His eyes shift, almost to stare at the viewers himself. The smile grows wider and he waves his hand, “Lan Zhan!!”

“...”

“Is this how you see me?” Wei WuXian whispers.

Lan WangJi pets his hair, “Mn,”

“Why am I so…” Wei Ying trails off.

“Wei Ying is good,” Lan WangJi says as if that explains everything.

“Did you hear what Hanguang Jun just sang?” Ouyang Zizhen is very, very, close to full on sobbing.

Lan WangJi enters the picture, Wei WuXian running forward and jumping on the older, who catches him with ease. Wei WuXian giggles joyfully, unwrapping his legs and staring up. The two of them are staring at each other with different expressions of love, and yet the love is just as strong in either gaze.

‘And I’m pretty sure you are that love of mine,’

Wei Ying exhales at such a claim from the lyrics. Jiang Fengmian smiles, almost sadly. He then looks at Lan Qiren, “Qiren…take care of A-Xian,”

Lan Qiren exhales. He can hear the love, the raw emotions in the song. And he has the evidence of his nephew’s happiness in front of him.

And yet he doubts.

‘Cause I’m in a field of dandelions,’

The scene grows to show Lan WangJi and Wei WuXian surrounded by small bunnies. Wei WuXian was laying his head in Lan WangJi’s lap as the older stroked his hair with one hand and fed a few bunnies with his other. Wei WuXian was giggling and stroking the bunnies as they climbed on top of him.

There was no talking, they didn’t need talking.

This was domestic, this was them.

“Lan Zhan! You have so many bunnies!” Wei Ying exclaimed, “How cute!”

He freezes after realizing what he said, face turning the color of his robes within seconds. Lan Zhan is staring at him, “Cute?”

“T-The bunnies! Bun-bunnies are cute! Obviously! I was talking about the bunnies!” Wei Ying turned away, his face red.

Jiang Yanli giggles, already thinking of what sort of dishes should be given at the wedding. 

‘Wishing on every one that you'd be mine,’ 

The scene shifts to show Lan WangJi standing behind Wei WuXian in the jingshi, the older covering the demonic cultivator’s eyes. Wei WuXian teases, “What is going on?”

“Surprise,”

“You give me a surprise almost everyday Lan Zhan!”

“Not everyday,”

“No, you’re right, you give me something else everyday,”

Jiang Wanyin facepalmed loudly.

The juniors flush deeply, Jin Ling suddenly fretting, “Oh no, this thing isn’t going to show that is it?”

“I’ve been traumtized enough,” Lan JingYi fake cried.

“It was one time,” Wei WuXian stares at them.

The four of them stare at Wei WuXian and the senior corrects, “Okay it was a few times, but it wasn’t more than five!”

“That’s still too many times!” Ouyang Zizhen defended.

“What are you guys–”

“SHHH!!!” Jin Ling shushed Jiang Cheng, “No. It’s better if you stay spared,”

Lan WangJi on the screen breathes deeply for a moment. He then keeps one hand covering Wei WuXian’s eyes and the other opens the back door. 

“Ah? Are we going outside?” Wei WuXian asks.

“Mn,”

Lan WangJi is careful to guide Wei WuXian to the back deck, standing in the center. He then says, “You can open your eyes,”

He removes his hand and Wei WuXian eyes softly open. They widen almost immediately after, lips parting in shock, “What– this is–”

“Oh! Is this the first time A-Ying saw the area?” Wen Qing clarifies.

“Mhm,”

‘Mine’

“For Wei Ying…” Lan WangJi asys, almost unsurely.

“Lan Zhan…this– is that a lotus pond? Lan Zhan!” He turns around, “Lan Zhan! Did you make a lotus pond?!”

“Mn,”

Wei WuXian stares at him, before almost sending them both falling when he suddenly throws himself onto the white-robed male. Wei WuXian, hugs tightly, “I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you!”

Lan WangJi blinks and then huffs, “Love Wei Ying too,”

Wei Ying smiles slightly. He speaks before he processes, “Thank you,”

Lan Zhan doesn’t look at him, both of them are staring at the screen. He responds, “I…have not done anything,”

“No,” Wei Ying agrees, “But still,”

‘And I see forever in your eyes’

Wei WuXian shudders slightly at the lyrics. He leans into Lan WangJi, feeling the grounding feeling of an arm around his waist. His head rests on his husband’s shoulder, mouth whispering for just Lan WangJi to hear, “I missed you,”

Lan WangJi glances at him, “I missed you too,”

In front of them, their projected versions are in the same position, just standing up. They are staring out ahead of them, the view showcasing the world, lights of a few villages speckle on the ground. Above, the moon and stars watch over them. 

‘I feel okay when I see you smile,’

The projection turns to show the two of them in a boat, rowing through a few stocks of Lotus seeds. They’re talking about something and the boat is rocking with their movements.

Jiang Cheng’s eyebrow twitches, “If either of you don’t stop you’ll both–”

He is cut off by the two on the screen moving forward at the exact same time, sending them both toppling into the water as the boat tips.

“....fall,”

Wei Ying giggles, before descending into laughter at the scene.

It fades slowly as he is presented the sight of Lan WangJi resurfacing, soaked in water. And yet, he looks ethereal .

Lan Zhan is no better, forced to face to sight of Wei WuXian laughing while drenched, his arms coming up to hug his older self over the shoulders.

“Are you alright?” Lan WangJi asks, though he seems to know the answer.

“I’ve fallen into rivers a million times! Are you alright?” Wei WuXian humors.

“Mn,”

‘Smile’ 

The scene shifts and they are on one of the piers. There’s multiple people on the pier. The juniors are currently in the water. Wei WuXian has already been in the water, the soaked state of his hair any indignation.

“You know what–” Jiang Wanyin’s voice echoes and they all watch shocked as Lan WangJi is very abruptly thrown into the water.

Wei WuXian jumps, before staring at where Lan WangJi resurfaced a look of pure confusion on his face. Quickly, the Wei is laughing into the air, before being cut off by Jiang Wanyin kicking him into the water.

“You never explained why that happened,” Lan WangJi says.

“I don’t need an explanation,” Jiang Wanyin replies cooly.

Wei WuXian softly clears his throat and Lan WangJi bites back a retort.

‘Wishing on dandelions all of the time’

The scene shifts back to Gusu and the jingshi. They are shown Wei WuXian slumped onto the bed, the covers covering most of his body. Lan WangJi walks towards the bed, sitting on the edge and leaning over to gently run a soothing hand through the black hair. His fingers glow softly with blue spiritual energy as he speaks, “A-Ying, time to get up,”

“Mmph…” Wei WuXian groans, “Give me…five minutes…”

Lan WangJi lets out a huff, lips curling into a smile. He leans over kissing his husband on the head, “There’s a discussion conference today, my love,”

Wei WuXian groans louder, burying himself deeper. Lan WangJi pulls the covers away, “A-Ying…”

‘Praying to God that one day you'll be mine’

“Fuck the discussion conference,” Wei WuXian grumbles cracking his eyes open. He then yawns, letting Lan WangJi dig him from under the blankets. The moment he is free, he latches onto the second jade, Lan WangJi sighing at his antics.

“Knew it,” Jiang Cheng deadpanned, “I would have been impressed if WuXian could manage the Lan sleeping schedule,”

“Jiang Cheng!” Wei Ying pouted, “Leave my sleeping schedule alone!”

‘Wishing on dandelions all of the time,’ 

The projection is suddenly draped in red and gold. The familiar view of the GusuLan Elegance Hall reins attention, but the colors were out of place. Despite it, the hall if filled with the great sects and a few minor ones. In the center of the hall, Jiang Wanyin, a Jin Ling, Lan Xichen, and Lan Qiren sit around a table. Just steps below them, four ancestry tablets are laid with two bodies in red bowing.

Ouyang Zizhen screamed.

“Zizhen…my ears…” Lan SiZhui groaned.

“Is this…” Yu ZiYuan speaks, but trails off.

“Oh, those robes are lovely,” Madam Jin praises.

“Thank you,” Wei WuXian smiles, “Our robes were designed by the juniors,”

‘All of the time’ 

Time has passed in the scene, Lan WangJi and Wei WuXian now standing upright. Lan WangJi holds out a hand, smiling lovingly, despite the thin viel over Wei WuXian’s head. Wei WuXian happily takes hold of Lan WangJi’s hands, giggling when the older places a gentle kiss on the knuckles, “Welcome to Gusu, my love,”

“...I’m married…” Wei Ying whispers to himself, “...I’m really married,”

He smiles, a gentle and sincere thing. One of relief and joy, ‘I’m married! Really married! To someone that loves me and I…love him too…’

The scene shifts from the wedding to show Wei WuXian, already in his new body, standing in front of a large crowd of cultivators. His eyes are staring at them, dim and tired. 

“Down with the YiLing Patriarch!”

“...this is?” Nie Huaisang frowns.

“The second siege of the burial mounds,” Grandmaster Lan exhaled, tiredly, “It happened right after the world found out A-Xian had returned to the world. He and WangJi were heading towards YiLing, so we followed. The juniors had been trapped up there until the two of them, plus Wen Qionglin found them,”

Wei Ying wilted at the words. They had just found out about him and they were eager to get rid of him again. 

‘I think that you are the one for me’

“Oh, it’s my turn,” Wei WuXian muttered as his voice sang out.

Wei WuXian on the screen looked shocked as a flash of white cut in front of him. Lan WangJi stood firmly in front of him, facing the cultivation world without wavering.

“Everyone, please calm down. Wei Ying is not to be blamed,”

A cultivator from the crowd called out, “Hanguang Jun! What’s happened to you? You are praised to be righteous and his own enemy! Just what sort of curse did Wei WuXian place on you?”

“WangJi,” Lan Qiren called from the crowd, “Come here,”

Lan WangJi looked at his uncle once, before lowering his eyes and staying in place.

“Stupid fuddy-duddy,” Wei Ying and Wei WuXian both spit.

“Will protect Wei Ying,” Lan WangJi states.

“Wei Ying did nothing wrong,” Lan Zhan agrees.

The room happily watches the interaction. 

Lan Qiren frowns at the display of his nephew’s disobedience on the screen.

‘'Cause it gets so hard to breathe’

Wei WuXian slid open a door, his hair left completely open and only a pair of night robes and a thin outer robe on his figure. The sky above is dark, but he walks forward, rubbing his eyes to awaken himself. 

“Wei Ying,” Lan WangJi calls out, turning around.

He was dressed in a similar state. It was clear now that the two had awoken from their sleep. Wei WuXian hummed, walking forward and wrapping his arms around the taller’s waist.

“Did I wake you?” 

“Nuh-uh,” Wei WuXian mumbled, “Cold,”

Lan WangJi huffed a quite laugh, “Then why did you get up?”

“Noticed you were missing…” Wei WuXIan glanced up, “Everthing okay?”

“Mn,”

“Lan Zhan…”

“Yes?”

“I’m here,”

Lan WangJi’s eyes widen, before softening. He tightens his grip, expression shifting to sadness, “You are…”

“A-Xian, you look so happy,” Jiang Yanli can’t help but comment.

Wei Ying shifts, the words sending conflicting emotions through his mind. He did look happy. Comfortable…safe. 

He looked like he belonged.

‘When you're looking at me’

Wei WuXian was seated in a tree, staring down with a grin. Lan WangJi stood below, watching him and listening as Wei WuXian said, “Back then, it seemed so high! But back in it now, its not that far of a fall!”

“Oh hey!” Wei Ying recongized the place insntantly, “It’s Lotus Pier! This was the tree I fell out and almost broke my leg on!”

“What?” Jiang Fengmian and Yu ZiYuan both chorus.

“Ah…” Wei Ying winced.

“I took care of him and A-Cheng that night, A-Die, A-Niang. Don’t worry,” Jiang Yanli laughed softly.

“Wei Ying,” Lan WangJi called, “Come down,”

Wei WuXian blinked softly, staring down at Lan WangJi. 

If he fell…would he catch him?

‘I've never felt so alive and free’

Wei WuXian tilts off the branch, falling downwards.

Startled screams call out for the boy, caught off guard by the sight of him just throwing himself off the branch.

“Wei Ying!” Lan WangJi calls, moving forward and extending his arms up.

Gracefully, he catches the younger, Wei WuXian’s arms wrapping around Lan WangJi’s neck tightly, while the jade’s hands sat around his waist. Lan WangJi looked surprised when Wei WuXian tightened the grip, burying his head closer and whispering, “Lan Zhan…you caught me…”

Lan WangJi tightened his grip in return, promising, “I will always catch you,”

“Look!” Jiang Wanyin pointed out, “How is this the scene that I see and then when I comment on your relationship, you have the gall to go, ‘Lan Zhan and I are just friends!’ ”

“I didn’t know he liked me!!!” Wei WuXian defended.

“YOU’RE HUGGING LIKE LOVERS!!!”

“SO?!”

Jiang Wanyin would have tackled him if Lan WangJi didn’t give him a look over Wei WuXian’s shoulder.

‘When you're looking at me’

Wei WuXian was humming a tune, Chenqing twirling in his fingers as he walked up the white pebbeled path towards the jingshi. He opened the door and walked inside, calling out, “Lan Zhan! Are you here?”

“Mn,” a soft call echoed and Wei WuXian grinned walking inside.

They were graced with the sight of Lan WangJi seated at a table, a multitude of papers and scrolls opened around him. His eyes were narrowed in focus and concentration as he was writing something down on a piece of parchment. 

Wei WuXian blinked at the sight, before walking behind him and hugging him. Lan WangJi turned and placed a kiss on the younger’s lip, mumbling, “Welcome home, Airen,”

Wei WuXian went still.

Wei Ying choked.

“A-Ying?” Wen Qing called out, worried, “Are you alright?”

Lan Zhan turned to him as well, eyebrows furrowed. 

Wei Ying just nodded, “Yeah, i’m fine,”

His mind was hooked on that word.

home.

He had a home once, with his parents. He tried to refer to Lotus Pier as home, but the word never stuck. It wasn’t home. He loved it there, yes. He loved the people there. But it had never been a home. 

“Senior Wei!” Lan Jingyi exclaimed worriedly, watching the screen.

‘I've never felt so happy’

Wei WuXian had tears rolling down his cheeks. He sniffled suddenly, and Lan WangJi dropped the brush, alarmed. He turned fully, finding his husband crying. Immediately, the papers are forgotten and Lan WangJi turns, grabbing Wei WuXian and pulling him closer to his lap, one hand reaching up to cup one side of the younger’s face, “A-Ying?”

“No…I…” Wei WuXian sniffled, before letting out a weak laugh.

He moved forward, leaning his forehead against Lan WangJi’s, giving a loving smile through the tears, “ I’m home,”

“Stop being so cute!!!” Nie Huaisang complained, “I don’t have enough tears for this!”

Nie MingJue rolled his eyes, though even he could not deny the touchingness of the couple.

‘And I've heard of a love that comes once in a lifetime’

This time, the projection shows only Lan WangJi. He is sitting in the grass amongst the bunnies, feeding them carefully and giving them soft scratches near their ears. His amber eyes are soft when they look up, towards the audience, a smile gracing his features.

Lan Zhan tilts his head at the display. Does…does he look like this?

Lan Xichen’s heart clenched, exhaling softly. The sight is his brother, yet it is also a sight of someone who can truly see his didi. 

He speaks gently, “I believe, we are seeing WangJi as how Young Master Wei sees him. And the other way for Young Master Wei,”

“That makes sense,” Madam Jin nodded, “It would explain why we can all understand Second Young Master Lan’s expression better than before,”

Lan WangJi leans closer to his husband, the younger tilting his head up to share a soft kiss.

‘And I'm pretty sure that you are that love of mine’

Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi are sitting down, somewhere where the light is limited. There is a faint red line around Wei WuXian’s neck that sparks some concern, but they do not ask as Wei WuXian speaks, “Lan Zhan, look at me,”

“Oh…” Wei WuXian whispers, “This is…”

“Sh,”  Lan WangJi smiles.

After Lan WangJi turns, Wei WuXian sighs, looking serious, yet also ashamed, “My memory is truly awful. I can’t remember a lot of things that happened in the past…including that time at Nightless City and all that happened in those days. I really cannot remember a single thing!”

Lan WangJi exhales, almost as if in shock.

“Nightless city? Are you speaking of when he protected you?” Jin ZiXuan asks.

“Mhm,”

A solemn atmosphere dawns on the room. 

“Ah…” Jiang Cheng mutters, “Then, Second Young Master Lan must have assumed you had already known of his feelings when you came back? Or that when you were telling him to get lost, it was…rejection,”

“Wah, Jiang Cheng. I didn’t know you were so smart,” Wei WuXian jokes.

“Shut up!!!” Jiang Cheng flushed.

“But–” Wei WuXian exclaims, “But– from now onwards, everything that you say to me, everything you do to me…I’ll remember it all, I won’t forget a single thing.”

Lan WangJi expression breaks as if the weight of the words are beginning to hit him.

‘'Cause I'm in a field of dandelions’

“You’re really great, I like you,” Wei WuXian confessed, “Or in other words–I fancy you, love you, want you, can’t bear to be from you, it cannot be anyone but you!”

He looks up speaking every worry from his heart, “I want to nighthunt with you for the rest of my life, be with you everyday!”

Lan Zhan exhales from the confession. He knows, disntantly, it’s not for him . But the words make his heart race nonethless. He glances to the side to see Wei Ying lightly blushing but his eyes staring at the scene with rapt attent and a soft smile on his lips.

Lan Zhan wonders, briefly, if maybe…maybe…they could make this work.

‘Wishing on every one that you'd be mine,’

The scene seemed to have jumped forward because Lan WangJi is hugging Wei WuXian tightly, eyes closed as a single tear lays on his cheek. He is trembling slightly, repeating, “Like you…”

Wei WuXian grips him tighter, “Yes!”

“Love you, fancy you…”

“Yes!”

“Can’t bear be without you…don’t want anyone else but you…”

“YES!”

‘Mine’ 

Wei Ying wants this. 

He wants this promise, this…home. 

‘We’re being given a chance to fix it, right? So…so…maybe, maybe I can just keep this? Just this one thing…’

“Zewu Jun,” Jiang Yanli raises her eyes, “I know tradition is important, but I’d give my blessing to A-Xian so he can marry before me,”

“Wh- Shijie?!” Wei Ying exclaimed, his blush darkening.

“WangJi would have my blessing as well,” Lan Xichen smiled, “And please, Zewu Jun is too formal. Xichen is fine,”

“Brother!”

“Then you may call me Yanli,” Jiang Yanli ignores the couple, “By the end of this, we’ll all be friends anyway,”

Jiang Fengmian chuckles, glancing at Lan Qiren. He half expects to see a frown, but is pleasantly surprised to see a small smile. 

‘And I see forever in your eyes’

Wei WuXian sits atop of a donkey, Lan WangJi holding the reins as they walk. Wei WuXian is twirling Chenqing around, leaning down, “It has a name? What is it?”

Lan WangJi sighed, “WangXian,”

“...”

“Wang…Xian?” A few people repeat.

“WangXian?” Wei WuXian repeats on the screen eyes widening for a moment.

“Mn,”

Wei WuXian stares at his beloved for a moment, before giggling, “WangXian! How nice!! It’s perfect!”

“What’s WangXian?” Nie MingJue asks.

Lan WangJi and Wei WuXian share a quick glance. Wei WuXian then smiles, amused at whatever he finds on his husband’s face. The demonic cultivator tells them, “A secret between us…”

‘I feel okay when I see you smile,’

“Come, come!” Wei WuXian was running through the halls of Lotus Pier, pulling Lan WangJi along, “A-Cheng kept my room and he even salvaged some of my stuff so it’s almost the exact same. I always wanted you to see my room!”

Lan WangJi doesn’t put up as fight as he is dragged into a room–

“That’s not your room,” Jiang Cheng deadpans, “It’s not messy enough,”

“You know what,” Wei Ying glares, offended, “Fuck you, Jiang Cheng,”

Jiang Cheng shrugs, “I’m right though,”

Jiang Yanli chastises, “Boys…”

‘Smile’ 

“Ta-da!!” Wei WuXian spins, extending his arm out, “This is my haven in Lotus Pier! Now it’s our haven!” 

Lan WangJi hummed, pulling Wei WuXian into a gentle kiss, “I love it,”

“Do you really?” Wei WuXian laughed.

“Mn, it’s Wei Ying,”

“Ahahaha! Lan Zhan! My heart! I’ve told you to warn before saying romantic things!!”

Lan Zhan blinks and then looks at Wei Ying, “You said the same thing earlier,”

Wei Ying flushed, “Shut up!!”

Jiang Wanyin smirked, ‘Zewu Jun played matchmaker in our last life, I’m going to play matchmaker now,’

‘Wishing on dandelions all of the time’

They are gifted with the sight that faintly resembles the jingshi, except the inside has been decorated in reds and gold. On the bed a veiled figure in red sits, humming softly, though the tune is incomprehensible over the music being played.

The door opens and the group is gifted the sight of Lan WangJi, also in red walking inside the jingshi. Wei WuXian perks, laughing slightly, “You finally managed to escape?”

“Mn…” Lan WangJi agreed walking near the bed.

“Good! Then come and lift this! I want to see you properly!” 

Lan WangJi reached forward, an almost undetectable tremble in his movements. Gently, he grips the viel and pulls it upwards and the group gasps at the appearance of Wei WuXian. 

There is a rouge on his lips and a lighter tone around his eyes, with a hint of purple rouge blending into it at the corners. His hair is helf back by a large gold headpiece, except for a few bangs that were too short to clip away. 

“A-Xian, you’re beautiful!!!” Jiang Yanli praises.

“Wei-Xiong! How are you possibly this good looking in two bodies?!” Nie Huaisang cries.

Wei Ying was flushed in embarrassment. His entire face went deep red when Lan Zhan mumbled, “Wei Ying is pretty,”

‘Praying to God that one day you'll be mine’

Lan WangJi exhaled, staring down at his now-husband with an almost entranced look. Wei WuXian giggles rising to his feet so he could loops his arms around the taller. 

“You’re already handsome, but I think this is my favorite look,” Wei WuXian grinned.

It was true. Lan WangJi already looked like a deity in his regular whites, but the red was another world. The white forehead ribbon had been swapped for a red wedding ribbon, the blue clouds gold. Similarly to the headpiece in Wei WuXian’s hair, Lan WangJi wore one as well. There was a soft shade of rouge on his face, but only around his eyes and a lighter shade to Wei WuXian’s on his lips.

The smile on the jade’s face was just an extra touch of elegance, “Wei Ying looks handsome too,”

Lan Qiren’s eyes softened. He wants what’s best for his nephews, the two children he tried to raise. He was not their parents, he knew his brother could do better if not imprisoned away, knows his brother tries to squeeze information of the sons he’d met only a handful of times. Lan Qiren has never wanted the life his fate has given him, but he has tried. He never wished for either of them to suffer like his brother…

They suffered, both of them.

Maybe not like his brother, but Lan Qiren saw similarities. He also sees the undeniable ache and fury caused by CangSe Sanren in Wei WuXian. 

Never hold grudges. Do not judge before evidence. Do not yell. Do not speak ill of others.

Lan Qiren could’ve done better. He will talk with with his elder self the next time he could. He wants to know if he had blessed this union. A union he could see made his dear nephew happier than ever. That made his nephew feel.

Something Lan Qiren that had worried since Lan WangJi had lost his mother.

He inhales and turns towards his nephew, “WangJi, you’ve grown well,”

Lan Zhan’s eyes widen for a brief moment, turning to his uncle. Lan Zhan then bows his head, responding almost breathlessly, “Thank you…”

‘Wishing on dandelions all of the time,’ 

The two gazed at one another soft looks and gentle smiles on both their faces.

“Hi,” Wei WuXian smiled dumbly.

“Hello,” Lan WangJi’s smile somehow became sweeter.

Wei WuXian tilted his head up and Lan WangJi bent down to softly kiss the younger. It was a gentle kiss, filled with affection and love. When they parted, Lan WangJi kept his eyes closed, opening them slowly and staring at Wei WuXian.

“...Wei Ying,”

“I’m here,” Wei WuXian whispered, “I’m here, laogong,”

Lan WangJi inhaled sharply. He repeated, “Laogong…”

Wei WuXian giggled, before falling into cackles, “Yes! My husband! And I’m yours! Forever!”

Lan WangJi stared at the laughing man in his arms. 

“Oh dear, you’re gone,” Wen Qing smirked.

Lan Zhan didn’t even glare at her, only proving the point. 

‘All of the time’

“Forever,”

“...this thing isn’t going to show everything, right?” Grandmaster Lan suddenly sweatdropped.

Lan SiZhui was flushed, “Baba…A-Die…this is your wedding night ,”

And just the reminder made everyone abruptly tense and flush.

Wei WuXian was fully prepared to block out the screen and set up a noise block around everyone should it come down to it.

Luckily, that was not needed.

The projection shifted with the tempo of the music, revealing the twin jades of Lan standing on the steps of Koi Tower. They are staring out towards the scenery, well, Lan WangJi was. Lan Xichen was looking at his brother, a soft look of concern on his expression.

‘Dandelion, into the wind you go’ Lan WangJi’s voice sang once again, the tone soft and slightly different compared to before.

“Brother,” Lan WangJi speaks, “I wish to bring a person back to Cloud Recesses,”

“Bring a person to Cloud Recesses?”

“Bring him back. And hide him,” Lan WangJi whispered.

Lan Zhan frowned. He looked at his older self, “You said I would not–”

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian stopped him, “You did not. I have always been free to come and go,”

Wei Ying is confused, but he doesn’t ask, sensing the tension.

‘Won't you let my darling know?’

Lan Xichen stares at his brother for a moment. He says, “...he may not be willing,”

Lan WangJi looked down, saying nothing. 

“Why didn’t you go back to Gusu?” Jin Zixuan asked.

“I thought…” Wei WuXian places a comforting hand on his husband’s knee, looking at the younger versions of the Lans, “I thought it was to imprison me,”

All the Lans flinched, except for the two juniors, who did not have a clue to what was being referred to. Lan WangJi looked down, “It’s good he didn’t agree…the sect wouldn’t have helped,”

“What…” Lan Xichen frowned, “Surely–”

“Brother,” Lan WangJi interrupts, “What you know now…no one bothered to learn before. My word is foley for I am a Lan in love,”

Lan Xichen pales slightly. Surely he couldn’t have failed his brother this bad. Surely, he must’ve…

“You believe Young Master Wei…while I, believe Jin Guangyao,”

Lan Xichen looks down. The elder verision of his brother is correct. He doesn’t understand his future self’s choices. But at the same time…if he had seen just a demonic cultivator and by the few arguments that they had snuck peaks at, Lan Xichen would have easily assumed chasing after Wei WuXian would only cause his brother pain.

He had never wondered why his mother killled his father’s teacher. He wonders if he had done a similar thing to Jin Guangyao. He refused to believe the boy who had saved him would lie to him and commit such crimes when the obvious “villian” was right there.

‘Dandelion, into the wind you go’ Wei WuXian sings out now, the scene shifting to show Wei WuXian in his old body sitting in front of Jiang Yanli it the Yunmeng Jiang ancestoral hall.

The young boy has his hands over Jiang Yanli’s, the two pairs resting on the maiden’s knee. She is smiling fondly at him as Wei WuXian looks shy, “Ah…right, Shijie…I have a question I’ve been meaning to ask.”

“Then ask,” Jiang Yanli wipes her eye slightly.

Hesitantly, he starts, “Why would someone like another person?”

He looks shy as he adds, “I mean that sort of like,”

Jiang Yanli thinks before smiling mysteriously, “Why suddenly ask me this? Is there someone in your heart?”

Wei WuXian laughs, nervously, “No, no, no, shijie! I don’t like anyone–”

“Bullshit,” A decent chunk of people say.

Wei Ying squeaks in disbelief.

“–no need to like another like that,” 

‘Won't you let my darling know that?’

He adds after staring at his sister’s amusement.

“After all, isn’t that like haltering you own neck?”

Wei WuXian suddenly exhales violently, “Lan Zhan. I think I can predict the future,”

His husband, knowing what he means, has the audacity to give an amused smile, “Mn. Wei Ying is very talented,”

“That’s not–Lan Zhan!!”

Jiang Yanli laughs softly. She reaches forward, brushing her finger down her brother’s nose, “Three years is too old. XianXian is one,”

Wei WuXian giggles before pouting, “No! I’m three!”

Wei Ying laughs, delightful to watch a familiar scene. Jiang Yanli’s heart softens and she smiles, “Of course, Xianxian is too smart to be one,”

Wei Ying lets out a happy giggle, nodding, “Mhm! XianXian is only three!”

The others around the room can’t help but laugh or smile at the display.

The music picks up pace once more. 

‘I'm in a field of dandelions’ Wei WuXian’s and Lan WangJi’s voices mix together, tones of love and affection breaking through the lyrics.

They are graced with the familiar rooftops of Gusu, moon and stars watching over the two teenagers in purple in white, dancing across the rooftops. One with a stoic face, the other with a beautiful smile. 

‘Wishing on every one that you'd be mine,’ 

The rooftop meeting is soon blending with the mirror of an older verision of the two–Wei WuXian in his new body–chasing one another across the rooftops of a town, smiles on both their faces as they are once again dancing under the gaze of the night sky.

“Y-you both a-are very g-graceful,” Wen Ning smiles.

Lan Zhan bows his head, while Wei Ying grins shyly, “Aw, thank you, A-Ning!”

‘Mine’ 

Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi are seated on a rooftop, the former sitting down and the latter standing. Wei WuXian looks up, “Hey, Lan Zhan?”

Lan WangJi glances down at him, curious. Wei WuXian grins, “I’ll come to Gusu with you,”

Lan Qiren clears his throat, “Wei WuXian, do you know how to play the dizi?”

“Huh?” Wei Ying blinks, “Uh- I mean, yes? When I learned music, I picked a dizi,”

“If you wish, you can spend some time in Gusu to further your music cultivation,” 

Wei Ying is gaping at Lan Qiren, who is not looking at him. 

Lan WangJi exhales softly, a feeling of relief and hope spreading through him. Yes, maybe the torment of reliving all of the painful memories will be worth it. 

“I- I’d be honored…” Wei Ying blinks, responding almost in a daze, eyes shifting to Jiang Cheng, asking his brother silently, ‘What the fuck?’

Jiang Cheng just rolls his eyes, fingers gripping his arms tightly where they were crossed over his chest. He waits for his father to say something, but hears nothing. 

‘Typical,’ he thinks bitterly, ‘Letting him do whatever he wants to do without fault,’

His mother would– the moment the thought even hits him, guilt floods him. Jiang Cheng mentally hits himself. How could he forget that?  

Jiang Yanli glances at Jiang Cheng beside her, heart aching. She’d need to explain, no she could try to, but for a young boy deprived of so much, he is similar to Wei Ying in that sense. They both cling to affection, they protect that affection, they protect those they care about. 

The difference was that her A-Xian saw himself as dispensable, replaceable, something that can be thrown aside. He did not see his worth.

Jiang Cheng knew his strength, knew of a fate promised to him, grew up where his worth was measure in lavishes, yet also was ignored by yells and silence.

They were two sides of the same blade.

‘And I see forever in your eyes’

“I did it!!!” Wei WuXian’s exclaimed as the scene shows him and Lan WangJi, their respective swords in their hands, as they stand opposite to each other. 

Wei WuXian is panting, but the joy is undeniable, “I did it! Lan Zhan! I blocked all of them!!”

Lan Wangji has look of pride on his face, “Mn, I saw,”

“Huh?” Jiang Fengmian frowned, “As in blocked the strikes?”

“Why are you so happy about something so trivial?” Nie MingJue asks.

Wei WuXian inhales softly, “Mo XuanYu’s core…when I returned. Its insignificant to be ignored. Moreover, I hadn’t been able to use my sword in a very long time,”

Everyone–except Wen Qing, who merely frowned sadly, understanding the words better than the rest– of the past paled. Everyone, no matter what rumors they have heard, are very aware of Wei Ying’s cultivation. A prodigy, and a talent. It was obvious enough he enjoyed cultivating, took pride in it. To suddenly be denied of that…

Wei Ying was in shock, “I…I couldn’t…what?”

Jiang Wanyin flinched. 

‘I feel okay when I see you smile,’

Wei WuXian was laying down, head resting on Lan WangJi’s shoulder, eyes closed. He was deep asleep and Lan WangJi had sought to comb the black hair with one hand, as his other held a calligraphy brush. Wei WuXian shifted slightly, Lan WangJi pausing to check his husband, smiling fondly as the younger only leaned closer. Turning his head, he placed a soft kiss on Wei WuXian’s forehead, “I love you,”

“JingYi? Zizhen?” Lan SiZhui turned to his friends, worry in his tone.

The group looked over to check, only to find the Lan JingYi and Ouyang Zizhen sniffling and crying, eyes sparkling as they watching the scene. Jin Ling facepalmed beside them, “Idiots,”

“Hanguang Jun loves him so mu-much!!” Ouyang Zizhen sobbed.

Lan Xichen hid a small giggle, but the smile was present. Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi were used to their antics so they just exchanged fond looks, before turning to watch again.

‘Smile’ 

Wei WuXian was sitting on the bed, back leaning against the headrest. His legs were half-covered by the white blanket. His eyes were fixed on a book in his hands, clearly engrossed in whatever was written. 

Lan WangJi walked over to the bed and unlike his husband who was clearly prepared for the night, the second jade was still dressed in his usual robes.  Without a pause, Lan WangJi shifted to the bed, Wei WuXian glancing up. Before he could speak, his expression changed to surprise as Lan WangJi just lays down, hiding his face in the younger’s lap. 

Lan Zhan flushed in embarrassment at the shameless display. He grew even more shy as he heard the coos of the room.

“Bad day?” Wei WuXian placed the book away at once, hands reaching forward and moving to remove the tight headpiece, twisting it out of Lan WangJi’s hair with practiced ease.

A muffled, “mn,” was barely caught by the audience.

Wei WuXian smiled softly, gently undoing the forehead ribbon and releasing Lan WangJi’s hair completely. He kept the ribbon to the side for now, just running gentle glides of fingers through his husband’s hair, “You did well, A-Zhan. Time to rest for the day,”

Lan WangJi buried deeper and remained there for some time.

The words hit Lan Zhan in a way he did not know words could do.

‘Wishing on dandelions all of the time’

After some unknown time, Lan WangJi lifted his head. Wei WuXian indulged, kissing his forehead gently, praising again, “You worked very hard, my heart, I’m so proud,”

Lan WangJi exhaled shakily, “Th…” he stopped before he could finish the words, switching to, “I love you,”

“Why–”

“Too much happened in our past,” Wei WuXian answered the question, “The words of ‘Thank You’ and ‘I’m sorry’ have too much weight between us,”

“Those words. Between him and I, they are not needed,” Lan WangJi agreed.

“Love you too,” Wei WuXian had whispered. He then asked after a pause, “Do you want to talk about it?”

Lan WangJi shook his head, returning to hide away. Wei WuXian smiled hopelessly, “Alright,” Gently, he pats the top of Lan WangJi’s head, “Come on, there’s a bath ready,”

Lan WangJi didn’t move. Wei WuXian giggled, “A-Zhan, you won’t sleep well if you don’t wash up,”

Lan WangJi sighed, reluctantly pushing up. Wei WuXian watches him, fond, “Let’s go, my heart. I’ll wash your hair,”

Lan WangJi let himself be pulled through the jingshi as the scene switched once more.

Lan Xichen speaks sincerely, “Young Master Wei. Thank you for taking care of WangJi,”

Wei WuXian smiles, shaking his head, “No need to thank me,”

Lan Xichen disagrees, glancing at Wei Ying, “I will do so anyway,”

‘Praying to God that one day you'll be mine’

The scene showed Lan WangJi and Wei WuXian both in their night robes. Wei WuXian was very clearly, half-asleep, while Lan WangJi was slightly more present. The latter had guided Wei WuXian to the bed, a towl in his hands as he stood ahead to dry the already damp hair. 

Wei WuXian yawned, eyes dropping shut. The moment the towel was out of the way, Wei WuXian laid down, hitting the pillow and complaining sleepily, “Lan Zhan, stop talking to me, I’m tired,”

Lan WangJi smiled, “Alright,”

‘Wishing on dandelions all of the time,’

Wei WuXian pouted, “Lan Zhan, I said don’t talk to me. If you say something I’ll have to talk,”

Lan WangJi walked over, gently taking the covers and helping his half-asleep beloved into bed, following after ensuring the other was covered. His movements paused when Wei WuXian turned, lifting his head up and abruptly pecking his lips.

“Lan Zhan, see you tomorrow,” 

Wei WuXian returned to the pillow, eyes falling completely shut and breathing leveling out as the exhaustion took over. Lan WangJi stayed still for a moment, before exhaling and his eyes softened. He leaned over, pecking his husband’s nose, “Wei Ying, see you tomorrow,”

‘All of the time’

Jiang Cheng stares at the scene. He can hear Nie Huaisang whining about their love again, he can hear his sister coo, Lan Qiren exhale almost fondly. He looks at Wei Ying, seeing a soft and longing look in his eyes. 

Yet, the gaze shifts towards Jiang Cheng, as if detecting his look. When there eyes meet, Wei Ying gives him a smile, a fond smile yet also a shy one, as if he is embarrassed by Jiang Cheng catching him day dreaming about his future.

It is that look that Jiang Cheng realizes that no matter what, Wei Ying will not leave. Yes, he won’t be physically at Jiang Cheng’s side, but he won’t leave. They are brothers, cousins, family. Jiang Cheng looks at his older self. A man that Jiang Cheng almost doesn’t recongize.

It is someone comfortable in their skin, someone who has found a balance. A home. 

Jiang Cheng wants Wei Ying to be happy. He wants to be happy too.

Wei Ying is not his to keep. But he will always be a part of Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng smiles. They can be the Twin Prides of Yunmeng. 

After all, even if Lan Zhan and Wei Ying married before without influence, Jiang Cheng is going to make it very clear that this Lan Zhan proves himself.

The music softens down to a light tone, the projection fading until it shows a snow covered town.

‘I'm in a field of dandelions’ The couple’s voices are delicate, yet the strength of the emotion is just as strong as earlier.

They are shown a small alleyway, a young child is sitting in the snow, setting down three dolls of hay in the snow and muttering, “Mama, Baba, and A-Ying,”

The two WuXians and WangJis all gasp sitting forward, expression mimics of shock–though Lan Zhan’s shock is obviously a bit more hidden–alerting those around them.

“No way…” Wei WuXian whispered, “There’s no way…”

“What? What’s wrong?” Jiang Wanyin asked, but did not receive an answer.

The young Wei Ying looks up as the soft sounds of a rattle echo over the music. The projection stretches to show the sight of a young boy in Lan robes pause at the alley, a rattle in his hands.

Quickly, everyone is placing the pieces together. 

Ouyang Zizhen gapes and a fresh stream of tears seem to burst, “You met when you were KIDS?!”

‘Wishing on every one that you'd be mine,’ 

The boy with amber eyes that only belong to one Lan, turned to look at the young boy with silver eyes. Wei Ying, encouraged by the eye contact, couldn’t help but give the young child a bright smile of greeting.

Lan Zhan is suddenly walking towards him and Wei Ying looks surprised. Everyone watches in utter shock by the reveal, unable to speak or move as Lan Zhan holds out his rattle.

Wei Ying stares at it. He looks into the gold again, confusion and hesitation. Lan Zhan speaks, “For you,”

Lan Xichen chokes. He can recognize that this is already after their mother had passed. He sees that both verision of his uncle are in similar shakes of disbelief. His brother had stopped talking when their mother. He didn’t speak unless absolutely necessary or if he was discussing with Lan Xichen. This development went on for a few years. He grew out of it, but even then, initiating a conversation with a stranger was difficult for Lan Zhan even now!!!

As the song begins to fade, Wei Ying’s shock melts into a grateful smile. His small hands reach for the rattle. Just as he is about to reach it, the final note of the song sings and the projection fades back to the Swords Hall.

‘Mine’

“That was you…” Lan WangJi mutters, “Wei Ying, that child was you,”

Wei WuXian didn’t know what to say. He opted to just turn and hug his husband tightly, shaking slightly, “Lan Zhan…Lan Zhan…”

Wei Ying inhaled slowly, before turning to look at Lan Zhan. His restraint snapped and he grabbed the older, making the boy startle and look at him. Wei Ying had a bright smile on his face, tears of happiness just barely held back, “I…I still have it,”

Lan Zhan’s eyes widen, “You…kept it?”

“Of course I kept it, you fuddy-duddy!!!” Wei Ying seems furious that Lan Zhan thought he’d do anything else but keep it. He is so overwhelmed he doesn’t completely process his words before saying them, “When you’re on the streets, everything and everyone is your enemy. You do what you can to survive, you eat what you can, you sneak in where you can. Of course, people have given me things back then, food mostly. But I always hesitated to take them! Taking is dangerous, but Lan Zhan, back then, I took from you . You gave me a toy, Lan Zhan, I’d never had a toy. I didn’t know what to do with it, but I cherished it. I kept it with me, even when those stupid dogs were trying to kill me. Lan Zhan! How could I do anything but keep it? I had never– I couldn’t remember anything nice–”

A tear hits his cheeks and he sinks backwards from where he had moved forward with emotions, “You made me so happy that day. It was the fourth year after my parents had passed and I had stopped waiting for them…they weren’t coming back, that’s the year I finally realized,”

They are staring, everyone is staring, whether by the revelation or the confessions spilled but Wei Ying is focused solely on Lan Zhan, and the jade on him. Then, everything freezes and Wei Ying’s eyes widen, while everyone around the room gasps. 

Lan Zhan’s eyes had softened, lips curling up slightly. Wei Ying is so taken by the smile that he almost misses the words, “I will give you more things,”

Wei Ying flushed, “Don’t say nice things like that without warning!!”

Lan Zhan hums, but his smile twitches slightly wider.

Lan Xichen stares at his brother, heart swelling with protection. He looks towards Jiang Yanli and Wen Qing, the two meeting his gaze knowingly. His eyes flicker to Nie MingJue, who looks up when feeling the stare. There is an understanding between the four of them. 

They are going to protect them, all of them. Each of them had guardians either lost or failing in some aspect. They were the older siblings, the future of the cultivation world. They had failed in the future, each of them. They had lacked and their siblings had payed the price.

Oblivious to the thoughts of their older siblings, Wei Ying and Lan Zhan smile at one another. Their thoughts echo, a promise and a hope.

‘I can have this,’

Song: Dandelions - Ruth B