I Am Here For You. You Are Not Alone.

Lan Zhan held Wei Ying close as he shut the door. He gently peeled off his book bag and set his umbrella in the stand.

"What is wrong, baobei? Your clothes are soaked, and you are bruised and cut. What happened?" he repeated in an urgent voice as he led Wei Ying to the downstairs bathroom.

Wei Ying still didn't respond, just tightened his grip on him.

A part of him was too afraid to reveal the truth. What if Wen Chao meant what he said? What if he really did send his connections to hurt him even more if he told Lan Zhan or anyone what he did? What if Lan Zhan, or even his family, were also targeted because of it?

Worse yet, what if Lan Zhan didn't believe him and chose to call off their engagement? What if no one believed him?

Not many people believed it when a man said that he had been...

He squeezed his eyes shut as trembles wracked his body. He didn't want to think about it.

And even if Lan Zhan did believe him, what if he called their engagement off anyway and kicked him out? Out of disgust? Because he thought he was nothing more than used goods?

What if he believed that it was all his fault?

What if Wen Chao was right?

That would be even more terrible than if Lan Zhan didn't believe him. Or if nobody did.

A light flickered on then, interrupting his thoughts. Wei Ying opened his eyes to see that they were now in the bathroom.

Lan Zhan was getting a few towels and the first aid kit out the closet. After that, he placed them on the sink. "Let's get you out of these clothes," he murmured.

Panic and shame rushed through Wei Ying as he unzipped his coat, but he tried not to show it. He trusted Lan Zhan and knew that he would never cause him harm.

Still, that didn't prevent the memory of Wen Chao sliding down his jeans from crossing his vision.

He could feel his fingers digging into his hips...

The edge of his knife on his throat...

Smell the liquor on his breath...

Hear him grunting...

Could feel him pressed against him...

"Wei Ying!"

Feel him inside him...

"Wei Ying!"

He couldn't breathe...he was going to throw up...

"Wei Ying...Wei Ying...!" Lan Zhan called out to him. Something tapped his cheek.

He opened his eyes a second time and realized that he was in his arms. When did they end up on the floor?

"Wha...what happened?" he asked in a weak voice, speaking for the first time.

Lan Zhan brushed his hair out of his face. "You fainted. Baobao...what is going on? How badly was your head hit?"

He didn't answer. He couldn't.

"Wei Ying, please...speak to me. Tell me what happened. I need to know," Lan Zhan remarked imploringly.

"I can't. Please don't ask anymore...I can't," he whispered with a sob.

Lan Zhan frowned. "Why not?"

"Because...I don't want you to get hurt. I'll handle this myself. Please...let's just let it go."

"No. I will not let this go. You're injured, Wei Ying. And what do you mean...?"

"A-Aaaah! Ow!" Wei Ying suddenly cried out.

Lan Zhan had shifted him carefully so that he could sit, but stopped when he arched upwards in pain.

His scowl deepened as his eyes widened a fraction. "Baobei..."

Wei Ying pushed at him. "Please...just let it go. I'll take care of..."

"No," he repeated, holding him tight. "I am not going to. What do you mean you don't want me to get hurt? Were you beat up or mugged by someone? Did they threaten you? Tell me."

"I can't...He said he would have worse done if I did. I don't know if he'll get someone else to come after me, or hurt me by hurting you or my family. I don't want to risk it. I don't want any of you to get hurt..."

He didn't care if Wen Chao sent anyone after him, but he had to protect his family and Lan Zhan at all costs. He couldn't let anything happen to them. He would rather be hurt again than find out that something had.

Lan Zhan pulled him into his chest and kissed his forehead. "Don't worry about that. I will not let anything else happen to you, or to any of us. I promise. Who is 'he'? What did he do?"

More tears blurred Wei Ying's sight.

"Please, baobei...you were never afraid to tell me anything. Even if it upset me, I still listened to you, and we resolved any problems there were. Whatever happened, we'll both take care of it. I promise."

He was right. In front of him was the man who he had been with for more than five years. In fact, it seemed as if he had always been there. He remained with him through thick and thin and vice versa. Sure, there were times when they didn't agree - or were frustrated by something the other said or did - but those did not occur often. In addition to that, they were never unwilling to compromise.

At the end of the day, they loved each other devotedly. That was exactly why they wanted to marry. Neither of them could imagine loving anyone else; they felt that they were meant to be.

Nevertheless, another shadow of fear and doubt clouded his thoughts. What if Lan Zhan hated him after what he told him? What if their love, if everything, was thrown away?

The idea of it ripped him to pieces. He knew that he would never recover from it if that happened.

And it would prove that what Wen Chao said was true.

Yet, he knew that Lan Zhan would keep pressing until he gave him an answer. He couldn't lie either; Lan Zhan always knew if he was.

So, with his heart beating in his throat, Wei Ying plucked up his courage and told him everything. That he had encountered Wen Chao as he walked home. That he was drunk and being a little too friendly, supposedly wanting to catch up with him.

He told him that his "friendly" chatter soon turned into insults and harassment. That they ended up fighting twice because Wen Chao simply wouldn't leave him alone. That it was during the second fight that he smashed his head into the wall, pulled him back into the alley, smashed his head a few more times, and shoved him to the ground.

Then, while choking back more sobs, he revealed what happened afterwards. He didn't look at him, too afraid of what he might see in his expression.

"I'm sorry, Lan Zhan. I'm sorry," he concluded. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I wasn't strong enough to stop him. I tried to fight him and get him off me. I really did. I know I should have came home earlier. If you hate me for this, I don't blame you. Maybe Wen Chao was right...maybe this is my fault..."

After all, it wasn't likely that Wen Chao would have been around if he had left the campus sooner.

Lan Zhan placed a finger on his lips before he could continue. "Wei Ying...stop."

He was beyond outraged. Outraged at that bastard for daring to rape his Wei Ying, let alone touch him against his will and hurt him. What angered him more - as well as broke his heart - was the fact that Wei Ying even considered that this may be his fault.

He rarely, if ever, desired to murder anyone. Now, he wanted nothing more than to kill Wen Chao with his bare hands. Or, at the very least, beat him senseless.

But it was not the time for that. He needed to take Wei Ying to the hospital. He would also have to tell the staff to report what Wen Chao did to the police, although he still wanted to make him pay for what he did personally. Both of their families had to be informed of this too.

Most importantly, he had to make sure that Wei Ying felt safe and loved. That he knew that he would do whatever it took to help him, and he wouldn't be the only one who would either.

Lan Zhan removed his finger after he became silent and kissed him again. "I want you to listen to me closely. I will never hate you for what happened. Nothing you had done or will do could even make me entertain the thought of hating you. What Wen Chao did to you is not your fault. It never will be. You have done nothing to deserve it, and I don't want you to believe that you did - or that this is your fault - for one more minute. There is no need to apologize because you have nothing to be sorry for. Do you hear me?" he inquired in a firm, but loving voice.

Wei Ying didn't answer. As much as he desperately wanted to believe everything he said, fear and doubt was still taking a greater hold of him.

Seeing this, Lan Zhan caressed his face. "Baobei...have I ever lied to you...or anyone?"

He closed his eyes as more tears welled in them. "No," he admitted.

If anything, Wei Ying often thought that he was always a little too honest. He couldn't lie if it killed him. Then again, that was one of many reasons why he loved him so much.

Lan Zhan nodded. "Mn. Then don't believe that I am now." He kissed him one more time, then helped him stand. "I will get a bag for your clothes and bring you something else to wear so that you can dry off and change. After that, we are going to the hospital."

Wei Ying froze. He knew what he meant without his statement being added to or explained. Furthermore, the hospital was the last place he wished to be.

He opened his mouth to protest, but Lan Zhan shook his head to cut him off.

"I understand that you don't want to go, but you have to. Wen Chao will not be allowed to get away with what he did to you. If you choose not to report him, then I will," the latter said.

There was no point in arguing. Wei Ying knew for a fact that he would. He would also carry him there if he felt he had to.

However, he too desired for Wen Chao to pay. Deep down inside, he was as furious as Lan Zhan was. Still, their efforts will have been in vain if nothing satisfactory took place after he gave his account of what happened.

But he also knew that Lan Zhan would do everything in his power to help him ensure that Wen Chao got what he deserved.

Bowing his head, Wei Ying sighed deeply and relented with a nod. Lan Zhan pulled him in for a strong embrace.

"I know you are afraid, but everything will be all right. As I said earlier, we will take care of this. He will never hurt you again. I love you so much, and I am here for you," Lan Zhan whispered, rubbing his back while swaying a little.

A lump rose in Wei Ying's throat. He squeezed his eyes shut once more as he clung to him, trying to keep his tears at bay. If only Lan Zhan knew how much he really needed to hear those words, to feel his arms around him at that moment. "I love you too," he choked out.

Several minutes later, Lan Zhan kissed him on the lips. "I will be back. If you prefer that I stand outside the bathroom after I bring your change of clothes, I understand. I will leave the bag in here for you."

He couldn't help but feel guilty for the trauma he had caused him earlier. It was no wonder that he had fainted. He wouldn't have tried to undress him if he had known what Wen Chao did sooner.

If only he had paid more attention to his gut. If he had went to find him sooner or - better yet - picked him up, this would never have happened. Either that, or he could have stopped Wen Chao before everything had gone too far. Even though Wei Ying didn't tell him so, he knew that he had been unimaginably frightened. That he had been hoping and begging for him, for anyone, to help and save him.

"You can stay if you want to, Airen. I should be fine," Wei Ying murmured, breaking into his inner monologue. The former was touched by how considerate he was, as always. This actually made him feel somewhat better.

"Mn. But if you change your mind, please tell me," Lan Zhan requested.

Wei Ying nodded again, and he left the bathroom. He took off his clothes quickly and dried himself, but left certain areas and his bruises alone.

Lan Zhan returned soon after with another outfit and a large paper bag. Although Wei Ying still felt that sense of shame as he removed his towel to get dressed, it wasn't as intense as it had been before now that he told him everything. It had dissipated enough for him to not ask Lan Zhan to stand in the hall.

Besides, he knew that there was no need to be unsettled by his presence. Lan Zhan had seen him naked plenty of times over the last five plus years, and vice versa.

The only thing that bothered Wei Ying was the rage flashing in his eyes as he stared at his bruises. Seeing it made him avoid his gaze until he was fully dressed.

Once his other clothes were in the bag, they got ready to leave. The both of them quietly put on their coats, Wei Ying being in an absentminded daze, and Lan Zhan with his usual silence. The latter then wrapped an arm around his shoulder as they walked out of the house, using his umbrella to shield them from the downpour of rain.

They didn't speak much on their way to the hospital either, but Lan Zhan held his hand for the entire trip. He caressed it gently, reminding him that he was and would be there, that he still loved him. It was so comforting that a grin - even though it was a tiny one - lit up Wei Ying's expression for the first time since after he left the college.

Lan Zhan noticed and kissed his hand, the corners of his own mouth rising a bit. "There is my Wei Ying."

Indeed, his true nature was not as subdued as it appeared if he could manage to smile in spite of everything. He was stronger than even he himself thought he was. He hoped that Wei Ying would realize this someday, as it would help him heal. Nevertheless, he knew that it was still going to be a long process.

All too soon for Wei Ying, Lan Zhan was parking on the third floor of the hospital's indoor lot. He reluctantly stepped out of the car when he opened the door for him.

When they were standing in front of the entrance a moment later, Wei Ying froze. He knew that this was the best place for him to be, but he wanted nothing more than to pull away from him and go back home.

Lan Zhan squeezed his shoulder; he looked as if he knew what he was thinking. "I know that you don't want to be here, Wei Ying, but do not be afraid. I will remain by your side the entire time, unless it is necessary to leave the room, and help in any way I can," he assured him.

"But what if no one believes us? And even if they did, what if they don't take it seriously, just because I'm a man? What if they think it's all a joke? What if nothing is done?" he queried, voicing his inner fears.

"I would hope they would know better than that. They know me, and they also know that action would be taken if they don't do their jobs correctly."

This was only too true. The city was small enough that just about everybody knew or was acquainted with each other, especially Lan Zhan and his family. They were from old money and had a good deal of influence. Furthermore, almost everyone knew that he never told lies.

Wei Ying sighed again. "Do you promise to stay with me?"

He kissed him deeply. "Always."

Wei Ying sighed and nodded one more time, and they stepped into the hospital.

When he and Lan Zhan told the receptionist why he was there, she looked rather surprised. Nevertheless, he was almost immediately taken to a room after filling out the form she gave him.

Their physician, Doctor Tang, came in a few minutes later with a young woman whom he introduced as Nurse Li. The former asked Wei Ying to change into a gown, then explained how the exam would be performed.

"If you feel too uncomfortable, or want to stop or take a break at any point, do not hesitate to let either of us know, okay?" Nurse Li inquired in a kind voice when he was done. "The most important thing we need and want is for you to feel safe."

Wei Ying nodded. "Yes," he mumbled.

"Now, before we start, do you wish to have this reported to the police? It's optional, and completely up to you. You can always do it later if you don't want to tonight," Doctor Tang remarked.

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded a second time. "Yeah. I want it reported."

Lan Zhan grasped his hand softly.

"Very well. We will have that done for you."

After that, almost everything seemed to go by in a long, painful blur. Wei Ying was asked an endless number of questions, ranging from his medical history and any recent sexual activity to the incident that occurred earlier that evening.

While giving Doctor Tang and Nurse Li information about his sexual activity was embarrassing enough, telling them what happened was much more difficult. Shame filled his being once again as he recounted everything in full detail.

They listened with empathy and without judgment, patiently waiting whenever Wei Ying needed a moment to collect himself. For that, he was grateful and relieved.

He was given an X-ray to make sure that he didn't have a concussion or any other head injuries. The rest of examination was nothing short of humiliating. He felt exposed as certain areas of his body were swabbed and samples of his hair, blood, and urine were taken. The other areas being checked made him want to vanish. The feeling increased when they took several pictures of his injuries. If it wasn't for Lan Zhan's presence, he wouldn't have had courage to let them continue.

Nevertheless, Doctor Tang and Nurse Li remained professional, kind, and understanding. They let him know that he was doing a wonderful job and reminded him that he could stop at any time.

Everything was stored away once they had finished treating his injuries, including the paper bag that contained his damp clothes, book bag, and umbrella. Nurse Li thanked Lan Zhan for that, as paper bags were good for preserving any evidence.

"We usually prefer that no one changes their clothes if they choose to have this exam, but I understand why you told him to," she added.

Wei Ying frowned as he turned to Lan Zhan. "But what about the things that were in my bag?" he asked him.

"They are in the living room at home. I will buy another one for you soon," he murmured.

Not long after, the police arrived. Wei Ying was so exhausted at this point that he didn't want to talk to anyone else. They had been there for over three hours, and he just wanted to go home.

Both he and Lan Zhan were taken to another room where they could have privacy. The policemen questioned Wei Ying about what happened after he was as comfortable as he could possibly get. They also asked when and where it did, and if he knew the person who assaulted him. Wei Ying gave them Wen Chao's name and told them everything they needed to know.

They spoke to Lan Zhan next, who confirmed his story. He also told them what happened after Wei Ying came home and answered other questions they had for him.

It was another hour or so before they were discharged. Doctor Tang gave him a list of any items and medications he would need, along with a business card with the number of a therapist he knew. He handed him a note to show his teachers as well, advising him to take a few days off from his classes. He also wanted him to come back during the week for testing.

The policemen stayed to follow up with Doctor Tang and Nurse Li and collect what they needed. They spoke to Wei Ying and Lan Zhan again, and informed them that someone would be in contact with them soon.

"Let's go home, Wei Ying," Lan Zhan whispered after they signed the last of the papers they needed to fill out.

"Okay," he mumbled, standing up.

"Good-bye, Mr. Wei and Mr. Lan. Please do not hesitate to call if you need anything," Doctor Tang said.

Lan Zhan shook his hand. "We won't. Good-bye."

Wei Ying only nodded in response, and they left.

The ride home began as quietly as their trip to the hospital did. It wasn't until they were halfway there when Lan Zhan spoke.

"I called everybody," he announced.

Wei Ying, who had his face buried in his coat as he leaned against him, looked up. "When?" he asked.

He remembered that there were a few times that he had stepped out during his examination, but he wasn't gone for long.

"While you were having your X-ray. I didn't tell them everything. Only that you had gotten into a fight, and then was attacked while you were on your way home," he responded.

"You didn't tell them what actually happened?"

"No, but only because I didn't want to risk it being overheard. I know that you would not have wanted me to either. Not while we were there. But I did let them know that we would explain everything later."

He couldn't argue with that, as he was right. "Did they say anything?"

"Shijie wanted to come to the hospital right away. She is quite worried about you..."

Shijie was Wei Ying's foster sister, Jiang Yanli. The two of them had always been close ever since her father - Jiang Fengmian - took him in. She and Lan Zhan bonded well too, so much that they regarded each other as brother and sister long before he and Wei Ying were engaged. The rest of his family approved of him enough to see him as a part of it also.

"...But I told her that it would be best if she visited you tomorrow, but only if you are up to it."

Wei Ying sighed. "Thank you." The last thing he wanted was for Jiang Yanli to see him in the state he was in earlier. It would have only made him feel worse. He already dreaded what they were going to tell her as it was. "What about everybody else? What did they say?"

"Jiang-shushu, Madam Yu, and Jiang Cheng also plan to visit tomorrow," Lan Zhan stated. Madam Yu and Jiang Cheng were Uncle Jiang's wife and son. "Jiang-shushu is also concerned, as is your brother, even if he didn't say it. You know how he is."

Wei Ying did, all too well. "And Madam Yu?"

"Highly irritated. She was the one who answered the phone because my call had woken her up. She put it on speaker so that I could talk to her and Jiang-shushu at the same time, but I had to shut her down when she said that you likely started the fight."

This would have amused Wei Ying at any other time. Lan Zhan was one of the few people who could. He didn't have to raise his voice or be disrespectful either.

Instead, Wei Ying's spirits fell at the idea that she thought this situation was his fault. She didn't even know what really happened.

Lan Zhan went on, saying that his brother - Lan Xichen - would call in the morning. His husband Meng Yao was asleep, but he would let him know what happened after he woke up. His uncle, Lan Qiren, expressed his concerns as well.

Wei Ying was relieved when they finally made it back home. All he wanted to do was sleep and forget about all this.

He took off his shoes and coat once they were inside. He headed for the stairs after that, but Lan Zhan placed a hand in the crook of his elbow to stop him.

"Baobei, don't you want to have dinner? I know that you must be hungry," he remarked.

Shaking his head, Wei Ying replied, "No. I don't really have an appetite. I'm just going to wash up and go to bed."

"But you haven't eaten at all tonight. Please...have something."

He sighed and gave in, knowing that he wouldn't let up. "Fine."

Lan Zhan warmed up the food he had cooked earlier. Wei Ying picked at his more than he ate, but he did manage to finish it.

"Let's go upstairs now. I'll run a bath for you," the former said after he had washed the dishes.

Wei Ying nodded as he took his hand. When they were in the bathroom, Lan Zhan proceeded to fill the tub with hot, steamy water.

"Would you like me to stay, or would you rather be alone?" he queried as Wei Ying got undressed.

"You can stay, sweetheart. I would really like that," the latter responded.

"Are you sure? I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"You don't have to worry about that. You never made me feel that way, and I feel better with you here. I'll be all right."

Lan Zhan bobbed his head. "Mn."

His bath was ready after a few minutes. Wei Ying sighed again as he lowered himself into the water. The heat of it relaxed his muscles and calmed him. He laid his head on the edge of the tub as Lan Zhan massaged his back and shoulders.

He soaked until the water began to feel cold, then took a quick shower and washed his hair. Lan Zhan helped him dry off afterwards before taking one himself.

"I will join you in a few minutes," he added while kissing him.

Wei Ying found himself smiling briefly for the second time that evening as he stepped into their room. He felt touched by his thoughtfulness once more as he put on his pajamas, wondering what he had done to deserve such an amazing fiancé.

You don't. You never deserved him, a voice that sounded like Wen Chao's abruptly sneered in his head.

He froze, the blood draining from his face. That never happened before.

How could you deserve anyone like him? the voice continued. Your fiancé's rich and practically perfect; he practically has it made. As I said before, he's probably just using you for your looks...because nothing else is special about you!

He gripped the edge of his drawer. That wasn't true. None of it was. It couldn't be. If Lan Zhan was really using him, he wouldn't have been there for him at all that evening...

It's all a ruse. I wouldn't be surprised if he is thinking of how to get rid of you at this very moment. Why do you think he isn't with you right now? Why do you think he chose to wash up after you? He probably can't even look at or touch you without feeling sick to his stomach. And who would blame him? You're disgusting!

No. That was a lie. He wouldn't have kissed him if he was disgusted by him...

As I said, it's all a ruse. He probably thinks that this is all your fault. No one would blame him for that either. After all, he knows you're a flirt; he probably thinks that you're nothing but an ugly, lying whore now.

He wasn't. He never asked for what happened...he never wanted it to...

But do you really think that he thinks that?

Wei Ying bowed his head as tears welled in his eyes.

For once, he didn't know what to think.

The voice laughed cruelly. Just you wait. You'll see everything for how it is soon enough, and you'll wish you had believed me sooner. Don't say that I didn't warn you.

And on that note, Wei Ying was left with silence.

He wiped his eyes as he laid down and slid the covers over his face. Even though a part of him really didn't believe him, the feeling of doubt that was now becoming all too familiar lingered.

What if he was right? What if it was true?

He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't notice Lan Zhan entering the room and putting on his own nightclothes. It wasn't until he felt the bed dip that he became aware of his presence.

"Baobei?" Wei Ying heard him murmur.

He pulled down the blanket to see Lan Zhan gazing at him with a hint of confusion.

"Why are you so far away?" he asked. He patted the space beside him. "Come."

Wei Ying didn't. He could only look away from him gloomily.

Lan Zhan frowned again before he understood what was going on. He reached over to take his hand gently. "Wei Ying...it's okay. I am not repulsed by you. See? I wouldn't touch you if I were. Come."

And remembering that he never lied to him, Wei Ying did, even if it was with some hesitation. His eyes closed as Lan Zhan brushed his hair away from his face.

"Wei Ying. My sweet baobei. Love of my life. You don't know how proud of you I am," he whispered as he continued to stroke his cheek.

"P-Proud?!" Wei Ying spluttered in shock. He must have heard wrong! "How? How can you be proud of me?"

Lan Zhan smiled at him fondly. "Because of how brave you are. I can see how hard all of this has been for you. To tell not only me, but other people what Wen Chao did. To receive help, and to have action taken."

"But I don't feel brave. I was too afraid to tell you...I was too afraid to tell anyone, let alone the police. I didn't want to go to the hospital either."

"Mn. I know, but you did anyway. Even when you thought that I would hate you. Even when you thought that they wouldn't believe or help you simply because you are a man." He pulled him onto his chest. "And that is why I am proud of you."

Wei Ying sighed. "I still have to tell my family and yours, though. I don't know how I'm going to be able to do that."

Imagining how they would react did nothing to boost his confidence either.

"Don't worry. I will help you tell them if you need me to. But you don't need to be afraid. All of them will help you in any way that they can, in spite of the differences that you may have with some of them. You won't be alone in this."

Shifting, Wei Ying mumbled, "Do you promise?"

Lan Zhan kissed his forehead. "Yes, baobei. They may not always tell you so, or may not have at all, but they love you so much. I love you so much. We would do anything for you."

Overcome with emotion, Wei Ying buried his face in his chest. Lan Zhan tightened his arms around him and began to hum a song. A song that he had created years ago.

WangXian.

Their song.

Wei Ying tried to hold back his tears as he ran his fingers through his hair, but quickly broke down in loud, unrestrained sobs. He just couldn't keep all of the hurt, all of the shame, all of the fear in anymore.

Lan Zhan kissed him again, rocking him back and forth as he cried into his shirt. "It's okay, baobei. Everything is going to be okay. My only regret is that I wasn't there for you when you needed me the most. I'm sorry, baobei. I'm so sorry. But I promise to always be here for you from now on," he vowed.

And even though he still felt a sense of doubt, even though a part of him still feared that he wouldn't, Wei Ying chose to believe him. And he tightened his hold on him.