2

"Wait, Jiang Cheng, wait up!" He shouted as he ran after his former sect brother, ignoring the screeching inside his head, and Jin Ling who was also chasing after them. The Jiang sect leader continued walking furiously and Wei Wuxian sprinted to reach him. He got close enough to grab him by the shoulder in order to spin him around and ask him what was wrong but his hand was shrugged off.

For the second time since he had lost his memories, Jiang Cheng's expression towards Wei Wuxian was murderous and Zidian sparked ominously in his hand.

"Leave me alone, Wei Wuxian!" He practically snarled before leaving a stunned Wei Wuxian to try and understand what had happened this time.

Jin Ling stood next to him and gave him a look that he could only interpret as pitying. Wei Wuxian still wanted to shake himself off and march towards Jiang Cheng but Jin Ling's arm in front of him stopped him.

"Give him a moment. Let's go see what the others found." He said and although he wanted to argue, he saw that Jin Ling also looked worried. He sighed and nodded as they both walked back towards the cabin.

He thought they had talked it out, that things were alright between them but…' Did I do something wrong? ' he wondered and prepared himself for the worst.

"Alright," he said but couldn't help glancing back in the direction his former shidi had gone off to.

Back at the cabin all four Lans stood in front of a coffin and all of them sported complicated expressions. Even Lan Wangji who's often expressionless looked displeased with whatever they had found inside.

"What is it?" He asked and when no answers were given, he walked closer to it in order to peek inside. What he saw turned his blood cold. For a moment he couldn't even hear the awful screaming inside his head.

He could make out someone's voice giving some sort of explanation, but it all sounded far away.

"...leader Jiang used to hunt down demonic cultivators. There were many rumors of torture and…"

Hunt down demonic cultivators. Torture. Death.

Wei Wuxian was familiar with the marks he saw, he had known for a long time what a scar from Zidian looked like. Madam Yu had often let out her anger at his antics by whipping him into obedience. Some days it would be a single lash meant to snap him to attention, other days she'd make him kneel and hit him until the lashes opened his skin and blood trickled down his backside. Those instances were rare but they were seared into his mind and onto his body. Well, his old one at least.

It was never something his core couldn't heal after a few weeks, though. She knew how much his body could take without breaking him. He always bounced back, it was never that bad. He deserved it. It was his own fault for not knowing how to behave properly; for being too loud, too carefree, too much like his mother.

Looking at the deep ugly scars on the man's body Wei Wuxian realized that the Madam of the Jiang sect could have done worse to him. He should count himself lucky that he hadn't been whipped to death.

The lashes could have been deeper. Full of hate instead of anger. He was lucky to have been given a home, to have been taken in by the Jiangs. He brought ruin to them just as Madam Yu had foretold. He had deserved every single lash.

A million thoughts ran through his head and he found himself lost in them all. His mind reminded him of how Jiang Cheng had seemed about to whip him on more than one occasion and on how the eldest disciples in the sect had looked at him with disdain.

Suddenly his first conversation with Lu Qing rang in his head 'After everything Sect Leader Jiang went through because of you, did you expect anything different?'

The voices inside his head grew louder, their nonsensical screaming forming actual words he could understand.

'You destRoyed Lotus Pi'- "But-Jiang Cheng said it wasn't my fault…'

'YoU killEd Jiang Yanli'-'I didn't!' He gripped his head between his hands.

"Master Wei, are you alright?"

'THe Wens died bEcause yOu were weaK!'- 'I can't remember them!'

"Senior Wei…?"

'Yo u K il l e d t he m a l l~ "No…"

"Wei Wuxian…"

He wants tO kill you- "STOP!"

"Wei Ying!"

A hand on his arm made his head jerk up and the sight of Lan Wangji's concern grounded him enough so that the voices softened to a murmur. Trying to focus he realized he was shaking, his breathing was too fast and that all the Lans in the room and Jin Ling were now staring at him with varying degrees of concern.

"Wangji, why don't you and master Wei go back to the inn? The juniors and I will take care of this."

"Mn" Lan Wangji moved his hand to wrap it around his wrist and dragged him outside.

With no other words, Lan Wangji led him away from the house, the corpse and the voices. Sadly, he couldn't leave behind the image of Zidian scarring someone's skin all because 'everyone ends up paying for my sins'.

They walked in silence until they had left the cabin far behind. Wei Wuxian could feel Lan Wangji constantly looking his way. He did his best to ignore the churning in his stomach and the whispers in his head and tried to give a reassuring smile. One look at Lan Wangji's face let him know he had failed. When had he gotten so good at reading the second jade of Lan?

"Aiyo, Lan Zhan. That was a little weird wasn't it? Thanks for keeping me company, I wonder how future me deals with the resentful energy, it's no fun at all!" He said and stopped them both by moving the hand that wasn't being held by Lan Wangji to rest on his other arm. His attempt at being comforting only caused Lan Wangji's frown to deepen.

The older male let go of Wei Wuxian's wrist and slightly turned away, leaving him feeling bereft of warmth. Of course the reminder of Wei Wuxian's cultivation would make Lan Wangji uncomfortable. Wei Wuxian himself wasn't too happy with it. He wanted Suibian back, he didn't even know where it was but he missed it like a lost limb. He cleared his throat and forced himself to apologize although the fog in his head made it hard to really know why.

"I didn't mean to upset you Lan Zhan, I know that my cultivation isn't something you approve off, I'm sorry for-"

"Wei Ying, there's no need to apologize" Wei Wuxian was surprised by the interruption but even more so by the words.

"Eh? You sure?" Lan Wangji shook his head.

"Then…" Wei Wuxian trailed off. He saw as Lan Wangji clenched his fist before he spoke.

"Jiang Wanyin's actions are not your fault," The words took a moment to register and Wei Wuxian felt indignant once they did.

"But it's my fault! Your uncle said it too, the cultivation world wouldn't allow for someone like me to… Jiang Cheng lost so much and it was all because of…"

The truth was that Wei Wuxian turned into a self fulfilling prophecy. Everything Lan Qiren, Madam Yu and Jiang Cheng had warned him about came true. But it was especially difficult for Jiang Cheng who had been angry at him for a long time. Wei Wuxian didn't blame him. He blamed himself, his negative emotions were directed inwards. Usually Wei Wuxian didn't hold on to anger but this feeling coiled around him and squeezed until he could barely feel anything but the shake of his own heart.

"I spent a long time blaming you for her death" Jiang Cheng hadn't just been angry at him, he hated him. He, at some point, had wanted him dead. Enough so to hunt down and kill people that reminded him of Wei Wuxian.

All because of the things Wei Wuxian had done, the lives he had destroyed. He couldn't look up at Lan Wangji. For all his shamelessness, he felt nothing but shame, guilt and anger.

"You did not cause that man's death" Wei Wuxian scoffed derisively.

"Didn't I?" he asked softly but in truth he had a hard time not blaming himself for everything. There was so much he didn't know, so much he didn't remember! Maybe he deserved it. Maybe Jiang Cheng had lied to him when he said it hadn't been his fau-

"Wei Ying…'' Lan Wangji's voice sounded truly angry and Wei Wuxian looked up only to drown in the intensity of those golden eyes. There was so much concern and care for him. Wei Wuxian realized that Lan Wangji didn't seem upset at him but rather for him. He didn't know if he deserved it.

"Even if we can't remember, you must have been told of the things I did and the deaths I caused. Lotus Pier, my family, the Wens, their blood is all in my hands and if I hadn't turned myself into-" a demonic cultivator? A demon? A monster? "-this, maybe people would have been safe from the same fate as me." He let out a self-deprecating laugh "Madam Yu was right when she called me a vile thing, too bad she didn't manage to whip the wickedness out of me."

"Wei Ying!" a hand on his shoulder jerked him to attention and Lan Wangji looked angry. No, not angry, he looked hurt . His expression alone was enough for Wei Wuxian to feel like ice cold water was suddenly dumped all over him.

"Lan Zhan I didn't mean…" he didn't know what to say but Lan Wangji merely grabbed his wrist again and squeezed once as if reassuring him.

"Resentment can affect a person's temper. I'll play Clarity.'' He said and Wei Wuxian had no choice but to nod. He suddenly felt unbelievably tired.

Lan Wangji once again started leading him away and on impulse Wei Wuxian broke free of the hold only to intertwine their fingers together. He wondered if such a thing would be welcome, luckily for him Lan Wangji just stared at their joined hands, blinked and squeezed once before pulling him along.

Back at the inn Lan Wangji had paid for a room and maneuvered Wei Wuxian until he was sitting in a meditative position. The second jade then brought out his guqin and strummed a few chords before diving into a serene melody which carried just enough spiritual energy to soothe the voices in his head. Although the resentment didn't leave him completely, as the song progressed Wei Wuxian felt himself settling into calmness, he even grew a little sleepy. Losing himself in the feeling, Wei Wuxian opened his eyes and took in the sight of the beautiful man in front of me. Eyes downcast, eyelashes casting shadows on his skin and elegant hands strumming chord after chord producing the most beautiful sounds. He remembered his fantasies about playing music with Lan Wangji and had to admit the reality was better than anything he could have imagined. Once the song was over and the strings had been stilled, Lan Wangji reached out for his wrist and checked Wei Wuxian's meridians.

"Thanks Lan Zhan, I feel better. You really are amazing at everything you do er-gege," He said and his words were quickly followed with a yawn. It did nothing to hide the dopey smile that had appeared on his face. Lan Wangji continued his examination.

"Do not fool around," these words only made Wei Wuxian lean forward and tilt his head so he could stare directly at Lan Wangji's eyes.

"I'm not! I'm being sincere in my flattery Wangji-xiong, you truly are the best." He said, watching with great delight as Lan Wangji's eyes widened and his ears turned pink. ' Lan Zhan is so great to tease'

Wei Wuxian was still thinking of just how far he could go with his teasing when Lan Wangji once again frowned.

"Er-gege what's with that face? I said I feel better" Lan Wangji let go of his wrist and swallowed before looking at him.

"What you mentioned before," He started and Wei Wuxian blinked. He had already forgotten most of what he said.

"Oh yeah, what did I say? Sorry, Lan Zhan. I didn't mean all that stuff. Must have been the resentment. I wonder how my older self manages it." He said and rubbed his knuckles against his nose.

"You mentioned being punished"

"Aiyo, you know just how much of a trouble maker I am! You were even in charge of punishing me once upon a time" He chuckled lightly but Lan Wangji remained serious.

"Only a grave offense merits being whipped."

Ah. That. Wei Wuxian shouldn't have mentioned it.

"Oi, it sounds worse than it was. Madam Yu had great control over her spiritual weapon. Most of the time it didn't hurt worse than a hit with a discipline paddle. Really, I promise Lan Zhan! Don't be upset, okay?" Wei Wuxian gave his most sincere smile and although Lan Wangji seemed somewhat hesitant he nodded. Wei Wuxian let out a relieved sigh.

"Is my er-gege worried about this one?"

"You should rest" He said and moved away only to be stopped as Wei Wuxian grabbed hold of him. A mischievous smirk on his face.

"Only if you lend me your lap, Lan Zhan!" he said with a wink. He truly was quite tired, maybe a nap would do him some good. He was going to skip lunch but he could just have a nice dinner to make up for it.

Although he had expected to be pushed away or called shameless, Lan Wangji averted his gaze for just a moment before he looked back, expression shy but determined.

"Mn."

"Wait, really?" he asked incredulously.

"If Wei Ying wants"

"Wei Ying wants!" He said and happily scooched closer and leaned down to rest his head on Lan Wangji's thigh. Being so near, he was surrounded by warmth, the scent of sandalwood and an overall sense of belonging that made it so he couldn't stop smiling.

To his surprise and delight, Lan Wangji hesitantly brought his hand to Wei Wuxian's and gently grabbed hold of the ends of his hair ribbon.

"May I?" Wei Wuxian felt his heart rate pick up and he bit his lip before he nodded, clever hands removed his ribbon and long elegant fingers began carding through his hair leaving him pliant to Lan Wangji's ministrations. The sensation was so pleasant Wei Wuxian was tempted to purr like a cat taking a nap in the sun.

"That's so nice er-gege" He said and found himself yawning, drowsiness overcoming him. "You should sing to me Lan Zhan, I bet you have a nice singing voice, everything about you is nice." He said sleepily and because Lan Wangji had apparently decided to do whatever Wei Wuxian asked of him, soon he could be heard humming. The song was beautiful and one could almost imagine a full story to go along with it. One of love and longing, of regrets and second chances. Wei Wuxian had never heard something so wonderful.

"That song's lovely Lan Zhan" He said in between yawns. "I don't think I've heard it before." he could barely keep his eyes open as Lan Wangji continued to run his hands through his hair and hum. "Is it a Gusu lullaby?...What's it called…?" Wei Wuxian fell asleep before he heard an answer.

His nap was cut short as he was woken up by loud voices and a discussion occurring nearby. He had half a mind to turn around and keep sleeping, ignoring Sect leader Jiang's and Madam Yu's screaming when someone shook his shoulder.

"Wei Ying," Recognizing Lan Wangji's voice Wei Wuxian was quick to get up.

"Aiyo Lan Zhan, what happened? How long have I been asleep?" He asked and Lan Wangji shook his head.

"Not long, it's just near dinner time. Xiongzhang and the juniors are back," the voices outside did sound like the juniors. It sounded like Jin Ling and that Lan boy, Sizhui were having some kind of argument. Both Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were quick to go outside to figure out what was going on.

Once outside they saw a nervous owner ushering his employees to the back of the establishment. An angry Jin Ling stood his ground, pointing at Lan Sizhui while glaring and shouting at him.

"I'm telling you, there's no way that's true!" he said and Sizhui remained calm but his eyes had a coldness to them that was at odds with the boy's gentle personality.

"I did not interpret it wrong nor did I ask the wrong question. Zewu-Jun can confirm there were no mistakes in my playing." he replied, to whichLan Xichen agreed with a nod.

"Young sect leader Jin, I can confirm Sizhui's words, we can speak calmly about this"

Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian walked over to where Lan Jignyi and Ouyang Zizhen stood.

"What's going on?" Wei Wuxian asked but Jingyi was too distracted by the arguing to answer him. Zizhen grimaced but explained.

"Sizhui performed inquiry on the man in the coffin and the answer the spirit gave were troubling,"

"How so?"

"Well-"

"My uncle wouldn't have done that to someone who didn't practice demonic cultivation! There's no way!" Jin Ling screamed and Sizhui continued to stare at him. Wei Wuxian walked over and placed a hand on Jin Ling's shoulder, effectively making him stop glaring at Sizhui.

"What exactly did the spirit say?" He asked but Jin Ling was too furious to answer. Sizhui bowed before he explained.

"We asked the basic questions. Who are you, where are you from, how did you die, who killed you and why. The spirit identified himself as Xu Ming. He remembered having lived somewhere called Qing Pin Village. When asked why he was near Yilling he said the war destroyed his home. We asked who killed him as is customary and he answered that it was the Jiang sect leader-"

Jin Ling scoffed. Sizhui swallowed before he continued.

"-The spirit refused to answer why he was killed so I asked if it was because he was a demonic cultivator and the spirit said no."

"And I'm telling you that's not possible! Jiujiu may have hunted down demonic cultivators but he wouldn't have-done that to someone innocent!" Jing Ling yelled and Sizhui clenched his fist.

"The spirits I summon may refuse to answer but they cannot lie" Sizhui insisted and Jin Ling turned and started walking away.

"Wait, Jin Ling, where are you going?" Wei Wuxian asked him.

"To talk to my Jiujiu!" Zizhen looked at everyone before nervously walking after the Jin sect leader. Jingyi looked towards them but stayed where he was, probably trying to show support to his fellow Lan clan member.

Wei Wuxian stood there unsure how to proceed. If what Sizhui said is true, then everything just got even more complicated and he had no idea how to make heads or tails with it. Zewu Jun had walked over to Sizhui and placed a hand on his shoulder. Lan Wangji walked towards him too and Wei Wuxian witnessed how the junior smiled at Lan Wangji. To his surprise Lan Wangji looked…fond.

The second jade of Lan had always been cold and aloof, it had taken them knowing they were married for him to stop treating Wei Wuxian with something like contempt. Seeing Lan Wangji be nice? To someone he just met? (even if it was a cousin or something) left Wei Wuxian with a bitter taste in his mouth.

Wei Wuxian turned around, intent on following Jin Ling and not having to look at the Lans in the room any longer. 'Maybe Lan Zhan just behaves differently with family ' he reasoned and refused to be upset about it.

"Master Wei, are you going after young sect leader Jin?" Lan Xichen asked with an ever pleasant smile present on his face.

"Ah, I'm going to find Jiang Cheng, he's been gone for quite a while, someone should go after him. He's always like that" He said and Lan Xichen's smile froze. He was about to say something when Sizhui spoke.

"Sect leader Jiang's temper has been known to be volatile. It would be safer if you stay here," He said and Wei Wuxian was really starting to dislike this particular Lan disciple.

"I know how he can be, but we grew up together. I know him" Wei Wuxian defended.

"Forgive me senior Wei, but he's not the person you knew." He stated. Wei Wuxian had half a mind to argue with the teen when Lan Xichen interrupted.

"Sizhui," Lan Xichen said his name as a reprimand and the Lan junior turned and bowed to his sect Leader.

"This one apologizes" He said before also bowing to Wei Wuxian.

"Ah, no need. It was nothing really," He said feeling uncomfortable at having a young master of high standing bowing to him even if it was in apology. Sizhui stood straight and sent a nod his way.

"I uh, appreciate you worrying, but I don't believe Jiang Cheng would hurt me. I'd feel better if I went to talk to him" He explained and looked up to Lan Wangji who was refusing to look at him. Sizhui stared at him but his expression was as blank as Lan Wangji's usually was. Jingyi just kept looking back and forth at anyone's faces. Finally Lan Xichen broke the silence.

"Of course master Wei. Just let us know if you need anyone to join you" Wei Wuxian waved away the offer and after whispering a promise to sneak into Lan Wangji's room after he talked with Jiang Cheng, he set off to look for him.

"Two decades and you still sulk on rooftops?" Wei Wuxian asked once he found his former shidi. He was sitting on a roof with a jar of wine in hand and an empty one by his feet. Jiang Cheng turned to glare at him but it didn't have the same intensity as it had earlier that day when he walked out of the cabin.

"I already sent Jin Ling away, what do you want?" he asked, taking a swig of the jar in his hand.

"Mind if I join you?" He asked and the Jiang sect leader simply rolled his eyes and waved the jar of wine to motion for him to sit wherever he wanted.

"Aiya, you didn't save one for me? You still owe me one you know," He said it jokingly but Jiang Cheng shook his head before he pulled another jar and passed it to him.

"Oh wow, thanks!" He said and opened the jar to sniff the wine. "You really went for something strong" He said before taking a sip. It wasn't the worst wine he had tasted but it was one of the strongest he could remember having. "Not bad, it's no emperor's smile but it does the job" He said with a smile to which Jiang Cheng scoffed.

"Spare me,"

He chuckled softly and they just sat side by side watching as the sun went down.

"So, are you gonna talk about it? Also, Jin Ling was worried, ya know?" He asked once enough time had passed and enough wine had been drunk.

"I know. And talk about what?" Jiang Cheng was now glaring at the distance and Wei Wuxian tried his best to remain patient. When he usually ran across a grumpy Jiang Cheng, he'd hassle him into playing around, taking a dive in one of the lakes or just pranking the shidis. He did not think that would be the correct approach.

"About whatever it is that's bothering you I guess," he said with a shrug. Jiang Cheng rolled his shoulders and leaned back to lean on one hand while the other still held onto the jar of wine.

"Isn't it obvious?" He laughed. It was an ugly sound with no joy or warmth. Wei Wuxian hated it. "I'm being haunted by the ghosts of my past!" Wei Wuxian frowned.

"Because of the man in the coffin?" He asked and Jiang Cheng stared at him like he was dumb.

"Him, you, everything." Jiang Cheng smiled and took another sip. "It's funny. The last time we talked," He motioned to him "before all this, the last thing you said to me was to forget the past. Or well, something along those lines, you said: 'It's all in the past. It's been too long. There's no need to struggle with it any longer'. And I've been trying. I have; for Jin Ling and for myself. Yet you show up, with no memories save for those I've been trying to forget. And now someone I hurt it's at the center of whatever is going on." Jiang Cheng let out another bitter laugh "How is it that you still manage to be better than me at everything? You literally went and just up and forgot it all. You know, our motto wasn't meant to be taken as a personal challenge by you," he took another swig of his wine and frowned when nothing came out. He turned and grabbed another jar. Wei Wuxian wondered just how many he had bought.

Jiang Cheng turned to look at him, eyes searching but for what, he didn't know. "How do I forget the past if the past won't let go of me, Wei Wuxian? How was it so easy for you to leave it all behind yet I'm stuck? Everytime I think I'm close to forgetting…"

Wei Wuxian remained quiet as he pondered his words quietly for a while.

"You want to forget we were brothers?" The words came out more broken than he meant, softer and cracked but he couldn't help it.

"Fuck. Don't you?" The question shocked him and he waited for Jiang Cheng to explain himself. The Jaing sect leader leaned forward and rubbed the back of his neck, refusing to look at Wei Wuxian.

"You saw what I did to that man. I did that to a lot of people just for practicing demonic cultivation. I did it to everyone who reminded me of…"

"...Everyone who reminded you of me?"

Jiang Cheng was quiet for a while.

"...Of how far I thought you'd fallen."

Wei Wuxian looked away unsure of how to feel at that statement. He didn't know how his future self felt about things but he truly couldn't imagine a world in which he would want to forget about him or Jiang Yanli. Even if the memories were painful, he wanted them all.

"Not all of my memories are happy ones," He said.

"Thank the heavens you lost them then!"

Wei Wuxian smiled sadly as he shook his head.

"I meant, the ones I have right now," Jiang Cheng turned to look at him questionably "Living in the streets was hard. People were mean, I was hungry, fighting dogs for food wasn't…" He swallowed, trying not to think too hard about those particular memories. "But some people were kind. A granny who would always give me sweet bread when she had leftovers, a street vendor who saved watermelon rinds for me and even a little boy… giving me his rattle drum" He said with a soft smile and watched as Jiang Cheng's eyes grew wide.

"It was the same at Lotus Pier. I had fun, I never went hungry and I had a family. I didn't pay much mind to what people called me or how they cursed my parents. I didn't let the pain of a punishment take away all the good things I had gained. Even If things got messed up and I'm now living in Cloud Recesses…I don't think there's any version of me who'd want to forget about my life in Lotus Pier. I wouldn't want to forget you, Jiang Cheng."

"But you said…"

"I said you shouldn't struggle with it, not that you should forget about it all." He said confidently and grinned at Jiang Cheng whose eyes were now suspiciously watery.

Predictably Jiang Cheng looked away and started grumbling under his breath. The familiarity of his former shidi's angry grumbling brought a more genuine smile to his face.

"But…we still need to talk about…" He trailed off not wanting to sour the mood but knowing it was important.

Jiang Cheng sighed.

"I don't remember his name. It happened sometime before you came back. I got reports of someone controlling walking corpses near Yilling and went to check it out. We followed the corpses and found him. He didn't put up a fight, he just surrendered himself." He shook his head as he frowned. "We got suspicious of course and I…I wanted to know why he gave himself up. Was he planning to be brought to Lotus Pier and then attack us? My mind went to the worst possible conclusions but no matter what I did, the man didn't talk." Jiang Cheng scowled "I had Lu Qing bury him after. I assumed that upon being found by me he just gave up but now…" He trailed off as Wei Wuxian went over the story.

"One of the Lan boys, Sizhui, performed inquiry. The mans name was Xu Ming. But…"

"I'm not going to like this, am I?" Jiang Cheng said and scowled.

"Probably not" He admitted with a grimace

"Well, out with it then" He said as he took one final swing of his wine.

"The spirit said he…wasn't a demonic cultivator" Wei Wuxian watched as Jiang Cheng hung his head letting out a sigh.

"Of course he wasn't," He muttered to himself. He lifted his head and stared at the distance again. The sky had already darkened so it was getting difficult to make out Jiang Cheng's expression. "With how much I always told you not to play the hero, maybe someone should have told me not to play the villain" He whispered.

"We are all villains in someone's story, I should know. I'm the evil Yilling Patriarch after all. There's literal history books calling me the bad guy!" Jiang Cheng huffed a laugh and punched his shoulder. Wei Wuxian laughed and they both let the tension of the day bleed out of them.

It was a bad habit of theirs, drinking when expectations or tensions got too high. Wei Wuxian would act silly and Jiang Cheng would voice all the self-deprecating thoughts he tried to snuffle out. He knew that come morning Jiang Cheng would put those feelings away and power through whatever was thrown at him, even if just out of spite. Wei Wuxian would be right alongside him.

They weren't okay now, but they would be. All that was left now was to figure out who dug the man's grave and how that relates to their curse. Just great.

Jiang Cheng set off in search of Jin Ling and Wei Wuxian made his way to his room disappointed that he had missed dinner but not regretful. He was trying to fix what was broken and it would take time and effort. Missing a meal really wasn't much.

Once inside the room he looked towards the low table and saw food containers with a warming talisman. There was no note but he could recognize the elegant characters anywhere. The food was warm and well seasoned, with a jar of chili oil sitting next to it. Letting out a delighted squeal, he swallowed down all of his food before hurrying to Lan Wangji's room. He wasn't worried about anyone seeing him, they were married after all!

Wei Wuxian made his way and, because it wasn't curfew yet, he threw open the door planning to jump straight to Lan Wangji's arms.

His plan was thwarted by the simple fact that Lan Wangji was not in his room. Pouting Wei Wuxian decided to search for him. During his search he ran into Lan Jingyi.

"Senior Wei! Everything okay?" He asked and Wei Wuxian grinned at him.

"Yes, yes just looking for your Hanguang Jun, any idea where he might be?"

"Oh, Hanguang Jun and Sizhui went for a walk sometime ago, they should be back soon!" He said cheerfully. Wei Wuxian thanked him for the information all the while insisting that he would just go out and meet with them. Wei Wuxian smiled as he left all the while trying to ignore that sour taste in his mouth which was now turning bitter.

Really, that Lan Sizhui might have seemed polite but even a blind man could see the animosity the teen had towards Jiang Cheng. Wei Wuxian didn't like that at all. 'And why was he so close to Lan Zhan? Or rather…Why is Lan Zhan so close to him?!'

It took him some time but he finally found them. The two were walking side by side talking in soft tones. The soft light of lanterns lit their way and Wei Wuxian could see Lan Sizhui face was full of smiles while Lan Wangji had his full attention on the other boy. Wei Wuxian's eyes narrowed. He walked right up to them with a smile on his face and grabbed onto Lan Wangji's arm much like a love struck maiden finally getting to spend some time with her lover.

"Lan Zhan! I was looking for you!" He said giddily and felt positively enamored by how Lan Wangji looked back at him with a soft expression.

"Wei Ying" Wei Wuxian let the timbre of his voice wrap around him like a warm blanket "Have you eaten?"

Wei Wuxian leaned his head on his shoulder and hummed his ascent much like Lan Wangji would. "I wanted to thank you for the food, er-gege" He said and was going to tease Lan Wangji for being such a loving spouse when Sizhui tried to excuse himself.

"I should take my leave" However, Lan wangji shook his head and removed himself from Wei Wuxian's hold.

"You should talk," He said and threw a pointed glance to Lan Sizhui and Wei Wuxian, whose facial expression must have surely been showing just how betrayed he was feeling.

"Hanguang Jun, there's no need t-"

"But Lan Zhan! Why do I ha-"

Neither one was able to continue their complaining as Lan Wangji silenced them. Keeping his expression as neutral as possible he spoke.

"There is much you should discuss," He said and then turned to Wei Wuxian 'I'll see you later, Wei Ying" He reached forward to squeeze Wei Wuxian's hand once before leaving him alone with Lan Sizhui.

Wei Wuxian didn't feel particularly happy about the situation but he reasoned that if it would make Lan Wangji happy to have him him to talk to this Lan Sizhui then he could at least try.

"Did your talk with sect leader Jiang go well?" Lan Sizhui asked all the while keeping his eyes on the ground between them. Wei Wuxian pursed his lips before letting out an exaggerated sigh.

"Well, I'm fine aren't I?" he asked and watched as the teen lowered his head even more. A stab of guilt cut through him and Wei Wuxian tried to be polite.

"Look, I'm sorry. Um, Jiang Cheng and I have been talking, I'd like a chance to fix things with him. I know horrible things happened but, I can't turn my back on him just because of the mistakes he made. Heck, I've read the books I know I myself made plenty of those" He said and shook his head. "I still view him as my brother even though I know things have changed. You might know him as a sect leader but when I see him all I see is my little brother," He looked up and hoped Lan Sizhui would understand, yet the teen looked even more upset than before.

"Senior Wei" the seriousness in the teens voice gave Wei Wuxian pause. "You remember the boy you grew up with, while I remember being a little boy held in the arms of a brave man who comforted me and told me not to worry as my aunt had to stitch up a stab wound he got from his so-called brother. I remember a man who hid me in a tree trunk to keep me safe from the Jiang sect leader and the siege he was leading against my family. I remember watching the closest thing I had to a father die because he had grown up with, along with the rest of the world had turned against him" The teen's clenched fists were visibly shaking with anger, tears welling up in his eyes. All Wei Wuxian could do, was listen to him as the words sunk in and his heart broke.

"I'm sorry, but I don't care about who he was 20 years ago, I know the sect rules prohibit anger and hate but I don't forgive him and I don't trust him not to hurt my Xian-gege again!" The boy lifted his sleeve to cover his eyes as he cried. Wei Wuxian stood there stunned as pieces slowly started falling into place. The guilt he had started feeling threatened to overcome him. Just then Lan Xichen approached.

"Sizhui, Jingyi was looking for you" the Lan Sect leader said and Sizhui wiped his face before bowing and leaving.

Wei Wuxian wanted to reach out to him but words escaped him. Wei Wuxian turned to Lan Xichen hoping for some kind of explanation but the first jade of Lan just looked apologetic.

"Did you hear all that?"

"Most of it, yes"

"Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"His connection with you has never been publicized. When Wangji brought him to the Cloud Recesses just days after the siege, we feared that people could have suspected his true identity and that it would have endangered the child so it was not made public knowledge. Most assume he is a distant cousin and we've done little to stop those particular rumors.". He explained and Wei Wuxian's eyes widened in realization. ' Lan Zhan knew, that's why he wanted me to talk to him'

"I see…"

"Sizhui is a kind and gentle soul. He's not one to harbor hate but he is very protective of both you and Wangji. You are the only family he has left after all" And Wei Wuxian nodded but still felt dejected over how he had behaved towards someone who was basically his son? (Wei Wuxian firmly believed he was much too young to be a teenager's father! Xianxian was three years old!)

"Master Wei, I'm sure Sizhui won't hold any of this against you. In ignorance, we all make mistakes" He said and Wei Wuxian grimaced.

"Seems like I've made more than most" He said to which Lan Xichen laughed.

"It is not a competition but if it was, I myself would be in the running," his teasing tone made Wei Wuxian smile. He let out a sigh and looked up towards the starry sky.

"How does one even see past all this darkness?" Lan Xichen chuckled.

"I'm not sure I'm the best person to ask. If it were up to me, I would still be locked away, punishing myself for my failures." He said, reminding Wei Wuxian of his seclusion.

"Then, what brought you here?" He asked, hoping for the guidance he desperately needed.

"Nothing grand, Master Wei. In fact, I think it's a sentiment you might agree with; No matter what happens, I'm still an older brother" He said and smiled before bidding Wei Wuxian goodnight.

"How did it go?" Lan Wangji asked as soon as Wei Wuxian stepped into his room. Wei Wuxian however felt like he was about to crumble.

"Say Lan Zhan, could I…" He extends his arms as if asking for a hug. He felt quite shy for doing such a thing but he sighed with relief as Lan Wangji nodded and opened his arms.

Wei Wuxian happily walked into the embrace and shamelessly burrowed his face on Lan Wangji's neck. He took advantage of his position and inhaled deeply the scent of sandalwood which he was learning to associate with safety and comfort.

"Lan Zhan, do you also feel weird having a teenager to take care of?" he asked and Lan Wangji huffed.

"I have two" he answered and Wei Wuxian frowned.

"What? Is Jingyi our kid too?" But Lan Wangji shook his head.

"I have Sizhui and you" Wei Wuxian leaned back from their embrace to gape at the second jade of Lan.

"Y-you! Lan Zhan! Are you making fun of me?!" he asked indignantly but Lan Wangji saw through his act.

"Not making fun. " Wei Wuxian hung his head forward, letting his forehead rest on Lan Wangji's chest as he groaned.

"So mean er-gege, so cruel."

"I apologize for not mentioning it before." Wei Wuxian looked up and waved his hand dismissively.

"About Sizhui? Don't worry, it's not like there was ever any time. I still have to make things right with him though. You'll have to help me with that, Lan Zhan!" He said and Lan Wangji nodded. Wei Wuxian let out an affectionate laugh as he placed his hand on Lan Wangji's chest.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

They stared into each other's eyes, Wei Wuxian smiled and Lan Wangji gazed at him fondly. Wei Wuxian lifted his hand to run his fingers through a lock of hair and while doing so he grabbed hold of Lan Wangji's forehead ribbon. The other boy tensed and hissed.

"Hm?"

"Wei Ying, don't tease" He said, moving his hands to grip Wei Wuxian's hips harshly. Wei Wuxian was surprised by the action but bit his lip at the sensation. He focused enough to wonder what Lan Wangji meant and their previous encounter the night before made him think that whatever he had done, Lan Wangji wasn't against it.

"How am I teasing you Lan Zhan?" He asked as he wrapped his fingers around the ribbon. Lan Wangji's stare changed into something intense, golden eyes blazing. It made Wei Wuxian feel like he could burn just from having those eyes on him.

"You have written the Lan sect rules. You know." Lan Wangji bit off word by word as Wei Wuxian continued to play with his ribbon.

"The rules? Is it because I'm playing with your ribbon? I don't remember anything about them though. Is it special?" He asked and Lan Wangji leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss on the shell of his ear.

"Mn. Can only be touched by certain people" he whispered and Wei Wuxian closed his eyes and bit off a moan which almost escaped him. Fighting to keep focus, he blinked a few times.

"Who has permission to touch it then?" he asked and let out a whine as Lan Wangji dragged his teeth across the skin of his neck making Wei Wuxian shiver. Who knew Lan Wangji could be so forward!

"Myself," a kiss to his neck, "family," a kiss to his jaw, "my spouse." a kiss to his temple which made Wei Wuxian whine.

Wei Wuxian looked up through half lidded eyes and smirked. Wei Wuxian should really know better than to poke a sleeping dragon, but he really was enjoying Lan Wangji's reactions and he wanted more of this side of him. He leaned forward until his lips caressed Lan Wangji's own.

"Good thing we are already married then," He said as he pulled off the ribbon in one smooth motion.

In an instant, Lan Wangji had leaned forward to connect their lips into a passionate kiss. He bit Wei Wuxian's lower lip, making him gasp. He took advantage of that and pushed his tongue forward, invading his mouth. Wei Wuxian struggled to keep up with the onslaught and the indecent sounds made by their mouths as they continued to kiss until both were breathless.

Kissing Lan Wangji in such a way was intoxicating and Wei Wuxian reciprocated with enthusiasm by letting both their tongues dance in unison as they tasted each other. The quiet of the night was replaced with soft moans and pants.

Lan Wangji's hands had at some point moved from his waist to his backside and although Wei Wuxian should have felt mortified, instead he pressed forward so the lengths of each other's bodies were against one another. Wei Wuxian leaned back with a satisfied smirk after feeling the evidence of Lan Wangji's interest in their activities, pressed against his hip.

"Lan Zhan, you seem to be very into this" He gasped out as Lan Wanji held him tighter, with bruising strength as he continued to kiss Wei Wuxian's neck all the way to his collarbones. Wei Wuxian was absolutely thrilled by it.

"Mn." He hummed as he continued to kiss and bite every inch he could reach. He pulled back slightly and moved one of his hands to grab hold of Wei Wuxian's robes and pull them off to reveal more of his chest. Wei Wuxian couldn't stop the way he shivered as he saw the way Lan Wangji looked at him, as if he was ready to devour him. It should have scared him, It did the opposite.

"Lan Zhan so mean, biting your poor Wei Ying so much" he babbled and Lan Wangji pulled back and frowned.

"Did I hurt you?" He asked and Wei Wuxian felt tempted to laugh at how cute he looked with his half hooded eyes, bare forehead, loose hair and spit covered lips.

"My er-gege would never hurt me. Don't stop Lan Zhan" He whined as he pulled Lan Wangji's lapels, bringing him forward to continue their kissing. Lan Wangji's hands made their way back to Wei Wuxian's backside, his hands kneading and squeezing his plump cheeks. Wei Wuxian hugged his neck and smiled into their kiss. Lan Wangji took advantage of where his hands were positioned and lifted Wei Wuxain off his feet like he weighed nothing.

As If on instinct, Wei Wuxian wrapped his legs around the second jade of Lan's waist and moaned as he felt himself rub against Lan Wangji's abdomen. The friction was fantastic and he found himself rocking into it. Lan Wangji groaned and his hands tightened even more, Wei Wuxian was sure he'd leave a bruise.

"That was so hot Lan Zhan, really you are so strong, you could do anything you wanted to me and I would just have to take it" He babbled and Lan Wangji groaned. Wei Wuxian was sure it was his new favorite sound.

Without stopping his kisses, Lan Wangji carried him to the bed and dropped him down. Wei Wuxian was on his back, breathing hard and fast, robes mostly undone leaving his upper body bare. Lan Wangji stared down at him, hair loose, forehead bare and lips kiss bitten. What a picture they both made.

Lan Wangji's lips moved just enough so Wei Wuxian could tell he was smirking.

"Oh Lan Zhan! If you look at me like that I don't know what to do!" Wei Wuxian said as he squirmed in the bed anxious for Lan Wangji to join him in it. Lan Wangji leisurely removed his clothing piece by piece until he only had his inner robe on.

Wei Wuxian watched with rapt attention and parted lips the whole process, greedily taking in the sight of the second jade of Lan undressing. He could feel his mouth watering and his length twitched in interest more than once.

Lan Wangji's eyes trailed down, having noticed the small movement even underneath his tented pants. Wei Wuxian blushed at the attention but just then Lan Wangji climbed on top of him. He held himself off from crushing Wei Wuxian with both hands on either side of his face and a knee between his thighs. That single point of contact was enough to make Wei Wuxian whine pitifully.

"Er-gege, please, don't be mean. I want, I need, I-"

"Wei Ying, what do you want?" Lan Wagji asked as he licked Wei Wuxian's neck in a slow single hot swipe. Wei Wuxian couldn't hold back moaning his name.

"Lan Zhan please" he begged as he moved his hips in search of friction. Lan Wangji bright down one of his hands to grab Wei Wuxian's hip and pin him to the bed.

"Behave" He growled and Wei Wuxian could almost cry at this point.

"Please er-gege, Can you- I need…touch me" He begged and Lan Wangji bit his neck again, this time more harshly than all the others.

Lan Wangji moved the hand grabbing Wei Wuxian's hip and fumbled with both of their pants until he had finally freed both of their lengths. Wei Wuxian glanced down and couldn't help but gape at the second jade's size.

"Lan Zhan! That won't fit in me!" He said and Lan Wangji froze. Wei Wuxian looked up, worried that he had offended him or said something wrong. He didn't know about these things and didn't want to ruin the moment!.

"Eh? Lan Zhan?"

Silence.

"Er-gege?"

"Would …" He cleared his throat, "Would you want that?" He asked, voice tight with restraint. Wei Wuxian did his best to answer honestly.

"I would like to try it I think but, maybe not now?" He said and let out a nervous chuckle, he was blushing so much he was sure his face must have looked as red as his hair ribbon. "We could do other stuff before you try stabbing me with that" He said and pointed at Lan Wangji's impressive member.

Lan Wangji closed his eyes and nodded before leaning down to press a tender kiss on Wei Wuxian's forehead. Wei Wuxian relaxed into it and smiled before he moved his hand to the back of Lan Wangji's neck in order to pull him forward and deepen the kiss.

He nibbled on his lips while Lan Wangji moved his hand to wrap it around Wei Wuxian's length. He used his thumb to press on the head where an embarrassing amount of precum was gathered and used it to slick his whole length. He hissed at the sensation and tried not to think about just how desperate for release he truly was. Lan Wangji gave it a few slow experimental strokes but once Wei Wuxian rocked into it, he began stroking him in earnest.

Wei Wuxian was a panting, moaning mess as Lan Wangji continued to fisting his length. He kept licking and biting as his hand kept on a steady pace.

Wei Wuxian's hands were tangled in Lan Wangji's hair as he cried out Lan Wanji's name over and over again.

He wanted to touch Lan Wangji too but when he tried to move his hands down to touch him, Lan Wangji bit him and whispered "no need".

Wei Wuxian had no choice but to accept it and cry as Lan Wangji's pace picked up to a torturous pace rougher and faster than how Wei Wuxian would have ever touched himself. He loved it. Having Lan Wangji be rough with him at this moment just felt right.

"Lan Zhan, I'm…I'm almost…" He warned but Lan Wangji didn't stop. He continued to stroke and grunt and kiss and Wei Wuxian continued to feel the build up reaching its peak until he finally let go.

When he came, his whole mind went blank and fuzzy as his whole body trembled with the aftershocks of his release which now coated his own bare abdomen.

He managed enough focus to open his eyes and stare at Lan Wangji's own fiery golden gaze as he grabbed onto his own length and stroked himself to completion letting his release join Wei Wuxian's with a guttural groan.

Panting and undone, Lan Wangji let himself fall forward as the both fought to catch their breath. Wei Wuxian could do little more than stare at him in wonderment, feeling incredibly fortunate to be the only able to see him in such a state.

The next few moments were but a hazy memory as he felt himself being wiped clean and redressed before he settled comfortably in bed.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Wei Wuxian ended up spending the night in Lan Wangji's bed. All of the day's events had worn him out and he was falling asleep even before Lan Wangji joined him. He was awake enough to feel as Lan Wangji laid down next to him, hugging him to his chest and pressing a soft kiss on his forehead. He smiled, feeling content.

"Lan Zhan, I don't know about our future selves but we should do this often. Maybe everyday" He mumbled.

"Everyday?" Lan Wangji asked him and Wei Wuxian nodded before yawning.

"Mark your words" Was the last thing he heard before sleep claimed him.