Archive of Our Own

It wasn’t often that Lan Wangji walked into class late — not late in the sense that he would be written up, or given a sharp scolding by the instructor, but late in the sense that he hadn’t been first to arrive inside the classroom, which was habitual to him, and a regular part of his daily routine; it was how he preferred it.
If only there hadn’t been so many kids milling about in the halls, not gathering but spawning pure mayhem, making him desperately late. Now he was being forced to loiter his time away in the aisles as another student, a boy, occupied his desk. He wasn’t even sitting properly in it, much to Lan Wangji’s annoyance. Rather, he was perched on top of it, seeming to be too engrossed in conversation with the boy who always sat behind Lan Wangji, to notice the other lurking just behind him.

As for Nie Huaisang, the boy he’d been engaged in pleasant conversation with, he was observed to take notice of Lan Wangji almost right away, his face going pale and red and finally green as he grasped for the opportunity to cut the other student off, only to come up short each and every time. A wasted effort.

Finally, Lan Wangji had enough and, in raising a hand to his face, cleared his throat, the sound he produced forced and unnatural, yet proving highly effective, for the boy spun around in alarm.

“Oh!”

His tone apologetic, but his smile indicating a clear lack of sensitivity to criticism, the boy leapt nimbly out of his seat, and, gesturing thoughtfully to the desk, dared to ask, “Is this your seat?”

With his discourse holding, Lan Wangji glared at him with narrowed eyes, unimpressed, and unsure if the other boy was asking him seriously, or if he was simply being ironic on purpose.
On getting a closer look at him, Lan Wangji quickly realized that, the longer he stared at this boy, the less identifiable he became. Just who was this boy? Was he even supposed to be in this class right now?

Before Lan Wangji could form a reply, his uncle, their teacher, entered the classroom already in a huff, but began practically spitting fire when he raised his gaze toward his nephew, whom he couldn’t help but notice was still standing, and saw him. The boy even had the audacity to wave at him from where he was leaning, cross-legged, on the desk, all joyous and carefree.

“Wei Wuxian.” He grumbled angrily, and the boy, Wei Wuxian, laughed even harder.

“What can I say, I love Xiansheng’s lessons so much, I’ve decided to stay and have another!”

“Leave, boy, before I have you reported for misconduct!” Lan Qiren snapped in reply.

“Sure.” Returned Wei Wuxian, yet, instead of leaving like Lan Qiren told him to, he turned toward Lan Wangji, and again, he asked, with arms folded across his chest, “But before all that: Is this your seat? I can’t have you sitting here if it’s not. This class has assigned seating, you know? That means that stealing another student's seat when you have your own is a big no, no. Friends are important, yes, but so is being respectful of others.”

Taken aback by his words, and how his voice perfectly conveyed the solemnity that, to anyone else, would seem ridiculous of the occasion, Lan Wangji could only blink incredulously at Wei Wuxian, breath catching in his throat when he saw the gravity of the others roguishly handsome features fall away as he tilted his head, and beamed yet another bright and truly radiant smile at him.

“You have honest eyes.” He whispered.

“Beautiful too.”

Reaching out a hand, he pinched Lan Wangji flirtatiously on the chin, and left, quick and practiced enough to avoid the volley of various textbooks and binders Lan Qiren hurled at him on his way out. And feeling intrepid enough to salute Lan Qiren at the door in a stately manner, provoking the old and ‘not so stately’ gentleman even further.
Later that afternoon, Lan Qiren wouldn’t know it, but Lan Wangji would sneak a peek at his attendance sheet before heading home for the evening.

“Wei Ying.” He said. Not wanting to forget Wei Wuxian’s given name, Lan Wangji chanted it a few more times under his breath, committing it to memory, so that he could use it for later.

As to how Wei Wuxian ended up finding out his given name, he hadn’t the slightest clue.

In the days following, Wei Wuxian could be found hovering around Lan Wangji’s desk, not out of any sense of obligation to Nie Huaisang, his friend, but because it was Lan Wangji’s seat, and Wei Wuxian had just so happened to take an interest in Lan Wangji. So, he figured, what better way to pass the time than to wait around after class for Lan Wangji, so that the two of them might get to know one another better — so that they might get closer.

Except, Lan Wangji wasn’t much for talking. A fact that Wei Wuxian found out very quickly, having thought that maybe Lan Wangji hadn’t said anything to him that first encounter because he was good-looking, a reaction he assumed was normal, natural even; lots of people found it difficult to converse with him due to his attractiveness, especially the less confident ones — though Lan Wangji didn’t exactly strike him as that type.
He’d heard from his close friend, Jiang Cheng, who was like a brother to him, that Lan Wangji didn’t have many friends, if he had any at all, due to his being cold and unsociable, but Wei Wuxian wasn’t exactly the type to adhere to petty gossip like Jiang Cheng so easily did, so he merely brushed it off. But now, with each passing day, he was starting to believe what Jiang Cheng had told him more and more, little by little.
Eventually he just gave up trying and, one day, blurted out, “Can I draw you, Lan Zhan?”

Never having expected Wei Wuxian to say that, Lan Wangji was stunned momentarily silent — even more so than usual — and yet, after searching Wei Wuxian’s face closely for any hint of mockery or shred of falsehood, but turning up nothing, he nodded in affirmation, and quickly looked away, the tips of his ears burning brightly where he’d tucked a few strands of hair back.

“Mn.” Came the eventual, soft-spoken reply, as he finished organizing his desk; a few notebooks tucked into the corner there, and some pens, assorted by color, here. He was eager and ready for class to begin! So unlike Wei Wuxian, who was still crouched beside his desk, grinning like a fool, from ear to ear. He’d never met anybody quite so studious or precocious as Lan Wangji — quite so adorable, either. It was as if, no matter how much of him Wei Wuxian drank in, he could never truly have his fill; as though Lan Wangji were an oasis, and Wei Wuxian was looking to drown in him. Or perhaps, looking to swallow him. He’d been in the middle of trying to figure that part out when Lan Qiren appeared, kicking up a fuss at the first sight of Wei Wuxian, and chasing him out the door using the many texts and schoolbooks at his disposal.

A few days later, Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but notice how Lan Wangji appeared to be expecting him, perhaps even searching for him.

“Here.” Said Wei Wuxian, after waiting for Lan Wangji to take his usual seat at the front of the classroom, and passing him a slip of paper. Naturally, Lan Wangji was skeptical at first. It wouldn’t have been the first time Wei Wuxian tried secretly foisting his homework off onto him as little more than a harmless prank. But after eyeing the paper suspiciously for a moment, and receiving no reaction, he slowly, but firmly accepted it, his curiosity having gotten the better of him. It wasn’t everyday that he saw Wei Wuxian looking so nervous and unsure of himself, after all.

On unfolding it, he gasped, quietly, and mostly to himself.

“Sorry I couldn’t come see you these past couple days.” Wei Wuxian scratched sheepishly at the back of his head, as he shifted his weight anxiously between each foot. “I actually have art class after this one, so I figured I’d take advantage, you know? What do you think?”

“Beautiful…” Lan Wangji caught himself saying, and he immediately tensed up, embarrassed and frustrated. And so, so disgustingly captivated. The picture was of him from profile, poised motionless at his desk, wielding a pen, very elegant and graceful, like a weapon he’d taught himself to master, beautiful to witness in action, even if he couldn’t see it.

“Really? I’m glad you think so!” When he spoke, Wei Wuxian sounded a little closer than Lan Wangji remembered, his suspicions confirmed when he raised his face and their noses nearly touched.

They paused, staring into one another’s eyes, their breath faltering, and their hearts on the verge of beating out of their chests.

“Beautiful….” Repeated Lan Wangji, as if it were the only word he knew how to say. Which, when it came to Wei Wuxian, it was.
Noticing how Lan Wangji was no longer staring at the picture as he spoke, Wei Wuxian laughed softly, and Lan Wangji swore he could taste the sweetness of it on his tongue, and suddenly nothing compared. Food was no longer enough to sustain him. He wanted Wei Wuxian, craved him, his name hanging seductively from hungry teeth, and his face like a prayer Lan Wangji memorized, and recited before every meal.

“Lan Zhan, I…..” Wei Wuxian had made to speak, but before he could get the right words out, Jiang Cheng appeared, dragging him out by the collar just as Lan Qiren was entering.

“Get to class, you two!” He called after them in anger.

“What the hell, Jiang Cheng!”

Once in the hall, Wei Wuxian pulled violently out of Jiang Cheng’s grasp to begin smoothing down his uniform.

“‘What the hell’ me!? ‘What the hell’ you! I told you to stop associating yourself with him!” Replied Jiang Cheng, giving Wei Wuxian’s shoulder a sharp jab.

“And I told you to mind your own damn business!”

“Look, my party’s tonight! And if you fuck this up for me, so help me god, I will fucking murder you. Do you know the shit I had to do to convince my sister to buy me alcohol? What I had to go through!?”

“I still don’t see the harm in inviting Lan Zhan. He and his uncle don’t seem that close. I doubt he’ll tell on us.”

“Of course he’ll tell on us!” Cried Jiang Cheng, putting both hands on Wei Wuxian’s shoulders and shaking him. “He’s a goody-two-shoes!”

Jolting out of his hold, Wei Wuxian stepped back, looking unamused, and unconvinced, his words betraying the expression he wore as he said,
“Fine. I get it.”

Jiang Cheng nodded. “Good.” Then, after throwing an arm intimately around Wei Wuxian’s shoulders, proceeded to haul him off to his next class, laughing and raving about the party the entire way, while being all the while completely unaware of the fact that Wei Wuxian had already made up his mind about inviting Lan Wangji to it.

He waited until after class to go searching for Lan Wangji to tell him; though, much to his surprise, he didn’t have to look far, seeing as Lan Wangji was already waiting patiently outside his classroom for him the moment he stepped out.

“Wei Ying.”

“Lan Zhan!” He said with a smile, and jogged lightly toward the other in the last few remaining steps, almost out of breath by the time he reached him.
Hunching over, Wei Wuxian drummed playfully on his knees.
“Perfect timing! I have something I’ve actually been meaning to ask you!”

Lan Wangji flushed but, for the most part, remained silent. It was obvious from his body language that he was genuinely interested in what Wei Wuxian had to say; he’d even go as far as to describe Lan Wangji as being eager, for he couldn’t quite seem to keep himself still, always pacing up and down the hallway, or flexing and readjusting the near-lethal, white-knuckled grip he maintained on his bag strap, or rearing up to stand on his toes. It was most entertaining, and, not to mention, endearing.

“Yeah, so, the thing is that Jiang Cheng’s parents are currently out of town, and, well, you know how teenagers get when their parents are gone; they want to party it up! Ha ha! That’s why, I was wondering, if maybe you’d like to go, and we can hang out and stuff?”

Silence.

To be honest, it wasn’t that Lan Wangji didn’t want to give Wei Wuxian a reaction, it was just that he didn’t really know how he was supposed to react. It was his first time ever being invited to a party — his first time ever liking somebody to such an extent, that he was actually considering going. He was so excited by just imagining it — at a party, with Wei Wuxian; sitting side by side with him on the couch, their knees touching, shoulders brushing, and Wei Wuxian’s hand on his thigh, creeping ever so slightly up — that he completely forgot to give his response. It wasn’t until he sensed Wei Wuxian pulling away that he realized, and he came forward with a start.

“Oh, I take it you’re probably busy; I mean, what, with that big test coming up and all. Man, I guess it was pretty stupid of me to ask you, huh? Ah, shit. This is really embarrassing. I’m sorry. ……Fuck, Lan Zhan. I’m so sorry.”

In his turning away, Wei Wuxian gave Lan Wangji an apologetic smile, laughing ruefully.

“You can keep the drawing, if you want.”

‘You can keep the drawing’.
Those were the last words Wei Wuxian said to Lan Wangji before he left, dissolving into the crowd. There was no begging him not to tell his uncle, no pleading, or obvious threats. Wei Wuxian was really a good guy.

The best, and yet, Lan Wangji had gone and so effortlessly broken his heart.

Lan Wangji had hurt him.

When he realized this, he nearly broke down in tears, only barely managing to hold it all in until he got home that night, and stepped into his room. That was the tipping point; that was when he cried. Flinging himself gracelessly onto his bed, he buried his face in the pillows and let his grief consume him, the memory of that afternoon coursing its way through him, like venom in his veins,, and slipping silently down his cheeks.

He should have been the one to apologize, not Wei Wuxian.

The two of them could be as good as on their way to that party right now, had it not been for Lan Wangji, and his poor communication skills. If only he wasn’t so stupid!

— No. Not stupid. He was at the top of his class. He was smart.

.
.
.

If only he wasn’t so awkward!

For how long Lan Wangji stayed asleep after that, he wasn’t sure, but it was around dinner time when Lan Xichen, his older brother, arrived, knocking on his door, and startling him awake.

“Wangji, is everything alright?” Asked Lan Xichen, concerned. Being someone who's known Lan Wangji all his life, it was almost immediately evident to him that Lan Wangji had been crying, the angry puffiness and redness in his eyes having yet to fully subside when Lan Xichen entered.

“What happened?”

Sitting up in his bed, Lan Wangji armed himself with an appropriate response when, out of nowhere, Nie Mingjue came in, shaking his head when he saw Lan Wangji.

“I knew it.” He gruffly said.

“Knew what?” Turning from Lan Wangji to Nie Mingjue, Lan Xichen hastily lowered his voice and said, “Did you have something to do with this?”

“I just got here.” Nie Mingjue chuckled, more at the present situation they’d inexplicably found themselves in than at the astonishment in Lan Xichen’s face.

“Huaisang told me all about it, Wangji.”

Now addressing the younger Lan, Nie Mingjue slowly made his way over to the edge of the bed, where he helped himself to a seat, his hand alighting upon the back of Lan Wangji’s own.

“The party, that Wei boy. Everything.”

“Party?” Repeated Lan Xichen incredulously. “Boy?! Wangji, what does all this mean? Tell gege.”

Much like Nie Mingjue, Lan Xichen had also helped himself to a spot on Lan Wangji’s bed, his hands gently rubbing up and along the teens back, soothing him, his eyes large and imploring.

“…..I ruined it, Xiongzhang. Ruined him.”

“Who, Wangji? Who did you ruin?” Lan Xichen asked, unable to finish the sentence without playfully rolling his eyes.

“Wei Ying…..”

“Oh? Is he a classmate of yours?”

Nie Mingjue hurriedly nudged him with his elbow, shaking his head and smirking.

“Idiot. He’s obviously a boy Wangji likes.”

At the first blush of realization, Lan Xichen leapt energetically to his feet, his eyes blown wide in amazement.

“Wangji!” He gasped. “Is that true? Do you like this Wei boy!?”

After a moment's hesitation, Lan Wangji nodded. Even if he did try to lie, Lan Xichen would end up seeing through it anyway. There was no point in keeping his feelings for Wei Wuxian a secret any longer.
Though he would really rather not think about them right now. In all honesty, he didn’t want to think about any of it! Not Wei Wuxian, or their latest and final interaction, or Lan Wangji’s love for him, and how he was being made to stomach it because, just like he’d told Lan Xichen earlier, he ruined it — all of it. Wei Wuxian probably hated him now. He was probably at that party, doing god only knew what, with god only knew who, and forgetting all about Lan Wangji.

Not Lan Wangji, though. And how could he? — when half of his every breath was a wish, a plea, for Wei Wuxian. For him.

With his knees tucked up tightly to his chest, Lan Wangji rested his head on them, Lan Xichen returning to the gradually cooling space beside him with a hand resting lightly upon Lan Wangji’s shoulder.

“Well, I’m sure if Wangji likes him, then he must be a good boy.”

“He is the best.” Returned Lan Wangji, who found himself suddenly choking.

Nie Mingjue patted him commiseratingly on the hand. “Yeah. Huaisang says so, too.”

“Hm.” Lan Xichen hummed. “So far I’m not seeing a downside to our Wei-gongzi. Wangji, how exactly did you ‘ruin’ him?”

“Let’s not make him relive the experience, Xichen.” Interposed Nie Mingjue, swatting Lan Xichen gently on the leg. Leaning forward, he cupped a hand over one side of his mouth, the side closest to Lan Wangji, and whispered, “I’ll tell you later.”

“Don’t. You. Dare.” Said Lan Wangji, shooting him the nastiest glare he could muster from over the caps of his knees.

Laughing, Nie Mingjue reached out so as to touch the younger Lan fondly on the head.

“And this party?” Pursued Lan Xichen, curiously.

“Over at the Jiang’s residence. Lots of underage drinking, or so I’ve been told. Huaisang begged me to buy him a shit ton of alcohol, the other day.” Scoffed Nie Mingjue, begrudgingly mumbling to himself, “Always asking for the expensive stuff, like money grows on trees or something.”

“How fun! Wangji, you should definitely go!”

“……No.” Came the firm, albeit somewhat muffled reply, Lan Wangji having buried his face in his knees.

“Everybody’s just going to think that I’m only there to squeal on them to uncle.”

“Then prove them wrong.” Suggested Nie Mingjue.

“You know Wangji, I wouldn’t have met Da-ge or A-Yao if it wasn’t for my choosing to attend a party. Not to mention, if Wei-gongzi is going to be there….” Lan Xichen purposely trailed off, bursting into soft, gentle laughter when he saw the tips of Lan Wangji’s ears turning a bright red. “You just never know. Maybe you’ll have a good time.”

“We could even help sneak you out, so your uncle won’t notice.” Said Nie Mingjue, grinning. “Remember how you used to do it, Xichen? Back in the day.”

“Like it was yesterday.” Replied Lan Xichen, with a wink.

“….Really?” Inquired Lan Wangji. He was just starting to unfurl himself from his previous position when the couple stopped sharing laughter. “Then show me.”

The next thing Lan Wangji knew, Lan Xichen and Nie Mingjue were taking him quietly to Lan Xichen’s bedroom where they proceeded to demonstrate how, in his early, rebellious teenage years, Lan Xichen would sneak out, the two of them looking like the others mirror as they saw Lan Wangji off through the same exact method with a small wave and matching smiles.

Ah, to be young.

At the Jiang residence, the party was already in full swing. If an underage teen didn’t have an alcoholic beverage of sorts in their hand, then they were gripping porcelain, spilling their guts while their friends all either laughed at their expense or held their hair, keeping it out of their face and well the hell away from ‘the splash zone’. Wei Wuxian was one of the rare few who were still sober. Not because he wasn’t drinking — he was, and he was pounding them down hard — but because he often drank in the company of his mother, and had therefore built up a high alcohol tolerance. Some called it a blessing. Others called it a curse. Jiang Cheng called it fucking annoying. But only because, as the first to always get sloshed at parties, he was jealous.
Standing in the kitchen, Wei Wuxian was flirtatiously teasing a few juniors lingering nearby, rubbing soothing circles into Wen Ning’s back as the tense and nauseated underclassman vomited profusely into the sink, when Jiang Cheng stormed into the room, fuming.

“Where the fuck is that dumbass, Wei Wuxian!?” He roared over the cacophony, tensions building, yet Wei Wuxian remained wholly unbothered.
“Present!” Replied the other, and he raised his hand perhaps a bit too enthusiastically for someone who’d just been referred to as a dumbass to his face. The music was almost painful in its intensity, but nothing topped Jiang Cheng’s sharp glare or grating voice, his mood dark and declining. Wei Wuxian could hardly think about what was happening to him when he was all of a sudden being snatched and dragged away, only able to escape the kitchen but not the beatless ambient taunt in precise audio engineered trickery that vibrated up his legs or pulsed heavily in his ears; and certainly not the foreboding or the anticipation. A few others were nearly lifted from their seats as Jiang Cheng passed darkly before them. If not for Wei Wuxian, who winked at them with a lighthearted passing remark, they more than likely would have turned tail and bolted at the first sign of Jiang Cheng, some of them looking as though they’d just seen the very devil himself when he’d gone.
In a darkened corner of the room, Jiang Cheng slammed Wei Wuxian against a wall. The simmering rage was now a boil, one that spilled over and possessed Jiang Cheng to throttle him.

“I told you I’d murder you if you told! I warned you!” Jiang Cheng seethed.

Eerily calm, Wei Wuxian closed his hands over Jiang Cheng’s wrists. “The hell are you talking about? I didn’t tell anybody anything! So just relax.”

“You’re so full of shit! There’s no way Lan Wangji would just happen to show up here, tonight of all nights, completely unannounced! We’re not exactly neighbors, Wei Wuxian! I doubt he’s here to borrow a cup of fucking sugar! That means you snitched on me, you son of a bitch!”

Wei Wuxian felt a thrill run up his spine at the mention of Lan Wangji. He was frozen, stunned and deadly silent.

“Wait. Lan Zhan? You said…Lan Zhan’s here?”

The tempo quickening along with the beat of his heart, Wei Wuxian didn’t even wait for Jiang Cheng to respond. He shook out of the others grip and ran, feeling hopeful, feeling nervous, feeling sick — but only because of the alcohol, he told himself. Matching the pace of his heart, his feet carried him to the front door and seized. For a time, he seesawed between reluctance and impulse. Until eventually, he grew weary of the internal struggle, and, without a moment's hesitation, he flung the door open — nearly off its hinges; his heartbeat increasing into a new dance, new desire. One with the name of Lan Wangji.

There he stood, so light and lovely, and so lost atop the doorstep. Despite that, it was glaringly obvious he was trying to maintain proper decorum, but when he saw Wei Wuxian he twitched. Like a string that had been plucked, twitched. Strained but with a certain sweetness to be felt as he vibrated apart.
Wei Wuxian, on the other hand, did not move. Hardly even breathed. He continued to loom in the doorway like the inner silence of Lan Wangji’s mind, intricate and overbearing and slightly intimidating, but a comfort to have nearby. Even if Lan Wangji could reach out and touch him, but not hold him directly in his hands. So long as he was there, just within arms length; strong, quiet, and sure. That was enough.

“Wei Ying, I… May I come in?” Inquired Lan Wangji softly, shuffling awkwardly in place.

“That depends,” Leaning against the doorframe, Wei Wuxian folded his arms over his chest, grinning mischievously, “what exactly are you here for?”
He seemed to be teasing the other.

Lan Wangji couldn’t help feeling suddenly shy, being put on the spot like that, but he forced himself to respond, shaking his head. He had to make things right between them. “…Not ‘what’, ‘who’.”

“Okay, then. Who exactly are you here for?” Corrected Wei Wuxian, who was grinning even wider now.

“You.” Lan Wangji’s answer was almost immediate. In the awkward silence that followed, he glanced nervously at Wei Wuxian to gauge his reaction.

His expression softening, Wei Wuxian stepped aside, and with a wide sweeping glide of his hand in beckoning, invited Lan Wangji to step inside, bowing low at the waist.
Contemplative silence.

“I’m telling you to enter, Lan Zhan.” Chuckled Wei Wuxian. He then placed a hand on Lan Wangji’s lower back, guiding him through the door. Lan Wangji seemed taken off guard at first, the weight of Wei Wuxian’s hand against his back both reassuring and enticing. And it didn’t take long for him at all to adjust and recover; admitting himself into the residence with his hands balled into fists at his sides.
Jiang Cheng stirred restlessly but didn’t approach, preferring to observe the couple coldly from afar. He was giving Wei Wuxian that same disapproving look his mother, Madam Yu, often used, which only intensified when Wei Wuxian unapologetically stuck his tongue out at him in return. After mouthing a courteous ‘fuck you’ at him from across the room, Jiang Cheng spun around and walked off — with any luck, never to be seen or heard from again.

“You ever been?” Wei Wuxian suddenly asked Lan Wangji, leaning in to speak directly into his ear.

Startled, Lan Wangji turned and stared confusedly at him. Just long enough to leave Wei Wuxian hardly aware of anything else that wasn't him, his warmth, their bodies squeezing tightly together for a brief moment as they slipped through the crowd, somehow ending up in the laundry room.

“Here?” Lan Wangji quietly asked, referring to the Jiang’s residence.

It took him a while of looking genuinely thrown and bewildered, but when he finally understood what Lan Wangji meant Wei Wuxian merely laughed and shook his head. “No. To a party!” He clarified.

Realization dawned on Lan Wangji and he mimicked Wei Wuxian’s earlier gesture of shaking his head. “No.”

“You ever drink?”

Again, Lan Wangji shook his head. “I have not.”

Wei Wuxian kept his mouth close to Lan Wangji’s ear, his breath hot against the other's skin.
“Did you wanna try?”

When Lan Wangji looked at him, unsure, Wei Wuxian grabbed him by the hand and led him in the direction of the kitchen, which was even more packed now than it had been before Lan Wangji arrived. The energy of the crowd was practically infectious. Dropping Lan Wangji’s hand, Wei Wuxian plucked a red plastic cup from its packaging and filled it to the brim with his favorite wine before extending it towards Lan Wangji with a coaxing smile.
“Here. Try it. Just a sip, at least.”

Glancing between the beverage and Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji paused, but offered him a slow nod, reaching out his hands to accept the cup. He raised it to his lips and took a tentative sip, gagging on how dry and bitter it tasted. Only a sip and his throat felt like it was closing, it burned so severely. Wei Wuxian burst into laughter.
“Yeah. I guess it’s not for everyone.” Taking the cup from Lan Wangji, he put it to his own lips and knocked it back without ever stopping for breath. Had he not thought Wei Wuxian completely mad at that moment, Lan Wangji would have almost been impressed by him and his bizarre ability to be able to stomach something quite so…interesting in texture.

Lan Wangji was fully prepared to question his sanity when someone, a girl with dark eyes and a frigid calm, suddenly materialized beside them.

“There you are, Wei Wuxian.” She roughly seized his arm. “Come on, they're playing Kings Cup.” Pulling and hauling at his arm, the petite girl nearly succeeded in knocking Wei Wuxian off balance and he stumbled after her, whining.
“Wait, Wen Qing, wait!”
Clearly annoyed, Wen Qing raised an eyebrow at him but obeyed, still clinging to his arm.
“You up for a little game, Lan Zhan?”

Surprised that Wei Wuxian would even consider inviting him along, Lan Wangji started forward and faltered. It seemed the alcohol was having an effect on him. His ears were burning something fierce.

“If it is alright with you.”

“Hell yeah!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed, and he took Lan Wangji firmly by the wrist, pulling him along through the crowd until they came upon a group of people, all standing in a circle, with a drink sitting in front of each of them, and an empty cup in the center of the table they occupied. Wei Wuxian helped Lan Wangji to stand beside him. They were directly across from Jiang Cheng, who appeared relatively more at ease and gleeful. Nie Huaisang was there, too.

“Wei-xiong, you made it!” He cheered over the music, hands raised in the air.

Wei Wuxian erupted into lighthearted laughter. “Of course! I have a title to uphold, after all.”

“That’s right, that’s right. What’s King’s Cup without our King?” Returned Nie Huaisang, delighted.

Jiang Cheng merely scoffed and rolled his eyes, looking as unenthused as he sounded. “Enough of that. Huaisang, hurry up and deal the cards already.”

After a bit of effortless shuffling, Nie Huaisang stacked the deck of cards he'd been tampering with neatly together, so they were one on top of the other, before spreading them out around the cup that sat empty in the center in one fluid motion, making sure that each of the cards were face down before withdrawing with a satisfied nod. Feeling suddenly anxious, Lan Wangji looked to Wei Wuxian, who noticed his unease and flashed him a reassuring grin.

“It’s alright. I’ll explain the rules as we go. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Wait. Lan Wangji?! When did you get here?” Asked Nie Huaisang, visibly shocked. Apparently, he was so thrilled to see Wei Wuxian, that almost nothing else mattered to him, not even Lan Wangji. Only now, that the initial excitement had worn off, did he seem to take notice. Wei Wuxian didn’t know whether to laugh or be agonized.

“That doesn’t matter. He’ll be playing with us, as my special guest.”

A faint blush bursted from Lan Wangji’s lovely cheeks, a splash of color amid his fair skin, which deepened when Wei Wuxian wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him close. A tongueless truth, it made Jiang Cheng almost pity him. Mostly because he knew the kind of man that Wei Wuxian was: A troublemaker too smart for his own good, and the dumbest smart guy he had ever met.

“Fine by me. Does your so-called ‘special guest’ want to start us off?” Jiang Cheng asked, impatiently.

Everybody looked to Lan Wangji, almost expectantly.

Brows furrowed, Wei Wuxian opened his mouth, ready to berate Jiang Cheng when Lan Wangji nodded his head.

“Mn. Wei Ying?” While everybody stared at Lan Wangji, Lan Wangji turned to regard Wei Wuxian. It was evident he was awaiting further instruction from the other teen.

“Hm? Oh! Right. It’s really simple. We each take turns drawing cards. Whatever card you end up pulling, we’ll all have to participate in the action assigned to that specific card value — most of the time. Sometimes it’ll just be whoever pulled it participating. Got it?”

Lan Wangji slowly shook his head. If anything, Wei Wuxian’s explanation only served to confuse him further, but like hell if he was going to back out now. Frustrated, more with himself than by Lan Wangji’s reaction, Wei Wuxian groaned.
“You’ll see what I mean. There’s no better way to learn than by doing, right?”
Appearing more confident, Lan Wangji drew a card, pulling it out and flipping it up to reveal a King.

“Nice, Lan Zhan! All you have to do is pour some of your drink into that cup there.” Speaking directly over Lan Wangji’s shoulder, Wei Wuxian motioned towards the empty cup in the middle of the table, his touch lingering on Lan Wangji’s hip, nearly costing him some of his beverage. Once he was finished, he set his cup gently down, exactly where he’d found it.

“We’re going counterclockwise. Wei Wuxian, you’re next.” Said Jiang Cheng.

“Don’t mind if I do.” Placing his finger atop one card in specific, Wei Wuxian flipped it up, displaying a six. He leaned into Lan Wangji’s ear. “Six is for chicks. That means the girls have to drink.”

Grumbling, Wen Qing did as the card dictated, and took a drink.

Next up was Jin Zixuan, who drew a three.

“How unlucky.” Wei Wuxian murmured, his lips still pressed to Lan Wangji’s ear. “‘Three is for me’. He has to take a drink.”

Squeezing his eyes shut, Jin Zixuan had to resist gagging as he gulped his drink. “Who the hell was in charge of drinks?” He growled and angrily slammed his cup down. In the process of wiping his mouth clean with the back of his hand, he turned and shot Nie Huaisang a nasty glare.

“I thought you liked the hard stuff?” Nie Huaisang nervously squeaked and slunk back a few steps.

Jin Zixuan huffed, a sharp retort at the ready when Wei Wuxian interjected.

“Our lord princess here prefers the fruity, can-barely-taste-the-alcohol abominations. He can’t handle hard stuff.”

“What do you know? You drink wine.” Snapped Jin Zixuan.

“Wine is a classic.” Replied Wei Wuxian. Had Lan Wangji not been tucked up cutely under his arm, he would have taken a challenging step towards Jin Zixuan. Yet he refrained. “Look, if you can’t handle it then get lost.”

“I’m not going anywhere!”

“Yeah? Then shut up.”

“I’ll say whatever I damn well please!”

“If you’re going to fight, then I suggest you take it outside. The rest of us are actually trying to enjoy ourselves here.” Interposed Wen Qing, annoyed. She had her arms folded up under her bosom before motioning to Wen Ning to draw, as it was his turn next. A five.

Each of the guys at the table raised their respective cups to their lips and took a sip. Everybody except Lan Wangji.
“Five is for guys.” Explained Wei Wuxian, speaking softly. Reading the reluctance in Lan Wangji’s face, he didn’t push the issue further and instead guided Lan Wangji’s cup to his own lips before gulping some of it down right in front of him. Lan Wangji watched him in awe. Across the table, Jiang Cheng raised a cry of protest around a mouth full of booze.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing? You can’t drink for him!” He yelled upon swallowing the contents of his cup down. Wei Wuxian merely waved him off.
“As my special guest, Lan Zhan is an exception to the rules.”

“Says who?”

“Says me.” Wei Wuxian smirked, triumphant.

“Oh, look! I drew an eight!” A voice piped up.
It was Nie Huaisang. Just in time to cut Jiang Cheng off when it looked like he might bite Wei Wuxian’s head off.

“Wei-xiong, you and me!” His voice trembled and his smile appeared strained as he raised his cup in the air, waiting for Wei Wuxian to do the same before the two of them took a drink together. Ignoring Jiang Cheng, Wei Wuxian turned and winked at Lan Wangji. “Eight is Mate. Now whenever Huaisang has to drink, I have to drink along with him.”

“I see.” Replied Lan Wangji with a nod.

After Nie Huaisang, it was Jiang Cheng’s turn, and by some form of cruel, bitter irony, he also drew a five. Wei Wuxian made it a point to hold his gaze as he drank on Lan Wangji’s behalf, same as before. Jiang Cheng could have throttled him!

Next it was Su She’s turn. He’d pretty much spent the entire first half of the game engaged in idle chatter with his little lackeys, laughing obnoxiously and fucking around, so when it came his time to draw, he just sort of threw his card down and that was the end of it.
The card he drew, as it just so happened, was a four.

As if on an unspoken cue, everybody immediately dropped to their knees. The only exception being Lan Wangji, who regarded them all as if they’d gone insane.
Staggering to his feet, Wei Wuxian rubbed the back of his neck, a bit sheepish.

“Sorry, sorry. That was habit, I swear.” Curling his arm sensually around Lan Wangji’s waist, he very carefully guided him into a squatting position, lowering himself next to him. “Four, Hit the Floor. Whoever touches the floor last has to drink.” Closing a hand around Lan Wangji’s wrist, he steered his hand down until his palm was laid flat against the floor. His touch lingered, slender fingers gliding delicately across Lan Wangji’s knuckles.
“Hmm. Looks like I lost.” He whispered.

Back on their feet, Lan Wangji watched him drink with a pang of guilt.

Wen Qing was up next and she drew a two.

“Drink up, Wei Wuxian.” She said flatly, sliding Wei Wuxian two cups. He downed them both in record time.

The bass bumped.

“Two is you.” He told Lan Wangji, with two fingers erected side by side. Grinning, he gave them each a wiggle. Lan Wangji inhaled sharply, as he found the gesture to be strangely erotic. Quietly, he averted his gaze, mentally preparing himself to take his turn when someone new sidled up alongside him. Raising his gaze, Lan Wangji noticed he recognized this person, who was grinning like a madman out over the table. It was Xue Yang.

“King’s Cup, huh? Mind if I join?”
He didn’t even wait for a response before snapping his fingers at Wei Wuxian.

“Wei Wuxian, pass me a drink, will you?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Leaning over Lan Wangji, his hot breath ghosting over him, smelling faintly of alcohol, Wei Wuxian handed Xue Yang a cup, but let him pour his own drink.
Pressed so close against him, Lan Wangji felt his heart skip a beat.

“So mean!” Xue Yang gasped, feigning offense.

Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes. “What do I look like? Your servant?”

“I bet if I was Lan Wangji you’d pour it for me.”

Tightening his grip on Lan Wangji’s hip, Wei Wuxian pulled him closer to his side, thus creating distance between him and Xue Yang, who either didn’t seem to notice or didn’t particularly care.

“Shut the fuck up and draw.”

With a hum and a dramatic flair, Xue Yang produced a card. On realizing it was a Queen, Wei Wuxian groaned.

Xue Yang turned to Lan Wangji almost as soon as he picked it up.
“Lan Wangji.” He spoke the others name slowly, drawing it out on purpose as he settled against his forearm on the table with a sort of casual attitude. Raising a brow at him, and nothing more, Lan Wangji kept unbearably silent.
The moment didn’t last however, and Wei Wuxian barely had any time to explain before Xue Yang spoke up again, essentially cutting him off.
“What are your feelings for Wei Wuxian?”

Lan Wangji’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief. Meanwhile, something within himself compelled him to take a step closer to Wei Wuxian, the other teen’s eyes ablaze with fury.

“Xue Yang!” He snapped in warning.

Chuckling softly, Xue Yang threw both hands up in mock surrender. “My bad, my bad. Alright, I’ll get serious now.”
His eyes darkening, he leaned in close, his breath hot but Lan Wangji firmly held his ground, refusing to budge even as Xue Yang invaded his personal space.
“Tell me. Are the rumors about you true?”

Breath catching, Lan Wangji’s heart froze in his chest, the blood in his veins instantly turning to ice. He looked almost haunted, the hairs on the back of his neck standing completely on end as he stared down into Xue Yang’s unwavering gaze, which only grew more intense.

Sensing danger, or perhaps the building anxiety, Wei Wuxian yanked Lan Wangji behind him, inserting himself between the pair.
“Fuck off if you’re not going to play nice.”

“I don’t have to play nice,” Xue Yang smirked, “I just have to play by the rules.”

The hostility between them almost palpable, mostly due to Xue Yang’s hidden but no less vicious insinuations about Wei Wuxian, and his questionable logic, Jiang Cheng decided to take it upon himself to separate the pair, and had only just rounded the table when a girl with tears streaming down her cheeks pushed her way out of the crowd and collided with him.

“Wei Wuxian, Wei Wuxian!” She cried, shoving Jiang Cheng out of the way only to throw herself into Wei Wuxian instead. “Quick! Come quick!” She was tugging on Wei Wuxian’s clothes, swatting at Xue Yang briefly when she turned and found him practically hovering over her.

“A-Qing, what’s wrong? What happened?” Asked Wei Wuxian, worried.

“Mianmian!” A-Qing wailed. “It’s that asshole jerk Wen Chao. He won’t leave her alone!”

Tense silence.

“Take me to her.” Wei Wuxian said, a cold light in his eyes. He was wearing an expression that was uncharacteristically grave. Knowing there was bound to be trouble afoot, now that Wen Chao had entered the picture, Xue Yang didn’t hesitate to round and rile everybody up, filing them all in behind Wei Wuxian on their way out the door and onto the front lawn.
Lan Wangji did his best to try and keep up, but there were too many people, all of them getting in the way until he lost sight of Wei Wuxian completely.

“Wei Ying?”

Shouting, whooping, and hollering like a bunch of wild animals, the partygoers all shot out into the street, surprising Wen Chao and his underlings, who were each harassing a gaggle of young girls. He was holding Luo Qingyang roughly by the arm, looking mightily delighted. But when he saw Wei Wuxian, Wen Chao was quick to narrow his eyes in rage, incensed that he’d dare show his face before him.

“Get your hands off of her, Wen Chao. I’m not going to ask you again.”

“You didn’t ask me the first time, dumbass.” Scoffed Wen Chao, over the sound of Luo Qingyang’s frightened crying.

“That’s right. You’re a big boy, Wen Chao. I shouldn’t have to, should I?” Wei Wuxian spoke calmly, even. Meanwhile his eyes flashed in anger.

“How about picking on someone who can fight back?”

Wen Chao laughed, smiling wryly. “I’m not picking on her. It’s a lovers spat. A lovers spat!” Yanking Luo Qingyang towards him, Wen Chao wrapped an arm around her shoulder and gave her a sickeningly sweet shake. Luo Qingyang sniffled, fidgeting in discomfort, uneasy by the closeness. She looked at Wei Wuxian with pleading eyes.

A few onlookers were mumbling responses when Lan Wangji finally broke forth from the crowd, staring at Wei Wuxian with some apparent surprise mixed with horror when he noticed a few of Wen Chao’s croneys slowly closing in on the solitary teen.
Bracing his hands on his hips, Wei Wuxian merely sighed and passed a hand over his forehead.

“Why can’t you ever just let me enjoy my parties in peace?” He mumbled, coldly.

The strong, calculated personality of Wei Wuxian dominated the ominous scene when one of the boys snatched him roughly by the collar. As he raised his fist, a girl's shrill scream burst forth, followed by several astonished gasps, and lastly cheering when the bully spun round and fell upon his back. Blood spurted from his nose, and that’s when Lan Wangji realized, with a tease in his chest, that Wei Wuxian had punched the other square in the face. Striking him with such brutal force that he was knocked to the floor and now bled profusely out of several of his orifices. The others, his comrades, still clad in their shock and amazement, burst into a string of curses before taking turns pouncing on Wei Wuxian. The moment that they did, everybody pushed forward for a better view. Crowded around the entanglement, they began pumping their fists and shouting feveredly. They were like a pack of feral dogs, all bark and so quick to spring into action but not to lend a hand. Lan Wangji felt faint. He felt enraged.
Glancing at Wen Chao, he saw how the pompous prick was watching the brawl same as anybody else, but with a suggestive attitude and triumphant bravado. Lan Wangji was sorely tempted to unleash his fury on the boy, and teach him a lesson he would not soon forget, then he noticed Jiang Cheng already ambling up to him with both hands clutching his stomach. Looking over at virtually the same time as him, Wen Chao also took account of Jiang Cheng and he scowled.

“The fuck do you want?” He snarled.

Rather than words, Jiang Cheng lurched forward and regurgitated vomit instead, throwing out from his throat in such a forceful manner that he managed to spill the contents of his stomach directly onto Wen Chao, without missing a single drop. Wen Chao stiffened, releasing Luo Qingyang in the process. Groaning and gagging, laughing and crying, everybody, literally everybody, retreated several steps backwards lest they end up accidentally getting any vomit on the soles of their shoes. Also to escape that potent, acrid smell. The mob who’d been engaged in a battle of fists also leapt up from the tussle, their noses wrinkled up at Wen Chao in sheer disgust. As they approached, he staggered against a tree for support. Evidently, he was trying not to turn his own insides out at the sight and sorry state of his dress.
“Fucking nasty bastard!” He gagged.

Wiping a small dribble of upchuck that clung obstinately to his chin with the back of one hand, Jiang Cheng faltered forward when Wei Wuxian appeared and slapped him upon the back in jovial congratulations. Watching Wen Chao run off with his tail tucked between his legs, he held his sides and bent forward with a shout of brutal and exultant laughter.
“So gross! Jiang Cheng that was so gross!”

“You just threw up on Wen Chao!” Exclaimed Nie Huaisang, sounding both amused and incredulous. He was still in the process of jogging his way lightly towards them when Jiang Cheng shoved Wei Wuxian, nearly toppling him.

“Next time I’ll just let them kick your stupid ass. How about that? Maybe then you’ll learn to keep your nose out of other people’s business.”

Wei Wuxian chuckled. Stretching to his full height, he was fully prepared to defend himself against Jiang Cheng’s verbal assault but then his eyes met Lan Wangji’s, and parted lips soon melted into a warm smile. He waved Lan Wangji over, apparently not only motioning him closer but A-Qing and Luo Qingyang as well. Crying, they both hurled themselves into Wei Wuxian’s chest.

“Thank you, Wei Wuxian!!” Luo Qingyang was the first to speak.
His wounds still fresh and body aching, Wei Wuxian suffered in silence as he returned the girls’ embrace.

“You’re seriously our hero!”

“It’s nothing. I’m just glad none of you ladies got hurt.” Said Wei Wuxian, speaking softly. “Come find me when you’re ready to leave, yeah? I’ll walk you all home.”

“Okay!”

“Definitely!”

Both girls chirped, and reluctantly untangled themselves from his arms before running to catch up with the rest of their group. That left only Lan Wangji standing before Wei Wuxian.

“You are hurt.” Reaching out his hands, he took Wei Wuxian’s face tenderly into his palms and began slowly tracing his thumbs along the deep, attractive alcove of Wei Wuxian’s cheeks, careful not to agitate the few cuts or bruises he received further. Wei Wuxian leaned into the touch.
“I’m fine, I’m fine. I’ve suffered worse things before.” He chuckled weakly.

“Hey, Lan Wangji.” Taking a few gliding steps forward, Jiang Cheng approached the couple with arms folded tightly over his chest. “My parents' bathroom should have some antibiotic ointment and gauze. Maybe you could use it to patch this fool up. It’s upstairs.”

Staring blankly at Jiang Cheng, Lan Wangji blinked his eyes a few times before nodding.
He hadn’t been expecting Jiang Cheng to actively approach him, least of all talk directly to him. All this time he’d been under the impression that Jiang Cheng hated him. He was always glaring hard at Lan Wangji whenever they crossed paths, with a stern and reserved air about him. But now, that was not the case at all. Now, he was looking almost vulnerable, his shoulders slumped and his face still tense, but not quite as tense as it normally was. Though he did fluster slightly when Lan Wangji pivoted on his heel without a word and began dragging an apprehensive Wei Wuxian away by the hand, his long, flowing hair floating up gently behind him.
His arm around his shoulder, Nie Huaisang supported Jiang Cheng against his body while treating him to a consoling pat or two.

“Our Wei-xiong is all grown up.” He sniffed.

Jiang Cheng simply rolled his eyes.

Inside the upstairs bathroom, Song Zichen was hunched over the toilet bowl, retching, while Xiao Xingchen held his hair. Lan Wangji didn’t even wait for Song Zichen to steady himself before ushering them both out into the hall and slamming the door shut behind them. After sitting Wei Wuxian down, Lan Wangji stepped lightly around the room, rummaging through a few drawers and cabinets before returning. Armed with a bottle of rubbing alcohol and bandages, Lan Wangji took a knee in front of Wei Wuxian, who gulped.
— Lan Wangji looked rather good on his knees.

“Take off your clothes.”

“Whoa. Wait! My clothes?” Asked Wei Wuxian, laughing nervously. “Lan Zhan. Ha ha. Buy me a drink first, will you?”

Staring up at him, Lan Wangji’s face was completely deadpan, not a flicker of a smile to be found.

“Okay. I get it, I get it.” Said Wei Wuxian, defeated, and he pulled his shirt up over his head, exposing rippling muscles beneath smooth flesh and that lithe figure which moved with a cat's grace. Lan Wangji felt his throat tighten and his heart stutter as he ogled him.

“Lan Zhan?”
Tossing his shirt aside, Wei Wuxian seemed both confused and concerned when he glanced down and saw Lan Wangji’s body go entirely rigid.

Ashamed, more over having been caught than anything, Lan Wangji quickly averted his gaze, face flushing.

With great clearness and a regained composure, Lan Wangji set to work tending and treating Wei Wuxian’s injuries, a sterile sort of pungency clinging thickly to the air by the time he was finished wrapping the last of his more severe wounds. Which, fortunately, and to all intents and purposes, weren’t severe at all. On the contrary, they were mere child's play compared to what Lan Wangji used to see back in his elementary school days. So harrowing, so reckless and unafraid. The mere memory caused a sickening of the heart so grievous and grave, he hadn’t even realized when exactly he closed his eyes, only that Wei Wuxian was touching his face.

“Blood make you squeamish or something?”

“…No.” Lan Wangji shook his head, speaking quietly.

“Thought so.” The laughter that followed was as light as rain. It dripped and melted, and then the sun shone through in the form of a smile. His touch was like a ray of light, it warmed Lan Wangji’s face when he turned up to meet it.
“So, what’s your prognosis? Think I’ll live?”

After a brief, intimate dance with yearning, Lan Wangji nodded.

“For now.” He lightly touched the back of Wei Wuxian’s hand, his delicate fingers speaking in whispers, as if their young flesh were telling secrets their fragile, tender hearts could not comprehend, for they were too heavy to hold.

Wei Wuxian raised a brow, amused not only by the steadiness in Lan Wangji’s voice, but by the promise held within. The words he spoke. “‘For now’, huh? Sounds pretty ominous.”

Slowly, very slowly, he flipped his hand around to let Lan Wangji trace soft patterns into his palm, following the many grooves and ridges with his fingertips that further added to his boyish charms and overall resilience. To think these hands were capable of cracking noses and busting jaws.

“You did a good thing.”

“Hm? You think so?” Asked Wei Wuxian, intently staring at the palm of his hand in a way that suggested he was analyzing it. Almost as if he believed Lan Wangji’s answer to have been written out for him to read, right there, and across it — doing so with close attention and little sentiment.

Paying him very little heed, Lan Wangji nodded.

“Mn. That girl was in trouble. You protected her.”

“Mianmian? Lan Zhan, ah Lan Zhan. That girl packs a punch more devastating than most men I know. I’m sure she would have been fine, even if I didn’t intervene. It’s that jerk, Wen Chao, that forced my hand. I just get so worked up whenever he’s mentioned. Even worse when he’s involved.”

“All that matters is that everyone is alright.”

Raising his gaze to meet Lan Wangji’s face, Wei Wuxian smirked. “Everyone, excluding his clothes.”

Lifting the corners of his mouth in a faint smile, Lan Wangji lowered his head and suppressed a laugh. Intrigued, Wei Wuxian chased him with his eyes, his wild hair tickling the back of Lan Wangji’s hand as he, too, dropped his head and tilted his face. “You laughed!” Chest swelling with pride, he beamed a wide smile, his keen eyes darting over the other teen. Unaccustomed to being stared at so earnestly, and at such close proximity, Lan Wangji blushed before promptly but lightly shoving Wei Wuxian away by the shoulder. Not an ounce of malice or loathing to be found in the traces of his touch, meant to deter and carve out some distance. Viewing the gesture as more lighthearted flirtation than anything, Wei Wuxian refused to back down or yield.
“Aww. Come on. You have such a pretty smile! Don’t try and hide it.”

Little did he know it was not a smile Lan Wangji was attempting to hide, but the amorous nipping of scarlet that had settled high and hot upon his fair, milk-white face. It was practically in full bloom!

Feeling his lips loosen around a quiet gasp as Wei Wuxian continuously pinched and poked at him, Lan Wangji turned and acted upon the first thought that came to mind: He bit Wei Wuxian on the forearm. Not hard enough to leave a mark or draw blood, but enough to serve as a warning.

“Ouch!”
As instantaneous as to seem instinctive, Wei Wuxian withdrew with a sharp yelp, rubbing sorely at the place Lan Wangji had bitten with a pout.
“So you’re a biter, huh?” He spoke with a faint but recognizable teasing lilt, only to instantly regret it when he saw Lan Wangji tremble and twitch.

“I’m kidding, kidding!”

He then thrust out his arm, whining like a spoiled child.

“Lan Zhan, another bandage please?”

Composing himself, Lan Wangji applied some rubbing alcohol to the barely noticeable indentation of teeth before he diligently patched it up, giving it a few firm but gentle pats for good measure.

Standing up, Wei Wuxian helped Lan Wangji to his feet as well before showing the way to the door. He’d only gotten about as far as sliding it open a crack when a frantic, delirious Jin Zixuan forced his way into the room, cracking Wei Wuxian in the face with the door on his way past, only to collapse against Lan Wangji.

“What the fuck?” Wei Wuxian gruffed, holding his nose.

But Jin Zixuan couldn’t even feel sorry about what he’d done. Not when he surged forward and chundered in Lan Wangji’s arms, disgorging a steady stream of alcohol scented vomit all over the front of his clothes and shoes.
All anybody could do was watch, utterly nauseated and appalled, including Jin Zixuan himself.

“I’m sorry. Oh god, I’m so sorry, Lan Wangji.” Heaved Jin Zixuan, speaking through short gasps. To make matters worse, his nose had started to run, and it was dripping all down his chin to mix with the drool and vomit. He couldn’t move, couldn’t lift his face without making a total laughingstock out of himself.
As he contemplated over what to do, Jin Zixun came staggering in after him, drunken-looking and ill-kempt, with an inflamed face and disreputable appearance. He had to look three times at Lan Wangji before he was certain of what had just occurred.

“Oh shit, Zixuan.” Bleary-eyed, he shot Lan Wangji a withering glare. “That’s what you get for standing in the way.”

“Shut the hell up, Jin Zixun. Enough of your victim blaming. Jin Zixuan is clearly the one at fault here. If he knows he can’t hold his liquor, then he shouldn’t have drunken so damn much.”

“Wei Wuxian.” Jin Zixun growled, low and menacing. Gripping onto the doorframe, he was slurring his words. “You’ve always had a problem with my cousin. Of course you would blame him.”

“Your cousin’s lucky he even got invited to tonight’s party. You, on the other hand, though. I don’t remember Jiang Cheng saying you could come.” Holding his hips, Wei Wuxian narrowed his eyes at Jin Zixun, looking more annoyed than upset.

Behind him, Lan Wangji was doing his best to be comforting as he helped Jin Zixuan the rest of the way to the toilet, taking his hand and holding it while he rubbed small, soothing circles into his back. Through shaking lips, Jin Zixuan uttered soft-spoken apologies to him as though they were stars, temporary, so very temporary, and he was in pursuit of a constellation.
Jabbing an accusatory finger at Lan Wangji, as if he wasn’t the one doing the most for Jin Zixuan at that moment, Jin Zixun cried, “And I distinctly remember Jiang Cheng saying that Lan Wangji couldn’t come either, but here we are!”

Lan Wangji gasped, heart pitching sharply in his chest.

“That’s none of your fucking business!” Wei Wuxian shot back, and he knocked Jin Zixun backwards onto his rear.
“Come on, Lan Zhan.”
Making his way quickly over to Lan Wangji, while Mo Xuanyu was busy attempting to pick the fallen Jin Zixun up off of the floor, Wei Wuxian grabbed Lan Wangji gently by the arm and helped him to rise to his feet before half-dragging him out of the bathroom, leaving Jin Zixun behind, cursing and spitting, ranting and raving. Until the music eventually drowned him out. No. Until he was swallowed.

“Don’t listen to that asshole, Lan Zhan. You can stay here as long as you like.”
That was what Wei Wuxian had told Lan Wangji on entering what appeared, at first glance, to be a bedroom. The bedroom of a certain Jiang boy.

“Mn.”

Allowing Wei Wuxian to guide him to the bed, Lan Wangji took the hand offered to him and sat down, shivering in overt disgust when the messy, wet spot in his clothes brushed against his skin.
Turning on his heel, Wei Wuxian disappeared into a nearby closet and returned in a few minutes holding some articles of clothing, which he quietly extended towards Lan Wangji.

“Here. Try these on.”

Taking the clothes, Lan Wangji ducked inside the closet next, and when he emerged, now wearing a fresh set of Jiang Cheng’s clothes, he saw Wei Wuxian was now lounging atop the bed, eyes shut and looking quite thoughtful in his repose. Not wanting to disturb him, Lan Wangji crept silently closer, watching the way his breath softened and his eyelashes fluttered. In here, the music downstairs was little more than a pulse, a heartbeat that thrummed but didn’t interrupt.
Gently, Lan Wangji leaned over him, pushing his hair back and tucking it behind his ear so as not to give himself away before pressing his lips to Wei Wuxian’s in a chaste kiss. His first kiss. A quiet sigh escaped his mouth before Wei Wuxian finally stirred, and he gripped the back of Lan Wangji’s head, pulling him down on top of him and crushing him against his chest. Meanwhile he had his other arm folded around Lan Wangji’s waist, holding him steady.

Wei Wuxian moaned softly into the kiss, his tongue slipping between Lan Wangji’s lips to explore his mouth. He shifted his grip on the other teen, his hand still supporting his head while the other now roamed over his body, mapping out every delicate curve and sharp dip of his figure.

He pulled away slightly, panting as he gazed up at Lan Wangji’s flushed face.

“You’re a naughty one, aren’t you?”

Lan Wangji was already in the middle of replying, curious to know where and how he got his talent for kissing, when he cut himself off with a gasp, Wei Wuxian having lifted his leg, now bent at the knee, before slipping a thigh between Lan Wangji’s own, pressing. Up and forward. Slow and deep.

“Just what were you planning on doing with me, I wonder?”

“….Kissing.”

“Just kissing?”

Lan Wangji nodded. “Yes.”

“What if I told you I wanted to do more than just kiss?”

Lan Wangji’s breath hitched at the confession, his eyes widening a touch in surprise. He hadn’t been anticipating taking things further. In fact, he’d honestly come into this fully prepared to get rejected. The next thing he knew, Wei Wuxian was kissing him back, heated and more passionate, and now he was unabashedly saying he wanted to ‘do more’? It made Lan Wangji’s head spin.
He thought for a moment before answering.
“That is fine.”

Wei Wuxian stopped. “Are you sure?”

Taking Wei Wuxian’s face in his hands, Lan Wangji leaned forward and sunk his teeth into his bottom lip, intending for the gesture to be as flirtatious as it was punishing. Wei Wuxian started, but understood.

“Then I won’t hold back.”

Guiding Lan Wangji closer, using the cradling hold he maintained on the back of his head, Wei Wuxian pulled him into a searing kiss, his breath coming out in ragged pants and his tongue shoved down Lan Wangji’s throat.
Growling lowly, Wei Wuxian slipped the hand that had been wrapped around Lan Wangji’s waist down to grip and knead at his ass as he began to rock his hips up against his, grinding against him through the fabric of their clothes.

Fingers brushing over Wei Wuxian’s ears as he continued to hold his face, Lan Wangji breathed a deep, trembling moan into his mouth, the two of them pressed so tightly against one another as Lan Wangji moved against him in return, so slow and deliberate, much like how their lips moved, — together, as one — that if eternity wished to squeeze between them, it would need permission first.

There was that bitter taste of wine again, dancing like a wildfire in the wind upon Lan Wangji’s tongue, except, it was more tolerable. More pleasant. Perhaps due to Wei Wuxian’s influence. Before Lan Wangji had a chance to tell, Wei Wuxian had broken the kiss and was now trailing soft, wet kisses down Lan Wangji’s face, to his jawline and neck.
Still with one hand full of Lan Wangji’s lovely, round, flexing ass, he tangled his fingers deeper into the long, dark strands of his hair and tugged his head back to expose more of that smooth, succulent throat. Lan Wangji’s breath hitched, higher and sweeter, while Wei Wuxian groaned, his hand on Lan Wangji’s ass now guiding his movements. He could feel how wet the other was through their clothes, and it only fueled his desire — eyes widening, Lan Wangji felt as much for himself. The imprint of Wei Wuxian’s cock, so filled out and stiff as to be straining, it positively radiated heat that far surpassed the fabric of his trousers. It seeped between Lan Wangji’s own legs.
Gradually, almost tentatively, Wei Wuxian released his hand from Lan Wangji’s hair, fingers flexing and unflexing, furling and straightening again as he slid them inside of Lan Wangji’s clothes, pushing them open to reveal his body to him.

With a quick kiss to Lan Wangji’s collarbone, which had him holding himself up on trembling arms to make for easier access, Wei Wuxian shoved his other hand down the back of Lan Wangji’s pants to pinch his ass directly, giving it an amorous massage that mostly consisted of probing touches and the occasional breathtaking squeeze.

“Mmm. Such a nice ass.” Murmured Wei Wuxian, hotly. Biting down on Lan Wangji’s collarbone, hard enough to have him flinching, he gave his ass one final tap before withdrawing and sitting up. Shifting backwards on the bed until his back was fully supported by the headboard, he worked Lan Wangji’s shirt up over his head and tossed it blindly to one side, running his hands up and down along his sides as he bent forward and shoved a kiss directly between Lan Wangji’s breasts, giving his hips a firm squeeze.

Cradling the back of his head, Lan Wangji tossed his hair back with a euphoric sigh, creating a deep arch in his spine that had him pushing out his stomach and shoving his chest further into Wei Wuxian’s face.

“Amazing tits, too.” Wei Wuxian chuckled, a deep, sultry sound that sent shivers down Lan Wangji’s spine.
He let go of Lan Wangji’s hips, popping one of his dewy, swollen, red nipples into his mouth and sucking hungrily on it as he grabbed his ass and pulled him closer.

“How far do you wanna go?” Came the rough question, Wei Wuxian having to articulate through heavy breaths while kneading Lan Wangji’s incredible ass. So plump and soft, it really filled out his hands quite nicely. “I need to know, Lan Zhan. I don’t think I could live with myself if I forced you to do something you didn’t want.”

Fingers pressed to Wei Wuxian’s scalp, massaging him, Lan Wangji answered, “I don’t…I’ve never…”

“Shit. A virgin, huh?”

Lan Wangji nodded, feeling suddenly timid and apprehensive.

Wei Wuxian merely gave a breathy laugh, the sound and warmth it emitted breathed directly into Lan Wangji’s tender breast, for his heart to inhale.

“Me too.” Admitted Wei Wuxian. Lan Wangji was shocked. Pulling back, he gently pushed Wei Wuxian’s hair aside and stared into his face, hands settling on either side of his slender neck.

“Ha ha. Don’t look at me like that.”

“You too?” Repeated Lan Wangji.

“Mhm. Believe it or not.”

“Then I will be your…first?”

“Sure will.” Said Wei Wuxian. “You’ve already claimed my first kiss, why stop now?”

He was only joking — well, half-joking — but Lan Wangji being Lan Wangji, in all his determination and fierce competitiveness, took that as a serious challenge; or, at the very least, an invitation. And that was all he needed to pounce on Wei Wuxian, slamming him back into the headboard and sealing their lips in a bruising kiss. He immediately began humping against Wei Wuxian’s pelvis more fervently, rolling his hips as he rode his lap.
Pressing his thumbs into Lan Wangji’s hips, Wei Wuxian slipped eager hands between their bodies to mess and fumble with Lan Wangji’s own pants before proceeding to undo his own next, shoving his hands down the front of Lan Wangji’s pants to cup and rub his dripping twat through his panties. It was so hot to the touch, and the folds were so plump and well-defined amidst the clinging fabric, that when Wei Wuxian held it in his palm, he could envision what it looked like perfectly behind closed eyelids.

They were staring intently into one another’s faces, panting heavily into the others open mouth, when Wei Wuxian took Lan Wangji’s hand and guided it to the front of his own pants, making him rub his bulge before shifting his hips and shimmying his underwear down, just low enough that he could pull his dick out and there wouldn’t be any unnecessary friction. After revealing his massive cock that was painfully hard and leaked precum, Wei Wuxian then wrapped Lan Wangji’s hand around the bloated shaft, breathing a sigh.
The flesh of it was so hot that Lan Wangji’s palm practically melted against it. Not only that but it was so thick and firm, like a whole other limb. One that twitched and spasmed and jolted, as if it had a mind of its own. Just like that, they were rubbing one another, pleasuring the other's intimate area and enjoying every second of it. In spite of the initial awkward fumbling, and in spite of the uncoordinated clumsiness and inexperience. They liked it. Were brought to giddy heights by it.

Fucking into Lan Wangji’s fist almost as enthusiastically as Lan Wangji was grinding himself down into the heel of his palm, Wei Wuxian pulled away and stuffed curious, probing fingers deep into Lan Wangji’s panties, groaning into his open mouth when he touched his wet, tight pussy directly.

“Fuck, you’re so wet.” Whispered Wei Wuxian, voice heavy with desire. It had Lan Wangji shivering against him, but not nearly as much as his fingers did. Lan Wangji had to bite back a sob when he felt two fingers slip up inside his virgin pussy, tugging on the rim of his hole. They introduced a swollen pressure unfamiliar to Lan Wangji, but not unwelcome.
“So tight, baby.” Wei Wuxian deeply groaned, thrusting his hips in time with his fingers, which he pumped slowly in and out of Lan Wangji’s sloppy pussy.

“Oh, fuck. I want to fuck you so bad.” Never slowing down or stopping, and speaking in a gruff, husky voice, he leaned forward and captured Lan Wangji’s lips in a devouring kiss, swallowing down each of his moans when he fed a third digit inside his stuffy cunt. Lan Wangji’s own movements faltered to such a degree, that he could scarcely maintain a fist, his hips jerking violently when Wei Wuxian curled his fingers inside him. As deep as they could go.

“Feel how eager I am for you, Lan Zhan?” Asking that, Wei Wuxian drew out the slow press and grind of his hips, slathering Lan Wangji’s delicate palm with his sticky precum, while also hinting at the sheer length of it, and how much bigger it had become since they started. Lan Wangji swore he could feel it swelling up even more in his grasp.
“God, you make me so fucking hard.” All Lan Wangji could hear was his deep and throaty laugh, that sounded breathless but enjoyable, Wei Wuxian having brought his lips to his ear after sucking a deep, blooming hickey into his tender neck, “Your pussy’s so tiny, it’s adorable. Cute little pussy, I’m afraid I might break it.”

The pace of his breath quickening in his chest, Lan Wangji clutched at Wei Wuxian’s shoulder in desperation. He felt so stimulated, so oversensitive. So….timid.

Kissing Lan Wangji’s neck, Wei Wuxian brought the movement of his waist to a grounding halt, his fingers soon following suit until he removed them from Lan Wangji’s sweet pussy completely.

“I want to taste you.” He confessed, sliding his fingers into his mouth and sucking his slick juices clean off of them.
“Lan Zhan, I want you to sit on my face.”

Sucking in a sharp breath, Lan Wangji’s mouth ran dry at the request, and his stomach fluttered. He couldn’t believe what Wei Wuxian was saying.

“On your face?”

“That’s right. Unless you don’t want to?” Rubbing Lan Wangji’s thighs, Wei Wuxian began scraping his teeth lightly against the pulse point in Lan Wangji’s throat, practically tasting the sweetness of his heartbeat on his tongue. Though nothing could quite compare to that little sample he’d received just prior. Of the sweetness down between Lan Wangji’s legs.

Releasing his cock, and placing both hands on Wei Wuxian’s shoulders, Lan Wangji thought for a moment.
“I do.” He rasped.

Smiling, Wei Wuxian pressed a quick kiss to Lan Wangji’s lips before helping him off of the bed, his thumbs hooked in Lan Wangji’s waistband, he shuffled his pants off of his hips to expose his glistening cunt in all of its naked glory. With lips so swollen and dusky and lubricated, it gave the impression of a fruit, ripe and ready to be plucked. Wei Wuxian was so excited by the sight of it that he wrapped his arms around Lan Wangji and pulled him close, kissing him deep and sighing through his nose before getting into position. Which consisted of him laying on the flat of his back atop the mattress, staring up at the ceiling.
“When you do it, I want you to straddle my face with your back towards me, that way I can see everything.”

Blushing even harder, and feeling all the more tense and embarrassed, now that he knew his ass would be a point of interest, Lan Wangji did as he was told and obediently followed Wei Wuxian onto the bed, turning away from him before tossing a leg over and straddling him, his pussy mere inches from Wei Wuxian’s nose. He sucked in a breath and held it.
Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened as he took in the sight of Lan Wangji’s ass, before shifting his gaze to stare at his pink, dripping pussy, the sight of it making his mouth water. Anchoring into Lan Wangji’s hips, Wei Wuxian didn’t hesitate to pull him down so he was seated fully on his face, burying his tongue between those juicy, delectable folds just as soon as he was able.

“Wei Ying!” Lan Wangji cried out, his spine going rigid.

“Yeah, just like that, sweetheart. Call my name more.” Wei Wuxian’s deep voice rumbled and reverberated up Lan Wangji’s pussy as he groaned into him, rattling his lungs and making his breath tremble.
Working his tongue faster, he licked and sucked on Lan Wangji’s clit, nipping playfully at it occasionally before sliding back to devour his ass in a similar fashion. It was unbelievable how, no matter where his tongue touched down, Lan Wangji tasted sweet, and the little sounds he was making as he bucked against Wei Wuxian’s lips were driving him utterly feral. He clung to his hips tighter, encouraging him to ride his face faster as he began to move his tongue in teasing circles around his entrance.

“You taste so good, baby. I could eat your pussy all day.”

Taking his pleasure in Wei Wuxian’s mouth and lips, now that he had his permission, Lan Wangji couldn’t resist crying out in feverish delight. It felt so good, that after a while, his fingers started to tingle.

Smiling into him with a filthy purr, Wei Wuxian dipped his tongue inside of Lan Wangji’s tight hole, noticing how his thighs had started to tremble.

“You close, baby? Gonna cum on my face? Do it. I want you to cum all over my face. Show me how much you enjoy having your little pussy eaten.”

Holding Lan Wangji’s thighs open, Wei Wuxian was mouthing at his clit with fervor and nuzzling against his thick folds when Lan Wangji finally let go and experienced his first ever orgasm. And what a rather intense orgasm it was. Mouth hanging open and his head thrown back, he raised a trembling cry, up towards the heavens, curling his fingers against the hot traces of a heartbeat upon Wei Wuxian’s chest as his legs jerked and his stomach clenched, body spasming to a nearly convulsive degree as he shattered apart; so lovely; so tragic. When he fell forward, he caught himself just in time, needing to take a minute to catch his breath. As if he’d been drowning through entire lifetimes. In through the nose. He forced himself to drag the oxygen in slow. Too fast, and he ended up seducing an unfamiliar but understood darkness, with dazzling little white flashes popping all around within his sights. Was it heaven or was it hell? Uncle always did say that premarital sex was a sin.

Wei Wuxian groaned, a deep, guttural sound, as he felt Lan Wangji’s orgasm wash over him as well, his juices flowing into his mouth and down his chin. He continued to lick Lan Wangji through it, prolonging his pleasure until he was whimpering and trying to pull away from him.

“Fuck, Lan Zhan. That was amazing.” Wei Wuxian laughed lightly, almost breathlessly, wiping his mouth with the back of a hand. He switched their positions so that it was now Lan Wangji laying on his back atop the bed with Wei Wuxian hovering over him. Pinned beneath him, Lan Wangji stretched himself out against the bed, moaning softly when Wei Wuxian settled down between his open legs, his cock straining against the other's inner thigh. He could feel Lan Wangji’s heartbeat racing inside his own chest when he pressed him down into the mattress, and began grinding his heavy cock down against his plump pussy. Running his fingers through Lan Wangji’s hair, Wei Wuxian claimed his lips in a messy kiss, forcing his tongue deep inside with a low growl until it hit the back of Lan Wangji’s throat, his cock twitching excitedly at the high pitched moans that left Lan Wangji’s mouth and entered his own.

“Open your legs. I’m going to make love to you now.”

Sliding the head of his cock along Lan Wangji’s wetness, Wei Wuxian sat back on his knees, running his fingers along one of his pale, porcelain legs to clutch at Lan Wangji’s ankle while the other positioned his cock at his entrance, rubbing the blunt head between swollen, dewy folds.

“You ready?” He flicked his eyes up to meet Lan Wangji’s, staring deeply into them. “I’ll try to be as gentle as possible, but let me know if it hurts.”

He waited for Lan Wangji to give a nod before slowly easing his way inside, gripping at him tightly and hissing loudly when he felt his tight, pulpy walls squeezing around him, getting his cock all nice and hot and wet. So fucking wet.

“Oh fuck, Lan Zhan! You feel even better on my cock.”
He pushed forward a little more, breaching his tight pussy even deeper and stretching him out further on his cock. It was almost too much for him, but he kept going, sinking deeper and deeper still until he was fully sheathed inside. Shifting his hips to give Lan Wangji time to adjust, even though what he really wanted to do was pound this sweet pussy wrapped around him into oblivion, Wei Wuxian tilted his head back and breathed a contented sigh.
“Fuck. Take it all, baby.”

Lan Wangji’s breast swelled as his breath stuck in his throat, the swollen pressure in his spine, and buried between his legs gradually becoming more and more taut and unbearable, and intense. And it was only when he was able to breathe again that he finally found the release he’d been craving, coming in the shape of a particularly lengthy, heartbreakingly sweet strangled sob. He writhed beneath Wei Wuxian like an overstimulated feline, pushing against him.
“Wei Ying! Haa…mm, Wei Ying!!”

Skin softened by sweat, the sensation of Lan Wangji clawing his way down Wei Wuxian’s arms into a pleasure steadily rising was only intensified, drawing from him a sharp hiss of pain.

“God, you’re so tight.”

Gazing down at him, Wei Wuxian exhaled a shuddering breath at the sight of Lan Wangji’s back arching off of the bed and the way his pussy clenched around him, so stifling, so delicious.

“You’re gonna make me cum so quick.” He told Lan Wangji with a breathless laugh.

Without warning, he pulled himself out slowly, then drove back into him with a shallow thrust that continued, on and on, faster and faster, until he was able to roughly slam back inside, the headboard clattering noisily up the wall while the bed groaned in protest.
Lan Wangji choked on an airy sob as his pussy was mercilessly pounded, his body jerking in time with Wei Wuxian’s thrusts. He moaned higher and higher each time, his toes curling and his stomach clenching.

At some point, Wei Wuxian couldn’t keep himself up any longer and fell forward, hitting deeper inside Lan Wangji with every sharp jab of his hips and snap of his waist. Pressing their foreheads together, Lan Wangji sweetly threw his arms around Wei Wuxian’s shoulders, hugging onto him while crying. Speaking in a low murmur, Wei Wuxian proceeded to whisper sweet nothings to Lan Wangji, the two of them staring into one another’s eyes as Wei Wuxian caressed his face, his touch a quiet whisper compared to the violent, wet-and-wild stir taking place just below Lan Wangji’s waist. Kissing Lan Wangji lovingly on the forehead with one final hushed mutter, Wei Wuxian felt himself slip lower down, his chest pressed against Lan Wangji’s own, and his pace growing more erratic.

“I’m gonna cum. Lan Zhan I’m gonna cum inside you!” Wei Wuxian panted, and he pushed Lan Wangji further under him, pinning him harder against the bed while continuing to pump his waist like a dog. All Lan Wangji could do was take it. Draping himself over Wei Wuxian like he was, he hid his face in the other's neck.
Breathing deep, Wei Wuxian was trembling by the time he buried himself inside Lan Wangji with one final, deep thrust and came, spilling his hot seed into Lan Wangji’s womb. All the while he choked audibly. Legs twitching as he was filled up, Lan Wangji clung to Wei Wuxian even tighter, breathing a soft, satisfied moan against the side of his throat.

Their sweat was like glue, it made their skin stick together.

Collapsing on top of Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian didn’t care, he didn’t even attempt to peel himself away from Lan Wangji’s embrace. Instead he held him closer, and with a touch of protective possessiveness began stroking his hair.

“Ahh. You were incredible.” Wei Wuxian mumbled, out of breath.

“Wei Ying, too.” Answered Lan Wangji. He was rubbing Wei Wuxian’s back, his touch perhaps too innocent for someone who’d just been heedlessly deflowered.

Rolling off of Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian spread himself out on the bed and pulled the other teen into his side, huffing a soft sigh when Lan Wangji curled up cutely against his chest, their bodies, still slick with perspiration, and cool to the touch, pressed together without an inch of space between them. He played absently with Lan Wangji’s hair, gaze directed at the ceiling. Snuggling against him, Lan Wangji occupied his time with tracing delicate patterns into Wei Wuxian’s tender flesh with scarcely his fingertips, his eyelids feeling weighed down by the exhaustion, and his ear pressed to Wei Wuxian’s steadily beating heart.

“Hey, Lan Zhan.” It was ultimately Wei Wuxian who broke the silence, his intimate touches sending shivers up Lan Wangji’s spine where he rubbed his side, “I know it might be a little too late to ask, but, I mean, whatever, right? So, I was wondering if maybe, you know, you’d like to…make this official. And the two of us become a couple or something.”

Blinking up at him, Lan Wangji smiled — small and rare, but a shelter of a smile nonetheless — and nodded.

“Mn. I would like that.”

Charmed by the gesture, so devastatingly charmed by it, Wei Wuxian lit up, a bright and cheerful smile tearing across his face like how the first morning light might look; blushing and radiant, with much unspoken promise. Pressing his soft, warm lips to Lan Wangji’s pale, flushed forehead, he let them linger there a moment, inhaling Lan Wangji’s lovely scent and sanctifying his lips with the sweat on his brow.
“Is it too early to say ‘I love you’?”
Lan Xichen was right. It was a good time, after all.

— Even better. This was shaping up to be possibly the best night of Lan Wangji’s life.