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Chapter Text

Summer had hit its peak in Suzhou. Mid-July had come around, and with it, the hottest days of the year. Temperatures sizzled, and the bright sun added to the heat. Many had flocked to the rivers and the shade trees  in an attempt to cool off, and this is what Wei Ying would have done, had he been awake.

It was the tenth week of Wei Ying’s coma.

At first, despite finding  Lan Zhan’s presence aggravating him to no end, he was now in the opposite. The silence unbearable at first, Jiang Cheng, to his horror, realizing that he was used to the loud chatter of Wei Ying, but he now didn’t find the silence oppressive. Lan Zhan was quiet, but also reassuring with his presence, and though he didn’t say much, whatever he said was more impactful. He didn’t mince words, but simply said what needed to be said.

Lan Zhan’s belief that Wei Ying would wake up again never wavered, not once. If Wei Ying was the ship that guided everyone to calm waters, Lan Zhan was the anchor that made sure that ship didn’t float away. His calm, steadfast personality grounded Wei Ying, and Jiang Cheng also felt a similar effect.

Jiang Cheng strolled through the hospital doors, and to Wei Ying’s hospital room. He no longer felt a sense of oppressive dread as he walked into his rooms, but still, he did feel guilt churn. He didn’t bring anything for Wei Ying this time, but some snacks for Lan Wangji’s vigil.

“...and then the prince of the Xian Le kingdom came down—” Lan Zhan narrated, lifting his head from the tablet he was using as Jiang Cheng entered the room. “Jiang Cheng.”

“Hey, reading a novel for him?” Jiang Cheng asked.

“Mm. A web novel he kept up with.” Lan Zhan said. “He always liked these xianxia novels.”

“I know what you’re talking about, I’ve been keeping up with this one too.” Jiang Cheng said, pulling up a chair beside Lan Zhan. “He watched one Jet Li movie when he was younger, and was obsessed with these movies and novels. He dragged me into it too.”

“I’ve also always had an interest in these. Wei Ying also used to talk to me a lot about these when we sat together in high school.”

“So we have the same tastes in genres?”

“It seems that way.”

“He always kept up with these novels.” Jiang Cheng smiled at the person in question, lying peacefully on the hospital bed. “I’m glad you’re reading them out to him. I know he’d be cranky if he even missed out on one.”

“Mm.” Lan Wangji agreed. “I have them all bookmarked, so he can read them himself when he wakes up.”

“Ten weeks...you’ve been here every day, haven’t you?” Jiang Cheng asked.

“I have.” Lan Zhan nodded. “If Wei Ying is waking up, he shouldn’t be alone. I also want to be with him.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you’re here, but does it not bother you if you knew you could be doing something else with your time?”

Lan Zhan frowned. “Even if it was time spent otherwise, it would be time spent with him. Besides, other than me, you are the person who spends the most time here. Is it not because you want to be with him too?”

“You’re right, I’m just the kettle calling the pot black.” Jiang Cheng sighed. “I do want to be here. But also because I think this is mostly my fault.”

“You did not stab him.” Lan Zhan pointed out. “How is it your fault?”

Jiang Cheng blinked in surprise. “You don’t blame me?”

“No, like I said, you did not stab him.” Lan Zhan reached out a hand to pet Wei Ying’s growing mop of hair. “Wei Ying would not blame you either.”

“But if I didn’t argue with you, this wouldn’t have happened! We could’ve just stayed inside!”

“That is true, but this predicament is not your fault.” Lan Zhan looked up from Wei Ying. “There’s no use blaming yourself for things out of our control. We wouldn’t have stayed at your home either, we would have needed to tell my brother and uncle of our engagement. This incident took place down the street, and it could have happened just as easily if we were hailing a cab.”

Jiang Cheng leaned back, looking between his brother and Lan Zhan. “You’re too kind, you’re both too kind to me. I don’t deserve this.”

“We’ll be family soon.” Lan Zhan said. “And this is the kindness we should show one another.”

“Still...I feel like there’s something I should do.”

“Fixing your bad attitude, short temper, and intolerance, to start.”

“Hey!”

By the eleventh week, Mo Xuanyu had walked into the hospital, took one look at Wei Ying’s mop of hair, and put his foot down. “He’s getting a haircut. I can’t believe you two have neglected this for so long.”

“We were...waiting until he woke up.” Lan Zhan supplied. Jiang Cheng nodded. It felt like if they gave him a haircut now, it was like admitting he wouldn’t wake up.

“Yeah, and he’s gonna be real pleased with his hairdo when he wakes up.” Mo Xuanyu snorted. “You’re not giving up on him if you want him to look a little better.”

“Are you offering to give him a haircut then?” Jiang Cheng asked. Mo Xuanyu was still doing his cosmetology studies, but he was definitely great at haircutting, and Wei Ying usually went to him for his haircuts.

“No, I’m offering Jin Guangyao to give a haircut.” Mo Xuanyu rolled his eyes. “Of course I am, what kind of friend would I be?”

“What do you think?” Jiang Cheng looked towards Lan Zhan.

“I think it might benefit. Long hair against his neck is also uncomfortable.” Lan Zhan said. “I think we should let Xuanyu do his hair.”

“Yes, please , it’s been almost three months and his hair is terrible.” Mo Xuanyu muttered as he pulled out his set that he had wisely brought with him. “I don’t think any of us wants to see Wei Ying like this.”

The three of them, along with the nurses, set up a sort of station for Mo Xuanyu to be able to cut his hair without risk of him cutting a wire to a monitor. Soon enough, the messy, outgrown locks were cut into something more stylish, although a bit shorter than his usual style. The sides had been buzzed very short, while he retained a longer length on the top of his hair.

“There.” Mo Xuanyu smiled proudly as he removed all the excess hair. “This way, his hair on the sides won’t grow out too quickly and cover his ears, and it’ll be fine if it grows out. He’s always wanted an undercut.”

“It looks great. Thank you.” Lan Wangji said, as he predictably swiftly raced to Wei Ying’s side as soon as possible, already threading a hand through his hair.

“He’s right, it looks great.” Jiang Cheng smiled. “Is that all you wanted to do today?”

“I did really want to see him.” Mo Xuanyu gazed at the scene in front of him. “Both you and Lan Zhan look really tired. You more so. Those dark circles under your eyes are getting more and more pronounced. Haven’t been sleeping well?”

“No, not at all.” Jiang Cheng sighed.

“Well, you should, you look awful.” Mo Xuanyu suggested.

Jiang Cheng gave him a glare. “And how do you suggest I do that, when Wei Ying’s like this?”

“You can be worried about him...I’m just worried that the two of you aren’t taking care of yourselves. You look like you could get a haircut as well.”

“And he doesn’t?” Jiang Cheng gestured to Lan Zhan.

“What, Lan Zhan? He always looks good.” Mo Xuanyu sniffed. “He’s completely immaculate. Your collar isn’t flipped over.”

Jiang Cheng glanced down at the colour of the shirt he was wearing. Indeed it was rumpled at the back, and he quickly smoothed it down. He glared at Lan Zhan. “You didn’t tell me earlier?”

“I didn’t notice.” Lan Zhan said, lifting his gaze only briefly to meet Jiang Cheng’s eyes before coddling over Wei Ying again.

Yeah, right, he didn’t notice. Jerk.

“I’m going to go now, unfortunately.” Mo Xuanyu said. “I still have appointments in the afternoon, but you all take care of yourself, okay?”

“Okay, thanks for visiting.” Jiang Cheng rose from his seat to see Mo Xuanyu out the door, Lan Zhan also standing up but not leaving Wei Ying’s side. “We’ll take care of ourselves.”

With one last smile and concerned gaze, Mo Xuanyu exited from the hospital room.

“You really think we look as bad as he says?” Jiang Cheng joked, while pushing back a yawn.

“He is concerned...we do not look as immaculate as usual.” Lan Zhan admitted.  “We are both lacking rest.”

“One more thing we have in common.” Jiang Cheng said with a sardonic twist in his smile. “But how are we going to stop worrying about him? We can’t.”

“We cannot.” Lan Zhan shook his head. “We both need him to wake up soon.”

The silence grew  as Jiang Cheng made his way across the room, heavy with words neither of them wanted to say. Neither of them would sleep at night, worry heavy in their hearts. Lan Zhan spent most of his spare time at the hospital, and Jiang Cheng spent his weekends here, and weekdays being too exhausted. Neither of them had time for anything else, and neither did they feel like they wanted to. Lan Zhan was too devoted to Wei Ying, and Jiang Cheng was too ravaged by guilt to stray away.

“I just...wanted to say something.” Jiang Cheng sat down, and sighed. Jiang Cheng swallowed, as Lan Zhan turned to him. “Thank you...and...I’m sorry.”

“What for?” Lan Zhan murmured.

“Thank you...for making these hospital visits more tolerable.” Jiang Cheng said. “It would have been terrible without you. And I’m sorry...about the way I treated you. Not just now, but...before as well.”

“Jiang Cheng—”

“No, no, listen to me, it took a lot of time for me to say this.” Jiang Cheng held up a hand. “I’m really sorry for how I treated you. Not just recently, but throughout the years too. I’ve been disliking you ever since high school, mostly because of the incident with Wei Ying, but also because you kept blushing at him but not ever saying anything. I thought you had something against him, when you were just shy...and even with the incident...that wasn’t really your fault. Wei Ying wasn’t having a good time, and it was only a matter of time before something happened. I just took it out on you when it was me that should have supported him more.”

“And….” Jiang Cheng lowered his head, clenching his fists. “When my parents died, all I had left was my sister and Wei Ying...sis had to go away for university, so it was just me and him. Wei Ying took care of me more than I took care of him all that time...and I’ve been selfish. Even during university when everything was going alright, when you came into the picture, all I did was see you as a threat, because I was scared of being alone. Too scared. I accused you of taking too much of Wei Ying’s time without ever thinking why he would want to spend more time with you.”

“Jiang Cheng…” Lan Zhan murmured comfortingly, as tears welled up in Jiang Cheng’s eyes.

“But I’m just...so thankful for you.” Jiang Cheng continued, still looking down. “You’ve helped Wei Ying more than me, more than anyone he’s ever allowed to. He’s only healed this much because of you. I’m so sorry...I thought you were a threat to the little family I keep clinging to, but we both love Wei Ying, just in different ways...and he deserves both of those kinds of love. We both love him, and we could’ve all done that, but I was the only obstacle. I’m sorry, to both of you.”

“Jiang Cheng…” Lan Zhan hesitantly laid a calming hand on his shoulder. “Thank you for that. I knew what I did to Wei Ying in high school was unforgivable...I am glad both you and Wei Ying will give me a second chance. I am going to take care of him. But we can do that together.”

“We will.” Jiang Cheng gave a shaky smile. “He’ll need both of us. Hell, all the help he can get...or accept at any rate.”

“Wei Ying has always been like this. ”Lan Zhan gave a small, fond, but slightly sad smile. “He never would accept help from anyone. I hope that we can change that.”

“I hope so too.” Jiang Cheng stood up, and in an act that he hadn’t done for a while, ruffled Wei Ying’s hair playfully. “But seriously, thank you, for being so patient with me. I can’t promise I’ll never get angry at you again, but I’ll try to be more reasonable.”

Lan Zhan nodded. “Okay, I will hold you to that.”

“Please do. I truly accept you as my brother-in-law—and by the way, congratulations, Jin Zixuan still hasn’t earned that yet—and I know you’ll take care of Wei Ying and give him all the love he deserves.”

“Thank you...that means a lot to me too.” Lan Zhan murmured, as monotone as ever, but a spark lit within his eyes. 

“Still I’m sorry—”

“No more apologies. We will be family.”

Jiang Cheng smiled. “Yeah. We will be.”

“Mm.”

“Is it just me, or is it a little stuffy in here?”

“We could let the air in a little.”

“I’ll open the window.”

When Jiang Cheng opened the window, a light breeze came in. It could just be wishful thinking, but even the wind was a little sweeter that day.

The twelfth week that Wei Ying had been in a coma was...kind of festive. Wen Ning and Wen Qing’s nephew, Wen Yuan, had demanded to see his Wei Ying- gege , and then Jiang Yanli thought it would be a good idea to bring Jin Ling. Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen also wanted to drop by that day, and was more likely than not also bringing A-Qing along with them. 

Lan Zhan and Jiang Cheng were, as usual, the first ones to arrive. They were followed then by Jiang Yanli, Jin Zixuan, Jin Ling, and Mo Xuanyu who also tagged along. Jin Ling, still a baby, was being held in Jiang Yanli’s arms.

“I’ll make sure Jin Ling doesn’t grab any of the wires.” Jin Zixuan said as Mo Xuanyu played with him, and Jiang Yanli lowered him to look at Wei Ying.

“Jin Ling...look...it’s your dajiu !” Jiang Yanli bounced Jin Ling, who watched with curious eyes. “Remember how he used to hold you and throw you into the air? He’ll wake up soon and play with you.”

Jin Ling, looking at Wei Ying, decided to let out a string of giggles that made all the adults in the room simultaneously smile and melt.

“Wei Ying- gege !” A small voice called from the entrance, as Wen Yuan, ran into the room, Wen Ning right behind, making sure he wouldn’t fall. He was still a bit unbalanced. He was a toddler after all. Wen Qing also smiled as she closed the door behind her.

“Sorry...Wen Yuan wouldn’t stop demanding to see Wei Ying.” Wen Ning ducked his head.

“Don’t be sorry, we’re just glad you’re here.” Lan Zhan said. “Hello, A-Yuan.”

“Hello Lan Zhan- gege !” Wen Yuan grinned. “Up? I want to see Wei Ying- gege .”

Lan Zhan picked up Wen Yuan as he chortled, and sat him on the bed next to Wei Ying. Wen Yuan gazed at him with big eyes, and didn’t budge a muscle. Wen Ning and Wen Qing both smiled fondly at his show of restraint, and Jiang Cheng was impressed by how still he was for a toddler.

“Is Wei Ying- gege alright?” Wen Yuan asked, turning to Lan Zhan. “Is he asleep?”

“Wei Ying’s asleep.” Lan Zhan replied in a gentle tone. “He’s been asleep for a long time, maybe you can help him wake up?”

“Is he sleeping beauty?” Wen Yuan asked.

“That’s debatable.” Jin Zixuan muttered.

“Dear…” Jiang Yanli smiled, but a hint of warning in her voice, as Lan Zhan shot a death glare. Jin Zixuan looked between the two of them and cowered.

“Maybe, why don’t you try giving him a kiss?” Lan Zhan said.

“Okay.” Wen Yuan said, plopping a kiss on Wei Ying’s cheek, his own round cheeks puffing up at the effort. “Wei Ying- gege wake up!”

If Wei Ying had woken up at that very moment, everyone would have cheered. He did not wake, however, he did make a muffled sound, and twitched at the direction of Wen Yuan.

“ Gege is waking up!” Wen Yuan grinned.

“Not yet, A-Yuan.” Wen Qing said, walking over, laying a hand on his back. “But you’ve probably helped.”

“I helped?”

“Of course.”

That seemed to be enough for A-Yuan, who kept grinning from ear to ear. At that moment, a polite knock sounded on the door. 

“I'll get it!” Jiang Cheng offered, as he walked over. “Hello, Xiao Xingchen, Song Lan...and A-Qing’s here!” Then he narrowed his eyes as he saw someone standing behind Song Lan. “And you.”

“Why do you sound so displeased?” Xue Yang asked, as he popped his bubble gum, arms behind his head, a perfect picture of carefreeness. “Of course I’m here to visit my bro. I even brought a gift.”

Xue Yang shoved something at Jiang Cheng who grabbed it on instinct. It was a plush...something. It was a white, fluffy thing, with smiling eyes, purple bat wings, and a pompom on its head. “Thank you…?”

“You’re welcome, teach’ would definitely like it.” Xue Yang grinned. Xue Yang had been tutored by Wei Ying in the summer break when he was in high school. Although Xue Yang was smart, a lot of essay writing was difficult for him, and Wei Ying couldn’t say no to a friend of his mother asking for help for their neighbour. Xiao Xingchen and Wei Ying’s mother both studied under the same teacher, with his mother visiting Xiao Xingchen often in his childhood. Wei Ying was often brought along, so he also became friends with Xiao Xingchen.

“Look, we both paid for it.” A-Qing snapped.

“I picked it out!” Xue Yang refuted.

“Alright, you two.” Xiao Xingchen raised his hands at the two of them. “We’re not going to fight right now. You two promised me you wouldn’t.”

“Okay.” Both A-Qing and Xue Yang intoned, and all the other eyes in the room were turned to their quarreling.

“How is Wei Ying?” Song Lan asked.

“He's been the same as last time.” Jiang Cheng said. 

“Is it true that people in a coma can hear us?” A-Qing asked, inquisitive as ever.

“That’s what they say, and there is evidence.” Wen Qing replied, ever professionally.

“Oh wow!” A-Qing’s eyes stretched wide, and gave a dazzling grin towards Xue Yang. “Which means you should shut up. If Wei Ying- ge hears you, he’ll never want to wake up.”

“Why you—” Xue Yang growled.

“You two, stop.” Song Lan warned, as both A-Qing and Xue Yang mumbled their apologies.

“I thought A-Yuan and Jin Ling were the only babies here.” Mo Xuanyu quipped, looking at Xue Yang

“You’re younger than me!” Xue Yang snapped, and Mo Xuanyu only shrugged.

“Wow, did Wei Ying have a haircut?” Xiao Xingchen redirected the conversation with a gentle smile. “It looks great.”

“You’ll have to thank Xuanyu for that.” Jiang Yanli smiled too, easing the conversation with Xiao Xingchen.

“It does look great.” Jin Zixuan complimented, patting Mo Xuanyu on the back, who smiled.

“Wow, it’s a party in here.” Nie Mingjue said, as he let himself in. He was holding a plastic bag in one hand, and Lan Huan entered after him, also holding a similar bag. Nie Huaisang also held a bushel of yellow daffodils.

“We got snacks for everyone, and also ice cream.” Lan Huan smiled as he and Nie Mingjue held up the bags.

Xue Yang and A-Qing didn’t even wait before running over as quickly as possible, Song Lan sighing in disappointment and Xiao Xingchen just smiling. Wen Yuan tugged at Wen Ning’s sleeve, who nodded, and then also ran to join A-Qing and Xue Yang.

“Would you like one?” Lan Huan offered.

“Yeah, thanks—wait.” Jiang Cheng picked up an ice cream cone and blinked at it. “Spicy mulberry flavour?”

“Wei Ying likes that one.” Lan Wangji explained. 

“A-Ying always liked spicy things.” Jiang Yanli smiled together with Lan Wangji.

“But still...mulberry? Spicy?” Nie Huaisang said. “That doesn’t sound appealing.”

“We got that just in case he woke up today.” Nie Mingjue explained. 

“We could tempt him with food.” Mo Xuanyu said. “Do you think if we started eating it he would wake up?”

“I have another idea.” Xue Yang grinned. “What if I pinched his nose, would he wake up to—”

“NO!” shouted literally everyone in the room except Jin Ling, and Xue Yang jumped at the sudden volume.

A groan came from Wei Ying, as if his rest was being disturbed, but he didn’t move.

“Wouldn’t it be great if he woke up and saw all of us?” A-Qing said.

“Shut up, that only happens in movies.” Xue Yang spat back.

“I’m sorry you have no positivity.” A-Qing stuck out her tongue.

“Still...that would be nice.” Wen Ning said, immediately ending A-Qing and Xue Yang’s conversation. “For Wei Ying to see everyone here, visiting him?”

“He would then demand hugs from all of us.” Wen Qing added. “But then he’d never stop talking about how everyone loves him, knowing his ego.”

“Sometimes, I want to turn to talk to him but he’s not there.” Nie Huaisang admitted. “I think I’ll take his bragging.”

“I even kind of miss it.” Jin Zixuan said, as half the room lifted an eyebrow at him in disbelief. “What? Why is everyone looking at me like that.”

“We don’t believe it.” Wen Qing stated flatly, as everyone, including Jiang Yanli, nodded in agreeance.

“Okay, maybe I don’t exactly miss his bragging, but he was funny.” Jin Zixuan shrugged.

“He could often liven up a room.” Xiao Xingchen noted.

“That’s why we need him to wake up. We even got him his insanely spicy snacks.” Nie Mingjue said, holding up some package of chips that had hot peppers everywhere.

“The effort is appreciated...but it doesn’t look like he’ll be waking up.” Jiang Cheng sighed. “Maybe another day.”

“Who’s going to eat the spicy mulberry ice cream before it melts?” Song Lan asked, as the room fell into a hush.

“I think you should eat it.” Jiang Cheng nudged Lan Wangji in the ribs. “Prove your love.”

“I think Xue Yang should.” A-Qing chirped. “He’s supposed to be his biggest fan.”

“I will eat it.” Lan Wangji said, looking with slight disgust at the ice cream. “For Wei Ying.”

“Oh, Lan Zhan, no I didn’t mean you really had to.” Jiang Cheng.

“I think we should just throw it out.” Wen Qing suggested.

“I think she’s right.” Lan Huan smiled. “We did get it as a joke…I don’t think anyone wants to eat it.”

“Wei Ying, last chance.” Lan Wangji dangled the ice cream in front of Wei Wuxian, who had no reaction, and then dumped the ice cream in the garbage. A-Qing cheered, as soft laughter echoed around the room.

Jiang Cheng smiled. He had no idea why Wei Ying liked those spicy snacks, but when he was awake, he would treat Wei Ying to all of the snacks he wanted.

Jiang Cheng was dreaming again, of the boardwalk surrounded by lotus blooms. He remembered what this place was. It was an old garden back when they still lived in Hubei that his parents would frequent, and often meet up with Wei Ying’s parents.

This was the last place their families had all been whole, together.

Wei Ying wasn’t strolling down the boardwalk, but gazing at it, his back turned to Jiang Cheng. He rocked from foot to foot, humming a little song.

“Wei Ying!” Jiang Cheng called. “You can’t go on the boardwalk, come back!”

“Jiang Cheng?” Wei Ying turned around, smiling. “Why not?”

“It’s dangerous. It’s dangerous and you can’t go.” Jiang Cheng insisting, knowing there was something wrong with the boardwalk. “Don’t you want to come back? Lan Zhan’s waiting for you?”

“Lan Zhan?” Wei Ying asked.

“Yes, Lan Zhan! He’s waiting for you back home, but you have to come with me!” Jiang Cheng walked forward to Wei Ying, trying to reach for his hand, only for Wei Ying to dance away.

“He’s ready for me to come back.”

“He is, but you have to come with me—”

“But are you?”

Jiang Cheng stopped in his tracks. “What? Wei Ying, of course, come home with me!”

“Are you ready, Jiang Cheng?” Wei Ying asked, as the scenery warped, and they were standing in their own home, but something was wrong. Everything was too clean, too pristine. Him and Wei Ying weren’t messy, but there were scattered items across tables. A sign that it was lived in.

“I’m ready, come home.”

“This isn’t home, Jiang Cheng.” Wei Ying shook his head. “Will you make it ready?”

“Wei Ying, please!” Jiang Cheng shouted, and grasped at Wei Ying, only for his hand to go through.

“Wei Ying!” He shouted again, reaching, but his form had already faded—

—And he bolted, right out of the bed, shaking. He heaved, feeling nauseous and dizzy, but there was nothing in his stomach, so he could only sit there, hugging himself close. He looked at the clock. It was half past four in the morning.

The hospital wouldn’t be open until six in the morning, and Jiang Cheng might as well get up now, since he’d have no luck in going back to sleep.

He stumbled into the bathroom, and looked at his reflection. His dark circles were more pronounced than ever, and in the lighting, his cheeks looked sunken in.  But it didn’t matter. He couldn’t sleep. He had to go see Wei Ying, he had to be there as soon as possible, to make sure he was still there.

It was week thirteen of his coma. Wei Ying still had not woken up.

Jiang Cheng washed up, and made himself look a little more decent, but there was no helping the dark circles and bloodshot eyes from the sleepless night. He forced himself to wait a little, before leaping into the car and driving towards the hospital, since there was no point of visiting hours hadn’t started.

Dawn was barely breaking when he set off on the road, which was empty from being an early weekend morning.  The lights from the street lamps still shone brightly, and sunrise had just stretched across the skies when he parked his car at the hospital. He was driving slowly, too tired to drive at his usual pace, so the hospital doors just opened for visitation.

Jiang Cheng nodded to the nurse at the registration desk, and made his way into Wei Ying’s room, where he laid still, chest rising and falling.

It was a surprise, he was here even earlier than Lan Zhan. Normally, the man would be here early in the morning—by normal people standards for a weekend. However, even Lan Zhan would arrive at a more reasonable hour of half past seven,  and not when the hospital just opened. 

Jiang Cheng didn’t know exactly what to do, but he calmed a little as Wei Ying’s heartbeat monitor beeped steadily. If anything, Wei Ying was still alive, he was still there. 

He was still there.

As if he was a child that had never grown up, he crossed the hospital room, eyes watering in tears, bottom lip wobbling, as he sought the comfort of someone else. When he was really young, it was his parents. When his parents weren’t there anymore, he’d either go to his sister, or shake Wei Ying awake.

He really, really wished he could shake Wei Ying awake, that Wei Ying would wake up, tell him everything was just a bad dream, and that it would be okay. He needed Wei Ying to tell him that it was all a bad dream, that he was here that he wouldn’t leave them.

Jiang Cheng didn’t even end up pulling a chair beside Wei Ying before he sunk down to his knees and sobbed as he held one of his brother’s hands, limp and pale, as it had never been in life. Wei Ying wasn’t meant to lie down in a hospital bed, growing paler and weaker by the day. It was summer, summer was almost ending, and Wei Ying hadn’t gone outside once. He hadn’t wandered the gardens with Lan Zhan, haven’t been to the restaurant to sample new dishes Jiang Yanli had crafted by hand, hadn’t gone swimming with Jiang Cheng, hadn’t been exchanging novels with Nie Huaisang, hadn’t been babysitting A-Yuan, haven’t—

He just hadn’t been doing anything except lying there, lying on a hospital bed, missing everything he would enjoy. And it was still, still Jiang Cheng’s fault he wasn’t awake.

“Wei Ying...Wei Ying, please, please , please wake up.” Jiang Cheng cried. “Please, I miss you so much, please just tell me you’re still there. Please...I’m sorry...I’m so sorry! You can yell at me all you want, you can never talk to me again! But please you just have to wake up! You have to be okay! Don’t leave us!”

Jiang Cheng didn’t know how long he mumbled the same phrases over and over again, kneeling as his legs went numb, and his sleeve soaked with his own tears. He didn’t even notice when the door creaked open, and Lan Zhan walking in, surprised to see Jiang Cheng here before him, but also kneeling on the ground.

“Jiang Cheng?” Lan Zhan called, placing a hand on his shoulder, giving it a shake. “Jiang Cheng?”

Jiang Cheng lifted his head, wiping furiously at the tears still dripping down his eyes. “I—you’re here.”

“I am. Are you alright?” Lan Zhan asked.

“I…” Jiang Cheng trailed off. “Even if I said I was okay, would you believe it?”

Lan Zhan nodded, pulled up a chair, and reached a hand towards him. “At least sit properly.”

Jiang Cheng took the offered hand, and pushed himself up to standing, before collapsing on the chair. Lan Zhan pressed a glass into his hands, and he gave a grateful glance as he took a few sips.

“What happened?” Lan Zhan asked.

“I’m sorry. You have to take care of my brother and now me.” Jiang Cheng said.

Lan Zhan frowned. “I did not ask that. I asked what happened to you. Are you alright?”

“I had a dream. A nightmare. Wei Ying kept saying how he could come home, but said it wasn’t home.” Jiang Cheng babbled.  “He kept asking me if I was ready for him to come home, and no matter what I did, he wouldn’t follow me.”

Lan Zhan only looked at him for a moment, and sighed. “Jiang Cheng, that was just a dream.”

“You don’t understand! The last time I dreamed about him, was the day after his coma, he was wandering this lotus pond we used to go to when we were really young, and he told me not to be there too long because I’d be lost too. What if he’s trying to talk to me about something? What do I need to do? I really just want for him to wake up.”

“These aren’t things we can force.” Lan Zhan furrowed his eyebrows, his stoic mask cracking as concern was written on every feature of his face. “I have also had dreams where I cannot reach them. But these are only dreams.”

“But still...I can’t shake the feeling off.” Jiang Cheng said. “I’m so worried...I don’t know what to do.”

Lan Zhan went silent, but Jiang Cheng knew what that silence meant now. He also didn’t know what to do. Both of them could only wait.

Jiang Cheng gripped Wei Ying’s hand tightly, as if gripping his hand as tight as possible would wake him from his coma, and drag him back into the land of wakefulness.

“Wei Ying, please...I’m so sorry.” Jiang Cheng’s grip shook as he cried, head bowed once again. “I miss you so much, we all miss you. I really want to see you up again. I miss your stupid jokes, I miss your bad singing in the morning, I miss swimming with you, I miss seeing your smile! But I can’t see you doing that if you’re going to be here! I really miss, I need you, please, come back!”

“Wei Ying...we both miss you.” Lan Zhan pleaded in a gentle voice. “We are still to be married. The lotus flowers will bloom soon, and we still have to go see them.”

“We’ll go see them together...all of us, together.” Jiang Cheng said as he looked at Wei Ying, still gripping his hand. “But we can’t do it without you. Please, Wei Ying...you’re my brother. I miss you.”

“I miss you too, Wei Ying. Please…”

“Please...please, I want you to come home. It isn’t home without you. It isn’t home without you there.”

Jiang Cheng let go of Wei Ying’s hand, and slouched over the hospital bed as he said that. Wei Ying asked in his dream if he would make home ready for him...but it wasn’t home without Wei Ying there. It never felt right, how empty it was, with just Jiang Cheng there. Lan Zhan, Jiang Cheng knew, must have felt the same way. It just wasn’t a home if Wei Ying wasn’t there.

“Jiang Cheng, look.” Lan Zhan shook him urgently on the shoulder, disturbing his thoughts. 

Jiang Cheng raised his head, again wiping his tears away, and to his surprise, met a pair of dark eyes looking back at him, blinking slowly. The eyes stretched wider, and a spark lit within them.

Wei Ying had opened his eyes, for the first time in thirteen weeks.

Wei Ying was awake .

He still looked a bit confused, as if trying to recollect what was happening, and looked between Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan, and a slow smile appeared on his face. It was a bit tired, a bit small, from not using those muscles in a while. But it was still there, and felt brighter than even the sun that shone through the windows.

“Hey…” Wei Ying smiled. “You’re both here.”

“Wei Ying? Wei Ying?” Lan Zhan’s eyes stretched wide and brimmed with tears, a smile pulling on his lips, and a breath that shook as he breathed. “You’re awake?”

“I’m awake!” Wei Ying grinned. “I kept hearing the two of you asking me to wake up, but damn, can’t you let me sleep a bit longer?”

“You idiot!” Jiang Cheng hissed, tears already streaming down his eyes as he sniffed loudly. “You were in a coma for thirteen weeks !”

“That long…?” Wei Ying said.

“Wei Ying...I’m so glad you’re back.” Lan Zhan had stood up, and stroked Wei Ying on the face.”

“I’m back now, Jiang Cheng, don’t cry.” Wei Ying patted him on the head softly. “I’m here now.”

“You’re here now!” Jiang Cheng shouted. “You...you…”

“Come on, what are you waiting for?” Wei Ying laughed, slowly raising both arms. “Both of you, give me a hug!”

And without a second thought, Jiang Cheng launched himself, gently, into his brother’s embrace. He felt his warmth, his laughter, a sound he hadn’t heard in months, and felt Lan Zhan’s warmth on his other side. He leaned into both of that warmth, as all of them melded into one.

A stray tear fell against his cheek, but it wasn’t one out of sadness, but relief.  Wei Ying was back, finally back, and he was home again.

Even though Wei Ying was alert for a while that day, and stayed awake until Jiang Yanli could visit him, the next day they came to visit him, he was fast asleep and wouldn’t wake. And when he did wake hours later, he would only nod, or follow people’s movements with his eyes instead of actually talking to them. Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan both rushed to find a doctor, who assured them this was normal.

“The fact that Mr. Wei was able to talk to you and move right after waking means that everything’s going great.” The doctor reassured. “Since he was in a coma for a while, it’s normal for him to be slipping in and out of unconsciousness, and going unresponsive. I would be worried if he didn’t.”

It was clear that Wei Ying couldn’t come out of the hospital immediately, he’d need at least another month. Once a week had passed, Wei Ying was alert most of the time, and his speech was fine, although his responses were a little slow. The hospital quickly organized some physiotherapy to help him get back on his feet—quite literally in this case.

One day, Wei Ying was sick of being inside, so Jiang Cheng put him on a wheelchair, and took him to the gardens that was on hospital grounds. Other seniors were also spending some time with their family there. It was quiet, secluded enough away from the eyes of the hospital, but close enough as nurses passed by the windows every so often in case something went wrong.

“I’m so sorry you have to waste a perfectly good Thursday afternoon.” Wei Ying sighed. “Sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing?” Jiang Cheng frowned. “What, ‘cause I took time off work?”

“You shouldn’t have to.” Wei Ying said.

“I wanted to. Besides, work was driving me crazy. I had to do overtime last Saturday so they let me off today.”

Wei Ying fidgeted. “But still...I just wish I wasn’t...like this.”

“Hey, that’s not your fault.” Jiang Cheng nudged him. “It’s mine.”

“It’s not your fault either—”

“Look, does it matter?” Jiang Cheng pointed out. “I’m here anyways, and you would be driven insane if you had to stay in your room more.”

Wei Ying grinned. “You’re right, I’m so bored . When can I get discharged?”

“I think the doctors said soon. They just want you to be a little more stable with your walking, and you can finally get out of here and come home with me.”

“Have you been tidying up after yourself? Eating well?”

“Yes, mother.”

“You didn’t touch my snacks, did you?”

“As if anyone would want to eat those things . Plus they’re probably expired by now.”

Wei Ying looked at him and frowned at him. “Wait, what’s the date?”

“September eighteenth.” Jiang Cheng said. “Why?”

Wei Ying put his hands in his lap. “It’s just that...the wedding date Lan Zhan picked out…”

“Oh, right.” Jiang Cheng suddenly understood. “If…”

If Wei Ying was busy planning his wedding instead of being a coma, he’d be getting married within this week. The lotuses were in full bloom, and the weather had cooled off to a pleasant, cooler temperature.

“Are you...alright?” Jiang Cheng asked. “You know you can talk to me. I’ll listen.”

Wei Ying bit his lip, as if worried and unwilling to say anything. “It’s alright.”

“Wei Ying.” 

Wei Ying sighed. “Fine, fine, I’m just sad that I have to make Lan Zhan wait.”

“He waited for you all these weeks, by himself, he can wait a bit longer. He said something about a spring wedding too.”

“I just don’t know when I can get better.” Wei Ying looked a bit distressed. “I still can’t walk properly yet, you still have to wheel me, and I don’t even know when I’m alright to be left alone—”

“Hey, hey it’s fine.” Jiang Cheng placed a comforting hand. “We’re all here for you, you know that right? We’re fine on the finances. You just recover first, let us worry about everything else.”

“Since when did you get so good at this comforting people business?” Wei Ying teased.

Jiang Cheng only smiled. “I thought a lot about things these past couple of months, and I know you don’t want to keep hearing this, but I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to—”

“I do. I haven’t been considerate of you a lot of the times.” Jiang Cheng sighed. “Let me make it up to you. But also I just want to do this for you. You deserve to be cared for as well.”

“Fine, fine, you win, you win.” Wei Ying huffed as he sat back down. “But if you really want to be helpful, you should make me—”

“Oh, shut up.”

“Now that’s the Jiang Cheng I know!”

After a month and a half at the hospital, Wei Ying was finally, finally discharged of that place. He practically pranced outside, back into Lan Zhan’s arms, and begged him to take him home.

“Please, my sweet Lan Zhan, take me home!” Wei Ying moaned, Jiang Cheng sighing at the display of shamelessness in front of him, as he covered his eyes and shook his head. 

“That is what I’m doing.” Lan Zhan said, opening the door to the backseat, as he ushered Wei Ying in.

“Excited to finally go home?” Jiang Cheng asked as he slipped in beside his brother.

“You have no idea.” Wei Ying groaned. “The hospital’s great, really, it is, but I just want to sleep in my own bed.”

“You’ll be able to soon.” Jiang Cheng reassured. “Everything’s ready back home. Lan Zhan even brought some of his stuff over just so he was ready to stay over.”

“Aw, Lan Zhan, really?” Wei Ying said.

“Mm.” Lan Zhan said. “Anything for you.”

“Aw, Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying cooed, as Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, but smiled at the same time. It was worth it, even the annoying PDA that came with it.

“I’m really excited for you to come home.” Jiang Cheng admitted. “It’s been so empty without you.”

“I’m excited to be home. Sorry for leaving you all alone. And I knew you missed my singing—”

“Please, don’t, don’t sing!” Jiang Cheng raised his hands. “Not here! When we get home you can break out the karaoke app, but not here!”

Lan Zhan gazed back, and gave a small smile to them in the back as they sped home. In no time, Jiang Cheng was opening the front door, and Wei Ying stepped inside, and some tension dropped off his shoulders as he came home.

“Welcome home.” Jiang Cheng smiled. “Everything’s as you left it, except I washed your laundry and replaced your sheets. You’re welcome.”

“Aw, thanks!” Wei Ying grinned. “What should we do?”

“It’s up to you. You decide. Do you want to watch something, read something, sleep…?”

“I think I want to do something quiet. Loud noises hurt my head.” Wei Ying admitted. “I can’t watch TV without going dizzy still...so…”

“Wei Ying, I’ve been bookmarking the updates for the novel that you’ve been reading.”Lan Zhan said, handing Wei Ying a tablet.

“Oh, great! Maybe I should catch up!” Wei Ying grinned, opening the tablet, and plopping himself down on the couch, Lan Zhan joining them. Jiang Cheng shook his head, but followed them.

As Wei Ying opened the page to the novel, he only stared at it for a while, maybe just trying to remember where it left off. But a minute passed, and then five, and Wei Ying only stared at the same passage, never moving on, and his brows began to knit together. Lan Zhan and Jiang Cheng both looked at him, and then at each other, and gave each other the same gaze: Something was wrong.

“Wei Ying?” Lan Zhan put his arm around Wei Ying.

“Lan Zhan...Lan Zhan I can’t read this!” Wei Ying gasped, panicked. “I can’t read it!”

“Do you mean that you don’t understand—” Jiang Cheng started

“No, I literally can’t read a single word on here!” Wei Ying’s eyes darted between the two of them, distress growing rapidly. “What’s happening, I can’t read anything!”

“Woah, let’s calm down first, maybe your brain’s trying to play catch up.” Jiang Cheng said. “If it took you a month to walk again—”

“But, but if I can’t...I can’t read…” Wei Ying’s breathing grew shorter, and tears started forming in his eyes.

“Wei Ying, it’s alright.” Lan Zhan took Wei Ying’s face in his hands, and made him look at him. “It’s alright, Wei Ying. Slow, breathe slow.”

Tension immediately dropped from Wei Ying’s shoulders, and his breathing slowed down to normal. “Lan Zhan...if I can’t read.”

“Then I will help you learn again, Wei Ying.” Lan Zhan soothed, stroking his hair gently. “It’s alright, Wei Ying, I’m here.”

Wei Ying nodded, and leaned into his shoulder. Lan Zhan’s hands moved from stroking his hair and face to hugging him and stroking his back.

Jiang Cheng looked away, feeling as if he was invading on something private for the two of them, and the two of them only. He felt jealousy flare up in him, how did Lan Zhan manage to calm Wei Ying down so quickly? But then he stamped the small flames of it out. This was a good outcome. Wei Ying’s anxiety was something Lan Zhan was used to managing, and if he hadn’t been there, this could have more of a disastrous outcome.

Jiang Cheng, instead of doing nothing and seething in anger, went into the kitchen to make himself useful. He said that he would change, not just for Wei Ying, but for Lan Zhan too, and sitting around fuming helped no one. He went into the fridge, took out milk and honey, and set water to a boil, and brought out some tea leaves. Whenever Wei Ying was stressed, he always liked milk tea, with a lot of sugar and honey. When everything was ready, he poured out three cups for each of them, and took a tray back to the living room for them. 

“Wei Ying? I brought you milk tea.” Jiang Cheng said, as Wei Ying raised his head from Lan Zhan’s shoulder. He still looked a little pale, a little limpid after his shock, but his breathing was normal.

“You...remember that I liked these when I’m stressed?” Wei Ying began to smile. 

“Of course, what kind of person do you take me for?” Jiang Cheng scoffed. “Drink up. You too, Lan Zhan.”

“Thank you.” Lan Zhan accepted a cup.

“Yeah, thanks, Jiang Cheng.” Wei Ying wrapped his hands around the warm mug. “Really. Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome.” Jiang Cheng said. As Wei Ying’s answering smile was free from any of his anxiety, he smiled to himself, knowing things were gonna be okay from now on.

A few weeks later, Wei Wuxian started to work again. Not full time, just part time web design work that Nie Huaisang had helped him to find, since their company needed to update their website. He worked with Nie Huaisang most of the time, who kept an eye on him at the office, and took weekends, Tuesdays, and Thursdays off to rest. Jiang Yanli, Jiang Cheng, Wei Ying, Lan Zhan, as well as with advice from doctors including Wen Ning and Wen Qing, agreed that Wei Ying  had recovered well enough three months after emerging from his coma that he could start working.

Despite his initial panic at being unable to read words, Wei Ying was able to read quite soon after that. It turned out it was just him being too dizzy to look at bright screens for a while, which was also sort of distressing since he was a programmer. But after a while, he could get back into programming, and Nie Huaisang assured that this was a rather relaxing, undemanding job, and Wei Ying never complained about it.

Despite him mostly recovering, Jiang Cheng still kept an eye on him. Lan Zhan had moved out of their house, half of the time, since going to work was still farther from the Jiang household than the Lan one. Lan Zhan still came over on weekends, but it was mostly Jiang Cheng and Wei Ying. Instead of lazing on the couch during the evening, Jiang Cheng would drag Wei Ying out for a run around their neighbourhood if it wasn’t dark, or go to the exercise room if it was.

Wei Ying wasn’t quite the same after his accident and coma. He was already forgetful, but the coma made his forgetfulness even worse. Halfway through talking, sometimes, he’d forget his thought process. He would go to the bathroom, but forget to go halfway through. He couldn’t remember phone numbers that he was just told despite repeating it under his breath. His attention span and short-term memory seemed to have been impacted the most, but also, had developed a fear of the dark and refused to go out after sunset.

Jiang Cheng knew, according to the doctors, the fact that he was already so highly functional was nothing short of a miracle. Most people didn’t recover so many functions, and Wei Ying had been up on his feet, in a job, in a few months. He made Wei Ying write things down, texted him reminders throughout the day, and left his things exactly where they were. Wei Ying had an improvement over time, a slight one, but what else could you ask for? 

Wei Ying’s fear of the dark now was definitely something Jiang Cheng could understand. He would glance at shadows, afraid that something would pop up around the corner, and maybe stab him again. Jiang Cheng made sure they weren’t out late, and if they were stuck after sunset, that he was in a place brightly lit, and that he always had a flashlight. Jiang Cheng remembered how badly shaken Wei Ying was  of going into strange buildings after his parents had died in an earthquake, and knew it would be several more years before he got over his fear of the dark. But that was okay, since Wei Ying was still alive, still the same, just needed a little bit of help. And Jiang Cheng was very willing to help his brother.

“You and Lan Zhan have gotten along so well recently.” Wei Ying commented one day, after dinner as they sat around the kitchen table. “You’d be so suspicious of him before, and glare at him every time he came through the door. I’m glad you’re getting along with him.”

“We sorted things out between us.” Jiang Cheng said, peeling an apple. “I always thought of him manipulating or forcing you to do things...but he really cares about you, and was my only companion for a lot of weekends sitting at your bedside.”

“What convinced you?” Wei Ying asked.

“Honestly? One day I overheard him talking about planning you two’s wedding...and no one who wanted to pressure you into a marriage would talk about your favourite flowers, composing a piece of music for you to walk down the aisle, all the little details. Plus when he revealed to us about your medical conditions…”

“Oh...right...those.” Wei Ying coughed. “Listen, Jiang Cheng, I’m better now and—”

“You should go see a therapist.” Jiang Cheng interrupted.

“You...really? You think that now?” 

“I think we could all benefit from group therapy. Me included. You need help for a lot of things, and I’m so sorry I brushed you off. Is that why you never told me?”

“Oh, no, Jiang Cheng.” Wei Ying shook his head. “I told you about therapy because I thought you could have benefitted. It has nothing to do with the fact that I kept my PTSD and heart problems away from you.”

“It was for me?” Jiang Cheng sat back in his seat.

Wei Ying nodded. “It was for you. Because you kept complaining about how work really drove you crazy and how bad it was for your mood...I just didn’t want to see anything happen to you.”

“You...all this time, that was just for me?” Jiang Cheng felt touched. “Did you not think that you could need it too?”

“Well...yes, but I didn’t really...think about it?” Wei Ying smiled sheepishly. 

“You idiot! You should think of yourself every once in a while!”

“But that’s what you and Lan Zhan are for!”

“No we’re not!” Jiang Cheng shoved a piece of apple into Wei Ying’s mouth. “You’re supposed to care for yourself, we just help you remind yourself of that! Don’t be an idiot.”

“Uhm jash…” Wei Ying mumbled.

“Finish your apple first!”

“I’m just...you don’t have to worry for me, that much, alright?” Wei Ying said. “I’m handling things. I’m getting better. I’ll be fine.”

“I know you’ll be fine...especially when I can hand you over to Lan Zhan.” Jiang Cheng sighed. “Both you and sister...you both put others above your own selves, but you’re just more obnoxious about it. Sis already has someone who looks after her, and she’s doing great, she has her own family, and a kid. You...you’ll also have someone to look after you now.”

“I...I don’t want people to always be looking after me.” Wei Ying sighed. “I’ll be fine—”

“I don’t want to hear it!” Jiang Cheng raised his voice, as he shoved another piece of apple into Wei Ying’s mouth to silence him. “I don’t want to hear how you’ll be fine, because you’re really not! You still have a long way to go before you recover, and if anything happens, I want you to tell me! Communicate with me! I want to help you, but how will I know how to help if you don’t ask me?”

Wei Ying stopped mid-chew to look at him and nod.

“Be honest, do you still feel like you owe us something for taking you in?” Jiang Cheng scowled.

“Well...Uncle Jiang and Aunt Yu didn’t have to take me in.” Wei Ying shuffled nervously.

“Yeah, but they chose to do it.” Jiang Cheng pointed out. “That was their choice. They wanted to raise you. Look, I know you, me and our sister wanted to make ends meet when they died, but we’re family at the end of the day, so stop thinking you’re burdening us. We’re meant to share that together. So can you promise me you’ll tell me when something big like your condition happens? I don’t want to hear it from someone else.”

“I promise, and I’m sorry.” Wei Ying said. “I really thought I could handle everything by myself...but it turns out I really can’t.”

“We’re all human beings. We’re not meant to do everything alone.” Jiang Cheng patted him on the arm. “Even when you’re married, even if Lan Zhan becomes the first person you want to turn to, I still want you to know you can turn to me, okay? I’ll always be here for you.”

“Okay.” Wei Ying agreed. “I won’t keep things like this away from you or sis anymore, I promise.”

“Good. And by the way...when’s the wedding?”

“Oh! So it’s going to go like this…”

Their fall wedding dream had come true...the next year. It was easy to see that Wei Ying needed time to recover, and more than one year has passed since his accident. Wei Ying was still working part time, but there were talks of him easing into the job, full time, since he did the web development so well. The fall weather had curbed some of the heat of summer, and the lotus flowers that Wei Ying loved so much were in full bloom. The day was sunny, with only a few wispy clouds drifting across the skies, and the sun shone over the ancient-styled garden the wedding was taking place in.

It was a quaint, small garden with a pond of lotus flowers, and an outdoor pavilion where some performances took stage during music festivals. The paths were paved with stone, and all the scenery looked like it came straight from some sort of wuxia drama, especially with all the red decorations of happiness hanging everywhere. And speaking of wuxia drama….

...they were dressed like they were in one too. Wei Ying had an idea, instead of wearing suits, they wore wedding robes instead. Lan Zhan thought it was a great idea and agreed, much to Jiang Cheng’s dismay. They all had robes, and thankfully, weren’t crazy enough to get wigs to match the robes. To match the soon-to-be wedded couple, Jiang Cheng, Jiang Yanli, and Lan Huan would all be wearing similar, but more muted, robes to match.

Jiang Cheng complained, but since he was the best man, how could he really say no?

“I want you to be the best man.” Wei Ying announced to him one day.

“Me? Is Lan Zhan walking down the aisle then?” Jiang Cheng asked.

“No, I discussed this with him...I’m walking down the aisle.” Wei Ying said. “We agreed he’d probably be able to contain himself more than me.”

“But if I’m best man, who’s walking you down the aisle?” 

“ Jiejie of course!” Wei Ying grinned. “Ideally, you would also do that with me, but I want you on stage for the actual ceremony. So will you be my best man?”

“I...of course!” Jiang Cheng agreed. “I would love to.”

“Great! I’ll probably need more...grooms maids? Groomsmans?” Wei Ying looked perplexed . “But you’ll definitely be the best man.”

“Do we have to wear the robes though?”

“Of course!” Wei Ying pouted. “You’re changing into a suit for the banquet anyways.”

“Oh, right, and sis is taking care of the catering, right?”

“Yup, since our restaurant is close by.”

“But the robes are non-negotiable?”

“No!”

And that was why Jiang Cheng was currently sitting at home, in a traditional hanfu, instead of a suit. He had to admit, the robes were definitely more comfortable. His and Lan Huan’s robes matched each other, since both were the best man to their brothers, and were black robes with red linings, while they had a red outer robe that hung over their shoulders, decorated with cloud patterns, flowers, and shuangxi in the middle. Jiang Cheng had seen Wei Ying’s robes, which were much more extravagant. His innermost layer was white, which was then swaddled with another robe on top, in all red, and lined with golden thread with patterns of flowers and dragons. His outer robe was similarly decorated, but to Wei Ying’s delight, had a train at the bottom, and pictures of mandarin ducks.

“Hold still.” Jiang Yanli said, as she brushed Wei Ying’s hair. Wei Ying had let his hair grow a bit before the wedding, so it was a more even, neater length than his usual choppy style. Jiang Yanli was dressed similarly to Jiang Cheng, except her inner robe was a light red, decorated with red lining at the collar and waist, with little red flowers, giving her robes a sweeter look. 

Wen Qing held a golden crown that she pinned onto Wei Ying’s head with Jiang Yanli’s help, and a red veil was then thrown on. Unlike Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli, Wen Qing was wearing a changsan , with a simple black skirt with a pair of mandarin ducks at the bottom of the skirt, and a red jacket that was buttoned up, with subtle floral patterns. She, Wen Ning, Nie Huaisang, Mo Xuanyu, and Ouyang Zhi all wore the same outfit, as the “bridesmaids” to Wei Ying.

“Lan Zhan will be here soon, right?” Ouyang Zhi asked.

“And it’s our job to harass him.” Nie Huaisang grinned. “That’s usually a role Wei Ying takes.”

“What games or punishments have you guys thought of?” Jiang Cheng asked.

“Eating hot peppers.” Wen Ning smiled, mischief glittering in his eyes, as he held up a few bright red peppers. Jiang Cheng almost pitied Lan Zhan. “If he wants to marry Wei Ying, he needs to up his spice tolerance.”

“We also hid his shoes!” Wen Qing called from the other room. “He’ll have to find them first!”

“There, all ready!”Mo Xuanyu announced, since he was helping with the makeup. “You look great, Wei Ying! All we need to do is wait for Lan Zhan to come in!”

“Do I really?” Wei Ying asked bashfully, in earnest, as the rest of the group and Jiang Cheng came in.

“You look wonderful, really.” Jiang Cheng complimented. “And how could you not? We had five people make sure you look good!”

“You really do!” Wen Ning nodded. “Lan Zhan will be so happy to see you!”

Not sooner than that, the doorbell rang, and Jiang Cheng and the rest of the bridesmaids ran towards the door. Opening it, he saw Lan Zhan standing in front of him, in similar attire to Wei Ying, except he had a tall hat on his head, and no train to his robes. Lan Huan stood behind him, smiling.

“Here to collect your fiance?” Jiang Cheng asked.

“I’m here for Wei Ying.” Lan Zhan said.

“Not so fast!” Nie Huaisang said. “We can’t give up Wei Ying so easily.”

“Which is why you need to be challenged.” Wen Qing said, as Wen Ning came up, holding a bowl of hot peppers. “To really prove you want to marry Wei Ying, you have to eat this ghost pepper whole.”

“But, we can be bribed to give you a less spicy one.” Wen Ning grinned.

Wordlessly, Lan Huan handed Lan Zhan red packets, that was distributed among the bridesmaids? Groomsmans? Wei Ying’s friends, who took a peek inside. 

“Not bad.” Ouyang Zhi nodded. “We can lesser the challenge.”

“You can eat a jalapeno instead, since we’re so merciful.” Mo Xuanyu nodded. They really were being merciful, since they picked out some of the least spicy peppers, also they didn’t want Lan Zhan to die before he got to the actual ceremony. There really was a ghost pepper in the mix, but no one would actually think of giving that to Lan Zhan.

Wen Ning handed Lan Zhan the pepper, and he ate it in one bite. Jiang Yanli, being the kind elder sibling she was, had already poured Lan Zhan a cup of milk, which he graciously accepted.

“May I see him now?” Lan Zhan craned his neck.

“Nope, he doesn’t have shoes! You have to find them!” Nie Huaisang grinned. “And we hid them! But we might be inclined to give you some clues…”

Lan Huan smiled, and handed everyone more red packets. “I trust that will be enough?”

“Hm, one of the shoes is somewhere you and Wei Ying spend the most time.” Ouyang Zhi said.

Lan Zhan didn’t even hesitate, as he walked to the living room, and pulled up one of the cushions. Sure enough, one of the shoes was there.

“Wow, that was fast, we’re making this too easy.” Wen Qing said.

“We won’t tell you the next clue unless we get more of this.” Nie Huaisang threatened, and a third round of red packets were handed out.

“The place where we hid this has a lot of history…” Ouyang Zhi said. “A lot of history….”

“Oh come on!” Wei Ying cried from his room. “Let him in already!”

“No need, I know where it is.” Lan Zhan said, walking over to a bookshelf, and moved some history books aside, to a box that they were resting on. He opened the box, and in it was the second shoe.

“Congratulations, you completed our challenges.” Jiang Cheng said. “Wei Ying’s right there.” 

Jiang Yanli held Wei Ying’s hand as he walked out the door. Even with the veil on, his grin showed through the red sheer fabric. There was no mistaking the softening of Lan Zhan’s eyes, and the biggest smile that Jiang Cheng had seen him giving to this date.

“Let’s go, the cars are ready.” Lan Zhan said, taking Wei Ying’s hand. “It’s time for our ceremony.”

With the car with Lan Zhan and Wei Ying at the beginning, every car drove in a straight line towards the lotus gardens. Most of the guests had already arrived ahead of time, and were seated. Jin Zixuan and Nie Mingjue had volunteered to make sure everyone was seated properly, and Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen were watching the children in the meantime. As the wedding procession arrived, everyone cheered as  Lan Zhan, cutting a gallant figure, go up the pavilion where the master of ceremony and wedding arch was.

Despite the traditional decorations, the wedding was mostly modern, except that the very soon to be married couple wanted to do three bows, so on a stand on each side of the stage, were photos of their parents. Wei Ying had added another photo of Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan along with his birth parents, since they were parents to him as well.

Wei Ying’s friends had lined up along the aisle, a red carpet between the seating areas, and were waiting for him to walk down. Jiang Yanli held one of his hands, and Jiang Cheng held another.

As he walked to the edge, a hush fell over the crowd. Everyone was wearing their best clothing and shoes, except Xue Yang, still wearing sneakers, but had the decency to wear a dress shirt, and all eyes turned to Wei Ying.

The wedding planning staff handed Jiang Yanli a microphone, so she could offer her blessings before the ceremony.

“First, I am glad all of you are here today.” Jiang Yanli smiled at the audience. All of their friends were in attendance, and even their two aunts from Meishan made it to the ceremony. “We are here today, not only to celebrate the joining of two families, but two people who stayed together against all odds—my brother, Wei Ying, and Lan Zhan.

“These two were not love at first sight. They had a rocky start.” Jiang Yanli explained, as everyone who knew them since high school chuckled. “They met in high school, but weren’t really friends until university. Since then, they have never been separated. Wei Ying would never stop talking about Lan Zhan, for years on end, and it’s easy to see why. Lan Zhan has been not only a partner, but a good friend, and someone to rely on. Lan Zhan had never doubted Wei Ying, not even once, not even when Wei Ying was in a coma for months. I’ve witnessed you both grow up, and how much you have taken care of each other...and I wish you two both happiness. I wish you both a long, happy life together, and may your future be filled with joy. Congratulations, you two.” 

The audience clapped, as Jiang Yanli and Jiang Cheng both grinned, and flanked Wei Ying, and marched him down the aisle. Soft sounds of a guqin and flute, a duet that Wei Ying and Lan Zhan had recorded themselves, floated through the speakers. Jiang Cheng looked up, and Lan Zhan was looking only at Wei Ying, and his eyes were uncharacteristically misty. Other than that, he held his composure, and broke out into a smile when Wei Ying ascended onto the pavilion. Good choice indeed, because Jiang Cheng wasn’t sure if  Wei Ying could have kept it together.

Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli walked behind Wei Ying, and took their places opposite to Lan Huan.

“We are gathered today, for the union and Wei Ying and Lan Zhan.” The MC announced. “Before we begin, I would ask the two to perform the three bows.”

“First bow to the heavens and earth.”

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan turned around to the altar behind them, and bowed at the waist.

“Second bow to the parents.”

They turned to the photos of their parents, and bowed.

“Third bow to each other.” 

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan both smiled, eyes sparkling in pure joy, as they bowed towards each other.

“I would like to call upon the couple, to start with their wedding vows.” The MC asked, as Wei Ying and Lan Zhan were handed their vows. 

“Wei Ying.” Lan Zhan started, not even looking at his script. “When I first laid my eyes on you, back in high school, I knew I could never take my eyes off you, ever again.”

The audience cooed at the sweet gesture, as Wei Ying also started to blush.

“I have sat next to you during class, I have held your hand during university, I have held your hand as we both walked into adulthood, and I will always, always hold your hand.” Lan Zhan continued. “I promise, for the rest of my life, I will always be with you, in sickness and in health. I will be your best friend, your constant, the pair of arms around you when you fall asleep every night. I promise to support you in all your endeavours, uplift you when you are down, and give light into your life. I promise to be the light in your life, as you are in mine.”

Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli both exchanged their glances, full of smiles and good faith. Wei Ying would be well taken care of, Jiang Cheng thought, as he struggled to keep his eyes dried.

“Lan Zhan, I know I annoyed you to death in high school. I still do!” Wei Ying started off a bit breathlessly, probably overwhelmed by the sincerity of Lan Zhan’s vows, as some chuckles came from the audience. “But whenever I annoy you, it’s because I want to see your reactions. All of them. Your disappointment, your pride, and above all—your smiles. Because you’re so beautiful when you smile, and I really like to make you happy. I can’t promise I’ll never make mistakes, but I promise, whatever mistake I have, or you have, we’ll make it through together. I promise I’ll take care of you too, as your best friend, no matter what happens. I’ll be the face you wake up to every day, I’ll make it so that when we’re both old and grey, your first wrinkles will be because of laughter. I promise, no matter where we go, it’ll be home, because you’ll be with me. I love you, and I want to always be with you.”

Wei Ying’s vows were less polished, but no less sincere, as Jiang Cheng tried to wipe a tear away discretely. Yes, these two would be great for each other.

“Do you accept each other’s vows?”

“I accept Lan Zhan as my husband.” Wei Ying grinned.

“And I would be honoured to have Wei Ying as my husband.” Lan Zhan smiled back.

“Please, bring the wine for them to share!”

Lan Huan, who had already poured the wine into small silver cups, took them from the table where they were, and brought it to the couple. Jiang Cheng knew, the wine was actually sparkling juice, since Lan Zhan had terrible alcohol tolerance, and no one wanted a collapsing husband. 

The couple took their wine, interlocked their arms, and drank it down in one motion, as the audience cheered.

“Please bring the rings!”

Jiang Cheng, who had the rings, opened the case where both of them were held, and brought it to the couple. They both whispered their thanks, as they took each other’s rings. Wei Ying slipped Lan Zhan’s ring onto his ring finger, as Lan Zhan did the same for Wei Ying.

“Congratulations! You may now kiss!”

Lan Zhan didn’t need to be told anything more, as he grabbed Wei Ying by the waist, and dipped him into a kiss, as the audience cheered. The groomsman still lined at the aisle all jumped up and down in cheer, as many of the audience stood up and clapped.

Jiang Cheng also added his voice to the loud cheer, as he saw the two tangle fingers in each other’s hair. They had been waiting for this moment for so long, and it was just as beautiful as Jiang Cheng imagined.

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan were finally married.

As the cheering died down, people were being redirected to the dining area outside, where the caterers had set down plate after plate of food for the guests. However, many chose to stay close to the pavilion, as Lan Zhan and Wei Ying were tossing the bouquet.

While Wei Ying wasn’t holding a bouquet, there was one at the center of the altar. It was a stunningly red and yellow piece of roses, chrysanthemums, lilies, and azaleas. Since the bouquet belonged to both of them, they decided they would toss it together. Most of the people who were still single, or were dating someone, had gathered in front of the pavilion. Since Lan Huan and Jiang Cheng were both best man, they didn’t descend down, as Jiang Yanli also stayed, since she was married.

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan smiled at each other, as they turned their backs to the hopefuls that waited below. All of the groomsman were down below, if only to catch on the fun, as Jiang Cheng grinned as Nie Huaisang winked at him.

Jiang Cheng wasn’t sure how well this would go, since people tried to gather very close to the front, which was probably a good strategy for everyone else except these two newlyweds.

Wei Ying worked out, and did archery before, so he had strong arms. Lan Zhan, despite looking like a perfect scholar, was also very strong, and Jiang Cheng could never beat him at arm wrestling. If anything, the people at the back were in luck.

“Ready?” Wei Ying asked Lan Zhan, who nodded, as they both put their hands on the bouquet, and sent it flying backwards.

Unfortunately, Jiang Cheng was right about them being too strong, and not really knowing how to control it, as the bouquet sailed further back than people expected. However, Jiang Cheng hadn’t expected the bouquet to sail so far back, it went past the back line of the people trying to watch the bouquet, to the people in the dining area.

Wei Ying and Lan Zhan still had their backs turned, but Jiang Cheng, Jiang Yanli, and Lan Huan all watched in horror as they anticipated the bouquet to hit someone, or something unexpected.

And so the bouquet sailed….

...and smacked Nie Mingjue right in the face.

Despite being stunned, Nie Mingjue’s reflexes kicked in, and he caught the bouquet in his arms. He looked a little dazed, as flower petals fell around him, and a few stuck to his hair.

Everyone went silent. No one wanted to laugh at Nie Mingjue holding the flower, no matter how funny it was, since he caught it with his face. No one wanted to die. 

A bright laugh broke the silence, as Wei Ying turned around, to see where the trajectory of his launched bouquet had gone. Nie Mingjue glared at first, but clearly, the situation was so ridiculous, that even he had to laugh. Seeing this, small giggles broke out among everyone, until full guffaws were joined.

Jiang Cheng laughed along, and looked at the crowd. Nie Huaisang, giggling nervously at his brother, Wen Ning, Xiao Xingchen, and Song Lan being too polite to laugh, but smiled behind their hands, Jin Zixuan, also laughing, bouncing a laughing Jin Ling as well, Wen Qing shaking her head in amusement, A-Qing bending over in laughter, and Xue Yang already dropped on the floor. Lan Huan also laughed, full ones, from his belly, and Jiang Yanli giggled as she tugged on Jiang Cheng’s hand.

In the midst of it all, Jiang Cheng looked at Wei Ying laughing, while Lan Zhan gently chuckled. As if noticing something about his new husband, Wei Ying tugged Lan Zhan down, and shared another short, sweet kiss.

Jiang Cheng smiled, looking back to the banquet about to being in full swing, to Wei Ying and Lan Zhan holding each other. This really was a happy day.

Yes . He thought to himself. Everything’s alright.