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Chapter Text

Lan Wangji hates Wei Wuxian.

That's what Wei Wuxian and the rest of the world thought anyway. It's entirely believable – how the gossip sites would post candid photos of Lan Wangji staring daggers at Wei Wuxian, how articles would accuse Wei Wuxian of stealing Lan Wangji's potential acting roles, how they avoided each other like the plague – anybody who owned a TV knew the ongoing 'feud' between the two most sought-after actors in the country.

Besides, the grapevine wasn't too far-fetched this time. He’s 99% sure that Lan Wangji hated his guts, and he could even pinpoint the exact minute and second of a certain interview where Lan Wangji explicitly stated that he did, in fact, hate Wei Wuxian’s guts.

Wei Wuxian didn't mind it at all. It’s quite entertaining, if he’s being honest, since half of the news about them never even happened. The free publicity was nice too, that’s why he didn't do anything about it. Addressing the issue would just add fuel to the fire, and the two rarely even cross paths.

After all, Lan Wangji would never agree to act alongside him.

•••••••••

"It's been a long time since you've been last together. You want to make it last," the director, Luo Qingyang, said to Lan Wangji, then turned to Wei Wuxian. "You'll do everything he wants."

Wei Wuxian nodded absentmindedly, half-listening to Qingyang's instructions. She wanted to film the love scene in their first day to test the chemistry between the two actors. This should have been done during the audition process, but Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji were specifically picked out of the producers' insistence, and no chemistry read happened between the two. It wasn't an exaggeration if he said that the fate of the series’ production relied on the scene they're about to do.

"It's up to you if you only want to simulate the sex, just make it look like you're really enjoying it, okay?" The director had already given a few pointers about the context of the scene: two lovers who haven't seen each other in years, one thought the other dead, and both have dreamt of their reunion everyday. Now that they're together again, the two wanted to make sure that the other wasn't an illusion.

There wasn’t much of a script yet as the director wanted to make the whole scene almost ad libbed, but she had given them outline of their roles’ respective background and traits. Wei Wuxian had learned that his character was a cheerful guy with a smidge of an underhanded personality, while Lan Wangji’s character was dark and mysterious with a strong sense of justice. The two always clash with their ideals, and yet were deeply loyal to each other.

Obviously, the presence of a heated sex scene had been disclosed to Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian in detail before the production of the television series, and both were given the chance to refuse the offer, but to everyone’s surprise, neither of the two backed down. Qingyang immediately shoved the skeleton script at the actors and scheduled the shooting of the scene before they could change their minds.

Wei Wuxian watched Lan Wangji in front of him as they both took a step back to stand on their respective marking tapes. Wei Wuxian offered him a smile, Lan WangJi just looked at him with indifference.

The assistant clapped the slate board shut, and the scene began.

Lan Wangji made the first move. He closed the distance between them in two strides, his hands hovering just right against Wei Wuxian's arms, reluctant to touch. His face that's lacking any emotion before, now showed the tiniest bit of surprise.

"Wei Ying," he said with the softest of tone, and Wei Wuxian becomes wide-eyed at those words. Then he remembered that the director had yet to give their characters' names, and the two had to improvise on their own.

Wei Wuxian smirked inwardly. How bold of Lan Wangji to use his real name.

"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian answered in return, and felt a sense of accomplishment when Lan Wangji's eyes widen a fraction as well. "I'm here," he said as he pulls Lan Wangji in an embrace.

Wei Wuxian could feel the stiffness of Lan Wangji's body melt slowly under his touch, the muscles of his shoulders relaxing. He returned the hug, his arms circling around Wei Wuxian securely.

Lan Wangji pulled back just enough to look at Wei Wuxian, and cupped his cheeks, before kissing his forehead, then his nose.

Wei Wuxian laughed as Lan Wangji started to pepper him with kisses all over his face; right on his eyebrows, then against the apple of his cheek, lips just off-target. Wei Wuxian just let him, his own hands freely caressing Lan Wangji's back, enjoying the warmth spreading on his palm. When Lan Wangji seemed satisfied, he finally kissed his lips.

It's just a quick peck, and Wei Wuxian could feel Lan Wangji's lips slightly tremble against his, but when Wei Wuxian licked his own lips to taste him, Lan Wangji surged forward, deepening the kiss.

Lan Wangji took control of the kiss immediately, his hands sliding from Wei Wuxian's cheeks down to the back of his neck, slowly making their way to his waist. Wei Wuxian made a pleased noise in his mouth when Lan Wangji brushed his thumb against his hips.

Their mouths moved perfectly against each other as if they had been doing this their whole lives, as if this kind of intimacy had become a muscle memory, when in fact this was the first time they had been in each other's personal space.

Wei Wuxian had taken a few sips of alcohol before the take just to help him loosen up. As shameless and over-confident people perceived him to be, he really wasn't, and he's prone to bouts of nervousness, especially with scenes he had never tackled before.

Honestly, he didn't think it would work. Past tense because it's currently working, and it's working really well, if he said so himself. Lan Wangji was an amazing kisser, and definitely the best guy he's ever kissed, though he had no one to compare it with since Lan Wangji was the only guy he'd done this with.

He didn't know what to expect from Lan Wangji either. His past roles were entirely different from this one, and Wei Wuxian had never seen him with a love interest before.

Wei Wuxian pulled away just slightly to take a better look at Lan Wangji. He gave him a smile, and this time, Lan Wangji offered one back– the smallest of hints, but it's enough to give Wei Wuxian whiplash that he ended up clutching onto Lan Wangji, or else his knees would give out. Wei Wuxian had never seen him smile, and even though it shouldn’t be that surprising (Lan Wangji was still human, after all), the emotions behind Lan Wangji’s eyes magnified the slight curl of his lips, making anyone swoon if they saw such a sight.

I’m happy you’re here. I’ve missed you, his eyes seemed to say, and Wei Wuxian couldn't help but kiss him some more, hands moving to cradle his jaw. Lan Wangji got a hold of his thighs and pulls Wei Wuxian up against him, and Wei Wuxian automatically wrapped his legs around Lan Wangji’s waist, trusting that he’ll be carried easily. Considering all the films Wei Wuxian had seen with Lan Wangji literally doing some heavy lifting, his weight didn't compare to the cars Lan Wangji had been flipping over in his action movies.

His mind continued to supply him images of Lan Wangji displaying his ridiculous arm strength until he felt his back bumping against something soft, and realized that they had moved onto the bed, Lan Wangji hovering on top of him.

“What are you thinking?” Lan Wangji asked as he looked at Wei Wuxian intently, probably trying to read his mind himself. It looked adorable, and Wei Wuxian had never thought he’d associate Lan Wangji with that word.

“I’m wondering why I’m still not naked,” Wei Wuxian answered, and laughed when Lan Wangji frowned. Then he started undressing Wei Wuxian, pulling his clothes over his head before covering his mouth again with his own, tongues slipping past each other’s parted lips. Wei Wuxian unbuttoned Lan Wangji’s dress shirt as Lan Wangji started working on his jeans, their hands moving in unison in order to get each other in various states of undress.

Wei Wuxian tried not to think of the cameras moving around them, or the four crew members that were present in the set, watching their every move. Thankfully, the cameras were remote-controlled, giving them a semblance of privacy for their scene, so Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji didn't have to deal with a camera man breathing down their necks.

Wei Wuxian suddenly gasped when he felt Lan Wangji rub a palm over his jeans, the pressure just enough for Wei Wuxian to grind up to him unconsciously, successfully pulling him out of his thoughts.

"Take it off, c'mon," he whispered against Lan Wangji's mouth, before biting his lower lip, tongue licking at the reddened skin. Lan Wangji pulled their pants off in record time, the sudden cool air against his skin making Wei Wuxian automatically clamp his legs shut.

Lan Wangji pried his legs open by pushing a knee between them, his thigh accidentally brushing against Wei Wuxian's length which was already half hard from their previous activities.

They're already both in the mood, and if their enthusiastic making out wasn't any indication, their erections should be. Lan Wangji started kissing his way to Wei Wuxian's jaw, down to his neck, then to his collarbone. Every part of Wei Wuxian’s skin his lips touch, he gave it light sucks, and Wei Wuxian wondered if they're enough to mark.

Not wanting to be always on the receiving side, Wei Wuxian reached down to hold Lan Wangji's length, which twitched at his touch. He saw Lan Wangji shutting his eyes at the sensation, his movements freezing momentarily. That gave Wei Wuxian courage to continue as he moved his hand up and down experimentally, recalling how he did it when he jerked himself off.

Wei Wuxian slid a thumb over the slit, and Lan Wangji bit on his shoulder. It stings, but that didn't stop him from stroking Lan Wangji’s length, twisting his wrist expertly, just how he usually did to himself. "Wei Ying," Lan Wangji warned him as Wei Wuxian was probably doing too much of a good job riling him up.

"What? You're not the only one allowed to touch."

"Want to make it last," Lan Wangji answered, and Wei Wuxian felt his heart skip a beat at that sentence, before realizing that Lan Wangji was just reciting the director’s words from before.

"Oh. Right,” he said sheepishly, and slowed down his movements, surprised at the unexpected disappointment he felt at that revelation, not knowing where that emotion had come from.

Lan Wangji pulled Wei Wuxian’s grip away from his cock, and when Wei Wuxian gave him a questioning look, Lan Wangji spread Wei Wuxian’s legs apart, moving between them. He lined up their lengths together, wrapping a tight fist around them, and started to roll his hips against Wei Wuxian’s.

Wei Wuxian moaned loudly at the delicious friction, and he wrapped his arms and legs around Lan Wangji to lock him in place in case he gets any idea of stopping. He kissed him with force, and hungrily sucked his tongue in, as if demanding Lan Wangji to explore his mouth more. Lan Wangji obliged, and kissed him, slow and deep, and so thorough that Wei Wuxian vaguely mused if the alcohol he’s tasting is just his own, or if Lan Wangji had taken a drink as well.

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian rasped his name between bites and kisses, hips buckling up at the same time as Lan Wangji’s movements. He felt himself getting close, and softly tapped Lan Wangji’s back with his finger. Lan Wangji seemed to understand his signal as he slowed down, pulling away from the kiss so they could look each other in the eyes.

“Satisfied?” Wei Wuxian asked.

“No,” Lan Wangji answered bluntly. Wei Wuxian laughed, and maybe he shouldn’t, but Lan Wangji’s face looked like he'd been wronged, making Wei Wuxian want to tease him more. He replayed his character’s personality at the back of his mind, and deemed his performance still in-character.

“Me too. It’s been years, you know?” Wei Wuxian started, carding his hands through Lan Wangji’s hair. “I’ve been sooo pent up. You still know how to satisfy me, right?”

“Mn.” Lan Wangji worked right away, and Wei Wuxian felt the heat of his fingertips before he even touched his skin. He kissed downwards, tracing the path he’s done a few minutes before, but now with his tongue. Wei Wuxian slid his hands into the hairs over Lan Wangji’s nape, and arched his back when Lan Wangji’s lips latched over his nipple, a thumb flicking the other. He panted below him, his hard-on rubbing against Lan Wangji’s stomach, the leaking tip painting his skin with precum. Wei Wuxian tried to calm himself down and turns his head slightly, noticing the camera hovering on their right.

"The camera–" Wei Wuxian reminded Lan Wangji, breaking character for a moment. Their movements were getting obscured from the lens, and even if he didn't have any interest of showing any more skin than he already was, he didn't want to be interrupted by the crew for a minor detail. Wei Wuxian liked what Lan Wangji's mouth was currently doing, and he wanted to keep it that way.

"Don't care," Lan Wangji said honestly, his eyes already on him.

“Oh,” Wei Wuxian breathed with realization, then a surprised inhale, the words genuinely stunning him. He tugged Lan Wangji upwards, until they’re back again to their original position, chests pressed together.

"You're quite enjoying this aren't you, Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian murmured against his ear. Whether he’s addressing the character or the person himself, he didn't know anymore.

When Lan Wangji remained silent, he continued, his hands trailing over Lan Wangji’s chest, then at his arms, never stopping in one place. "I'm enjoying it too. A lot," Wei Wuxian assured him. “That’s why let’s do a good job today. So that they’ll ask us to do this again.”

Wei Wuxian must have lit something inside him as Lan Wangji captured his lips in a bruising kiss, tongue sweeping over the insides of his mouth, his hand massaging the skin just below Wei Wuxian’s navel. Wei Wuxian responded to the kiss eagerly, nipping on his lips, leaning forward to get a better access of his mouth.

Lan Wangji moved to trail kisses against his jaw. "On your knees," Lan Wangji whispered against his ear, and Wei Wuxian mindlessly obeyed, turning around and bracing himself on his hands. Lan Wangji moved behind him, his hands sliding over his waist, before closing Wei Wuxian's thighs together. “Keep your legs squeezed together.” Wei Wuxian did as he’s told.

The change of position didn't sink in until Wei Wuxian felt something pushing in between his thighs, something hot and slick, and realized it's Lan Wangji's cock.

It's an odd sensation to say the least. Not unpleasant– Wei Wuxian just didn't think he'll get any pleasure from it, but when the head of Lan Wangji's length slid over his balls, he felt it straight through his dick and he ended up moaning Lan Wangji's name obscenely.

Lan Wangji licked a stripe over his spine, before biting the junction between his neck and his shoulder, soothing it after with sucks. He wrapped a hand around Wei Wuxian’s length, stroking him in time with his thrusts. Wei Wuxian lifted a hand over to reach Lan Wangji’s head, fingers raking against his scalp, the other intertwining with Lan Wangji’s free hand. He fucked Lan Wangji’s fist as he ground against his length, firmly clamping his thighs for Lan Wangji.

“Lan Zhan, I’m–” he arched his back, pulling Lan Wangji closer, turning his head so he could kiss him once again.

“Come for me, Wei Ying,” he husked against Wei Wuxian’s mouth, biting down on his lower lip, almost drawing blood. This sent goosebumps over Wei Wuxian’s skin, and he came hard over Lan Wangji’s fingers, and onto the bed. Lan Wangji continued to stroke Wei Wuxian through the last of his orgasm, his hips never stop thrusting until he also came a few seconds after, spilling some of his cum against Wei Wuxian’s thighs.

They kissed some more, both riding out their orgasms, Lan Wangji’s hands caressing Wei Wuxian’s inner thighs and stomach. After a while, Wei Wuxian’s knees finally buckled under him, and Lan Wangji helped him maneuver back to lying position, casually shoving the soiled bedsheet away from them.

Wei Wuxian didn't remember how long they lie in bed together and almost forgot about the camera rolling until he saw Lan Wangji move to sit over the edge of the bed, feet already touching the floor. He grabbed one of the blankets to cover himself, and waited for the crew to approach them. Wei Wuxian did the same, much clumsier than his partner, as he nearly used the soiled blanket with both of their semen to wrap around himself.

“Good job, you two,” Qingyang said, smiling from ear to ear as she went towards them. “I really wasn’t expecting anything, but wow,” she laughed breathlessly, and finally allowed herself to fan her face with her hand. “That was really hot.”

The director continued to sing their praises, disclosing to the two actors how she thought this series was going to be doomed right from the start. “I’m glad I was wrong,” she released a relieved sigh.

“This take is already good, we have a lot of material we can get from today’s filming,” she said as she took a look on her notes. “Oh, we might have to redo some scenes. There’s also the issue of using your real names, but we still haven’t created names for the protagonists, so that might take a while.”

“Why not just use our names?” Wei Wuxian suggested.

Qingyang tilted her head in question. “You’re fine with that?”

Wei Wuxian shrugged. “Sure, why not? It’s easier to say anyway.” He turned to Lan Wangji, who’s now wearing his signature frown. “Right, Lan Zhan?”

As expected, he received no reply. Lan Wangji had already reverted back to his aloof self, who also happened to hate Wei Wuxian, if he might add. How Lan Wangji managed to be that dignified and indifferent with just a blanket covering him, Wei Wuxian would probably never know. Just as how Wei Wuxian would never know how Lan Wangji was able to touch him the way he had touched him– so lovingly, so desperately. How Lan Wangji could pretend to adore him like that, even if he hated Wei Wuxian to his core.

That’s probably what makes Lan Wangji a great actor, and he appreciated him more than before. Lan Wangji could keep his personal feelings separate from his job, and seemed to have a good control of his body. Wei Wuxian should really learn more from him, especially when the stickiness between his thighs continues to bother him, the accompanying scene kept on playing over and over in his brain, and he knew that if he didn't do anything about it, soon enough he’d have a problem growing between his legs.

There should be a clear line between personal life and work. Wei Wuxian kept on saying that mantra in his head, along with a couple of unsexy words to stop himself from getting hard. Then he remembered his suggestion about keeping their name for the series, and decided to take it back. Before he could open his mouth, however, Lan Wangji suddenly spoke.

“Suit yourself.” He left the set with those words, as he's already wearing a robe appropriate enough for him so he could go back to his dressing room. Wei Wuxian didn't notice their clothes being prepared, and saw an identical robe beside him.

"That settles it, then," Qingyang said. Wei Wuxian started wearing his robe, then saw the director tapping her pen against her notebook as she watched Wei Wuxian with a far-off look.

"Is there something wrong?" Wei Wuxian asked.

Qingyang blinked, clearly unaware of her staring. "Oh, I was just thinking," she started, pen tapping her notebook again. "Are you and Lan Wangji secretly... friends?"

The way she said friends sounded as if she really meant something else, and Wei Wuxian looked at her in confusion, his mind still processing the question, before shaking in laughter.

"Me and Lan Zhan? Friends? No way, no way. Haven't you seen all the gossip between us? We apparently had a brawl two months ago at a club I've never heard of before."

"That's just gossip," the directors insisted. "After that scene the two of you did? I immediately thought you were just faking your hatred with each other."

"I don't hate Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian clarified. "But I can't say he'll say the same about me. He's just an amazing actor who can work professionally with someone he doesn't like." He gave Qingyang a smile, and stood up from the bed. "Do you still need something? I want to take a shower first."

The director gave him the go signal, and Wei Wuxian took off immediately, her words still stuck in his mind. Even though he did feel a bit closer with Lan Wangji, he knew that everything that had happened between them were just for show, and when the camera had stopped rolling, Lan Wangji had immediately fled the set.

That's why Wei Wuxian still believed that Lan Wangji hated him.

It would be nice if he didn't, though.

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji immediately took an ice cold shower once he got back to his dressing room.

The freezing water momentarily helped him calm down, but when he felt the sting from where Wei Wuxian had dug his nails along his back, scratching angry red lines across his skin, Lan Wangji shakingly reached out to turn the knob, setting the shower to the lowest temperature possible.

Lan Wangji could still feel Wei Wuxian's every touch, could still hear his breathless moans against his ears, could still vividly picture Wei Wuxian writhing underneath him, whispering his name. He leaned his forehead against the cold tile of the shower, taking deep breaths, forcing his mind to clear out any thoughts.

It's a lapse of judgement on his part, and Lan Wangji reprimanded his past self from accepting the role. How could he think that acting beside Wei Wuxian was a good idea? Or that he could control himself, knowing how he felt for him?

The moment he uttered Wei Wuxian's real name, Lan Wangji knew that he had made a mistake. He had slipped out of character numerous times in the scene, and had done things more than he should have– more than half of what they had done were definitely not appropriate to air on television– and he wondered why no one had stopped them, specifically Lan Wangji. Wei Wuxian didn't look uncomfortable at least, but then he's also a very capable actor, so what did Lan Wangji know?

Those thoughts continued to be an incessant chatter in his mind, and he's unable to get rid of them completely. He didn't know how long he has kept the water running over his head, but his fingers were already pruned, and he figured he couldn't stay inside any longer. Lan Wangji sighed as he got out of the shower, and proceeded to dry himself off.

When he left his dressing room half an hour later, he saw Wei Wuxian leaning on the wall adjacent to his door, arms crossed on his chest. His sudden appearance nearly made Lan Wangji's heart beat out of his ribcage.

"Do you always take your showers that long?" Wei Wuxian asked the moment he saw Lan Wangji. He looked like he had taken a shower as well, wet hair slicked back, the dress shirt he's wearing at least two sizes bigger than his normal size. There's a small smile on his lips, teasing.

Lan Wangji ignored his question, his gaze focusing somewhere past Wei Wuxian, unable to look at him in the eye, not daring to look at him at all. "Why are you here?"

Wei Wuxian grinned. "Came to check on you."

Lan Wangji finally glanced at him.

Check on me?

Lan Wangji was not the one who was pushed down in front of a camera hours ago, and definitely not the one who had an on-screen sex with someone who had an ulterior motive.

He could still see the bite mark he made on Wei Wuxian's neck, barely concealed by his collar, and Lan Wangji's mind conveniently remembered the numerous hickeys he had left on Wei Wuxian's skin. He curled his hands into fists, nails digging into palm, as he forcefully tried to push down the memory on the back of his head.

Wei Wuxian didn't seem to pick up his internal conflict as he explained, "You just went off so quickly! Everyone got a little worried."

"I felt dirty. Needed to take a shower." Lan Wangji's thoughts at that time were too filthy, and if he had chosen to stay, he felt that he'd end up violating Wei Wuxian in his mind while the man was just inches away from him.

"Oh," Wei Wuxian said, and there's something about his tone that seemed off, Lan Wangji couldn't figure what. He saw a fraction of a frown, and before Lan Wangji could ask him about it, Wei Wuxian was smiling again. "By the way, the table-read with the other actors is on Monday. Don't be late, okay? See you then!"

Wei Wuxian gave him a wave, and rushed off before Lan Wangji could open his mouth.

•••••••••

The day of the table-read came faster than expected, and the anxiety that had been steadily growing inside the pit of his stomach was accompanied by the nervous anticipation of seeing Wei Wuxian again.

The other cast members started to show up. Lan Wangji first noticed Jiang Cheng arriving, Jin Zixuan entering a few seconds after, then followed by Wen Ning and Wen Qing.

"Wangji," he heard someone call him from behind, and turned to see Lan Huan. "I'll go greet the other managers outside. You'll be fine on your own, right?"

He nodded, a little irked that his brother was worried about him not being fine by himself, but then he saw Wei Wuxian walk by, and finally understood Lan Huan's concern.

It took another ten minutes before everyone settled down and went to their respective seats. Of course, Wei Wuxian was situated beside Lan Wangji, and the former gave him his usual bright smile.

"Morning, Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian chirped. Lan Wangji nodded slightly, and fixed his stare on the script in front of him.

Luo Qingyang called their attention, and gave each cast member time to introduce themselves one by one. Even though almost everyone knew each other in the room, this was still the first time they had gathered together.

The director then gave a brief overview of the series' plot summary for the sake of other producers and executives present. The 16-episode series was going to be a gritty buddy cop drama about two police detectives who have been partners for almost a decade. Wei Ying, Wei Wuxian's character, had been missing for three years, prior to the start of the show. He suddenly reappeared at the end of the first episode in front of Lan Zhan, his partner and boyfriend, portrayed by Lan Wangji. The story follows the two, together with their team, as they solve heinous crimes and murders, while slowly unfolding what happened to Wei Ying in the three years he had disappeared.

Jiang Cheng would play the role of Wei Ying's best friend who became a sergeant during his disappearance. Jin Zixuan's character is the detective who was always in disagreement with Wei Ying. Wen Qing would portray the only female detective in the team, who seems to know something about Wei Ying's disappearance more than she lets on. Wen Ning's character is the precinct's forensic investigator and Wen Qing's little brother, both on-screen and off-screen.

The script they're about to read is what they'd be filming three days from now. It would be the moment when Lan Zhan brought Wei Ying back to the police precinct the first time after he went missing three years ago, shocking everyone in the team.

The table-read had started, and currently going smoothly; Lan Wangji had worked with half of the actors in the ensemble before, and had no complaints to say about them.

"I know y'all have missed me. You can turn on the waterworks now, I'm not gonna judge," Wei Wuxian said with confidence, improvising a line to add on the script. Everyone in the room smiled at the ad lib, and the other actors responded appropriately, making the dialogue more natural than before.

"No one's missed you, dipshit," Jiang Cheng quipped, and the others laughed.

Wei Wuxian's small improvisations had made the mood lighter, and the cast eventually found the rhythm of the script, making everyone at ease.

Lan Wangji nearly missed two of his cues as he's too fascinated with Wei Wuxian's acting. The scene they had done together a few days ago didn't require much dialogue (and required a totally different skill), so this was the first time Lan Wangji had seen him deliver his lines so closely. He had heard of Wei Wuxian's penchant for ad-libbing, and how most of the script writers and directors enjoyed working with him because of it.

Wei Wuxian internalized his characters well; the writers would often comment on how he understood the character better than them, past co-actors would say in interviews how often they had to keep up with him. Of course, his improvisations had caused criticisms as well and had cost him a lot of roles, but those setbacks never deterred him from acting.

"Attempt the impossible," Wei Wuxian grinned as the interviewer asked his motto in life. "And forget grudges, but remember kindness."

"Those are very good words to live by. How do they help you when it comes to acting?"

Wei Wuxian hummed thoughtfully as he rubbed his nose. "I always get attached with the characters I play, so sometimes I feel that I understand them better than anyone. I learn from the character, and the character learned something from me. There are people who don't agree with my approach and that causes a lot of conflicts. I want to get along with everyone, so I try my best to explain them my side, and I listen to theirs too. But those kinds of simple conversations are so impossible to do, y'know?" Wei Wuxian explained with a smile.

"When you said to attempt the impossible, I thought you were going to say you want to become the best actor in the world," the interview told Wei Wuxian.

"Well, that isn't impossible, is it?" Wei Wuxian began, and looked at the camera "Aren't I already the best actor in the world?" He winked and the interviewer laughed.

Lan Wangji remembered watching that interview, thinking how good Wei Wuxian was with words, and how obnoxious Wei Wuxian was when it came to acting. He could have never been more wrong about his latter impression.

"Good job, everyone. We'll send the altered scripts tonight so be sure to check your emails. We'll see each other on Thursday," the director announced after applauding the actors and script writers. "Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian, let's talk for a bit." Qingyang then beckoned the two closer as the other cast members took their leave.

"I have homework for the both of you," she began, clasping her hands together. "I know you two already have a great chemistry, but the characters you're playing have been together for almost a decade and have known each other even longer than that."

Lan Wangji had a suspicion on where this conversation was going, and he didn't know whether he wanted to stop it or not.

"I want you two to hang out together. Find something to do, observe each other's habits, know each other's likes and dislikes, do those things until you're comfortable with each other," Qingyang continued, confirming what Lan Wangji had dreaded. "I think it's better not to just rely on the script when it comes to characters who have been together for so long that one knows the other like the back of his hand."

Lan Wangji watched Wei Wuxian nodding beside him. "I'm okay with that," he said, then turns to Lan Wangji. "What do you think, Lan Zhan?"

Lan Wangji had already nodded before he could thoroughly think about it. "Mn."

"Great!" The director said with glee. "I'm not saying that you should act as your characters while hanging out, so you can just be yourself. I'm sure your progress off-screen will still be reflected on-screen."

Qingyang talked with the two for a few minutes before excusing herself, leaving them to work on the details of their assignment.

Wei Wuxian looked at his watch. "It's still 5 pm. Wanna go now?"

Now? Lan Wangji wasn't ready now, and probably ever.

"Okay," he said instead.

"If we go somewhere public I bet we won't get that much talking," Wei Wuxian grinned, wide and pretty. "So, your place or mine?"

•••••••••

Lan Wangji drove them to Wei Wuxian's place, and Wei Wuxian filled the silence with his endless chatter, stopping once in a while to give Lan Wangji directions to his house.

They had decided to go to Wei Wuxian's since it's nearer– not that Lan Wangji would invite Wei Wuxian to his house, he could already imagine himself suffering from Lan Huan's knowing looks if he did.

They arrived in a peaceful residential area located near the outskirts of the city, and Wei Wuxian asked Lan Wangji to park in front of a gated bungalow house.

The house wasn't where Lan Wangji had expected Wei Wuxian to be living in. Unless if this was his parents' house, then it made sense.

The thought of suddenly meeting Wei Wuxian's parents caught Lan Wangji off-guard, and before he could shut down to full panic mode, Wei Wuxian knocked on the driver's window, startling him. Lan Wangji hadn't noticed him leaving the car.

Wei Wuxian said something but his voice is muffled by the glass, so Lan Wangji lowered the window gingerly.

"Are you coming inside or not? No one's home, but I swear I'm not gonna murder you," Wei Wuxian promised, but his tone and wiggling eyebrows seemed to imply otherwise.

Having no choice in the matter, Lan Wangji reluctantly got out of the car and followed Wei Wuxian into his house.

The inside of the house was a little messy, but in a charming way. It's the type of mess that wasn't the dirty nor the smelly kind, just the kind that made it known that someone was living there.

There were books strewn on the table, scripts left on the couch, a quilt haphazardly thrown over the armrest. Lan Wangji quietly observed the place, his eyes landing on the picture frames above the fireplace. One is a photo of a couple with a child, whom Lan Wangji assumed were Wei Wuxian's parents and him as a child. The one frame in the middle was Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng, together with a girl, the three smiling from ear to ear. It looked like it was taken when they were in their early twenties. The last one was another family photo, but this time it's of a different couple, with Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng and the girl from the other picture.

"Jiang Cheng is my adoptive brother," Wei Wuxian suddenly said beside him. He turned to face Lan Wangji, then pressed his index finger against his own lips. "That's a secret, okay? Don't tell anyone."

"I won't."

Wei Wuxian smiled gratefully at him. "I was adopted by the Jiangs when my parents died. It's all hush hush since A-Cheng said he doesn't want to get roles just because I'm associated with him," he revealed with a shrug. "As if they would get him just because he's related to me. He's already got tons of projects too, all without my help. Isn't he being too prideful?" He asked Lan Wangji, who just stared at him. Wei Wuxian laughed.

"I'm sorry, am I sharing too much?"

Lan Wangji's rebuttal was already on the tip of his tongue, but Wei Wuxian was already moving away, and he lost his chance to say how he didn't mind how long Wei Wuxian wanted to talk, how Lan Wangji was willing to listen if he wanted to chatter away for hours, even days.

"Are you hungry? I'll cook us something," Wei Wuxian asked cheerfully, and Lan Wangji somehow knew that Wei Wuxian hadn't taken his lack of answer to heart.

Thirty minutes later, the two had taken a seat on the dining table, facing each other. Both had a plate in front of them, the contents bright red and the smell too intimidating, and Lan Wangji could already feel his throat burning even without putting anything in his mouth yet.

They ate in silence because Lan Wangji had banned Wei Wuxian from talking, and also because Lan Wangji couldn't speak without putting pressure on his scorching tongue.

It's nothing short of a miracle that Lan Wangji had managed to finish his food five minutes after Wei Wuxian had finished his. Lan Wangji offered to wash the plates, but Wei Wuxian pushed him back to the living room and onto the couch, insisting that a guest should just relax and let the host do all the work.

When he's done with the dishes, Wei Wuxian reappeared bearing a tray of tea and biscuits. He placed the tray on the coffee table in front of Lan Wangji, before taking a seat beside him. "Let's do the 21 questions game."

Lan Wangji raised an eyebrow.

Wei Wuxian munched on a biscuit before explaining, "It's really simple. I ask a question and you answer it. Then we take turns. To make it more interesting, we'll answer on behalf of our characters too. I'll start. What's your favorite hobby?"

"Reading."

"What about Lan Zhan? Your character, I mean." Wei Wuxian laughed. "This is gonna be confusing."

Lan Wangji agreed in his mind. "He also likes reading."

"You two have a boring hobby. Wei Ying thinks that too," Wei Wuxian pointed out, before gesturing at Lan Wangji. "It's your turn to ask."

Lan Wangji thought for a moment. "What scares you the most?"

"Dogs!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed as he shuddered, hugging himself in the end. "They're really terrifying."

"Why?"

Wei Wuxian shook a finger at him. "That's another question, you have to wait for your turn again."

Their game continued until their tea became lukewarm and the plate was left with only crumbs. Lan Wangji had learned a lot about Wei Wuxian– how much he liked to drink, that brewing liquors was a side hobby of his. Lan Wangji also learned about the house, that it's Wei Wuxian childhood home when his parents were still alive, and that he just recently bought it off the market. Wei Wuxian liked to sing off-key just to annoy Jiang Cheng and to make Jiang Yanli, his adoptive sister, laugh. Usually he'd go out of topic, share more than what Lan Wangji had asked, and Lan Wangji's heart fluttered at that, knowing Wei Wuxian was comfortable talking about his private life with him.

Lan Wangji had thought that Wei Wuxian's life was already an open-book with the amount of interviews he's done and television appearances he's willing to do, but everything Lan Wangji had heard today were news to him.

He would have never been able to take a glimpse of this side of Wei Wuxian if he just continued to watch him from afar.

Lan Wangji didn't regret taking this role, after all.

"Favorite food?" Lan Wangji asked for his twentieth question.

"My jiejie's lotus root and pork rib soup, and anything spicy. Wei Ying likes spicy too."

Lan Wangji frowned. "You're just making the character have the same interests as you."

Wei Wuxian gasped at the accusation. "I'm not! And you're one to talk. As if you and Lan Zhan have vastly different personalities."

Lan Wangji ultimately ignored this and asked another question, just to see if Wei Wuxian would notice that his turn is already up. "What's the difference between you and Wei Ying?"

"I wouldn't leave my loved ones that long and without saying anything," Wei Wuxian answered, totally forgetting the mechanics of the game. "If it's for their sake, I kinda get it though."

The cast still didn't know the reason behind Wei Ying's disappearance, and they expected it to be revealed by the end of the show. Everyone was itching to receive the script for that part too, but the director would probably hold it off until the last minute to avoid spoiler leaks.

"How about you? What makes you different from Lan Zhan?"

"I wouldn't let my loved one disappear," Lan Wangji said simply, making Wei Wuxian laugh.

"Is that so? How about in bed? What makes you different from him?" Wei Wuxian asked, and something suddenly shifted, as his watchful gaze became more intense, and the smile on his lips curled into a teasing smirk. "Lan Zhan?" He said, making it perfectly clear that he's addressing Lan Wangji by his real name.

Lan Wangji ripped his eyes away from the enticing sight, and clenched his fist, refusing to answer. He stood up and started to leave, when Wei Wuxian grabbed his arm quickly.

"I'll stop, I'll stop! I'm just teasing, don't be mad. I won't do it again," Wei Wuxian promised as he cajoles Lan Wangji back into sitting. "I was just trying to lighten up the mood since we haven't talked about…" Wei Wuxian paused to think of a word. "....that scene."

"No need," Lan Wangji told him. He'd rather not remember that scene with Wei Wuxian just an arm's length away from him.

Wei Wuxian scratched his nose at that, before leaning back to the couch. "I wonder how your fans would think when they watch that. They'll probably love you more, since you can tolerate such scenes with me with utmost professionalism."

"Tolerate?" There's something confusing about Wei Wuxian's words.

Wei Wuxian nodded, then looked at Lan Wangji. "Yeah. You hate me, don't you?"

"I don't hate you," Lan Wangji denied his claim so quickly it surprised the both of them. He didn't want to repeat the same mistake of not saying anything.

"You don't? So you just dislike me, then?"

Lan Wangji glared at him, and Wei Wuxian laughed. "Okay, okay, you don't dislike me either. Though it really looks like you do, just saying," he added, then turned his whole body to face Lan Wangji.

"Don't you read gossip sites? The articles about us?"

Lan Wangji shook his head. "I don't read those."

"How about on TV?"

"I only watch the news."

Wei Wuxian draped his arm over the backrest, his chin resting on his knuckles. It's bad manners; the posture wouldn't do any good to his spine, but Lan Wangji didn't find it in him to scold, especially when Wei Wuxian's attention was solely on him. "So you don't know the fight between us?"

"Fight?" Lan Wangji asked, then he realized he's mostly just repeating Wei Wuxian's words out of confusion.

Wei Wuxian squinted, before his eyes suddenly widen, a finger pointing accusingly at Lan Wangji. "The interview! You said something about my acting and how bad it was. Then people started talking about how we hated each other."

"I don't remember." Lan Wangji clearly remembered what he's talking about.

"You said something along the lines of–"

"That was a long time ago," Lan Wangji cut him off. He didn't want to hear his past self's stupid opinion, especially on the lips of Wei Wuxian. "Not true anymore."

Wei Wuxian just stared at him. "So you really don't hate me?"

"I don’t."

Wei Wuxian's face broke into a dazzling smile at his confirmation, and Lan Wangji heard his own breath hitch when he saw it, the force of it nearly sweeping him off his feet, or in this case, off of the couch.

"You don't hate me," Wei Wuxian said again, a whisper, and Lan Wangji had to blink at the radiant smile that was still being shown to him.

What I feel about you is very much the opposite of that, or so Lan Wangji would like to say, but he just nodded, a small smile splayed on his lips he couldn't seem to get rid off.

"And you're smiling," Wei Wuxian said with awe, like a child in a zoo who just saw a rare animal for the first time.

"It's just a smile." Lan Wangji didn't know what's so special about his, when Wei Wuxian's smile could probably power up the entire country.

Wei Wuxian looked so offended by his words. "It's not just a smile! You don't ever smile, so it's really precious. If I can take a picture I'll probably be a billionaire right now. Can I take a picture?"

"No."

Wei Wuxian pursed his lips at that and Lan Wangji wondered how he can still control himself, when Wei Wuxian continued to act like this. "So you hate me, after all."

So childish. Lan Wangji wanted to kiss those pouty lips.

"I won't go to the house of someone I hate," Lan Wangji assured him.

"That's true, but I thought you're just being thick-skinned."

At those words, Lan Wangji threatened to stand up again, and Wei Wuxian hugged his arm tightly to stop him this time. Lan Wangji felt the tingling sensation from where their skins ended up touching. "I'm joking! Don’t go."

"Don't touch me," Lan Wangji said instinctively, the heat in his tone palpable, and Wei Wuxian immediately let go of his arm.

"I'm sorry," Wei Wuxian said with guilt in his tone, making Lan Wangji quickly regret his lashing out.

It's just a reaction out of impulse, Wei Wuxian didn't need to apologize, but before Lan Wangji could tell him that, his phone suddenly rang– it's his 8:00 pm alarm.

Shutting the alarm off, Lan Wangji turned to Wei Wuxian. "I need to go."

"Do you still have work?" Wei Wuxian asked, standing up.

Lan Wangji shook his head. "Have to sleep by nine."

Wei Wuxian gawked at him, then laughed. When Lan Wangji didn't say anything else, his laughter slowly died down. "You're serious."

Lan Wangji looked at him as if to say, since when am I not?

Wei Wuxian followed Lan Wangji to his car to see him off. The road was brightly lit with numerous lamp posts, and there were still children playing across the street.

"You didn't have to come outside," Lan Wangji told him, but Wei Wuxian just brushed him off with a grin.

"It's okay. There are no paparazzi or nosy onlookers here, don't worry," Wei Wuxian explained as he leaned against the driver's window, watching Lan Wangji turn on the engine. “Sorry again about earlier.”

“It’s fine.”

Wei Wuxian smiled at that. "I had a great time with you, Lan Zhan. Let’s do this again soon," he said cheerfully, before taking a step back from the car. His suggestion caused some butterflies to fly amok in Lan Wangji’s stomach, and he tightened his grip on the steering wheel to stop himself from getting out of the car and do something, he's afraid to know what. "See you on Thursday. Be careful on your way home."

Lan Wangji gave him a curt nod, then drove off, glancing at his rearview mirror to see Wei Wuxian waving goodbye.

•••••••••

The day for their first official filming with the other cast members finally arrived and Lan Wangji felt calm about it. There's nothing to be nervous about, considering that not only did he have to act an intimate scene with Wei Wuxian, he also had to spend a day with him for their roles. Those two events had both gone smoothly as they could be, and Lan Wangji felt that he had already passed the biggest hurdles in his life.

There's a knock on his bedroom door, and when he turned from his desk, Lan Huan was entering the room, a script binder in hand. "The new skeleton script just arrived this morning, so I skimmed it a little," Lan Huan paused as he looked at Lan Wangji, who prompted him to go on.

"There are at least four more sex scenes in the upcoming episodes. They apparently really liked your performance last time." His older brother handed him the script with a smile that somehow looked proud. "Good luck."

Lan Wangji didn't process the words until Lan Huan left and shut the door behind him. His gaze stared intently at the front of the binder as he tried to will it out of existence, before taking a deep breath, and forcing himself to read it. For every turn of a page, he felt himself getting paler and paler.

Lan Wangji was in trouble.

Chapter Text

Jiang Cheng came to visit two hours after Lan Wangji left. The first thing he saw was Wei Wuxian lying on his stomach on the couch, too focused on reading his script to notice his brother's arrival.

Jiang Cheng kicked his leg, startling Wei Wuxian into flipping on his back, and accidentally banging his head on the armrest. "I've been telling you for days to clean this mess up. Stop being so lazy."

Wei Wuxian shifted to a sitting position while rubbing his throbbing head, frowning at Jiang Cheng. "Is that how you greet your brother when you come barging in his place?"

"If he's being a pain in the ass who doesn't clean up after himself, then yes. Don't let the guests do all the work."

"You're not a guest. You're already practically living here! Why don't you just move in?"

Jiang Cheng looked at him incredulously. "And let people take pictures of us going at the same house? Fuck no."

Wei Wuxian leaned his head on the backrest and sighed. It's hard to figure out Jiang Cheng sometimes. He frequently visited Wei Wuxian's house, sleeping over at least three times a week. If there were really any paparazzi out there, the news about Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng living together should have been the headlines of the tabloids at this point.

Although, maybe it's for the best if Jiang Cheng didn't permanently settle in his house. He's already nagging Wei Wuxian as if he's his mom.

Wei Wuxian continued to weigh the pros and cons of having Jiang Cheng as his housemate when his brother noticed the two tea cups on the coffee table. "Did someone come here?"

Wei Wuxian nodded. "I invited Lan Zhan over to prepare for our roles."

"And he agreed? Huh. So pigs do fly," Jiang Cheng said, a smidge of disbelief in his tone. Setting his keys above the fireplace, his eyes caught the picture frames that were lined up neatly. He squinted, as if forgetting something important, then his head whipped in Wei Wuxian's direction as he remembered what. "Wait, did he see the photos?"

"Yup."

"Did you tell him–"

"Yup." Wei Wuxian raised a hand before Jiang Cheng could scold him. "Don't worry, Lan Zhan won't tell anyone."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Do you really think he cares about gossip?" Wei Wuxian asked, and when Jiang Cheng couldn't answer, he continued. "Besides, Lan Zhan isn't the type of person who likes to ruin someone else's life, so stop complaining."

"I didn't know you two were so close." Jiang Cheng folded his arms over his chest, still clearly annoyed at his brother for revealing their secret. "Did you already ask him to sign your Lan Wangji movie collection?"

"Of course not!" Wei Wuxian said in defense, before sinking back into the couch and muttering, "I didn't get the chance."

Jiang Cheng laughed at that, the nerve of him, before waving a dismissive hand. "I'm gonna sleep now. If I wake up and those teacups and plates are still there, I'll break your Blu-rays."

Jiang Cheng left Wei Wuxian crying in the living room.

It didn't take much time for Wei Wuxian to clean up after Jiang Cheng's life-threatening threat against him. When he finally placed the last cup on the rack to dry, he wasn't in the mood to learn his lines anymore.

Wei Wuxian went back to his room, and immediately looked through his film collection. He knew that Jiang Cheng wouldn't really break his Blu-rays– his nagging little brother was more bark than bite, and also a closeted softie– but he couldn't help but check on them anyway.

His sight landed on the disc cover of a television show he hadn't seen in ages. Not feeling any ounce of sleepiness yet, he turned the TV on and popped the disc on the player, waiting for it to load.

The cheesy opening theme played and Wei Wuxian held the forward button of the remote. A few seconds later, he released the button to play the video normally, and grinned as a young Lan Wangji appeared on the screen.

The series was a historical drama that aired a decade ago, and Lan Wangji was one of the side-characters. His role was supposed to only appear in an episode, but due to insistent public demand, the showrunners decided to let him appear as a recurring character. It's one of Lan Wangji's first roles, and the role that catapulted him into stardom, according to Wei Wuxian's research.

Lan Wangji was Wei Wuxian’s senior when it came to acting, but Wei Wuxian had been in the entertainment industry longer than him. Wei Wuxian was scouted at the age of fifteen, and debuted at the same year as a solo artist. He didn't have any interest in changing his career, until he saw Lan Wangji.

The first time Wei Wuxian saw him act was in a movie where Lan Wangji was the villain. Thinking about it now, he didn't suit that kind of role, that's why when the movie was released, everyone seemed to care more about the bad guy than the main protagonist.

If it wasn't for the clichéd happy ending of the movie, Wei Wuxian was sure that the hero would end up following the villain. The villain's viewpoint was more empathetic and his personality was more complex compared to the protagonist's flimsy excuse of a background story. Wei Wuxian wasn't sure if the problem lay on the script, or if Lan Wangji just did a great job in bringing the villain to life.

Watching Lan Wangji on screen lit something inside Wei Wuxian. He was captivated by his movements, his quick yet graceful execution of incapacitating enemies should look rigid and calculated, but it wasn't. Lan Wangji weaved through them like a leaf, and Wei Wuxian thought of how Lan Wangji moved like a dancer, so beautiful and dangerous, his face stone-cold yet his eyes showed ruthlessness and power.

He didn't think much of it after that; some fight scenes were just smoother than others, and Lan Wangji's stuntman must be really good too.

"And just how many takes did they have to do to retouch him? He didn't even have a hair out of place even after defeating a dozen enemies!" Wei Wuxian complained to Jiang Cheng when he insisted they watch one of Lan Wangji's series together, much to his brother's annoyance.

"That's how television works. Are you stupid? And he probably doesn't even do those stuff himself," Jiang Cheng pointed out, and for some reason Wei Wuxian found himself disagreeing.

Wei Wuxian wouldn't call himself a fanboy, but he did end up watching all the films and television series that Lan Wangji had starred in. It was a little while later when he found out that Lan Wangji had always done his own fight scenes that he started to pay more attention.

"I want to be an actor," Wei Wuxian suddenly announced after watching Lan Wangji's latest film on the big screen, a scowling Jiang Cheng in tow. His brother's frown had gotten deeper at his announcement, but hadn't said anything against it, so Wei Wuxian had taken it as a go-signal.

Wei Wuxian never thought that switching from a singing career to acting was easy, but he hadn’t thought that it was that hard either. Preparing for it felt like he was fifteen again, training his voice and choreography nonstop, but this time he also had to learn analyzing scripts and memorizing lines as fast as he could, and he had to make himself cry on the spot. He loved the improv classes the most, and script-reading the least.

It was because of Jiang Yanli that he had gotten his first acting job. His sister was his manager since his singing debut, and Jiang Yanli didn't complain even once when Wei Wuxian told her his sudden fixation in acting. His first role wasn't too shabby either, and people started to slowly treat him as an actor. He couldn’t thank his sister enough for that.

Wei Wuxian’s goal, of course, was to act alongside Lan Wangji. Their country's acting industry was large, but he didn't think it'd be impossible to land a role in something that Lan Wangji would also star in. His hopes were high, until that interview came out.

"Have you heard of Wei Wuxian?"

"Yes," Lan Wangji answered.

"Of course you do. He's already a household name as a singer, but he just had his acting debut recently," the interview shared in case some of the audience didn't know. "What do you think of his acting?"

"Shameless," Lan Wangji said bluntly.

Jiang Cheng had snorted beside him when they were watching the interview together. "He hates you."

"He doesn't!" Wei Wuxian insisted, before slumping further in their couch.

Hearing Lan Wangji's words stirred something in his chest. It somehow tasted bitter and it felt heavy, and yet his heart was racing happily at the fact that Lan Wangji knew Wei Wuxian enough that he could form an opinion about him.

Wei Wuxian suddenly laughed beside Jiang Cheng, who looked at him as if he had a screw loose.

"I'll prove him wrong."

Unsurprisingly, people latched on to that single interview like leeches, and it wasn't long before everyone accepted the animosity between the seasoned actor and the rookie. Wei Wuxian tried to pay them no mind– it was just one interview– but somewhere along the way, he also started to think along those lines, that for some reason, Lan Wangji hated him.

He'd take it– hatred was infinitely better than indifference after all. He'd just have to make Lan Wangji eat his own words, and become an even better actor than him.

It didn't occur to Wei Wuxian to ask himself why Lan Wangji's approval meant so much, when he never even cared what other people thought about him.

Years later, when Wei Wuxian was certain that his dream would have to be passed on to his next life, the news of Lan Wangji being casted in his series broke out.

Wei Wuxian also found out that Lan Wangji, for some reason, didn't hate him at all.

The thought brought a smile on his lips.

He doesn't hate me.

•••••••••

The schedule for today's filming was tightly packed. Three scenes were needed to be done– one in the precinct set with the main cast, next was a fight scene, and the last would be another intimate scene between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. The locations involved for each shoot were just near each other, so the crew had decided to film the three scenes on the same day.

They finished the office scene five in the morning, and took a break before doing the fight scene, which had to be done outside because it's set at midday. There were at least three fight choreographers on sight who also had helped in training the actors beforehand.

Wei Wuxian just finished his part, and was resting together with Jiang Cheng under one of the canopy tents. It was hotter than usual, and because Wei Wuxian was required to run a lot in his scene, he was already sweating profusely. Even the portable fan that was handed to him wasn't enough to chase away the heat. But it was Lan Wangji's turn next, and he wanted to watch before taking a shower.

“I wish jiejie was here,” Wei Wuxian said, dejected. Jiang Yanli took a vacation off because of family matters, so she still hadn’t met most of the staff and cast yet. She had read the script however, and that was embarrassing to say the least.

"You're the one who insisted for her to take the leave," Jiang Cheng reminded him.

Wei Wuxian sighed. "She's probably with Jin Zixuan and A-Ling now." Jin Zixuan disappeared right after the filming this morning as that was his only scene for the day.

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. "What did you expect?"

Wei Wuxian heard someone shout from the distance, and immediately moved his attention to the outdoor set. Lan Wangji was already poised to attack two assailants, arms raised with loose fists in front of his face, his knees bent slightly. Lan Zhan had lost his gun prior to this scene, and had to rely on hand-to-hand combat.

An assistant shouted again to start the scene, and Lan Wangji ran towards the mob characters, fighting them head on.

Watching Lan Wangji perform his own stunts live was something Wei Wuxian thought he wouldn't be able to do, but now that he had, he wanted to ingrain it in his memory. Wei Wuxian observed with rapt attention, following his every move, every graceful step that would make his enemies back away. Lan Wangji struck an opponent directly on the chest, as he swung a leg on the other, the bridge of his foot a direct contact against the man’s jaw.

Every jab and kick of his looked like they connected, and Wei Wuxian realized why stunt performers were paired up with Lan Wangji in his fight scenes. Any normal actor wouldn’t be able to keep up with his quick movements, and they might end up getting injured if they slip out of focus even for just a second.

The scene moved on seamlessly, Lan Wangji evading his opponents’ attacks with little effort, as his assailants struggled to defend themselves from his swift strikes– and just like that, their miserable fate was sealed. Wei Wuxian couldn’t tear his eyes away from the scene.

Wei Wuxian didn’t notice that he's gaping when Jiang Cheng nudged him. "Close your mouth. It's disgusting."

Wei Wuxian nudged back. "Give me your phone. I wanna record this."

"I don't have it with me. And it's not allowed."

Wei Wuxian curled his lips down, but reassured himself that there would be more opportunities for scenes like this; they’re filming a cop show after all.

After a few more minutes of showing off how good he was, Lan Wangji finally finished his take. He strode towards the tent, Wei Wuxian excitedly waving at him.

"That was amazing, Lan Zhan! And you didn't even broke a sweat," Wei Wuxian said as he passed a cold water bottle at Lan Wangji, who silently thanked him. "Do you usually practice your stunts?"

Lan Wangji nodded.

"So do you have training in martial arts? What do you know?"

"Wushu and hapkido."

Wei Wuxian made an astonished oh. “They both sound hard. Can you teach me sometime?"

Lan Wangji looked at him for a moment, before nodding. "Okay."

A gofer arrived at the tent and told them about the schedule for the next scene. After a two-hour break, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian were expected to be on Set B to shoot their intimate scene. After the gofer relayed the message, Lan Wangji left to take a shower.

Before Wei Wuxian could go to his own dressing room to rest and prepare, Jiang Cheng pulled him in a corner, away from prying eyes. "Don't take it too far."

It took Wei Wuxian a moment before understanding what he meant. He carefully pried his brother's fingers from his arm and laughed. "Since when did I take things too far?"

•••••••••

The sex scene this time relied more on the script and Luo Qingyang's direction rather than ad-lib. Lan Wangji listened to her instructions attentively, while Wei Wuxian asked some questions once in a while.

As expected, it was a closed set again, and only essential crew were allowed in order to maintain the intimate atmosphere.

The scene would happen right after their encounter with a drug dealer they had to pursue. It was Wei Ying's first case after his disappearance, and he got injured when he tried to protect Lan Zhan, triggering the panic of his boyfriend.

"You'll be starting from the hallway. You're in the middle of a heated discussion when Wei Ying kissed Lan Zhan to shut him up," Qingyang explained as she opened the apartment door, prompting the two to follow.

"Carry him from the hallway to your apartment, then push him up against the wall. You can carry him that long, right?" Qingyang asked Lan Wangji, and Wei Wuxian answered an enthusiastic affirmation on behalf of him.

"Good. It's just a short scene, so you can just simulate the sex, okay? But make it rough since you're supposed to be still a little mad with each other." The two nodded before moving back to the hallway and into their respective marks.

The scene began once the slate was shut.

Wei Wuxian started walking to the apartment when Lan Wangji grabbed his wrist, stopping him.

"You shouldn't have done that," Lan Wangji said.

"Shouldn't have done what?" Wei Wuxian responded, his back still facing Lan Wangji.

"Take a bullet for me."

"And what? Let you get shot instead? It's just a graze anyway." Wei Wuxian raised his free hand, showing a small bandage patch on his arm. "See? No big deal." When he tried to shrug his uninjured arm from Lan Wangji, the grip on him just got tighter, and he couldn't help but wince at the slight pain. Wei Wuxian turned around to give him a piece of his mind, but all of his words got stuck in his throat when he saw Lan Wangji's face.

Lan Wangji's brow was furrowed, and his lips were curled down. To an outsider's eyes, Lan Wangji looked quite like his normal self, but Wei Wuxian could see him worrying the inside of his lip, his jaw clenching and unclenching, his hand that was holding onto Wei Wuxian trembling slightly. Lan Wangji looked so hurt and pitiful that Wei Wuxian felt his heart being squeezed until he couldn’t breath. He reminded Wei Wuxian of a kicked puppy, and as much as he's aware of his own dislike for dogs, Wei Wuxian felt the need to comfort Lan Wangji with a hug, while patting his head gently.

"Hey," Wei Wuxian said softly, moving closer to cradle Lan Wangji's jaw in his hand. "The wound is really nothing. I can still move my arm fine." He cupped Lan Wangji's cheeks with both of his hands to prove his point. "I'd remove my bandage, but I don't think you'd like that."

He was going off-script again, but how could he not? Wei Ying wouldn't taunt Lan Zhan when he's looking at him like that. Nor could Wei Wuxian taunt Lan Wangji when he's looking at him like that.

Wei Wuxian thought about their characters' relationship. Wei Ying had an inherently mean personality, and if this occurred years ago, he'd bully Lan Zhan, and would end up hurting him more than he intended. However, Wei Wuxian didn't think Wei Ying would do something similar to that now. After his disappearance, Wei Ying should already know how much anguish he'd cause Lan Zhan in those years, and even if his mischievousness still remained, he knew not to go overboard with his bullying. Lan Zhan still needed constant reassurance from him, and it'd break Wei Ying's heart if he couldn't even give that to Lan Zhan.

Luo Qingyang still hadn't stop the scene, so that meant she still hadn't lost hope with this take. She said that Lan Zhan and Wei Ying's disagreement would lead to rough sex, and now that was discarded by her actors, she's probably anxious on what direction this scene would go. Wei Wuxian wanted to expel her worry– he's more than confident that she would still get the outcome she wanted.

Wei Wuxian initiated the kiss this time, gently coaxing Lan Wangji’s mouth to open up for him. Lan Wangji's grip on him loosened, and he slid his hands against Wei Wuxian's sides, holding him close. Lan Wangji was following his lead, and the thought of his favorite actor trusting him with a scene filled him with giddiness.

"Don't do that again," Lan Wangji murmured when they broke their kiss.

"I can't promise you that," Wei Wuxian responded, arms looped loosely around Lan Wangji's neck, his fingers playing with the hair over his nape. "And if I were in your situation, wouldn't you do the same?"

Lan Wangji looked away, refusing to answer, and Wei Wuxian brushed his cheek over his, before whispering against his ear, "But I can promise you that I won't ever leave you again.”

With those words, Lan Wangji turned and watched Wei Wuxian's face for a moment, as though debating whether he wanted to maintain his frustration with him. Wei Wuxian gave him a peck on the mouth, and Lan Wangji sighed, almost relenting.

"You don't have to treat me so carefully. I'm not gonna break easily," Wei Wuxian assured him, then in a teasing tone, "Haven't we tested that a lot of times before?" He let the implication of his words linger in the air, before pulling Lan Wangji's lip between his teeth, and it was at that moment when Wei Wuxian finally broke his partner's patience.

Lan Wangji closed the gap between them as he hoisted him effortlessly, and Wei Wuxian automatically wrapped his legs around his waist, their locked lips never breaking. Getting the apartment door to unlock then shut behind them should take a huge amount of teamwork, but the two of them not even once fumbled, and Wei Wuxian tried not to giggle at how heavily choreographed it must have looked when they didn't practice this scene even once.

Being pushed against the wall was painful, but also incredibly hot, and when Lan Wangji placed his hand behind Wei Wuxian's head as a cushion, he felt his chest tingle.

Wei Wuxian closed his eyes, and let Lan Wangji suck along the skin just above his collar. Lan Wangi used his free hand to unbutton his shirt, pulling the offending fabric out of the way before trailing kisses to Wei Wuxian's exposed chest.

Wei Wuxian realized early on that in his position, he couldn't do anything much other than tug on Lan Wangji's hair and squirm uselessly. He was mostly being supported by his back against the wall, and Lan Wangji's hips pinning him upright. It wasn't the most comfortable position in the world, but then he caught sight of Lan Wangji manhandling him without breaking a sweat, and felt his throat dry up.

Lan Wangji made a show of undoing both of their pants, and Wei Wuxian whined when he actually didn't. It was a second later when he realized that they didn't have to actually remove their pants since they just had to make it look like they're having sex. Wei Wuxian kissed Lan Wangji to hide his embarrassment.

Wei Wuxian felt arms hooked behind his thighs as Lan Wangji suddenly rolled his hips, the movement causing for their clothed lengths to rub against each other. Wei Wuxian bit back a moan as he felt something hard brush against his crotch, and the thought of turning Lan Wangji on made him buck his hips on time with his partner's.

Wei Wuxian looked down to see Lan Wangji watching him intently, his gaze sending shivers down his spine. He felt his own cheeks flare with heat, and he's glad that the light was too dim for anyone to notice.

Lan Wangji pressed Wei Wuxian further against the wall until his thighs were against his sides, Lan Wangji moving between his legs. The feeling of semi-weightlessness finally caught up to him, and Wei Wuxian clawed his fingers on the back of Lan Wangji's shirt in case he might fall.

He threw his head back as Lan Wangji thrust against him in quick succession; he's so close, he could feel it–

"Cut!" Qingyang shouted, and Wei Wuxian's thoughts were reeled in back to reality as he heard the crew talk between themselves, already going over the take.

Lan Wangji slowly pulled away, and Wei Wuxian just caught himself in time before he could do something embarrassing like chase Lan Wangji's lips.

He was carefully put down, Lan Wangji waiting for his feet to touch the ground before fully letting him go. The feeling of loss was instantaneous, catching Wei Wuxian off-guard.

"Wei Ying." Wei Wuxian glanced up in surprise, and saw Lan Wangji, who still looked like his immaculate self. His slightly mussed hair and wrinkled shirt were the only indication of their previous engagement. "Are you okay?"

Wei Wuxian nodded mutely, before turning to Qingyang who was approaching them.

"You went off-script again," the director said, slightly admonishing, but she smiled and continued. "But I like how it went. We'll use this take."

Qingyang continued to discuss with them the upcoming scenes when she noticed Wei Wuxian not giving her any reaction, too lost in his own thoughts. "Wei Wuxian?"

Wei Wuxian blinked, before giving Qingyang a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry, but can I go ahead first? I don't feel well."

"What's wrong?" She asked in concern, and addressed Lan Wangji. "Can you help him–"

Wei Wuxian interrupted her. "No need. I'll just go to my dressing room and rest." He gave Lan Wangji and Qingyang an apologetic smile before dashing off.

•••••••••

Wei Wuxian walked back to his dressing room with hurried steps, buttoning his shirt up to his neck, and smiling at every person he passed by to avoid getting concerned looks. Once he got back, he went inside the bathroom, locking it, before leaning his back on the door.

He was frustratingly hard, and he couldn't let anyone see, especially Lan Wangji. He was just getting in his good graces, and Lan Wangji might hate him for real this time if he found out.

But it's just a physiological response. He couldn't help it, the friction was just getting too much. Lan Wangji must have been hard too, right? That's what he had thought when they're doing the scene anyway, but as he thought about it more, Lan Wangji didn't even look as flustered as Wei Wuxian after the cut. It's really doing something to Wei Wuxian's self-confidence as an actor known for riling co-stars up.

He undid the button of his jeans, tugging the waistband of his briefs just enough to free his hard length. He lifted his shirt and bit the hem to keep it from being soiled, as he wrapped his hand firmly around himself and started pumping.

He shut his eyes, and kept himself from thinking of anything, but ultimately failed. His stubborn mind drifted to memories of large hands covering his hips, fingertips gently touching every part of him, bites and kisses marking his skin, and golden eyes watching him writhe, watching Wei Wuxian as he came undone under him.

Wei Wuxian chased his orgasm with low whines and whimpers, biting his shirt to stop himself from moaning too loudly. It didn't take long before he felt himself nearing the edge again. His knees started to buckle as he quickened his pace, most of his weight leaning heavily against the door, and it reminded him of how Lan Wangji pinned him on the wall so easily, moving between his legs and thrust–

"Lan Zhan…!" He gasped out, unable to keep his voice down even with the fabric in his mouth, as he came in his hand, spilling most of his cum on the tiled floor.

The shame and guilt crashed into him almost immediately, and he forced himself to move; he washed his hands, splashed water over his face, and wiped the evidence off the floor under three minutes.

He stared at the floor tile that was already sparkly clean, and his heart suddenly thundered against his ribcage, every frantic beat ringing loudly in his ears.

This is bad.

Lan Wangji can't ever know.

Chapter Text

Lan Wangji felt a sense of déjà vu when he found himself in front of Wei Wuxian's dressing room, waiting for him to come out. Luo Qingyang asked him to check on Wei Wuxian, but Lan Wangji would have come even without her telling him.

The door opened not too long, revealing Wei Wuxian in a different set of clothes. His woolen sweater over a loose shirt paired with baggy pants made him look smaller than he actually was, and Lan Wangji had the sudden urge to pet him.

"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian blinked in surprise. "Why are you here?"

"The director was worried."

"Oh." Wei Wuxian laughed awkwardly, and rubbed the back of his neck. "My stomach suddenly hurt, but it's okay now."

Lan Wangji stared at him a little longer, making sure that he's good, before turning and walking away. A few seconds later, there was a sound of shoes shuffling behind him, then a shout. "Wait!"

He looked back to see Wei Wuxian grabbing his arm while pointing a thumb at his door. "Do you have time? I want to talk about something."

Lan Wangji found himself being led by Wei Wuxian inside the latter's dressing room. Not knowing what Wei Wuxian wanted to talk to him about made him nervous, but he remained silent and took a seat near the vanity table when prompted to.

"It's about our scenes," Wei Wuxian started. "Are you really fine with doing those kinds of things with me?"

Lan Wangji managed to stop himself from nodding quickly, and waited three beats before doing so. Then he asked, "You don't want to do it?"

Wei Wuxian shook his head. "I want to do it– I mean, I'm okay with doing it but," Wei Wuxian trailed off, and Lan Wangji waited for him to continue.

"I don't know what we're allowed to do and what we're not, and I'm afraid I might do something that you wouldn't like. That's why I've been thinking."

Lan Wangji doubted that Wei Wuxian would ever do something he wouldn't like, but he indulged him. "What is it?"

"Why don't we list the things we can and can't do?"

And that's how they ended up huddled in front of Wei Wuxian's phone, searching through 'list of gay sexual practices' in the internet.

"Wow," Wei Wuxian whistled as he scrolled through an article with rapt interest. "I thought they just rub each other or something."

Lan Wangji was frozen beside Wei Wuxian, unable to comprehend why his life had led him to this– why no one warned him that one day, he'd find himself looking through homosexual pornography with the person he has unrequited feelings for.

"Intercrural sex? I've never heard of that." Wei Wuxian, completely oblivious to Lan Wangji's plight, started reading out loud a snippet of what that meant. "It's a type of non-penetrative sex where the penis is placed between the receiving partner's thighs and thrusts to create friction."

Every word felt like a brick being dropped in the pit of his stomach, and Lan Wangji saw the moment Wei Wuxian's eyes lit up, the dawning realization of what he had just read.

"So this is what you did to me the first time," Wei Wuxian said in a tone that was both astonished and understanding. Lan Wangji, who's still at a lost, simply nodded.

"It says here it's non-penetrative sex, so there's one that's penetrative?" Before Lan Wangji could think of a way to stir their conversation somewhere else, Wei Wuxian found what he's looking for.

"Anal sex? Two men can do that?"

"You don't know?" Lan Wangji asked. Wei Wuxian shook his head, then looked at him with wide eyes.

"Wait, you know?"

Lan Wangji refused to answer. The rare time he opened his mouth and this was the result. He should have just kept quiet.

Wei Wuxian continued to stare at him, before smiling. "You're really an expert at this aren't you, Lan Zhan? Have you done this a lot?" He asked coyly, and tutted when Lan Wangji gave him a glare. "That look isn't effective to me now."

Lan Wangji was resolute in ignoring his question. He wanted to bolt out of the room, but he had a feeling that Wei Wuxian would just hug his arm to keep him from doing so. But his silence never deterred Wei Wuxian from pestering him, and Lan Wangji knew that he wasn’t going to stop anytime soon.

"Lan Zhan, Lan Wangji, Lan er ge," Wei Wuxian cooed, voice low and intimate as he leaned closer, his fingers tugging on Lan Wangji's sleeve. "Can't Young Master Lan teach me more about these things?" He asked, lips curled in a sly smile, and Lan Wangji realized that he's been looking at those lips the whole time.

Lan Wangji tore his gaze away, forcing himself to look at Wei Wuxian in the eye, wondering what misdeed he had done to have the heavens test his self-restraint to its utmost limit, especially today. "Shut up."

Wei Wuxian grasped at his chest, giving him a bewildered look enough to say he was shocked that Lan Wangji just told him to shut up. Then he laughed. "Okay, I'll shut up."

The phone that was neglected for a time was used again, but Lan Wangji had only a moment of inner peace when Wei Wuxian said something incredulous once more. “I’m okay with doing blowjobs.”

Those words caught Lan Wangji by surprise that he found himself looking at those lips again, still a little swollen and red from their activities an hour ago, wondering how they'd look like wrapped around him.

Lan Wangji should have said that he didn't need to go that far, that the director wouldn't ask them to do that, but Wei Wuxian kept on talking, asking him if he would be okay receiving that from him, and Lan Wangji could just answer, "Mn."

He ignored the way his chest stung, thinking that if Wei Wuxian was willing to do it with him, then he's also willing to do it with someone else.

"Mianmian might ask us to do that. It's better to be safe," Wei Wuxian explained.

"Mianmian?"

"Yeah. Mianmian. Our director. Doesn't she look like a Mianmian?"

Lan Wangji didn't understand how would someone look like a Mianmian so he didn't say anything. Wei Wuxian seemed to not expect any answer from him either and continued to look through his phone. "It says here that anal sex takes a lot of preparation. Is it true?"

Lan Wangji was sure that Wei Wuxian was baiting him to answer, so he refused to open his mouth.

Do you want to try? A small voice in his mind urged him to respond instead, telling him to just push Wei Wuxian down right there and then, and do all the things that were on that wicked list Wei Wuxian wouldn’t stop talking about.

Lan Wangji was saved from his immoral thoughts when a loud bang outside the dressing room startled the both of them, and the door flew open with an annoyed Jiang Cheng storming in. Lan Wangji was surprised to see Lan Huan smiling behind the fuming man.

“I’ve been calling you for thirty minutes! Why aren’t you answering your phone?” Jiang Cheng scolded Wei Wuxian, who was quick to defend himself.

“It was on silent!”

“Your phone’s literally in your hand.”

Wei Wuxian looked at his hand, then at Jiang Cheng. He laughed awkwardly. “Oops?”

Jiang Cheng held his temple with his hand and took a deep breath. “Jiejie said to come pick you up. We need to go to Koi Tower.”

Wei Wuxian immediately stood up. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“Like I said, I’ve been calling you for thirty minutes,” Jiang Cheng gritted out.

“Wangji, we should head out too,” Lan Huan called Lan Wangji over, before smiling at the two. Jiang Cheng gave him a curt nod as Wei Wuxian waved behind him. “Bye, Manager Lan! Bye, Lan Zhan!”

They were on their way back to Lan Wangji's dressing room when Lan Huan suddenly asked, "What’s Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng’s relationship?”

Lan Wangji stopped at his tracks to give his brother a curious look. He didn’t think Lan Huan was interested in those things. His brother must have noticed his confusion and explained, "I just saw an article about the two of them. Didn’t Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian perform together many times before?"

Lan Huan didn't elaborate on what the article was about so Lan Wangji didn't think it mattered. "Jiang Cheng was a singer?" he asked instead.

Lan Huan nodded. "He also started acting a year after Wei Wuxian, that's why people assume that Jiang Cheng's just following his footsteps."

If people really thought that, Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian should clear their relationship up before it gets out of hand. However, it wasn't Lan Wangji's business so he didn't have any right to form his opinion on it either. He also kind of understood why Jiang Cheng was hesitant to reveal that he's Wei Wuxian's brother.

Lan Wangji wasn’t sure what he could tell Lan Huan, so he just mentioned that Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng's manager was the latter's older sister, so they're together a lot. Their relationship was purely platonic.

"Is that so?" Lan Huan said, smiling. "Aren't you glad, Wangji?"

Lan Wangji could hear the light teasing tone in his brother's voice and duly ignored it, but he didn't understand why Lan Huan sounded pleased himself.

•••••••••

[NEW] Unrestrained Episode 1
by Koi Productions
20 hours ago | 7M views

2M Likes 3.7K Dislikes

Comments • 28K [filtered by top comments]

Captain Pepper 19 hours ago
LAN WANGJI?? WEI WUXIAN??
IN A SERIES?? TOGETHER??
DOING A SEX SCENE?? TOGETHER???

horororo 19 hours ago
Enemies -> Friends -> Lovers 😔👌

Lia 10 hours ago
Lan Zhan's so badass in the first half then when Wei Ying appeared he became so soft

あきら 17 hours ago
since everyone's talking about the sex scene already, i won't. The first episode was really good, Lan Wangji’s fight choreography is beautiful as always, and wow I’ve never seen him this emotional before, his acting is more amazing than ever. I'm also excited to see the other cast! I was about to go to sleep when this quality shit dropped, and two episodes at once! thank you for making me sleep-deprived yet again

再见 jaranilla 20 hours ago
I thought Lan Wangji didn't do onscreen kisses
          Replies

          Victoria 11 hours ago
          I thought he didn't do sex scenes either but here we are

          mujee 11 hours ago
          I honestly thought the R16 was bc of the violence lol how wrong I was

snawkee 2 hours ago
Lan Zhan's face when he sees Wei Ying for the first time in years. (〒﹏〒)
          Replies

          k Oki 2 hours ago
          I was crying when that scene came but then they suddenly started doing each other so I ended up hornee crying

SLIM JIM 15 hours ago
omg they're using their real names what??????
          Replies

          Ilostmyhusbando 12 hours ago
          HUH

          luhv 10 hours ago
          I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT THEIR REAL NAMES

Kyle Ian 10 hours ago
Do Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian really hate each other im confused
          Replies

          iam done 5 hours ago
          They’re just really good actors

marco chan 11 hours ago
I can't believe I'm seeing LWJ in a romance drama
          Replies

          cherytz 11 hours ago
          This is not a romance drama tho

          marco chan 10 hours ago
          Are we even watching the same drama

sharon 10 hours ago
I NEVER KNEW I NEEDED THIS

Annie Del 5 hours
I don't think that sex scene was just five minutes

GIVE US THE UNCUT VERSION

Hazuki Sho 10 hours ago
So wwx is actually a good actor??? I’m surprised
          Replies

          Chrissy_10 9 hours ago
          How is that surprising????

[NEW] Unrestrained Episode 2
by Koi Productions
19 hours ago | 6M views

1M Likes 2.5K Dislikes

Comments • 19K [filtered by top comments]

88 21 10 hours ago
JIANG CHEEEEENG!! JIN ZIXUAN!!!!!!

max10002 3 hours ago
JIANG CHENG AND WEI WUXIAN CONTENT!!!!!!

Gerhard Mort 12 hours ago
wow the actions scenes are more intense than the last episode!!!

XianXian Fan 16 hours ago
WWX: I know you missed me
JC: No one missed you dipshit *gives wwx a bearhug*
I LIVE FOR THIS

aliic 30 minutes ago
jin zixuan pls choke me

Jade 1 hour ago
Wen Ning's crying face is still the best

Mille Addie 11 hours ago
Wen Ning and Wen Qing in the same drama!! And they're siblings too!!!!

halpme 12 hours ago
I STILL CAN’T GET OVER THE FACT THAT I’M SEEING LAN WANGJI SO SOFT!! !!! SO S O F T !! !! !!!! !!

Karla Perez 9 hours ago
So everyone’s using their real names??????
          Replies

          paolo_20 8 hours ago
          lol this is gonna be confusing

          heyyo 6 hours ago
          lazy scriptwriters lolol

Jihns 9 hours ago
I wonder what lwj stans who are also anti-wwx feel about this
          Replies

          Saph 9 hours ago
          I wonder what wwx stans who are also anti-lwj feel about this

          Jihns 8 hours ago
          There are no wwx stans who are anti-lwj

          Hina Ran 8 hours ago
          I can attest to that

•••••••••

Due to his brother's insistence, Lan Wangji decided to look through the comments section of their series in his phone. The first two episodes premiered yesterday, while the remaining episodes would be uploaded sporadically throughout the year. The announcement caused mixed reviews, but the production team was firm with their decision.

Lan Wangji didn't understand most of what the comments were saying, but he assumed that if the commenter used capslock, it meant to show their excitement. He scrolled with mild interest, frowning once in a while when he'd see someone bad mouthing Wei Wuxian. If the comment was constructive criticism on Wei Wuxian's acting, he'd let it pass, but most of the comments were just stating that they didn't like him, the reason being was because Lan Wangji didn't like him either.

Lan Wangji had thought Wei Wuxian was just exaggerating when he'd said that people like to pit them against each other. When he asked Lan Huan about it, however, his brother started sending him links to numerous articles about the apparent animosity between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian.

He shouldn't mind it anymore– he had already cleared it up with the person himself and he couldn't care less about what people think about them. But knowing that Wei Wuxian had believed that Lan Wangji hated him for a long time gave him a distasteful feeling in his chest.

Before he could succumb to the temptation of engaging the commenters who hate on Wei Wuxian, he tapped on another video, and turned the volume up.

Wei Wuxian appeared on screen, smiling at the audience behind the camera, a microphone in hand. A melody started to play, and he began to sing. The video was from his recent appearance in a variety show to promote their drama series, and everyone had insisted for him to perform a song.

Lan Wangji liked Wei Wuxian's voice. The first time Lan Wangji heard him was in an awards show more than a decade ago, long before Wei Wuxian decided to be an actor. He remembered how Wei Wuxian's singing voice, deep and melodic, commanded the whole hall to listen to him, the audience too mesmerized to even let out a single breath during his performance. Hearing Wei Wuxian sing made his chest feel tight and warm, filling his heart to the brim with an emotion he couldn't quite place at that time.

That night, Lan Wangji had learned how to use a music streaming app just to listen to more of Wei Wuxian's songs. Some of the albums were not available online so he had to buy a physical copy the next day. When those weren't enough anymore, he started watching Wei Wuxian's performances online, and Lan Wangji had learned that he also liked seeing Wei Wuxian dance.

Lan Wangji had tried to be discreet about his newly found... interest, until one day, Lan Huan gave him Wei Wuxian's album that was yet to be released.

"I have my connections," Lan Huan smiled knowingly when he was asked about it, and Lan Wangji wondered how much power did his brother really have in the industry.

When Lan Wangji saw the news of Wei Wuxian's plan to pursue an acting career, his heart nearly beat out of his chest. The thought of having a chance to work with Wei Wuxian stirred something pleasant in his stomach, and he went to the set that day in a pleasant mood, Lan Huan had even caught him humming one of Wei Wuxian's songs one time.

Lan Wangji disliked Wei Wuxian's first role. This should not to be confused with Wei Wuxian's acting, which was superb. Lan Wangji was reluctant to admit it back then, but he whole-heartedly admired Wei Wuxian's performance, and didn't think that he could be captivated by a mere rookie actor.

Wei Wuxian's first role was in a romantic drama series, and he was the second male lead. Cheesy lines were to be expected, as well as kissing scenes. Wei Wuxian was good at delivering both, and Lan Wangji felt something sour curl in his gut as he continued to watch, his heart getting a little restless in his chest.

Lan Wangji was asked about Wei Wuxian during an interview, and all he could think of was the way Wei Wuxian had looked adoringly at the female protagonist, his smile lighting up every corner of his face like sunrise.

Shameless. It was Lan Wangji's answer to the interviewer. Wei Wuxian's character, who was bold enough to give his everything to the female lead, was dumped in the end. Wei Wuxian didn't deserve to beg like that, on his knees and crying, like his world was about to end if she didn't take him back. Even if Lan Wangji knew that Wei Wuxian was a different person from the character he portrayed, Lan Wangji didn't like to see him in that kind of situation.

A few months later, in the middle of the night, Lan Wangji suddenly woke up, finally realizing what he felt while watching that series– jealousy.

Lan Wangji was starting to fall for someone he'd never even met.

The most logical thing to do was to ignore it. Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian barely had a connection, and Lan Wangji was content at watching from afar. Fate had other plans, however, and fast-forwarding to the present, Lan Wangji had already done two intimate scenes with Wei Wuxian. And finally having the chance to get to know Wei Wuxian beyond his graceful dancing and angelic singing, it wasn't surprising to say that Lan Wangji had fallen for him harder than before.

Lan Wangji didn't realize the video on his phone had ended, until the next one automatically played. It was a recent interview with Wei Wuxian that he had yet to see so he decided to pay more attention this time.

"What made you start acting?"

Wei Wuxian laughed. "Haven't I gotten this question a lot of times?"

"And you've avoided it all of those times!" The interviewer playfully shot back. "Please humor our dear viewers. Just give us a hint, we'll be happy with that."

"I guess if it's for the viewers I'm willing to share a little," Wei Wuxian acquiesced. "I got into acting because of someone I really admire. This person would execute their scenes so perfectly I don't think they're human." He grinned. "They're someone I didn't think I had a chance to work with, and to be able to do that now, it's–" Wei Wuxian laughed, a bit breathless. "It's really amazing."

"You're working with them now? So are they one of your co-stars in Unrestrained?"

Wei Wuxian tutted, shaking a finger at the interviewer. "I've already given you the answer, you can't make me answer that too."

Lan Wangji started thinking about the potential people that could fit Wei Wuxian's description. They couldn't be possibly Jiang Cheng because he just got recently into acting. They couldn't be Jin Zixuan either since Lan Wangji remembered Wei Wuxian telling him that he didn't like his brother-in-law that much. Was it between Wen Qing and Wen Ning then?

Wei Wuxian had a lot more ongoing projects other than their series. He had regular appearances in variety shows and talk shows as well. With how many people Wei Wuxian had to interact with on a daily basis, it was harder to figure out who the person was than he thought.

Before Lan Wangji could list more people in his mind, Lan Huan knocked on his door, telling him to get ready for the next filming.

•••••••••

There were many people outside of their set today, hoping to have a glimpse of the cast. Their filming locations were always a secret, but since it's a big production, it wasn't surprising to have fans figure out where they're shooting.

"The premiere seems to be a success," Lan Huan noted beside Lan Wangji as they passed by; the building they're in had tinted windows so they couldn't be seen from outside. The crowd indeed looked larger than usual, and the security appeared tighter as well. Everything seemed calm, until Lan Wangji heard a shrill cry.

This was followed by more high pitched screams, and Lan Wangji immediately saw the reason why the fans had started to go berserk.

Wei Wuxian had gone outside the building, and sauntered towards the crowd. He pressed a finger against his lips, and the people were quick to settle down, their loud voices turning to excited hushes instead.

Lan Wangji couldn't tell what Wei Wuxian was telling to the crowd, but he saw a girl handing him a pen and Wei Wuxian started signing the posters and papers the fans were thrusting to him.

Wei Wuxian appeared to be in his element as he worked the crowd. He accepted their gifts until a security personnel had to help him carry them, his smile permanent on his lips even if a fan got a little over-excited and pulled on his shirt.

Lan Wangji would be lying if he denied feeling even an ounce of jealousy at the scene in front of him. Wei Wuxian treated everyone around him almost equally, whether it be a random stranger or someone he's working with. He'd smile at them playfully, talk with them casually, tease them whenever he got the chance. Lan Wangji figured that the only difference between him and a stranger was that he's allowed to touch Wei Wuxian due to their job.

He felt a tap on his shoulder, and turned to look at his brother. "Why don't you call him in? You two might be late for your scene together." Lan Huan suggested.

Wei Wuxian didn't look like he's going to stop soon, and he probably lost track of time again. Lan Wangji had no choice but to follow his brother's advice.

It turned out that Lan Wangji didn't need to call Wei Wuxian over since the crowd announced Lan Wangji's arrival for him. Wei Wuxian looked around, startled at the sudden commotion, until his eyes found Lan Wangji.

"Lan Zhan!" Despite the noise, Lan Wangji could still hear Wei Wuxian's voice loud and clear, distinct from the crowd's cheering. When Wei Wuxian beamed at him and gave a little wave the screams somehow got even more intense.

Wei Wuxian turned to the crowd, probably telling them that he had to go, before jogging towards Lan Wangji. "That's so mean, you stole my fans! Everyone was screaming when you appeared."

Lan Wangji disregarded his accusation and told him, "Filming starts in five."

"Oh! Right." Wei Wuxian quickly dragged him back to the building, as if he wasn't the one who needed reminding a moment ago.

Lan Wangji had insisted that he was no different from a stranger in Wei Wuxian's eyes, but he failed to notice how Wei Wuxian's whole face lit up when he saw him, how Wei Wuxian seemed to forget everyone else, immediately running to Lan Wangji's side, how Wei Wuxian's hand settled on the crook of Lan Wangji's elbow, not letting go until they arrived in their set.

•••••••••

On their second month of filming, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian were required to shoot a blowjob scene.

"The camera would cut so you don't really have to do it," Qingyang explained to Wei Wuxian, who nodded. Lan Wangji noticed him to be a little distracted, but didn't get a chance to ask him about it since the director wasn't done giving out instructions. "But Wei Ying would straddle Lan Zhan after some time, and the two of them would end up having office sex."

The episode was about Wei Ying being suspended for a week because of a failed drug test. Suspecting that someone tampered with his samples, his teammates opened a case for him to catch the culprit. Wei Ying wanted to help, but was denied by Jiang Cheng. So he tried his luck with the person who's too weak to deny him anything: Lan Zhan.

The scene they're about to do was set in Lan Zhan's office. He just got back from an investigation when he found Wei Ying waiting for him under his desk, eager to give Lan Zhan a head. During the middle of their illicit activity, Wen Ning entered the office to report, much to the horror of the two.

The two went to their respective places– Wei Wuxian crawled underneath the desk while Lan Wangji stood near the door. The sound of the clapperboard being shut echoed in the whole room, and the scene began.

Lan Wangji walked towards his desk and took a seat at his chair, realizing a second later that the usual empty space under his desk was occupied today. Wei Wuxian was on his knees, grinning from his position, before pushing himself up and settling his arms on top of Lan Wangji’s lap.

“You’re not supposed to be here,” Lan Wangji reminded him.

“I’m not here for work. I’m just here to visit my boyfriend.” Wei Wuxian tugged Lan Wangji’s necktie, pulling him downward so he could kiss him. “I haven’t seen him at home lately.”

“Whose fault do you think that is?”

Wei Wuxian laughed as he cupped Lan Wangji's cheek. “Well, if you put me on the case you wouldn’t have to waste this much time.”

Lan Wangji automatically leaned against the warmth of his palm. “You’re not allowed to work on your own case.”

“Then just let me go back to work.”

“No.”

"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian called his name softly as he slowly slid a hand against Lan Wangji’s thigh, smirking when Lan Wangji opened his legs even more to accommodate Wei Wuxian between them. “You’re really saying no to me?”

Lan Wangji kissed him instead of answering, and paused when he felt Wei Wuxian fiddling with his pants. “What are you doing?”

Wei Wuxian grinned against his lips, giving him a quick peck before going down. “What do you think?”

Lan Wangji repeated his lines over and over his head, trying not to focus on the feel of Wei Wuxian's breathing so close to his crotch, and the press of his fingertips against his thighs. He thought he managed to rein himself in until Wei Wuxian started working on his buttons.

When Lan Wangji realized Wei Wuxian was really unbuttoning his pants, he looked down to see pools of grey staring at him, almost twinkling.

"Can I?" Wei Wuxian mouthed so only Lan Wangji could see, clearly asking as himself if he could put Lan Wangji in his mouth. And before Lan Wangji could think of possible consequences of what they're about to do, he had already given Wei Wuxian the barest of nods.

Wei Wuxian smiled at him, dragging Lan Wangji closer using the wheeled chair so he could be fully hidden under the desk. He slowly opened the zipper using his teeth, then pulled the waistband of Lan Wangji's underwear down, just enough to free his length.

"Can I even fit this in my mouth?" Wei Wuxian muttered to himself, probably not expecting for Lan Wangji to hear. “Oh, it twitched.”

Lan Wangji's breath hitched when Wei Wuxian gave the tip a tentative lick, before wrapping warm lips around the head of his cock. He closed his eyes momentarily as Wei Wuxian's mouth, hot and wet, worked him further down.

The set was silent, and Lan Wangji was sure that the crew could hear something was happening below the desk, especially when Wei Wuxian reeled back and coughed.

"Are you okay?" Lan Wangji asked, and Wei Wuxian nodded, giving him a thumbs up. That should have been the end of it, Lan Wangji had thought, Wei Wuxian probably didn't want to choke again, but then he took Lan Wangji into his mouth once more, shallower this time, his tongue pressing up to the underside of Lan Wangji's length. Wei Wuxian started to move his head at a slow pace and hummed, the vibration causing for Lan Wangji to bite back a moan.

Lan Wangji’s hands found purchase on Wei Wuxian’s scalp, carding his fingers through the soft hair, fully aware that he could just hold Wei Wuxian’s head in place and thrust.

The thought startled him enough that Lan Wangji was genuinely surprised when they were interrupted by a knock on the door, followed by a small voice, "I have a report regarding Detective Wei's case, sir."

Wei Wuxian stopped when he heard Wen Ning outside, but continued after a beat. Lan Wangji slightly pulled on his hair to tell him to stop, but Wei Wuxian moaned and tried to take him deeper.

“Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian let go of his length with a wet pop. “Let him in,” he said, before putting Lan Wangji back in his mouth again. Even if Lan Wangji didn’t want to let Wen Ning in, the script dictated him to. He must have spaced out as Wen Ning called out again.

“Detective Lan?”

Lan Wangji removed his hands from Wei Wuxian's head, earning him a whine from under the desk. He straightened his back and fixed his necktie, his eyes sweeping on the documents in front of him. He inhaled deeply, before speaking. “Come in.”

Wen Ning entered the room, a folder in his hand. “I cross checked the urine sample with Detective Wei’s DNA from our database and they didn’t match,” he said excitedly, happy that he was able to help with Wei Wuxian’s case. “He can go back to work now, right?”

“We have to find the culprit first. It’s too dangerous for him.”

Wei Wuxian grazed his teeth against his length, as he started to suck Lan Wangji in earnest, bobbing his head up and down.

Lan Wangji cleared his throat, his hands curled into fists on his desk, as he tried to focus on the scene.

Wen Ning didn't seem to find anything out of the ordinary, and agreed with Lan Wangji's decision. “Jiejie– Detective Wen and Detective Jin are working on the case now. They already found a lead this morning and are on their way to look for the suspect." He moved closer, and Lan Wangji could feel a spike of panic ran through him. Wei Wuxian must have sensed it too as he stopped his ministrations.

Wen Ning handed out the folder to him before stepping back. "Here's the copy of Detective Wei's DNA analysis."

Lan Wangji had forgotten that part of the scene, and immediately relaxed when Wen Ning didn't approach any closer. Wei Wuxian decided to continue, this time, licking Lan Wangji from base to tip.

"Thank you. You're dismissed," Lan Wangji managed to say. Wen Ning nodded and was about to turn around when Lan Wangji added, "Lock the door on your way out."

Wen Ning looked confused for a moment, before following his order.

When Wen Ning shut the door, Lan Wangji swiftly pulled Wei Wuxian up until he was sitting on Lan Wangji's lap, straddling his thighs. Wei Wuxian must have opened his own pants and rubbed himself at some point as his length was already hard and leaking like his. Lan Wangji lined their cocks and wrapped his hand around them, wasting no time in stroking them together.

Wei Wuxian hooked a hand on Lan Wangji's shoulder as threw his head back at the sensation, moaning his partner's name. Lan Wangji leaned in to lick a stripe from the base of his neck up to his chin, before sucking the tender skin below his jaw. Wei Wuxian dug his nails against his shoulder, and he retaliated by biting his neck, eliciting a cry from the man on top of him. Lan Wangji soothed him with licks, using his free hand to guide Wei Wuxian's head down to kiss him. As much as he wanted to hear Wei Wuxian voice more, he needed to silence him for the scene. The kiss didn't drown much of the noise however, as Wei Wuxian kept on moaning in his mouth.

Lan Wangji slightly pulled away to let him breathe, and something primal roused within him when he saw his teeth marks imprinted in red against Wei Wuxian's skin. "Don't do this with anyone else," Lan Wangji said, fully aware that line wasn't in their script, and when he met Wei Wuxian's eyes, he's watching him with an indescribable look.

Wei Wuxian's lips turned into a smirk. "Are you doubting my loyalty to you, Lan Zhan?" He asked, hands slipping through Lan Wangji's hair, fingertips massaging his scalp. "I fought hard to keep my chastity intact for you."

Lan Wangji let out a sound that was suspiciously close to a snort, as he slid his hand on Wei Wuxian's hip to steady him. "What chastity?" He asked, and Wei Wuxian slapped his shoulder.

"How dare you mock me!" Wei Wuxian said indignantly, but he was laughing so Lan Wangji knew he was still in a good mood. "I've learned all of these things from you. I was such a pure maiden back then.

So, won't you teach me more, Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian rolled his hips languidly, the movement reminding Lan Wangji of a certain dance Wei Wuxian did before. His grip on his side tighten, and the sound Wei Wuxian made was music to his ears.

"Can I join the investigation now?" Wei Wuxian asked, voice already breathless as he continued to grind against him, Lan Wangji's hand lightly squeezing their cocks from time to time. "I'll stop if you won't let me."

"Can you stop?" Lan Wangji challenged.

"... I'll try." As those words fell from his lips, Lan Wangji immediately stopped his movements, loosening his grip around their lengths.

"Hey! I didn't tell you to stop," Wei Wuxian complained, but Lan Wangji still wouldn't budge. He sighed, and conceded surprisingly quick. "Okay, okay. I won't ask anymore."

Lan Wangji kissed the corner of his lips. "Trust our teammates. They'll solve your case."

"I know," Wei Wuxian replied quietly, and Lan Wangji searched his eyes as if to check if he's telling the truth. "I know," Wei Wuxian repeated, before bringing their lips together. When he started to move again, Lan Wangji continued his ministrations.

Wei Wuxian's voice was everywhere, Lan Wangji realized. Wei Wuxian was never known to be quiet– words always bubbled out of him, spilling under his breath. He could never keep his voice down, and even if Lan Wangji covered his mouth with his, a sound would always be drawn out of the back of his throat, somewhere between a sigh and a whimper. His moans and pants were doing terrible things to Lan Wangji's heart, and he moved his hand faster, eliciting another delicious noise from Wei Wuxian.

Lan Wangji slipped his hand under Wei Wuxian's clothes, sliding his palm against his waist, his stomach, his chest. He wanted to memorize every plane and contour of Wei Wuxian's body, knowing that every touch of his could be the last, and Lan Wangji had to live with the fact that he had a taste of something he badly wanted, but couldn't possibly have.

After all, this wasn't real.

"Mine," Lan Wangji whispered against his ear, allowing himself to pretend for a moment, and he felt Wei Wuxian's whole body shudder, before coming all over their clothes and hands. The wet slide of Wei Wuxian's cum made it easier to move, bringing Lan Wangji closer to the edge. And when Wei Wuxian whimpered at his oversensitivity and nibbled on the shell of Lan Wangji's ear for relief, Lan Wangji finally came.

The usual feeling of guilt immediately crept in his heart as the effects of the orgasm slowly subsided.

Lan Wangji was the only one who could see Wei Wuxian from this angle. He could vaguely hear someone shout 'cut' from a distance, but he couldn't take his eyes off the man on top of him, slightly panting, his hair disheveled from being pulled by Lan Wangji. He didn't know who started it, didn't remember who leaned in first, but he was kissing Wei Wuxian again, with no cameras rolling to record them.

"Cut!" It was louder this time, and Wei Wuxian was the first one to pull away. Lan Wangji watched his eyes glanced around, taking in his surroundings, before looking down at their positions.

Wei Wuxian leapt up from his lap, laughing awkwardly, and Lan Wangji was momentarily worried that he'd hit his back on the desk.

Lan Wangji zipped himself up, and Wei Wuxian copied him. When they looked decent enough, given their situation, a staff gave them both towels and robes to use.

Luo Qingyang approached them afterwards, looking a little apprehensive or contemplative, Lan Wangji wasn't sure. He had thought they had done something wrong with the take, when she suddenly praised them.

"Great job again, both of you," she said, smiling. "That was… a good take."

Wei Wuxian tilted his head, probably noticing how Qingyang was a little fidgety. "Is there something wrong?"

"No, no. Nothing. It's just that," the director paused, as if thinking of a way to say her next words delicately. "Are you– are you two together?" She asked, before waving a hand in front of her in defense. "Of course, it doesn't really matter to me. I don't care about an actor's relationship unless it interferes with their work. I just got a little curious."

Before Lan Wangji could respond, Wei Wuxian beat him to it. "Of course not, why would you say that?"

Lan Wangji had already expected those words, what else would Wei Wuxian answer? He'd also expected it to sting., but what he didn't expect was how painful it would feel, as if his heart was being crushed in his chest and shoved up in his throat. It was getting harder to breathe, and much harder to keep a straight face.

"You kissed after the take." He barely listened to Luo Qingyang's insistence.

Wei Wuxian laughed beside him, smiling so softly at Lan Wangji it hurt to look at him. "We just didn't hear you say cut the first time. Right, Lan Zhan?"

Lan Wangji managed to nod, before looking away.

The director opened her mouth as if to ask Wei Wuxian something again, but decided against it at the last minute.

"Okay, if you say so." Qingyang finally let go of the subject and informed them about their filming schedule next week. Once she was done, she left to talk with the other staff.

"Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian called him out of his dazed state. "Are you okay?"

Lan Wangji nodded. He could feel Wei Wuxian's eyes on him, watching him a little longer, and once Wei Wuxian was convinced that everything was fine, he told Lan Wangji he'd go ahead first and quickly took off.

When Wei Wuxian left, Lan Wangji's chest still felt tight– still rigid and aching– but he stood nonetheless, leaving the set a few minutes after Wei Wuxian did.

Lan Wangji felt dread curl in his stomach, and wondered how long it would take him to get used to these bitter emotions, knowing he'd have to deal with them constantly from now on.

Chapter Text

An excerpt of Nie Magazine's interview with Director Luo Qingyang

Director Luo talks exclusively about her directorial debut with Unrestrained and its successful premiere

Relaxed in a floral dress and a pair of wedged-heeled sandals, Director Luo looks through the café menu with attentiveness before finally choosing a drink: Caffe Americano. “We have a shoot tonight. I probably need another of this later,” she explains. Her partners-in-crime, a laptop and a notebook, don’t leave her side even for a moment. Luo Qingyang, 28, is considered one of the youngest to have their TV directorial debut.

“[Unrestrained] was a pet project by Koi Productions, and when they pitched me the series, I immediately fell in love,” Director Luo says. “But when I saw the cast, I thought they were messing with me,” she adds with a laugh. “I really thought it wasn’t going to work.”

It’s no surprise that Director Luo was hesitant at first. The bad blood between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian has persisted for years, and to suddenly put them in a series together sounded impossible. Considering the success of their first two episodes, this doesn’t seem to be the case.

When asked about the two main leads, Director Luo gladly opens up. “They’re both amazing actors who complement each other. Once I saw them act together for the first time, I immediately knew those articles about them were definitely false. It’s just impossible to fake that level of chemistry, you know?” She adds that it just shows how scary the media can be and how it’s able to manipulate the relationships of people for its own benefit.

“[Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian] also get along off-camera. Haven’t you seen Wei Wuxian’s Weibo lately?” the director laughs, then adds, “I still feel stupid that I ever believed they hated each other.”

•••••••••

It was a slow day on the set, the crew's first one after almost three months of filming. The scene they filmed this morning finished earlier than expected so they were granted lunch on time. Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian decided to stay at the staff cafeteria since not many people were around, probably using their precious free time to eat outside of their filming location.

"Jiang Cheng, I have a problem."

Jiang Cheng gave his brother an unimpressed stare, before going back to eating. "Good for you."

Wei Wuxian sniffed. And sniffed again. He kept his snuffling until Jiang Cheng had no choice but to entertain him. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"I might be in love with Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian confessed, and Jiang Cheng gave him a deadpan look, before calmly taking a bite of his sandwich before responding, "Tell me something I don't know."

"I gave him a blow job."

Jiang Cheng coughed harshly as a piece of his sandwich got stuck in his throat, glaring at Wei Wuxian as if he wanted to strangle him if he wasn't so busy choking.

"It's for a scene! It's for episode five," Wei Wuxian reminded him defensively as he reached over the table to pat his brother's back soothingly.

Jiang Cheng furrowed his brow before making a retching noise, as if by just vaguely remembering the script of that scene made his stomach upset. Wei Wuxian might have smacked his back too hard for that reaction, but his brother didn't seem to notice. With difficulty, Jiang Cheng asked, "Did Director Luo told you to do it?"

Wei Wuxian nodded slowly as he retracted his hand. "Yeah."

If his raised eyebrow and skeptical once-over was anything to go by, Jiang Cheng wasn’t buying his answer.

"She might have said that we don't need to literally do it…" Wei Wuxian muttered guiltily.

“So you forced him?”

“No! Of course I asked before I did it. He nodded, I think–"

“You think?”

“He nodded! But then he looked angry after the take so he might have regretted it." Jiang Cheng slid his tray out of the way just before Wei Wuxian slumped forward, his cheek squished against the table. "A-Cheng, what should I do?"

Jiang Cheng pursed his lips, as if he was seriously thinking about what to say, before scoffing. "The hell should I know?" Then added, “If he doesn’t want to see your face, then so be it. It's both of your fault that you couldn't keep your dicks in your pants." He moved his attention back to his food, muttering something along the lines of 'damn exhibitionists' between bites.

Wei Wuxian wailed, but it was cut short– much to Jiang Cheng's joy– when a familiar face approached them, a tray full of pastries and a nutritious-looking meal in his hands.

"Wei-xiong, are you okay?" Wen Ning looked at his fellow actor worriedly as he placed the tray on the table. Jiang Cheng scooted over so Wen Ning could take a seat.

The delicious smell of warm food enticed Wei Wuxian to lift his head a little, just enough to take a peek of what Wen Ning had brought. There were assorted buns on a plate, a bowl of rice topped with char siu, and a mug of soup. "No," Wei Wuxian answered truthfully, and Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes.

"What's wrong? Do you feel sick? Should we take you to the clinic?"

Wei Wuxian shook his head as he straightened up, looking longingly at Wen Ning's tray. Wen Ning immediately moved it closer to Wei Wuxian.

Jiang Cheng slapped Wei Wuxian's hand that was about to get a pork bun. "Do you have no shame? Get your own food!"

"Oh, it's okay. I don't think I'll be able to finish everything myself," Wen Ning admitted, before offering the buns to Jiang Cheng, who reluctantly took one as well.

Wei Wuxian chewed on his bun thoughtfully, before asking, "Where's Wen Qing?"

"Jiejie has a commercial shoot this morning so she told me to go ahead. I thought she'd be here by lunch time so I bought a lot of food, but then she told me she'd arrive just in time for the filming," Wen Ning explained, then pushed the buns to Wei Wuxian. "So help yourself, Wei-xiong, Jiang-xiong."

Wei Wuxian gladly took the offer and shove another bun in his mouth. To Wen Ning's concerned eyes, he must have looked like he's eating his sorrows out.

"You seem to be a good little brother, Wen Ning. My own little brother doesn't even care for me," Wei Wuxian sniffed, eyes downcast, and it was definitely more effective on Wen Ning as he tried to console Wei Wuxian immediately.

"I doubt that! I think your brother cares about you very much," Wen Ning disagreed wholeheartedly, making Jiang Cheng choke on his food for the umpteenth time. "Who wouldn't want Wei-xiong to be their big brother?"

"Right?" Wei Wuxian said, wiping away his non-existent tears. Not to toot his own horn, but he thought he's a pretty awesome big brother too. He turned to Jiang Cheng. "Don't you want me to be your big brother?"

"Fuck you."

"I guess Jiang Cheng is a special case," Wei Wuxian concluded, and Wen Ning couldn't help but chuckle.

"But I thought you're an only child, Wei-xiong. Didn't you say so in your interview before?" Wen Ning asked.

Oops.

Wei Wuxian could already feel the glare intensifying from his peripheral vision, but decided to ignore it. "Uh huh. And a sister too. But that's a secret. Don't even tell Wen Qing, okay?"

"I won't, I promise!" Wen Ning thumped his chest and raised his hand with enthusiasm.

The crisis was averted somehow, and the three started to eat in peace. It didn't last long, however, as Jiang Cheng decided to open his mouth.

"Does Wen Ning know what you did in that scene?" He asked Wei Wuxian. Hearing his own name, Wen Ning perked up. "What scene?"

"Of course he doesn't know," Wei Wuxian answered with nonchalance.

"What scene?" Wen Ning asked again.

"It's nothing, you don't have to worry 'bout it," Wei Wuxian assured him.

Wen Ning was still curious, Wei Wuxian could sense it, but he knew that it wasn't Wen Ning's nature to press for more answers, so he tried to be as indifferent as possible.

As expected, Wen Ning let go of the subject and asked another question instead. "Lan-xiong isn't with you?"

Wei Wuxian was surprised at Wen Ning's question, but shook his head nonetheless. "Lan Zhan's in a photoshoot today. Why?"

Wen Ning was about to answer when Jiang Cheng cut him off. "You know his schedule?"

"He told me yesterday." The two usually ate together, but Lan Wangji had a packed schedule today so he wouldn't be coming to film. It was unfortunate, but at least Wei Wuxian had time to collect his thoughts about his current situation.

"How sweet," Jiang Cheng said, voice laced with sarcasm. The tone must have gone over Wen Ning's head as he nodded in agreement and said, "It must be really hard to date when the two of you have both busy schedules."

This time, it was Wei Wuxian's turn to choke. "We're not dating!"

Wen Ning looked at him, tilting his head in confusion. "You're not?"

"Of course not. Where'd you get that?"

"Most of the staff think so…" Wen Ning said sheepishly. Wei Wuxian turned to his brother, who just shrugged.

“We’re not–" Wei Wuxian cut himself off, before sighing. He didn't think Lan Wangji would appreciate being linked with him that way. "We're not dating, okay?" he explained with slight exasperation, and Wen Ning nodded, apologizing profusely for his mistake. Wei Wuxian immediately stopped him, feeling guilty that Wen Ning was compelled to apologize. It’s probably Wei Wuxian’s fault why people started to assume their relationship anyway.

Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian had started to meet more outside of the set, taking turns visiting each other's houses as they couldn't risk being bombarded by fans and paparazzi in public. Those precautions seemed to be useless as rumors still started, and as much as he didn’t care about those things, Wei Wuxian didn’t want Lan Wangji’s spotless reputation to be tarnished because of him.

Jiang Cheng crossed his arms, frowning. "Since when did you get so defensive about some dating rumors? You're a couple in the show, of course there would be people who'd think you're dating in real life too. You should already be used to it."

Wei Wuxian was definitely used to it, but Lan Wangji wasn’t, and he needed to clear up the misunderstanding before he could allow himself to think he’s dating Lan Wangji in real life too. "It's different. Lan Zhan would be bothered by it. He's not used to those kinds of rumors." Or any kind of rumor, in fact. "People should learn how to separate fiction from real life."

"'Lan Zhan’ this, ‘Lan Zhan’ that,” Jiang Cheng complained, mocking as he could be. “Don't you have anything else to say? You're the one calling him 'Lan Zhan' even outside a scene, shouldn't you be the one who needs to learn how to separate fiction from reality?"

Those words struck a nerve, and Wei Wuxian wanted to shut his brother up to stop him from spouting more harsh truths. "Why do you care? Are you jealous?" He shot back.

Jiang Cheng jumped from his seat at his words, and Wei Wuxian just riled him up even more by sticking his tongue out. "You–!" He was about to reach out and strangle his brother when Wen Ning put himself in the middle of the inevitable carnage.

“Calm down, please,” Wen Ning begged. “If one of you ended up with a bruise again the make-up department will have a hard time.”

When everything looked futile and Jiang Cheng was still adamant on hitting Wei Wuxian, a phone rang, distracting the three.

"It's my manager," Wei Wuxian announced as he looked at his phone, and Jiang Cheng immediately calmed down. "I need to take this."

Wen Ning nodded as Wei Wuxian got up, surprised that Jiang Cheng let him go.

"Jiejie! Where are you?" Wei Wuxian answered once he was out of earshot. No matter where Jiang Yanli was, she's still the best person to deter Jiang Cheng from killing him.

"I'm in Koi Tower, I'll come to the set after lunch," she said, a little distracted. There were some fading chattering at the other end of the line as she was probably searching for a quiet spot to talk with him. "How are you and A-Cheng?"

"We're good. Jiang Cheng was about to strangle me to death before you called, so nothing out of the ordinary." He heard her laugh. "Why did you call?"

"A-Xian, stop bullying your little brother so much," she lightly scolded him, and when he promised to try his best, she continued. "I looked into your schedule and I wanted to clarify some things with you."

Their discussion went on for about five minutes when Wei Wuxian asked her about something else. "Jiejie, do you remember that recurring role we turned down the other night? Do you think I can still get that?"

There was a pause on the line– Jiang Yanli must have checked her notepad containing Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian's schedules. "I can try, but are you sure you want to take that job? You won't have any free time anymore."

Wei Wuxian nodded, before remembering that his sister couldn’t see him. “Yeah. It’s a waste to not take it.”

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji had been spending a lot of time together. They had formed a bond, they had become friends. The sex was something else, it was supposed to be just pure acting. But it was so good and insanely hot that almost every time Wei Wuxian closed his eyes, all he could think of was Lan Wangji's lips, his hands, his eyes. Wei Wuxian could lie and tell himself that it's all physiological– after all, who wouldn't lust over Lan Wangji? But then he'd feel his heart tremble and ache after each kiss, his mind inadvertently thinking, why can't this be real?

Wei Wuxian was starting to fall in love with Lan Wangji for real, and that's not good.

That's why taking more jobs would give Wei Wuxian a reasonable excuse not to hang out with Lan Wangji anymore, and would distract him enough not to think so much about those ugly thoughts.

"A-Xian?" Jiang Yanli's tone was a little worried over the phone. She seemed to have called his attention numerous times already. "Are you alright?"

Wei Wuxian blinked. "Oh yeah. I was just thinking of what to say to Jiang Cheng when I get back. Can you call him after this so he'll be in a good mood?"

"Okay, I will." Wei Wuxian could hear amusement in her voice. "See you later, A-Xian. Take care."

"Take care, jiejie."

•••••••••

Wei Wuxian knew that he did the right decision when he went outside that evening.

There was the usual number of paparazzi in front of the studio as he got out, most of their faces hidden under masks, but they looked familiar and maintained a good distance from him so he gave them a wave. The sound of camera shutters were heard even from where he was standing, and some of the paparazzi waved back at him, before giving a thumbs up sign. Wei Wuxian laughed at them, before walking towards the parking lot beside the studio.

The lot was unusually empty tonight, save for another vehicle a few meters away from his. Then he remembered that it was a holiday, and most of the employees must have used the basement parking. His car was just a few yards away when someone suddenly grabbed his shirt from behind.

"Wei gege! Is it true you're dating Lan Wangji?"

Wei Wuxian turned to see girls wearing gray surgical masks had followed him in the parking lot. They must have stayed hidden somewhere in the premises without security noticing. Looking behind them, the entrance to the lot already seemed far away, so he turned back to the direction of his car and started walking faster.

"You shouldn't date him," the person nearest to him persisted, and he felt more hands tugging on his shirt and bag. He continued to ignore them as he tried to pull away from their hold.

This wasn't the first time Wei Wuxian had experienced fans being aggressive. There were more of them when he was still a solo artist, and some he'd even encounter waiting in front of his condominium. Those incidents were quickly handled by his management and security, and it's been years since the last time it happened, so Wei Wuxian didn't expect to be on the receiving end of this kind of harassment again. He was already devising a plan on how to chase them away, when someone smacked his back, hard.

"Xian gege! Answer us!" Someone was pulling on the hem of his shirt forcefully he could already hear it ripping in their fingers. Thankfully, he was almost near his car. "Don't be disrespectful of your fans!"

"You turned Lan gege gay!" Someone shouted, and Wei Wuxian almost snorted, before remembering the dire situation he's in. He finally made his way to his car, but they were still swarming around him and he couldn't enter the vehicle without pushing them away.

Out of desperation, he turned and pointed at a random direction with a surprised look. When they unwittingly took the bait and got distracted, Wei Wuxian yanked his clothes and bag from their hands and got inside his car, shutting the doors locked.

The intrusive fans started to knock on the car door, pressing their faces against the heavily tinted windows to see behind them. It was really getting out of hand, but Wei Wuxian told himself to remain calm, and started the car engine as quickly as possible.

The shouts and thumps still wouldn't stop, and he thought of backing the car a little to scare them, when a particular loud bang against the side of the vehicle startled him.

"We'll hurt Lan Wangji if you continue to date him!" One of the women shouted, making Wei Wuxian freeze, the fear and panic he should have felt a while ago started to crawl inside his skin and into his veins. He was suddenly aware of his heart beating in his chest, in his fingertips, up in his throat, almost suffocating him.

Lan Zhan couldn't be dragged into this.

The voice was muffled by the glass window, but he clearly heard what she said. The girl must have noticed her words got a reaction from him so she continued screaming, "If you continue to date him we'll look for his house and hurt him!"

Wei Wuxian grabbed his phone and called for security.

•••••••••

Since they were almost halfway to the production, it meant more interviews and TV guestings to be done. Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were paired up for the interviews today, and the former was a little guilty for feeling disappointed that he wouldn't see Lan Wangji this time.

This was probably a good thing, Wei Wuxian mused. It's been more than a week since the parking lot incident, and he's worried that the fans from that time might actually do something to Lan Wangji if they see him with Wei Wuxian.

"Jiejie was worried about you," Jiang Cheng began as they walked towards the studio. "Why didn't you ask security to escort you to your car?"

Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes. As much as he wanted to keep the incident a secret, he couldn't hide anything from Jiang Yanli, which also meant he couldn't hide it from Jiang Cheng. "I'm just an actor, not the president. I don't need anyone to follow me in my car," he said, shrugging, "Besides, it's past midnight. I didn't know they're that dedicated."

"We should hire you a bodyguard," Jiang Cheng concluded, clearly not listening to his brother.

"Look, I can take care of myself." Wei Wuxian posed in a fighting stance and started hitting Jiang Cheng with light kicks and punches.

"Dumbass." Jiang Cheng swatted his punches, and glared at him. "Aren't you worried for our next interview?"

Wei Wuxian tilted his head in question, still smacking Jiang Cheng's shoulder with his palms. "What about it?"

"We're gonna play with puppies." Jiang Cheng told him, and Wei Wuxian immediately paled. He started kicking his brother for real.

"You know I can't do that!"

Jiang Cheng kicked him back. "Of course I know! I think jiejie did something about it already."

As expected, they were greeted by a different species of fluffy animals when the two arrived on the set. Rabbits were jumping over green rubber mats, some munching on greens while some snuffled a trail through the floor.

Jiang Yanli made her way towards her brothers, smiling gently. “They already changed the puppies to rabbits for the interview," she explained to the two, before specifically addressing Jiang Cheng. "The staff knows how much you love dogs, so they've kept them in another room. You can go after the shoot." Jiang Cheng brightened up at that, but before he could say his thanks, Wei Wuxian was already tackling Jiang Yanli for a hug.

"You're the best, jiejie! Thanks for letting them know," he beamed.

Jiang Yanli laughed, and patted his brother's back. "As much as I want to take the credit, I was not the one who informed them."

Wei Wuxian pulled away slightly and tilted his head. "You didn't?"

Jiang Yanli shook her head. "It was Lan Wangji who asked them. He did the same interview yesterday and apparently told the staff to use rabbits instead of puppies for you."

“Oh." Suddenly, Wei Wuxian felt the breath pushed out of his lungs, his chest felt heavy and light at the same time; an odd bubbly sensation he couldn't understand.

"He's nice to you, A-Xian." He heard Jiang Yanli say, and when he cast a quick glance at his sister, he felt his neck gain heat at her knowing, amused expression as she patted his cheek. "I can see why you like him."

"Gross," Jiang Cheng cheng commented somewhere behind them. "Stop being so love sick and let's get this over with."

The interview was simple enough– Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng had to draw questions from a jar while they play with cute and fluffy rabbits. It's probably the most interesting promotion Wei Wuxian had done, other than reading thirst tweets from fans.

Jiang Cheng picked up a question first. "Who came up with using your real names as your characters' names in Unrestrained? And isn't it confusing?"

He pointed at Wei Wuxian. "This idiot is the reason."

"I'm not!" Wei Wuxian said defensively, before picking up a black rabbit to perch on his arm and massaging its back. "It was Lan Zhan who started calling me by my real name the first time we filmed the series."

"But I heard you were the one who proposed to keep it that way." Jiang Cheng reminded him.

"Yeah, yeah. Ow." Wei Wuxian looked down to see a snow-furred rabbit biting his sleeves aggressively. "What's wrong, little guy? These clothes are sponsored, don't destroy them! I don't have enough money to replace this sweater."

At that moment, the black rabbit in his arms jumped off, landing on top of the sleeve-tugging rabbit, the two tumbling over the mat at the impact. The white rabbit immediately got back on its feet and pushed the other rabbit with its head, moving it away from Wei Wuxian.

He blinked at the sight, before laughing. "Look, look!" He tugged Jiang Cheng's arm and pointed towards the two rabbits that were now playing on their own. "The other rabbit thought I was stealing his playmate. It's so cute, I wanna bully it more."

Jiang Cheng shoved the jar against him. "Stop playing and choose a question."

Wei Wuxian still couldn't stop his laughter as he picked another question. "How did you get your roles in Unrestrained?

"Lan Zhan and I were already chosen for our parts and didn't need to audition, which was both flattering and really scary at the same time." Wei Wuxian looked at Jiang Cheng. "Wasn't the main cast decided before too?"

Jiang Cheng nodded. "But we had to do a screen test and we were replaceable if we didn't do a good job."

Wei Wuxian grasped his own chest, and made a cooing sound. "Aw. You will always be irreplaceable to me."

"Shut up." Jiang Cheng glared, but he had two rabbits resting on his thighs, and Wei Wuxian didn't think he could ever take him seriously anymore.

The Q and A ranged from the first time Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian met, how difficult it was to switch careers, to more questions about Unrestrained.

"Rate the Unrestrained sex scenes from 0-10."

Jiang Cheng made a gagging noise. "Disgusting. All zero for me." Then, he turned to Wei Wuxian. "Just how many sex scenes have you done?"

Wei Wuxian made a show of counting with his fingers, before answering. "Three."

A staff behind the camera mentioned that there were only two sex scenes in the released episodes.

"Oops? Wait, I haven't rated them yet. They're all 11/10. Lan Zhan passed with high colors. He's really amazing in bed." Wei Wuxian winked at the camera, and Jiang Cheng shuddered.

The interview finished within an hour, and Jiang Cheng sprinted out of the set to go see the puppies as soon as the director said cut.

Wei Wuxian gently placed the rabbits down the mat and walked behind the cameras. He'd been itching to check on his phone, and when he went to fetch it from Jiang Yanli, the device was already in her hand. "We have an hour before we go to the other studio. You can take a break first." She told him with a smile, probably guessing what he was planning to do.

There weren't a lot of people in the studio's break room, and Wei Wuxian found a secluded spot near the vending machines on the corner. Taking a seat on one of the armchairs, he took his phone, scrolled through his contacts, and pressed the call button.

He hadn't been in contact with Lan Wangji for a week. There was a break in their production to give way to the promotional gigs and interviews, and Wei Wuxian made sure that he had something to do every minute of the day to keep him occupied from thinking about the incident or Lan Wangji. He didn't dare to call him at that time either, and he felt like a clingy lover wanting to throw a tantrum when Lan Wangji didn't even try to contact him instead.

Wei Wuxian heard a click, signalling that his call got connected. "Lan Zhan?"

"Mn." Lan Wangji confirmed. Wei Wuxian thought that he could already recognize Lan Wangji by just that sound.

"Are you busy?"

Wei Wuxian heard rustling on the other end of the line and something sounding like a book being shut. "No," Lan Wangji answered after a beat.

Wei Wuxian hummed. He could tell him about his day, but he didn't call Lan Wangji to talk about himself. Wei Wuxian wanted to hear his voice more, almost forgetting that the hardest part of wanting to hear Lan Wangji's voice was to actually make him talk.

"What's wrong?" Lan Wangji asked. Wei Wuxian must have spaced out for a while and took a long time to respond.

Wei Wuxian shook his head out of habit. "Nothing. Where are you?"

"In the car. Going to Nie Studio."

Wei Wuxian sat upright on the armchair. "You're driving? I should–"

Lan Wangji cut him off. "No. My brother's driving."

"Oh." He smiled, and leaned back in his seat. "That's good. Are you busy tomorrow?"

There was a pause on the line before Lan Wangji responded, "A little."

"What's on your schedule?"

Lan Wangji told him what he'd do for the remainder of the day, as well as his schedule for tomorrow, while Wei Wuxian mentally compared their free times. As expected, nothing matched. He couldn't help but sigh into the phone.

"Wei Ying?" Lan Wangji pulled Wei Wuxian out from his thoughts again, his voice quiet and soothing, curling around his name.

Wei Wuxian blurted out, "Our free times don't match."

Lan Wangji remained silent, and Wei Wuxian slowly realized the implications of what he just said.

"I guess we're really both busy this past week. I hope this ends soon," Wei Wuxian laughed awkwardly, feeling his face getting warm from embarrassment.

"What about the day after tomorrow?" Lan Wangji suddenly asked.

They started comparing schedules after that, but to no avail. Wei Wuxian stopped asking after the third day, knowing that his schedule was just about to get busier after that.

This is good, this is good, Wei Wuxian told himself. At least he wouldn't be tempted to see Lan Wangji anytime soon. He knew he couldn't avoid Lan Wangji forever as they were co-stars, but he wanted the whole obsessive fan situation cool down before they see each other again.

It was supposed to be a short call, Wei Wuxian promised himself, but he must have underestimated how much he missed Lan Wangji that thirty minutes had already passed without him noticing.

"By the way," Wei Wuxian said slowly, as he just remembered the main reason why he decided to call Lan Wangji. "Do you see any people following you lately?"

"What?" He could hear the confusion in Lan Wangji's voice.

"You're an actor. There'll be fans who'd want to watch you all the time," Wei Wuxian explained. "Are there any people that's been bothering you?"

"People don't approach me," Lan Wangji admitted.

Wei Wuxian's eyebrows rose. "Are you sure?"

"Mn. They stare but don't approach. They're scared." Wei Wuxian heard someone else laughing on the other end of the line.

"Did your brother just laugh at you?"

Lan Wangji didn't offer an answer, inadvertently confirming his question. Wei Wuxian couldn't help but laugh too. "They're too scared to approach you? So you've never experienced being asked for your photo while outside?"

"No."

"So… no one's gotten closer to you other than me?" He teased, expecting Lan Wangji to say his name exasperatedly.

"No one," Lan Wangji answered instead, voice low and sincere, effectively shutting Wei Wuxian for a moment.

Wei Wuxian cackled, partly because he still found Lan Wangji's situation to be funny, and partly to conceal the giddiness he felt at those words. "Lan Zhan, oh Lan Zhan. Don't worry, I'm not scared of you." A pause. "Okay, maybe just a tiny bit. But the next time we meet, I'll definitely ask for your photo."

"You still take photos even without my permission," Lan Wangji reminded him.

Wei Wuxian laughed. "That's true." He still wasn't done laughing when Lan Wangji asked him another question.

"When?"

"When what?"

"When will we meet?"

"Oh," Wei Wuxian breathed, the question catching him off-guard. "Another week from now. That's our next filming right?"

There was another long pause on the line before Wei Wuxian heard Lan Wangji's signature 'Mn.'

There was silence between them, and somehow, Wei Wuxian could tell that Lan Wangji wanted to tell him something. Just as he was about to ask, he caught sight of Jiang Yanli waving over the glass window outside of the break room, trying to get his attention.

"Lan Zhan, I gotta go. See you next week."

"Take care," Lan Wangji said. Then, "See you."

Wei Wuxian stared at his phone once the call was dropped. One more week didn't sound so bad.

Chapter Text

An excerpt of Nie TV's Q and A with Writer Nie Huaisang

Nie Huaisang talks exclusively about his busy life as a chief editor of Nie Magazine and as one of the writers of Unrestrained

Q: How did you come upon Unrestrained?
A: We have been closely working with Koi Productions for years, so I've known about Unrestrained for a long time. When I got the news of it finally being pitched, I immediately applied as a writer. Even if they only hired me for an episode, I'd still be happy.

Q: Isn't it hard to balance your work as an editor-and-chief while also writing for one of the best series of the year?
A: It can be hard at times, but my employees always help me. Like you guys.

Q: How is it working with the cast? Do their performances affect your writing?
A: Of course, especially Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian's. We would often edit the script of future episodes because of how they'd depict Lan Zhan and Wei Ying's relationship. They really get the characters more than anyone else. They improvise most of their banters, and the director gives them free rein with their scenes.

Q: Even the sex scenes?
A: Even the sex scenes.

•••••••••

Seven days felt a long time.

It was odd, not seeing Wei Wuxian as much as before. Due to their busy schedules, they couldn't meet up outside of the set, and they hadn't been in contact with each other except for that phone call a week ago.

Despite this, Lan Wangji could feel his presence everywhere. On billboards, in a TV commercial, his voice on the radio, as a standee at a convenience store– Wei Wuxian's magazine spreads alone could probably fill up an entire house and people still wouldn't get bored looking at him. Lan Wangji felt sympathetic– he wouldn't get bored himself either.

Lan Huan congratulated him one day for 'passing with high colors', and Lan Wangji didn't understand what his brother meant until he came across the interview of Wei Wuxian telling everyone how great Lan Wangji was in their sex scenes. He nearly dropped his phone when Wei Wuxian winked at the camera, as if he knew Lan Wangji was watching.

Distracting himself from his own thoughts, Lan Wangji scrolled through the recommended videos and frowned, seeing all the new videos starring Wei Wuxian. There had been numerous interviews and guestings Wei Wuxian had done for the past days, and considering all the TV projects on his plate, it's impossible for him not to get exhausted.

Lan Wangji contemplated calling him that night, but realized that he might take Wei Wuxian's free time again instead of letting him rest, so he decided against it.

The day for their next filming finally came, and when Lan Wangji arrived at the set two hours earlier than his call time, no one dared to bat an eye. He ignored how his brother kept smiling at his direction, and felt relieved when Lan Huan left him to do some managerial tasks.

"Lan Zhan!" Someone called, seamlessly shaking him from his thoughts. Even without turning around, Lan Wangji already knew whom that voice belonged to.

"You're here early," Wei Wuxian chirped once he was on Lan Wangji's view. "Did you want to see me perform my own stunts?"

Lan Wangji finally looked at Wei Wuxian and gave him a once-over. It seemed he had already started filming his fight scenes. His face flushed, breathing heavy, his hair damp with sweat, a towel hung loosely around his neck. The sight reminded Lan Wangji of their activities that were a little less violent but far more physical.

Lan Wangji mentally chased those thoughts away, and saw Wei Wuxian squirm at his unabashed staring.

"Not everyone is equipped with an internal cooling system like you, Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian harrumphed as he tugged his shirt to let some air in. "Be thankful that I'm kind or else I would have hugged you while I'm this sweaty."

Lan Wangji nearly blurted out, "Please do your worst," but thankfully, Wei Wuxian was already running back to the set to continue his shoot.

The next time Lan Wangji saw him, Wei Wuxian had already taken a shower and was wearing a fresh set of clothes beneath their police windbreaker costume. The whole cast was there as the shoot for the day involved Jiang Cheng briefing the team about a buy-and-bust operation that would topple down the drug cartel's kingpin.

Something looked different with Wei Wuxian. Lan Wangji would attribute it to the two weeks they hadn't seen each other, but a persistent voice told him that it wasn't. His smile was just a little tighter than usual, there were bags under his eyes that couldn't be concealed by make-up, and when he leaned on the table to avoid standing up, Lan Wangji immediately knew how overworked Wei Wuxian was.

After the director yelled cut, Lan Wangji walked towards Wei Wuxian who was smiling at him.

"Are you okay?" He asked, and Wei Wuxian tilted his head at the question.

“I’m fine...?”

With a frown, Lan Wangji lifted his hand to touch Wei Wuxian's forehead and noticed its unnatural heat, confirming his suspicions.

“You’re burning up,” he said, tone equal parts worrying and disapproving.

Wei Wuxian closed his eyes and leaned closer to his palm. "Your hand feels good. Cold."

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji warned. From what, he didn't know either.

Wei Wuxian slowly opened his eyes, and Lan Wangji could see how it's a shade duller than his usual greys.

“Don't tell anyone. Not until we finish this scene,” he asked, voice almost pleading. “Please.”

Lan Wangji cast him a look, but sighed in defeat a moment later. He let his hand linger a little longer, before pulling away. "Don't push yourself too hard."

"I won't," Wei Wuxian promised, and when the slate board was clapped, he was back to his energetic self.

Lan Wangji wanted to get the scene done as quickly as possible, so that meant no mistakes. At least most of his lines were directed to Wei Wuxian, so he could check on him stealthily between and during takes.

From an outsider's perspective, Wei Wuxian looked his usual lively self. He was able to deliver his punchlines well, made great ad lib jokes, and his banter with Jin Zixuan only needed one take.

It was nearing the end of their shoot, and when Luo Qingyang shouted cut and the bell rang indicating the end of the scene, Wei Wuxian promptly wobbled on his knees, with Lan Wangji catching him on time. All of the energy seemed to drain out of him, the utter and complete exhaustion riding his frame, and Lan Wangji noticed his temperature higher than before.

"Wei Wuxian!"

"Wei-xiong!"

Everyone gathered around them with varying degrees of distress. Lan Wangji put his arm around Wei Wuxian's middle with Jiang Cheng guiding them to the couch.

There was a slight commotion on the set, which was only contained when Luo Qingyang herded the other staff away, ordering them to do something else if all they could do was gawk.

"How is he?" Wen Qing asked as she grabbed a first-aid kit somewhere, Lan Wangji didn't care enough to find out where. "How's his temperature?"

"He has a high fever," Jiang Cheng remarked as he touched Wei Wuxian's forehead.

"I'll call Yanli," Jin Zixuan told Jiang Cheng, voice low so no one else could hear. He gave Wei Wuxian a look, before walking out of the set, presumably to call his wife.

"M'fine… just tired..." Wei Wuxian mumbled as he was deposited on the sofa, clutching on Lan Wangji's shoulder for support.

"Shut up, idiot." Jiang Cheng cursed under his breath. "Where's the nearest hospital?"

"No hospital!" Wei Wuxian managed to smack Jiang Cheng on the face. "I'm tired, not dying. I just want to sleep."

After his sudden outburst, Wei Wuxian slumped back to Lan Wangji's arms, pushing his body to his warmth, slightly shivering as he tried to curl in on himself. "Sleep..." he said, before finally losing consciousness.

•••••••••

For the lack of a better term, Lan Wangji was currently watching Wei Wuxian sleep.

It should be noted, however, that it wasn't in a creepy way, but in a I-have-to-take-care-of-you way. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Lan Wangji was granted custody of a sick Wei Wuxian, whose fever just subsided a few hours ago.

He wasn't the first choice, of course. Jiang Cheng just couldn’t take care of Wei Wuxian because of another filming he had to do. Jiang Yanli wasn't available either because her son also had a fever, which Wei Wuxian must have contracted when he visited his nephew last night.

Since Jiang Cheng knew that Lan Wangji had already found out his connection with Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng had asked him, albeit reluctantly, to take care of his brother.

“Watch him,” Jiang Cheng had told Lan Huan. Lan Wangji had thought he meant Wei Wuxian, but when he saw Jiang Cheng glaring at him, he figured out that he's worried about something else, Lan Wangji could only guess what.

They decided to bring Wei Wuxian to the Lan residences since it's nearer to the hospital, and Lan Wangji didn't think Wei Wuxian would appreciate it if he told his home address to someone else.

Wei Wuxian was asleep the whole ride, nearly dead weight against Lan Wangji's shoulder. Wen Qing had given him fever medication before he could totally pass out, and it must have been a miracle drug since Lan Wangji could feel Wei Wuxian's temperature slowly getting back to normal, though his cheeks still looked flushed.

When they arrived home, Wei Wuxian's clothes were already soaked with sweat. Lan Wangji guided him to his bedroom, handing him a clean pair of pajamas, before he went to the bathroom to get a towel and a basin of water.

It was barely a minute later when Lan Wangji got back, but Wei Wuxian had already caught his head halfway through the shirt hole. He must have given up as he just slumped on the bed, already starting to drift off again.

"Wei Ying." Lan Wangji gently shook Wei Wuxian awake, and helped him change clothes, wiping his body with the cold washcloth. He wasn't sure if he'd seen Wei Wuxian's naked body enough that he was already used to touching him, or if he was just too worried to even entertain any ideas related to that line of thinking. It's highly likely that it's the latter.

Wei Wuxian had been sleeping for almost four hours. Lan Wangji mostly stayed by his side, only going out to change clothes himself, inform Lan Huan about Wei Wuxian's current condition, and preparing soup and water in case he woke up.

Lan Wangji kept the door to his room slightly open. He wouldn’t do anything inappropriate even if it was closed, but he remembered how Jiang Cheng threatened Lan Huan, so he did it for his brother's sake.

Wei Wuxian slowly stirred from his sleep, eyes barely opening as he took in his surroundings.

"Lan Zhan?"

"Mn."

Wei Wuxian tried to blink away his drowsiness and stretched out in the bed. Then, he turned to look at Lan Wangji who was seated on a chair beside him. "Where am I?"

"At my house."

"Oh," Wei Wuxian began as he pulled the blanket over his head, curling inside it. "That's why everything smells like Lan Zhan," he remarked, voice muffled by the sheets.

Lan Wangji waited for him to come out from his make-shift cocoon, but when he heard light snoring under the blanket, he smiled softly.

"Wei Ying. Wake up." Lan Wangji patted the blanket.

"Why?"

"You need to drink water."

"I'm not thirsty," Wei Wuxian said, but he removed the blanket over his head, lifting his body just enough so he could reach out and drink the glass of water Lan Wangji offered him.

He ended up gulping two more glasses after that, before slumping back to the bed. "I didn't think water can be that delicious."

"It can be," Lan Wangji told him. "Eat something."

"I'm not hungry," Wei Wuxian claimed, but when he saw Lan Wangji looking at him disapprovingly, he sighed. "Okay, I'll try to eat."

Lan Wangji helped him lean on the headboard, before preparing the soup. He had just reheated it a few minutes ago, so it was still warm.

Settling the tray with the bowl of soup over Wei Wuxian's lap, Lan Wangji started to stir the viscous liquid with a spoon, before handing the utensil to Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian took the spoon and swirled it through the liquid. Finally, he picked up some of the broth, lifting it to his lips. "This is delicious! Did you make this?"

When Lan Wangji nodded, Wei Wuxian smiled, before taking another bite. He continued to eat, with Lan Wangji reminding him once in a while to slow down.

"You spoil me, Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian said after he finished the bowl, giving it back to Lan Wangji’s waiting hands.

"You're fatigued," Lan Wangji answered as he gave him water and medicine to drink. It was only natural to be taken care of if one was sick.

Wei Wuxian shook his head. "About the interview before, thanks for asking them to change the puppies to rabbits."

Lan Wangji focused on putting the tray back on the side table; he didn't expect for Wei Wuxian to find out. "It's nothing."

Wei Wuxian remained silent. Lan Wangji thought he fell asleep again, but when he turned to check on him, Wei Wuxian was staring at him.

“I was avoiding you,” Wei Wuxian said so suddenly that Lan Wangji had yet to process his words when he added, “People might hurt you if you associate with me."

Lan Wangji thought that it was the fever talking, but he saw the seriousness in Wei Wuxian's expression, and it's evident that whatever it is exactly that has been bothering him, it’s not trivial in his mind. It’s important.

However, his words still confused Lan Wangji. "What happened?" He asked, barely masking the concern in his voice.

Wei Wuxian started to tell him about how someone thought that the two of them were dating, threatening him that they'd hurt Lan Wangji if they continued to do so.

"Did they hurt you?" Lan Wangji asked, alarmed. His eyes scanned over him, seeking injuries, but it's probably too late, as he found nothing but Wei Wuxian's eyes twinkling at him.

"Is Lan Zhan worried about me?" Wei Wuxian giggled. "Sometimes it's getting too confusing. Are you worried about me because of our roles? Or do you really care about me?"

"Wei Ying," he scolded, voice low. "It's not a laughing matter."

Wei Wuxian shrugged. "I'm used to it."

Lan Wangji frowned slightly. It's not something you just get used to. "When did this happen?"

"A few weeks ago."

Lan Wangji remembered the phone call, with Wei Wuxian asking him if he'd seen any suspicious people around, and finally put the pieces together.

"You overworked yourself to avoid me?"

Wei Wuxian tried to protest, but no words left his mouth, coming up empty-handed. "If you put it that way, it sounds really bad..." he muttered, scratching his nose, and Lan Wangji sighed.

"Don't do that again." When Wei Wuxian remained stubbornly silent, he thought of something else to say.

"I can protect myself," Lan Wangji assured him. "You don't have to avoid me."

I don't want you to avoid me again.

Wei Wuxian looked up at him, his eyes bright and questioning. "Even if people think we're dating?"

"Mn."

"Even if it'll tarnish your reputation?"

Lan Wangji gave him a confused look. "What?"

Wei Wuxian ignored his question. "They also told me I turned you gay."

"You didn't." Being gay implied that he had thought of men other than Wei Wuxian, which he never didn't. He knew he wasn't straight either, since he had never been interested in women. Before he could contemplate further on whatever his sexuality was, Wei Wuxian interrupted him.

"I knew I didn't," Wei Wuxian said with a frown, almost as if he's disappointed. Lan Wangji didn't understand what that look meant, but he wanted to wipe it away. By the time their eyes met again, the frown was gone. "What time is it?"

Lan Wangji looked at the wall clock. "Ten forty-five."

"It's way past your bedtime!" Wei Wuxian almost leapt out of bed, with a startled Lan Wangji managing just in time to push him back down. "Where will you sleep?"

"Guest room."

"Isn't this your bedroom? I'll go to the guest room."

Lan Wangji shook his head. "You don't have to."

"Then let's sleep together here," Wei Wuxian suggested.

Lan Wangji gave him a look that's almost pained, and Wei Wuxian just laughed.

"It's either we sleep together in this bed, or I sleep in the guest room," Wei Wuxian offered, smiling sweetly while wiggling his eyebrows. "Will you let a sickly patient relocate to another room?" He had given Lan Wangji options, but it seemed the answer was already locked-in right from the start.

When it was taking him too long to respond, Wei Wuxian started to get up, and Lan Wangji had no choice but to remove his slippers and climbed on the bed.

"That wasn't so hard, was it?" Wei Wuxian grinned beside him, lying on his side. "It's not the first time you've been in bed with me."

Lan Wangji laid on his back, refusing to acknowledge their close proximity. "Go to sleep."

Wei Wuxian didn't give any response. Thinking that he had already fallen asleep, Lan Wangji closed his eyes. Until he felt something move beside him. It kept on going until Lan Wangji had no choice but to turn to his side and address the source.

"Stop squirming," he ordered Wei Wuxian.

"I can't sleep."

Now they're facing each other, Lan Wangji could feel Wei Wuxian's breath against him. It was still a little warmer than normal. Lan Wangji pressed a palm against his forehead, checking his temperature. Almost immediately, Wei Wuxan leaned closer to the touch.

"You still have a light fever," Lan Wangji noted. Against his better judgement, he cradled Wei Wuxian's cheek, feeling his warmth.

"You might catch it if you keep on touching me," Wei Wuxian warned, closing his eyes when he felt the gentle slide of fingertips against his skin.

"You should have thought of that before asking me to sleep with you," Lan Wangji retorted, making Wei Wuxian laugh.

Wei Wuxian cupped Lan Wangji's hand that was on his cheek, then opened his eyes. "It's been a while. We should rehearse."

And before Lan Wangji could ask what he meant, Wei Wuxian kissed him.

It startled Lan Wangji, but it didn't take too long until he was kissing him back, Wei Wuxian smiling against his lips when he did so.

So this was the rehearsal Wei Wuxian was referring to, Lan Wangji mused, along with the steady pang in his chest as Wei Wuxian reeled him closer, pulling him by his shirt.

When Wei Wuxian moaned against his mouth, Lan Wangji deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue in, feeling the heat of him. Lan Wangji kissed him with intent, taking everything that he could, knowing that kissing Wei Wuxian was just a temporary privilege that he had. He's not someone he could have forever.

So when Wei Wuxian slipped a warm hand under his shirt, Lan Wangji forcefully pushed himself away before they did something both of them would regret.

"We can't," he whispered, his breath slightly loud in his ears.

Any more than this then Lan Wangji wouldn't be able to stop himself, especially when no one's around to yell cut and end the scene. And as soon as that completely dawned on him, it’s as if Wei Wuxian realized the same thing, his brow furrowed, his eyes widened a fraction. He immediately withdrew his hand that was on Lan Wangji's stomach, cradling it on his chest as if he got burned.

"I'm– I'm sorry," Wei Wuxian apologized, looking ashamed when he shouldn't be. "It's the fever. I shouldn't have–"

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji interrupted him, and the way Wei Wuxian flinched at his own name didn't go unnoticed. Lan Wangji's heart ached, his next pull of breath shakier than before as he continued, "It's okay."

Wei Wuxian laughed as he looked down, hiding a pained expression from Lan Wangji. "Yeah, it's just my fever."

Lan Wangji then felt Wei Wuxian reach out, fingers curling onto his shirt once more. "Can we stay like this? I'm cold," Wei Wuxian asked, almost pleading. "Just until morning. I won't do anything. I promise."

Not trusting himself to speak, Lan Wangji nodded and carefully pulled Wei Wuxian in his arms, not caring if he'd get his fever the next day. Lan Wangji would never deny him a hug. Wei Wuxian leaned on his chest, tucking himself into the embrace, and Lan Wangji wondered if Wei Wuxian could hear his heart trying to beat itself out of his ribcage.

"I'm sorry." Lan Wangji heard him say. Wei Wuxian trembled against him, refusing to meet his eyes, and Lan Wangji felt useless, not knowing what to do but to hold him close.

Chapter Text

[NEW] Unrestrained Episode 4
by Koi Productions
2 days ago | 15M views

3M Likes 3.1K Dislikes

Comments • 31K [filtered by top comments]

Railgun 1 day ago
Jiang Cheng: I don't understand. Where's the treasure?
Wen Ning: It's inside us all along!
Wei Ying: No, Wen Ning, not everything is inside us all along.

THIS MADE ME LAUGH SO MUCH SKJKSDJKSJD

Door Chan 2 days ago
LAN ZHAN DOING THOSE HEART EYES AT WEI YING OHMYGOD ARE THESE TWO FOR REAL
          Replies

          anonymous kip 2 days ago
          this can’t be possibly just acting anymore

          Ayu Tan 1 day ago
          Aren’t there reports that they’re dating irl?

          kohl 1 day ago
          both parties ignore/deny those rumors tho

          Ayu Tan 1 day ago
          (´；д；`)

atikat 23 hours ago
Jiang Cheng's supposed to be Wei Ying's superior but why is he the one being bullied instead

melofi 1 day ago
Wei Ying talking passionately about Lan Zhan's arms and back muscles made my day
          Replies

          nezumi 1 day ago
          The real Wei Ying won’t stop talking about it either hhhhhh

Sora Amami 20 hours ago
WEI YING IS SUCH A GREMLIN
          Replies

          Summer Leaf 12 hours ago
          A gremlin that Lan Zhan loves very much

soriku 2 days ago
Lan Zhan and Wei Ying's chemistry is so natural and it's honestly making me cry

ramrem 1 day ago
did anyone notice the short flashback about wei ying's disappearance?? It looks like he shot someone 😱😭😱
          Replies

          Arisa 20 hours ago
          omg that's why he was reluctant to touch his gun when he came back

          Bacon Senpai 18 hours ago
          Oohhhh there's already dramatic foreshadowing

Angel wings 1 day ago
Wen Qing is the only sane one in this series. I’m not sure if I want to be surrounded by hot but dumb policemen everyday.
          Replies

          cuyi bala 19 hours ago
          tbh she had saved jiang cheng and wei ying’s dumb asses from getting killed three times already

          scooter 13 hours ago
          MUST PROTECC BIG SISTER

•••••••••

[NEW] Unrestrained Episode 5
by Koi Productions
2 days ago | 13M views

4M Likes 4.1K Dislikes

Comments • 39K [filtered by top comments]

Wotar Maloon 2 days ago
OHMYGOD THERE’S AN UNDER THE DESK BLOW JOB SCENE
HOW MANY KINKS DO THEY HAVE TO UNPACK

Evan Pen 2 days ago
that under the desk scene wasn’t totally necessary BUT I LOVE IT THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE FOOD

Tapsio 1 day ago
my respect for lan wangji got lower :/
          Replies

          Kyle Ian 1 day ago
          fuck off

          Julia By 20 hours ago
          my respect for lwj and wwx HAVE REACHED NEW HEIGHTS GOOD JOB YOU TWO

sharon 2 days ago
POOR WEN NING BABY

krlen 1 day ago
Jiang Cheng was the third wheel last episode and now it's Wen Ning's turn. Who will be the next sacrifice? 😂

IconicGirl 10 hours ago
lolol wei ying tried to use his body to get what he wants but failed miserably
lan zhan got to tap his ass tho so that’s nice

Midas 7 hours ago
I wonder what happens right after each sex scene??? What does the crew think???

Feline Fox 1 day ago
Everyone immediately believed that Wei Ying's sample was tampered with!!! They believed that Wei Ying's telling the truth!!! I love this squad as much as they love each other 😭😭😭

horororo 2 days ago
lolol when Wei Ying was accusing Jin Zixuan of tampering his urine samples
           Replies

          killuughhh 2 days ago
          Wei Ying: You did it because you're jealous of my good looks!
          Jin Zixuan: *points at the list of best-looking policemen in their city, his name clearly on top of Wei Ying's*
          Wei Ying: THAT PAPER IS A BIG FAT LIE

          nana ba 1 day ago
          WHEN WEI YING ACCUSED JIN ZIXUAN OF MAKING UP THE LIST AND PRINTING IT TO PUT ON THE CORKBOARD

          liz 1 day ago
          WHEN WEI YING INSISTED THAT JIN ZIXUAN HAS A CRUSH ON LAN ZHAN FOR PUTTING HIS NAME AT THE VERY TOP HHHHHH

•••••••••

Jiang Cheng picked up Wei Wuxian from the Lan residences at around six in the morning.

Wei Wuxian came out from the front door wearing a surgical mask and a thick jacket, with Lan Wangji helping him walk down the stairs. After the two woke up, Lan Huan told them that Jiang Cheng was waiting downstairs. Lan Wangji handed him a mask and bundled him in a jacket, and hadn’t said a word since then.

When they were fully outside, Wei Wuxian could feel the cold air biting through his bare forehead and hands. He pulled down his surgical mask and inhaled, trapping the air in his throat, then into his lungs, temporarily numbing the anxious beating of his heart.

The scene from last night kept on playing in his head, and now that his mind wasn’t muddled by fever and fatigue, he realized how much he messed up.

It was still dark outside, and the compound looked like a fortress that wouldn't just let anybody in, Wei Wuxian noted, before noticing Jiang Cheng on the bottom of the steps, leaning against his car. When his brother saw them go down, he met them halfway, his hand automatically touching Wei Wuxian's forehead.

"You're still a little warm," Jiang Cheng noted, frowning. Wei Wuxian responded with a sneeze, followed by, "M'fine."

Jiang Cheng glanced at Lan Wangji, who handed him a pack of medicines. "His temperature rose again this morning. You should take him to the hospital."

"No hospital," Wei Wuxian whined. He was honestly feeling better, it's just that his body would betray him sometimes.

"Stop being stubborn, idiot." Jiang Cheng was about to smack his head, but probably remembered that his brother was an ailing patient so he stopped midway. Instead, he pulled Wei Wuxian and dragged him towards the car, muttering thanks in Lan Wangji's direction. Wei Wuxian just let himself be dragged away, not daring to look back.

"I didn't say goodbye to Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian mumbled a few minutes after they drove out of the residences and into the highway.

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. "You'll see him soon enough."

The trip to the ER wasn't so bad. They only had to stay for thirty minutes, let the doctor diagnose Wei Wuxian indeed had the flu, but it wasn’t severe since he got vaccinated recently.

"I told you I didn't need to go to the hospital."

"Shut up."

The drive home was silent, and considering the amount of side glances Jiang Cheng had given him, his brother wasn't used to it. Wei Wuxian had tried to sleep, but he couldn't, his thoughts keeping him wide awake. The contemplative look he's sporting was probably freaking out Jiang Cheng too.

When they arrived at the Jiang's residences, Wei Wuxian looked relatively better. Jiang Yanli was waiting for them just outside of their house, and rushed towards the car as Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian stepped out.

"A-Xian, are you okay?" Jiang Yanli approached him first, and Wei Wuxian blinked, surprised to see her.

"Jiejie, why are you here?"

"I wanted to check on you. A-Ling's feeling better now, he's sleeping inside," she said, smiling.

Since Jiang Yanli's marriage with Jin Zixuan almost a decade ago, the couple had been living in a separate neighborhood, away from both of their original households. Both addresses of the Jiangs and the Jins weren't exactly a secret to the public, and Jiang Yanli wanted their son to have a normal life, even if it's just inside their home. Jin Ling wouldn't be able to have that if they stayed in the Jin residences, where the gated compound was surrounded by fans and paparazzi almost everyday.

Jiang Yanli placed a palm on his forehead, then his cheek, checking his temperature. "You don't have a fever anymore, that's good."

"Of course, jiejie's here. I'm immediately healed," he replied with a wide grin.

Jiang Cheng scoffed at Wei Wuxian's sweet talk. "Don't let him off, jiejie. He just had a fever when I got him."

"It was just a slight fever!" Wei Wuxian protested.

"A-Xian, don't shout," Jiang Yanli reprimanded him, before herding both of her brothers inside the house.

"Ma and Pa aren't home yet?" Jiang Cheng asked as he took a seat on the couch, Wei Wuxian following suit after he removed his jacket. The entirety of his outfit wasn’t his, Wei Wuxian suddenly realized, as he smelled the faint traces of sandalwood on his skin.

Jiang Yanli shook her head. "They still had some business to do so they'll get home a few days late. Are you hungry?"

“I want jiejie’s soup!” Wei Wuxian responded immediately. Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes but asked for the same thing. Giggling, Jiang Yanli went to the kitchen to prepare their food.

A few minutes later, a familiar delicious smell wafted into the living room, and Jiang Yanli came back with a tray of her signature lotus root and pork rib soup. The sight automatically made Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian rise on their feet to help her arrange the bowls and utensils on the coffee table.

“Don’t tell A-Ling that we're eating in front of the TV. I told him it’s not good manners,” Jiang Yanli said as she took a seat beside Wei Wuxian.

“We won’t,” Jiang Cheng promised.

“Being sick is the only exception,” Wei Wuxian added.

“It is,” Jiang Yanli agreed, chuckling.

The siblings ate in comfortable silence, Jiang Yanli checking Wei Wuxian’s temperature every now and then. As usual, he acted like a baby in front of their sister, not even an ounce of shame when Jiang Yanli wiped his mouth for him.

“I fixed your schedule for now. You won’t take any interviews and photoshoots for the week, okay?” Jiang Yanli said with finality, before sighing. “I shouldn’t have packed your schedule like that.”

Wei Wuxian shook his head. “It’s not your fault! I asked you to do it.”

"You should be more careful from now on. Rest if you're tired. Know your limit," Jiang Yanli scolded with fond exasperation as she lightly pinched Wei Wuxian's nose. "What if A-Cheng and I aren't around? Who would take care of you?"

Wei Wuxian looked at her in shock. "You're gonna leave Xianxian all by himself?"

Jiang Cheng looked like he wanted to barf. "Stop acting so spoiled and childish!" Crossing his arms, he continued, "And as if you're alone. Didn't your Lan Zhan take care of you last night?"

Wei Wuxian froze for a split second at his words, before ignoring him completely.

Jiang Cheng frowned. "Did something happen last night?"

"Nothing," Wei Wuxian answered, before noisily slurping his soup. Why did Jiang Cheng have to be so sharp at a time like this?

It seemed his change in demeanor didn't escape their sister's notice either as she asked, "A-Xian, what's wrong?"

Wei Wuxian shook his head as he settled his bowl back on the table. "There's nothing wrong."

"I didn't know Xianxian can already lie to me," Jiang Yanli said, and it startled Wei Wuxian enough that he whipped his head to fully turn to her, just to see his sister looking genuinely sad and disappointed. Wei Wuxian knew he was no match for that look.

"No! It's not like that, jiejie!" He protested, clasping Jiang Yanli's hands with his. "You know I will never lie to you."

"Then what's wrong?"

And just like that, Wei Wuxian deflated, slumping back on the couch. There's no use in hiding it, was there? "I got dumped."

"By Lan Wangji?" Jiang Cheng asked incredulously.

"Who else?" Wei Wuxian snapped back.

"That's impossible," Jiang Yanli said with a slight downturn of her lips. "Did he say he didn't like you?"

As much as it flattered him that Jiang Yanli didn’t think he’d get dumped, Wei Wuxian knew his own situation better. "Lan Zhan wouldn't say that outright."

"You clearly don't know him that well then," Jiang Cheng muttered with an eye-roll. “What made you say that you got dumped?”

"I just know he doesn't like me that way."

Wei Wuxian had taken advantage of him last night. Using his weak condition as an excuse, he was pampered by Lan Wangji, who had no choice in the matter. Jiang Cheng had forced him to take care of Wei Wuxian– his brother could be persuasive if he wanted to. And even if Jiang Cheng didn't, Lan Wangji would probably take care of him out of a sense of obligation.

Honestly, his clinginess last night was not the worst thing he had done to Lan Wangji. His shamelessness knew no bounds, and Wei Wuxian had clung to Lan Wangji like sticky rice in and out of their scenes numerous times before.

It's just that he had finally crossed whatever fine line that was left between them. Wei Wuxian had kissed him outside of work, and Lan Wangji pushed him away. Wasn't that telling enough?

And he even used their characters as an excuse. Lan Wangji surely had seen through him.

"Oh, A-Xian." Before he knew it, his head was already on Jiang Yanli’s lap, her sister stroking his hair gently. "It's probably just a misunderstanding. I can see he cares about you very much."

Wei Wuxian closed his eyes, relaxing against his sister's fingertips on his scalp. "I know," he whispered, the words sounding conceited in his ears, but he wasn't stupid. He knew how worried Lan Wangji was when he got sick, and when he inadvertently told him that he was threatened, Wei Wuxian could vividly remember the panic and concern in Lan Wangji's eyes.

For the past months that they've worked together, the two of them grew closer, and romantic feelings aside, Wei Wuxian genuinely liked Lan Wangji as a person, and his admiration for the man continued to grow the more he got to know him.

Wei Wuxian knew that Lan Wangji liked him. Or maybe tolerated his existence enough to make Wei Wuxian think that he liked him. Either way, Lan Wangji always listened to him, with his stone-cold face that could freeze anyone in sight, Lan Wangji would give his full attention to Wei Wuxian, and no matter how ridiculous his words get, Wei Wuxian knew that Lan Wangji would commit every detail in his mind. Not meaning to, Wei Wuxian had already bared his innermost thoughts to him, and Lan Wangji could very well tarnish Wei Wuxian's reputation if he wanted to with the amount of embarrassing information he had on him.

Wei Wuxian would also say and do things that could warrant a sexual harassment case, but Lan Wangji would just let him be. Sweet and shameless words would easily escape Wei Wuxian’s mouth, provoking and inviting, and the slight surprise in Lan Wangji’s face, followed by a frown and a glare would always make his heart beat fast. Touching Lan Wangji would earn him a pained look, and as much as Wei Wuxian found it pitiful, he felt the urge to tease Lan Wangji even greater.

Enumerating those things made him realize how spoiled and masochistic he was, and how much trouble he had caused Lan Wangji.

Wei Wuxian groaned. The feeling of wanting to lock himself in a box with the key thrown in the depths of the ocean was overwhelming him.

He was suddenly pulled out of his thoughts when Jiang Cheng elbowed his knee, making him yelp. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Don't just put your legs on my lap!" He pushed Wei Wuxian's feet away from him, but not forceful enough to let them fall off the floor. It was getting uncomfortable with his head on Jiang Yanli's lap and with his feet still on the floor, so Wei Wuxian had slowly overtaken the couch by lying down, stretching his legs over Jiang Cheng's lap, effectively trapping his siblings from moving.

Jiang Cheng cursed when he failed to remove his brother's legs. "And stop looking so miserable, it's disgusting."

Wei Wuxian stuck his tongue out. “You wouldn’t understand since you’ve never fallen in love.”

Wei Wuxian suffered another elbow attack, and when he was about to retaliate, Jiang Cheng managed to surprise him. “That’s right, I don’t understand! How could you get dumped when that guy always looks at you as if you’re his world?"

Wei Wuxian shuddered at his brother's choice of words. "That analogy… is so cheesy. Where'd you get that?" When he looked up at his brother, Jiang Cheng was already glaring daggers at him, his face red from anger and embarrassment. Taking in his brother's pitiful appearance, Wei Wuxian continued, “It’s called acting, A-Cheng. If you can't look at your love interest as if they're your world, then you fail as an actor."

And that's the thing, wasn't it? Lan Wangji liked him, but not in the way he'd hoped. Lan Wangji was comfortable having sex with him because it's part of his job, and Lan Wangji could look at him with eyes full of love and adoration because he's an amazing actor, nothing more and nothing less. Knowing that was the case didn't really prevent Wei Wuxian from falling harder every time Lan Wangji took notice of him.

If Lan Zhan really liked me that way, then I should have been pushed down a long time ago. A small voice in his head also insisted. After all, Wei Wuxian had done every possible seduction tactic, every trick in the book of temptation, but none of it earned an ideal response other than the usual glare and turning of head away.

But maybe Jiang Cheng was right. Maybe dump wasn't the right word for it. Rejected preemptively? Frienzoned? In any case, there's no point thinking about it that much, was there?

Wei Wuxian tried to focus back in on the voices of Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli above him, a welcome distraction from his thoughts of useless self-reflection.

"Xianxian likes a pat on the head," he said, looking up at Jiang Yanli, donning the most miserable face he could muster.

Jiang Cheng looked at him in repulsion, while their sister happily patted his head.

Before long, Jiang Yanli ended up doing short braids on Wei Wuxian's hair, securing them with elastic hair bands that happened to be in her pocket. "Do you still remember the time when I use you and A-Cheng to practice my braid?"

"I remember! Are you braiding my hair now? Do I look pretty?"

Jiang Yanli giggled. "Of course, you look pretty."

Wei Wuxian caught Jiang Cheng rolling his eyes.

"You're just jealous, c'mon. I'll braid your hair too."

"No thanks," Jiang Cheng immediately turned him down.

Jiang Yanli stroked Wei Wuxian's forehead. "Are you feeling better now?" Somehow, he knew that his sister wasn't asking about his flu.

Wei Wuxian closed his eyes and smiled. "It's okay, I'll get over it. I've never been dumped before, so it's a new feeling."

I’ll get over it.

The more he repeated those words in his mind, the more it sounded close to impossible.

•••••••••

An excerpt of Nie TV's interview with the Wen Ning siblings

Wen Siblings Plays With Puppies While Answering Fan Questions
by Nie TV
23 hours ago | 4M views
93K Likes 200 Dislikes

“The puppies are so cute,” Wen Ning cooed as the staff started to hand them the fluffy animals, almost forgetting to introduce himself until Wen Qing nudged him. “Oh wait, I’m Wen Ning. And this is my sister-”

“Wen Qing,” she supplied, smiling at the camera. “And we’re here to answer your questions while playing with these adorable puppies.”

After the short opening sequence, the video cut back to the siblings with a handful of puppies running around their laps.

“It’s going to be hard to answer questions like this,” Wen Qing laughed, before reaching inside the jar to get a question. “What is it like to work with a sibling? And what are the similarities and differences between the relationship of your characters and your relationship in real life?

“It’s fun to work with A-Ning. I don’t really feel like I’m acting when I’m doing a scene with him,” she answered as a puppy tried to wrestle for the little paper in her hand. “Wen Qing, my character, is overprotective of her family. Just like I am.”

“As for the differences," Wen Ning began. "I guess I’m more stubborn than my character."

“The Wen Ning in Unrestrained listens to his older sister more,” Wen Qing agreed, before petting her brother on the head. “I hope A-Ning is more obedient like his character."

“What is it like working with actors who are great as you?” Wen Qing laughed. “Actors who are great as me? Does that mean I’m great?”

“Of course you are,” chirped Wen Ning.

“Aw, thank you. But coming from my little brother, it isn’t as validating as I thought it’d be.” Chuckling, Wen Qing answered, “They’re all amazing. I’m so glad to have been given an opportunity like this. Everyone is so different, but instead of clashing, we ended up having a really nice and dysfunctional family with each other. I enjoy spending time with them on and off set.”

Wen Ning picked up another question. “Do the Unrestrained cast hang out even if there’s no filming? Who are the closest in the group?

“We try to hang out as often as possible, but with the tight schedule nowadays, we would just end up seeing each other during filming," he answered.

“As for who's the closest… Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian act like grade schoolers around each other," Wen Qing revealed exasperatedly.

"A-jie and I have to stop their fights every time," Wen Ning added with a laugh.

"But I guess Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji are more inseparable," Wen Qing concluded, Wen Ning nodding in agreement beside her.

"It's hard to distinguish them from their characters honestly. Wei Wuxian clings to Lan Wangji like a koala and Lan Wangji listens to Wei Wuxian's demands all the time." His sister's tired voice made Wen Ning laugh.

"Sometimes when they talk to each other, I thought that the cameras were still rolling," Wen Ning supplied.

"How do you usually past the time between scenes while in the Unrestrained set?" After playing with a puppy for a while, Wen Qing grabbed another question.

"Watching Wei Wuxian's mini concerts," she simply answered.

"Oh yeah, that's interesting!" Wen Ning exclaimed as he laughed. "Wei-xiong would sometimes belt out a random song in between cuts and it became a game of who can guess what song he's singing. I'm not really good at it."

"Jiang Cheng and Jin Zixuan are tied in first place," Wen Qing added. "But Lan Wangji is probably the only one who can guess all of Wei Wuxian's own songs."

A staff asked a follow-up question.

"Is Lan-xiong a fan of Wei-xiong? Of course he is. We're all fans of Wei-xiong's singing."

Wen Qing had to tackle the jar of questions out of the puppies' paws. "Unrestrained episodes have irregular schedules to keep fans on their toes, does it affect your shooting schedules too?"

“It does. I won't get into details but sometimes it gets a little exhausting. Wei-xiong suddenly collapsed because of fatigue yesterday," Wen Ning answered.

There seemed to be concerned murmurs behind the camera as Wen Ning raised both of his hands to placate them. "It's nobody's fault! No one noticed Wei-xiong was already sick when he came to work. But he's okay now, Lan-xiong's taking care of him."

"A-Ning!" Wen Qing hissed. Wen Ning was confused for a moment, before realizing his mistake.

"I– I shouldn't have said that." Wen Ning picked up a puppy and lifted it in front of his face, as if hiding himself behind the innocent animal. "You didn't hear anything from me. Can you just cut that part?"

There were laughter from the staff and Wen Qing shook her head fondly. "They definitely won’t cut out that part."

•••••••••

[NEW] Unrestrained BTS Part 1
by Koi Productions
20 hours ago | 2M views

10k Likes 98 Dislikes

Comments • 15K [filtered by top comments]

Jurie Cruz 20 hours ago
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE FOOD

バニラ 15 hours ago
WEI YING AND LAN ZHAN SO SWEET EVEN OFF-SCREEN

JC ily 18 hours ago
The cast/staff weren’t joking when they said that it’s hard to distinguish Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian’s relationship from their characters’.
          Replies

          taha 18 hours ago
          Aren’t they just method acting?

          JC ily 16 hours ago
          I don’t think so. Their characters’ personalities are almost the same as theirs so there’s no need for method acting. And the people in the production didn’t think they’re doing method acting either.

Tapatio 5 hours ago
The whole time I’m watching the vid I’m expecting them to kiss and I’m genuinely surprised that they didn’t

Melissa Yang 11 hours ago
WHY IS LAN WANGJI DOING THE SAME HEART EYES AS LAN ZHAN
THE MAN IS TOTALLY IN LOVE

Kai 18 hours ago
Wei Wuxian: Do I look good in these clothes, Lan Zhan?
Lan Wangji: Mn.

wei wuxian doing sexy poses in front of lan wangji ksjhdfkshf this dude is just doing his best to seduce his man

00234100 20 hours ago
ew gay
          Replies

          Matty 20 hours ago
          ew boo hoo

Ai Lan Tan 8 hours ago
they still call each other lan zhan and wei ying even outside of filming hhhhhhh
          Replies

          fabicon 8 hours ago
          yeah.. those are their real names…

          Ai Lan Tan 7 hours ago
          i know!! but do you hear the other cast calling them wei ying and lan zhan outside a scene?? no?? now do u get what i mean

          Stony 5 hours ago
          omg i got confused too and now that u pointed it out– everyone calls them by their stage names when the camera’s not rolling except for the two of them asjdgjaf

luna candy 13 hours ago
I was hoping they’d show us a bts of one of the sex scenes;;;;;;

RAY RAY 10 hours ago
7:14 the audio isn’t clear but did wei wuxian just invited lan wangji to his house???
          Replies

          CrispyKun 50 mins ago
           wwx was talking about his vegetable garden then I think he said to lwj, “you’ll be coming again today right?” so i guess he did invite him but it’s definitely not the first time ajshgjdhfga

She Mew 1 hour ago
lol the staff seems to be used with the flirtation going on even outside of filming
          Replies

          Wendy Teng 1 hour ago
          3:34 A staff was about to fix Wei Wuxian’s necktie, but Lan Wangji fixed it instead so she smoothly turned and walked away from the scene ksjkdjkjdks

          CrispyKun 20 mins ago
          2:48 wwx subtly trying to take lwj's pic is such a mood

•••••••••

When Wei Wuxian collapsed, the whole production decided to take a break for a week to avoid the same thing from happening to other cast members and staff. The reason was if Wei Wuxian, the most hardworking and healthy person in the set, collapsed from exhaustion, it's only a matter of time before someone would follow suit.

Lan Wangji didn't contact Wei Wuxian during those days, afraid that he might just disturb the latter. And in any case that Wei Wuxian wanted to talk to Lan Wangji, he could just call or message him, like Wei Wuxian always did before. That didn't happen however, and Lan Huan had already called him out from glancing blankly at his phone on numerous occasions.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder," his brother had said to him this morning, smiling, when he got caught frowning at his phone. “Don’t you think so, Wangji?”

Lan Wangji wondered since when did Lan Huan start to enjoy torturing him.

During his free time last week, Lan Wangji had decided to investigate what happened between Wei Wuxian and his fans, surprised to find out that it wasn't the first time that the incident happened.

There were numerous articles and videos documenting Wei Wuxian being harrassed by aggressive fans during the peak of his idol career, to the point that he needed bodyguards to accompany him whenever he went outside.

People following Wei Wuxian to his car, snatching items in his hands, pulling his clothes when he would try to walk away. To think those incidents were still on the tamer side, considering that someone had waited for him in front of his condominium. Lan Wangji made the right decision to bring him to the Lan residences instead of his own home that night.

It never occured to Lan Wangji that such crude fans exist, but then again he rarely interacted with his own fans, as he would only do the barest minimum of interviews and guest appearances required for him. Not that he had anything against his fans nor did he ever think he was superior to them, but he knew he'd probably just disappoint or scare them away. He didn't have the sunny personality of Wei Wuxian after all.

Another reason why Lan Wangji didn't think that something was amiss was Wei Wuxian's treatment of his fans. Lan Wangji knew that Wei Wuxian genuinely liked his fans– greeting them when they watch outside of the set, and going so far to bring them snacks when he knew they had been standing there for a long time. It inspired the whole cast to do the same.

Searching through more articles, Lan Wangji discovered that the aggressive fans calmed down for a few years, before starting again when Unrestrained was announced. Apparently, most of them didn’t like Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji together in a project, and they decided to direct all of their complaints to the former. Painful words were hurled towards Wei Wuxian, but not even once did he ever react badly to them, ignoring the gay slurs and threats he had receive.

A mix of anger and frustration built up inside Lan Wangji as he watched those videos, realizing that this had been going on for months without his knowledge, even if he was partly to blame for causing those harassments. Wei Wuxian was protecting him, and Lan Wangji knew that if Wei Wuxian didn't end up sick last time, Lan Wangji would still be kept in the dark even now.

Those things kept on swirling in his mind until he and Lan Huan finally arrived at the set for the first time after the break. There were three scenes scheduled today, and Luo Qingyang had already dubbed the third scene as The Emotional Sex Scene.

The episode would go like this: Wei Ying suddenly refused to go back to the precinct, before disappearing for a few days, causing Lan Zhan to worry. Looking frantically for hours, Lan Zhan found him in a forest, kneeling near a mound of dirt, his clothes caked with mud. Wei Ying's past was finally catching up to him, and his life during the three years that he was gone would finally be unraveled.

They had to film the first sequence of the scene under the rain, then Lan Zhan would carry Wei Ying to an abandoned shed they found in the woods.

Just like their other sex scenes, the director wanted it to be done in one take to make the emotions more raw and natural. It was a little trickier than their previous scenes, however, since it required Lan Wangji to carry Wei Wuxian in a muddy terrain, so they had to rehearse it a few times.

Thus the current situation Lan Wangji was in.

"Am I too heavy?" Wei Wuxian asked above him, his fingers curled on both of his shoulders.

"No," responded Lan Wangji, as he tried to focus at the task at hand, and not on the pressure of Wei Wuxian's heels digging against his lower back, his legs wrapped tightly around Lan Wangji's waist. Lan Wangji had to practice walking on the muddy ground while carrying Wei Wuxian. It was just a short distance– around ten meters or so before they get to the abandoned shed– but the staff insisted that they should rehearse it for safety.

Overhead them were numerous nozzles that were rigged to release pressurized water for the makeshift rain. The two were already doused with water beforehand, and Lan Wangji's clothes were already soaked through, as the fabric began to cling uncomfortably against his skin. Even though the water that was released was warm, it was just a temporary respite from the cold weather they're experiencing today.

Warm hands touch his skin as Wei Wuxian pushed back the hair strands sticking to his forehead, fingers carding through Lan Wangji's hair, before settling them on his shoulders. What little obstruction his sight had was now gone, and Lan Wangji nearly tripped on his own feet when he received the full force of Wei Wuxian's bright and satisfied smile.

"Am I light as a feather, Lan Zhan?"

"Mn."

Wei Wuxian laughed. "You're just too strong. A lot of girls will probably kill to be in my position right now. Do you have someone in mind that you want to be in your arms?"

He's in my arms right now, Lan Zhan thought.

"No one," he answered instead.

"That's good." Lan Wangji heard Wei Wuxian say, and when he looked up, Wei Wuxian was smiling at him, nearly laughing, and Lan Wangji wanted to hold him closer.

If Wei Wuxian felt the arms around him tighten, he didn't mention anything.

When everyone was satisfied that Lan Wangji wouldn't slip in the real take, they let the two rest for a few minutes. Wei Wuxian took this little break to run under the makeshift rain, jumping over the puddles, and catching the droplets of water drizzling above them.

"You just got out of a fever," Lan Wangji reminded him. "Don't run around too much."

"I'm okay, you don't have to worry," Wei Wuxian laughed before snatching Lan Wangji's hand and pulling him right under the nozzles, the warm water continuously pouring over his head. It was more comfortable than the cold air blowing over his wet clothes. "Play with me!"

Lacking understanding of what Wei Wuxian meant by playing, Lan Wangji just stood in place, watching as Wei Wuxian circled around him, their hands still clasped together. Lan Wangji's excuse was if he suddenly let go, Wei Wuxian might slip and fall.

"You look like those monks meditating under a waterfall!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed, before shrieking when Lan Wangji flicked water in his direction. "How dare!"

Provoked, Wei Wuxian started splashing water towards Lan Wangji, who didn't dodge the attacks. He felt it was useless as he was already soaked to the bone, and it seemed Wei Wuxian would enjoy it more if he got hit. Lan Wangji watched the way Wei Wuxian laugh, low and sweet, grey eyes sparkling amidst the droplets of water, and it's becoming harder and harder to understand why someone would want to hurt him.

"Do they still disturb you?"

Wei Wuxian tilted his head in question. "Who?"

"Those aggressive people." They didn't have the right to be called fans anymore, Lan Wangji decided.

It took a moment before Wei Wuxian finally understood his question. "That was nothing,” he smiled sheepishly. “I might have exaggerated last time."

Lan Wangji frowned, Wei Wuxian was still trying to keep the incidents from him. "I saw the videos. Why didn't you say anything?"

There was silence between them, then Wei Wuxian’s lips formed a thin line. "It doesn't matter.”

“It’s my fault–" Lan Wangji tried to protest.

"It's none of your business," Wei Wuxian shut him down.

Lan Wangji forgot they were even holding hands until Wei Wuxian squeezed his hand apologetically; the shock and hurt must have been visible on his face.

"It's not your fault. I'm the one who keeps on approaching you," Wei Wuxian explained. "And what would you have done if you knew? Stay away from me?"

Lan Wangji couldn't find an answer to that question, so Wei Wuxian gave him a wry smile. "See? I wouldn't want that."

However, even though Wei Wuxian's words were sweet, they were not entirely convincing. "You stayed away," Lan Wangji pointed out. Wei Wuxian's eyes widen, caught off-guard by his accusation.

"That's different, and it didn't last long either. I was just trying to protect you."

"And I couldn't do the same?"

Wei Wuxian pursed his lips, as if contemplating on what to say, before changing the whole subject altogether.

"I haven't properly thanked you for taking care of me when I was sick. And sorry for all the things I said and did, my mind was a mess too."

Lan Wangji shook his head. "You did nothing wrong." Since Wei Wuxian forcibly changed the topic, he didn't want to press him further. There were still plenty of times to ask him, and now that Lan Wangji knew about the situation, he could keep an eye on it himself.

Wei Wuxian gave Lan Wangji a smile that looked a little too tight. "You're too kind. You always let me take advantage of you."

"Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, stop acting lovey-dovey for a moment and please proceed to your marks. You may continue again during the scene." When Luo Qingyang said this, a chorus of laughter erupted from the staff. Those jokes were typical in their set, but it was getting more common recently. Wei Wuxian didn't look like he minded it as he laughed with them, complaining in jest that director Luo had to cut their flirting short.

Wei Wuxian gave his hand another light squeeze before letting go. "Thanks again, Lan Zhan."

And before Lan Wangji could say anything else, Luo Qingyang forcefully dragged Wei Wuxian away to his position.

Once the slate was shut, the Wei Wuxian that was happily playing in the rain a few minutes ago was now gone, and replaced by a broken Wei Ying kneeling on the ground.

Lan Wangji slowly approached Wei Wuxian's hunched back. According to the script, Wei Ying already knew who it was without looking behind him.

"I've buried people here before," Wei Wuxian whispered, digging through the mud. "I wonder if the rain already washed them away."

Lan Wangji knelt beside him, his arm circling around his shaking frame. His free hand circled Wei Wuxian's wrist, stopping him from digging any further. "Let's go home."

"I've done a lot of bad things." As if not hearing Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian continued. "I've betrayed the people I wanted to protect the most."

Lan Wangji found it easy to pull Wei Wuxian up on his feet. The hard part would be to move him away from the mound, that was why Lan Zhan had to carry Wei Ying to the shed.

"I thought I did the right thing," muttered Wei Wuxian as if he was talking to himself. His head drooped low, his expression hidden from Lan Wangji, and the continuous droplets on his chin looked like tears. The scene in front of Lan Wangji was something he wouldn't want to see in real life, and he could feel Lan Zhan's fear of the situation in his bones.

"Come back with me. Everyone's worried." When Lan Wangji pulled him to walk, Wei Wuxian stood firmly in place, not even budging an inch from his spot.

"I can't go back."

"You promised." Wei Wuxian flinched at his words, an indication that he was listening.

"But I can promise you that I won't ever leave you again." Those were the words Wei Ying said after he got back, and Lan Zhan wouldn't hesitate to use those words against him.

Lan Wangji knew that as how desperate Wei Ying was to bury his past, Lan Zhan was as desperate to keep him by his side and protect him.

Still, both of them were stubborn to a fault. Wei Wuxian shook his head as he tried to pry his hand away from Lan Wangji. "I've thrown it all away."

You didn't. It's all right. We're here for you.

That's what Lan Wangji was supposed to say next. Even then, those words weren't enough. In the script, Lan Zhan kissed him, and that's when Wei Ying started to calm down.

Their situation was completely different, and yet the same to a degree, Lan Wangji thought. Like Wei Ying, Wei Wuxian had the tendency to bottle up his problems, masking them with humor and smile, protecting his friends at the expense of getting hurt himself. Nothing would get through him, as he had already convinced himself that whatever he was doing was the right thing.

But if those words weren't enough, then–

Lan Wangji brought his hands to cup Wei Wuxian's cheeks, gently coaxing until their foreheads were touching, Wei Wuxian's lashes softly tickling his skin. Lan Wangji gave him the barest of kisses, before slightly pulling away.

"I love you. No matter what," Lan Wangji suddenly said, holding Wei Wuxian's face in his hands, making sure that he was listening. "I will carry those burdens with you, whatever they are."

Those lines weren't on the script.

It was not Lan Wangji's character who had said those words, but Lan Wangji himself.

Wei Wuxian audibly gasped as his eyes met Lan Wangji’s, swirling with something close to confusion and uncertainty, and Lan Wangji felt Wei Wuxian's cheeks getting warmer in his hands.

"Lan Zhan, I–" he stammered, his mouth opening and closing numerous times. "Is it– I don't–"

His reaction was entirely different from Wei Ying's blank look in the script, but then again the Lan Zhan from the script didn't confess like him. Not once did their characters say words like love, relying more on actions to convey their feelings for each other. Having been sprung with those kind of words might have been too much of a shock for Wei Wuxian, who probably thought that the ad lib was out of character.

Unable to form coherent thoughts in the end, Wei Wuxian looked at Lan Wangji like he was about to cry.

"Cut!"

Luo Qingyang’s voice resounded in the whole forest, and Wei Wuxian blinked once, then twice in quick succession, as if trying to compose himself. The director smiled at Lan Wangji as she approached them, the nozzles shutting off just in time. Lan Wangji remembered his hands that were still on Wei Wuxian's face and hastily removed them.

"I like your ad lib there," she started, before turning to Wei Wuxian with a worried look. "Are you okay?"

The distraught on Wei Wuxian's face was apparent, and Lan Wangji didn't think his improvisation would affect him that way. Suddenly, the thought of Wei Wuxian finding out his true feelings sent dread dripping down his spine.

Distracted by the thought of being discovered, he began to panic, and Lan Wangji could only blurt out the words that kept himself from making any blunder before.

"It's just acting. It's not real."

The ache and the horrible taste that accompanied as he said those lies out loud were not something he anticipated, and when those words left his lips, he immediately regretted everything he had said.

He opened his mouth to take all of it back, planning to deal with the consequences later. Lan Wangji could take the rejection; Wei Wuxian didn't deserve to be lied to anymore. “Wei Ying–”

“Lan Wangji,” Wei Wuxian interrupted him, his voice steady and cold. His words didn't register in Lan Wangji's mind until he caught Wei Wuxian's face, devoid of any emotion. The name was so familiar in his ears, but hearing it from Wei Wuxian, it sounded so foreign and bizarre, he hated it.

"I know," Wei Wuxian smiled at him, and he felt as if his heart just got poured over by scalding water. "It's not real."

Everything was almost a blur after that. The scene proceeded after Luo Qingyang's instructions, and when Lan Wangji said those words again, Wei Wuxian reacted on cue– his face breaking out in a tearful smile, before kissing Lan Wangji with all his might.

Something felt different. It's as if Wei Wuxian was on autopilot, but Lan Wangji couldn't do anything to stop him, knowing full well that he himself was the reason.

Lan Wangji carried him all the way inside the shed, gently placing him on the wooden floor, but Wei Wuxian wouldn't let go, and they both tumbled to the ground. As the nozzles stopped raining on them, the water clinging on their clothes immediately turned cold and Lan Wangji felt Wei Wuxian tremble against him. He quickly worked on opening the buttons on Wei Wuxian's shirt, sliding his palm on the expanse of Wei Wuxian's chest and stomach, trying to warm him up. There was a flurry of hands between them, desperation punctuating each of their movement, until they were both half naked in the middle of the floor.

Lan Wangji held Wei Wuxian's gaze, searching for something, anything, but his eyes were glazed and veiled, showing him a vacant stare. Wei Wuxian would react perfectly to every kiss and touch, but his eyes didn't reflect any of the fervor that should have come with them.

This is how it should be, the sensible part of him thought. Wei Wuxian was looking past him, focusing instead on their scene together. He had shut his feelings off, the usual glint of playfulness in his eyes whenever he acted alongside Lan Wangji was nowhere to be found. Wei Wuxian couldn't see him anymore, and was lost to his own acting. This was how it should be in the first place.

But why did his heart have to hurt so much?

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji called his name with a voice so broken and breathless, and the shameful begging in his tone must have startled Wei Wuxian out of his acting trance, who was now looking at him with wide eyes.

"I'm here." Those words weren't for Wei Wuxian's character's sake, but for Lan Wangji himself.

I'm here. Look at me. And Wei Wuxian did. He must have understood what Lan Wangji was trying to convey as his eyes regained their usual mirth, now mixed with weariness Lan Wangji wanted to badly erase.

It's funny how Wei Wuxian would always insist that Lan Wangji spoiled him too much, having no idea how much Lan Wangji had become selfish and unreasonable when it came to him.

They kissed again and it was better this time, and yet the ache in his heart and the pounding in his ears continued. Wei Wuxian willingly opened his mouth, and Lan Wangji's tongue slipped inside, the heat a stark contrast to their cool skin.

Wei Wuxian wrapped his arms on Lan Wangji's neck before pulling him closer to deepen the kiss. Lan Wangji started to ground down against him, and Wei Wuxian let out a whimper in his mouth, so sweet and soft that made Lan Wangji pull away so he could hear more of it clearly.

His hands slid over his sides, settling them against his hips as he guided Wei Wuxian to move in time with his thrusts, leaning forward to kiss Wei Wuxian's throat, paying close attention to the sounds he made underneath him.

"I love you," Wei Wuxian whispered.

Lan Wangji wanted to answer back, but he didn't. The next time he would say those words again would be without the pretense of being his character, without the excuse and protection of acting anymore.

"I'm sorry," Wei Wuxian said, and it became a chant pressed into Lan Wangji's lips.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Like a broken record player, Wei Wuxian repeated those two words and Lan Wangji felt it's getting harder to breathe, his lungs burning as he drowned Wei Wuxian's pleas with kisses. There was no need for apologies between the both of them.

"It's going to be okay," he responded, and a sound similar to a sob broke out of Wei Wuxian's lips, who pulled away to bury his face on Lan Wangji's neck.

Lan Wangji didn't remember the moment Luo Qingyang yelled cut, but he could still vividly feel something warm and wet on his shoulder as Wei Wuxian clung to him until the end of the scene.

•••••••••

"How can your brother be so stupid?" Lan Wangji heard Jiang Cheng's voice just as he got out of his trailer, the latter seemed to be talking with someone behind the vehicle.

It was common to hear Jiang Cheng's exasperated voice in the set whenever he's with Wei Wuxian, but he knew his brother wasn't with him.

Wei Wuxian immediately disappeared right after the take, leaving Lan Wangji before he could even get back to his feet. Unfortunately, it was their last scene together for the day, and as much as Lan Wangji wanted to corner him, it seemed that Wei Wuxian had already left for his next job.

Lan Wangji was about to go back inside when he heard a familiar voice and froze. Was Jiang Cheng having an argument with Lan Huan?

"Wangji's not stupid–" Lan Huan said in a placating tone before Jiang Cheng cut him off.

"How could he say those words to him if he doesn't mean it? It's not even on the script!"

"What are you talking about?" Lan Wangji asked as he went around his trailer to find the two of them. He had planned to ignore their argument, but upon hearing his own name, he felt that he had the right to be included in their discussion.

Jiang Cheng looked at him in disdain. "I didn't think you're that heartless. Telling those words to someone you've just dumped, how could you be so cruel?"

Every word that came out of Jiang Cheng's mouth continued to confuse Lan Wangji. "I didn't dump anyone."

"What?"

"See?" Lan Huan suddenly said. "Why would Wangji dump Wei Wuxian? He's clearly in love with him."

Ignoring how his own brother just blatantly proclaimed to someone else his innermost feelings, he asked, "I dumped Wei Ying?" Even saying it as a question felt weird and wrong in his mouth.

"When you took care of him last week! He kept on saying how sure he was you didn't like him that way." Jiang Cheng looked more and more doubtful as he continued talking. He might have realized how ridiculous his words were.

Lan Wangji didn't know how a huge misunderstanding had happened between them. Then he remembered pushing Wei Wuxian away when they were making out in his room. After that realization, all the memories of Lan Wangji seemingly rejecting Wei Wuxian's advances came crashing down on him.

It's just acting. It's not real.

Those words started to haunt his mind again, and just imagining how Wei Wuxian must have felt at his denial gave his heart a painful lurch. Wei Wuxian had believed him, and without realizing, Lan Wangji had hurt him badly with careless words.

Lan Wangji felt the color drain from his face. He needed to fix this right now. "I need to see him."

His brother shook his head apologetically. "I'm sorry, but you still have three sequences left to shoot and an interview."

"I need to see him," Lan Wangji begged, and Lan Huan looked at him in surprise. "Please."

"And what? Disrupt his work?" Jiang Cheng scowled, and as if realizing something bothersome, raised both of his hands in exasperation. "Why do I even care? Both of you are idiots. I'm out of here." And with that, he walked away.

"He has a point, Wangji. Just wait after both of your jobs are done, okay? I'll ask Ms. Jiang for his schedule," Lan Huan said as he placed a consoling hand on his brother's shoulder. “It’s going to be fine."

Lan Wangji hoped that his brother was right, as every minute that passed without him fixing his mistake was slowly tearing his heart apart, piece by piece.

Wei Wuxian has to know what he truly feels.

Chapter Text

Wei Wuxian was probably stuck with a cold compress pressed on his eyelids for the rest of his life.

When he and Jiang Yanli arrived at the set of the photo shoot, everyone started to make a fuss on how swollen his eyes were.

“Sorry, I had to cry in my last job,” explained Wei Wuxian as he was forcibly pulled down to a vanity chair. He was at least a foot taller than them, but he was no match for their current intensity.

“Did you rub your eyes too hard? You did, didn't you? You should know full well that you shouldn’t rub your eyes when you're crying!"

“But–"

"No buts!" One of the make-up artists then proceeded to give him a one-hour lecture about eye care and professionalism. Make-up artists can do magic, but not miracles, she had said. Wei Wuxian didn't understand the difference between the two.

Thankfully, the swelling had subsided within the span of her sermon, and Wei Wuxian was subjected with ridiculous amount of powder and cosmetics that weren't much visible on his face in the end; he supposed that was the magic.

"Did you really have to cry that hard?" she asked, and Wei Wuxian pretended not to hear her.

He ran away from Lan Wangji again. It was out of instinct– as it always had been when it came to Lan Wangji– and by the time Wei Wuxian realized what he had done, he was already in the car, Jiang Yanli gently patting his back.

Those words shouldn’t have affected him like that. Or shouldn't have affected him that much. Many co-stars have said ‘I love you’ to him many times, just as many times he had said those words back to them.

The only difference was he didn’t love them for real.

“You’re good to go,” the make-up artist announced, polite enough to refrain from asking more questions when Wei Wuxian didn’t indulge her.

Wei Wuxian was listless for the most part of the photo shoot. The photographer wanted a sad and lethargic look for the magazine spread, and Wei Wuxian's current state couldn't be more perfect for the job. The heavy faux fur coat he had to wear didn't even bother him, and he had followed the photographer's instructions carefully, with no complaints. Usually, this would be the time when he'd offer suggestions of his own about the photo shoot, sometimes even asking to change location or clothes, but no such words came out from his mouth today. Most of the staff thought nothing of it, however, and proceeded to run around the set, giving Wei Wuxian retouches as much as he needed.

The photo shoot ended after three hours. Wei Wuxian thanked everyone for their time– he was heartbroken, not disrespectful– and stayed behind the set to rest and wait for his sister.

Jiang Yanli went out an hour earlier for a phone call and hadn't been back since. Wei Wuxian contemplated going back to his dressing room, but he had forgotten his phone in the car, and they might miss each other if he went out, so he decided to stay put.

With everyone too busy packing tripods and camera equipment, Wei Wuxian was left alone in the corner, nursing a water bottle in hand and with no choice but to reflect about what happened this morning.

Wei Wuxian sighed– he had to apologize to Lan Wangji again the next time he sees him. Every time he messed up in hiding his feelings, Lan Wangji would always forgive him. What if the day would come that he wouldn’t be able to think of an excuse anymore? Would their friendship end once the filming for Unrestrained end?

"A-Xian!" Jiang Yanli exclaimed as she approached him with hurried steps, clutching her phone in her hand.

Wei Wuxian looked up to see his sister slightly flustered. She seemed she had been running. "What's wrong?"

Jiang Yanli grabbed his arm, pulling him as they walked back to his dressing room. "You have to see this."

Wei Wuxian didn't have any choice but to be led by his sister, who apparently had an impressive grip strength. People were staring at them as they walked by, which was nothing out of the ordinary, but then he could hear murmurs, of someone saying Lan Wangji's name, and Wei Wuxian couldn't help but get worried.

Once they reached the dressing room, Jiang Yanli closed the door behind them, before pushing Wei Wuxian to sit on the couch.

Jiang Yanli promptly sat beside him, and took out her phone, ignoring Wei Wuxian's concerned gaze as she searched for something, before beckoning Wei Wuxian to come closer and look at the screen. It displayed a noontime talk show Wei Wuxian easily recognized with Jin Guangyao as the host. He didn’t understand why his sister was showing him this until he saw Lan Wangji on the opposite side of the table.

“Lan Zhan agreed to appear in Lanling Today?”

Lanling Today was a popular noontime show hosted by Jin Guangyao, who also happened to be the president of Koi Productions.The show was popular for putting celebrities on the spot, and Jin Guangyao was a charming yet ruthless host who wouldn’t let go of an issue if it would earn him a higher TV rating. Not that Wei Wuxian thought Lan Wangji would fall for it– Lan Wangji didn’t even have a speck of dirt on him– but Wei Wuxian thought it wasn’t like his co-lead to accept a guesting from a tabloid talk show.

“This finished airing almost an hour ago. It was live,” Jiang Yanli explained before playing the video.

“–for coming to the show, and congratulations on Unrestrained’s success,” Jin Guanyao was saying with a pleasant smile on his face, the theme music of the show slowly fading out in the background. “The series has been constantly on top since it aired.”

"Thank you. Everyone involved in Unrestrained is always working hard to create something the viewers will look forward to.” Lan Wangji looked at the camera and bowed. “For the viewers, thank you as well. We wouldn’t be here without you.”

The audience in the set clapped, some whistling, while a group of women shouted his name numerous times.

Jin Guanyao laughed at the audience' energy. “You’re really loved, Lan Wangji. But compared before, isn’t your fanbase more… open now?”

“Open? More like getting rabid,” Wei Wuxian commented, as if he's one to talk, and Jiang Yanli nudged him to just listen.

“I wouldn’t know,” Lan Wangji admitted, making the whole audience chuckle. “I wasn’t aware of any fanbase. If I can produce something that will be liked by those who will consume it, that was enough for me."

“And you barely have social media presence,” Jin Guangyao supplied. “But don’t you get curious about what people think of you?”

Lan Wangji shook his head. “But it has come to my attention that some people have assumed about how I felt towards someone.”

“Are you talking about Wei Wuxian?”

Lan Wangji nodded, and Wei Wuxian could imagine the audience watching behind the camera with bated breath. It’s not that hard, especially when he’s doing the same thing.

“I did hear some rumors about you two. Before Unrestrained, your fans loved to pit you against each other a lot,” Jin Guangyao added, as the big screen behind them showed clippings of articles that documented their so-called antagonism with each other.

“None of those are true,” Lan Wangji clarified.

“As everyone has started to realize,” Jin Guangyao agreed. “You two have gotten closer these past months, haven’t you?”

When Lan Wangji confirmed with another nod, Jin Guangyao continued, “You even have a portmanteau–”

“Wangxian!” Someone screamed from the audience, causing a chain of cheering and whistling.

“I’ve heard of that,” Wei Wuxian said to Jiang Yanli with a laugh. “It’s pretty cute.”

“It’s indeed wangxian,” Jin Guangyao confirmed once the audience settled down, the screen now showing different pictures of Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian together. Some of the photos were stills from their series, while others were taken behind the scenes. Wei Wuxian couldn't help but commend the photographers who took the candid photos– they did look suggestive. One was even a picture of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji kissing outside Unrestrained's set. To be fair, that was because of a Pepero game in a variety show. The audience erupted into another shrieking fit.

“Fans have been speculating about the nature of your relationship. The series’ cast and staff are being tight-lipped about it too, but slip ups tend to happen if people get too pressured,” Jin Guangyao pointed out with a knowing smile. “Some interviews indicate that you visit each other’s place a lot, and hang out alone together in general. An inside scoop even told us you’re dating.”

“We’re not dating,” Lan Wangji promptly denied. “It’s no one’s business what happens between Wei Ying and I except for the both of us.”

Wei Wuxian didn’t understand why Jiang Yanli was showing him this. His sister wasn’t someone who'd enjoy rubbing salt over someone's wounds. “Jiejie–”

Jiang Yanli squeezed his arm. “Just listen.”

“But I’ve found out that people have gone so far as to harm Wei Ying because of it.”

Everyone fell silent, and Lan Wangji continued. “I've been ignorant of everything that was happening, while he protected me the whole time. I don't understand– will never understand why the very people who call themselves his fans hurt him. Whoever perpetrated those incidents should reflect on their actions. They don't deserve to be called fans."

The first thing that came to Wei Wuxian's mind was, That's the first time I've heard Lan Zhan talk for more than three sentences, then, with bursting affection that started to bubble in his stomach, I'm really loved, huh.

Everyone must have felt as if cold water was splashed on their faces with those words. The silence followed after that speech was deafening, even Jin Guangyao needed to compose himself for a moment before speaking up.

“You’re right,” the host agreed with pursed lips, vehemently nodding. “Actors have their own lives. They’re also people like everyone." With a concerned tilt of his head, Jin Guangyao asked, "Is Wei Wuxian okay now?”

There was a pause, before Lan Wangji answered an affirmative.

Jin Guangyao smiled at that. “That's good to hear." He clasped his hands together, a signal for a change of topic. "Now, let’s talk about your character.”

The audience eased up at that, probably thankful that the heavy atmosphere was finally gotten rid of. “Your performance as Lan Zhan is quite different from your usual roles. The most surprising one is that you have a love interest in here. Were you nervous acting in this series?”

“Of course,” Lan Wangji answered.

“That can’t be possible,” Jin Guangyao laughed, the audience joining him. “Did you ever think of turning down the role?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to act alongside Wei Wuxian.”

Wei Wuxian covered the phone screen with his hand, his face already heating up.

“A-Xian!” Jiang Yanli exclaimed as she pulled the phone away, the video still playing.

“But...!”

Jiang Yanli shook her head, smiling at her brother fondly. “You have to watch it.” She grabbed his hand and made him hold the phone. Wei Wuxian didn't have a choice but to look back at the screen reluctantly.

“Unrestrained has given me the chance to know him better," Lan Wangji was saying when Wei Wuxian got the courage to watch again.

Jin Guangyao hummed. “So you’ve been a fan of him even before?”

“Yes.” Lan Wangji answered, and the audience chorused an ‘ooh’. It was the tamest sound they ever made yet. They’re probably feeling sheepish from Lan Wangji’s scolding earlier in the interview. “I’ve always admired him as a singer, and as an actor as well.”

What Lan Wangji said surprised Wei Wuxian. Then he remembered how Lan Wangji seemed to know most of his songs, and he couldn’t help but let out a breathy laugh.

“And with a nice twist of fate, you're finally working together," Jin Guangyao commented. "What can you say about Wei Wuxian now that you've known him better?"

"He's a compelling actor and every scene with him is challenging and thrilling. He's smart, he likes to help anyone he thinks who needs help. He's also insufferable, but I don't mind." The set was filled with laughter when Lan Wangji said the last part in his usual impassive voice. “My eyes would always unconsciously follow him.”

"The way you talk about Wei Wuxian..." Jin Guangyao chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "I can imagine Lan Zhan saying the same thing about Wei Ying. You're both totally smitten."

There were murmurs of agreement within the audience that quickly died down; they must have expected him to shut them down again.

Instead, Lan Wangji's next words stunned them into silence.

"I envy my character since he could say those words that I've wanted to say for years... I've used him to convey my feelings, because I couldn't do it myself."

"That seems not to be a problem now, is it?" Jin Guangyao concluded, a satisfied look on his face. It seemed he had already gotten the scoop that he wanted. “Don’t you have anything else to say?”

Lan Wangji slightly curled his lips, close to a smile. “I’d rather say them to the person himself.”

Jiang Yanli paused the video, and gently took the phone from Wei Wuxian, who was still reeling from watching the interview.

"What do you think?" She was looking at him expectantly, and he felt every part of him tingling, getting more jittery, his heart almost soaring out of his chest.

“You should have just cut to the second half of the interview!” Wei Wuxian complained, but he was already laughing, and Jiang Yanli was laughing with him too, and that really happened, didn't it?

Lan Wangji just confessed to him on live television. He went for it in a roundabout way, but Wei Wuxian understood. As vague as it had been, there was no more room for misunderstanding.

"Do you– do you know where he is right now?"

"Manager Lan asked me for your schedule. I think they're coming here," he barely finished his question when Jiang Yanli responded with a bright smile. She patted his arm, as if urging him to get moving. "Go."

“Thanks, jiejie. You’re the best.” He gave Jiang Yanli a kiss on the cheek and rushed off.

Wei Wuxian ran towards the main lobby, and barely managed to stop himself from stepping out in the open, where he could already see people gathering in front of the glass door, cameras and phones ready to pounce at any sign of him. Someone must have tipped them that he was here.

"Can't they just wait until I see him?" he silently cursed, before remembering that there was a hidden staff entrance at the back of the building. Running like there was no tomorrow, Wei Wuxian rounded a corner and crashed into someone, feeling himself falling from the impact. He's going to get a concussion before he could confess, and what if he'd get an amnesia like those in dramas? Would Lan Wangji take care of him then? What if he forgot he’s in love with him? Then again, falling in love with Lan Wangji was easy; he’ll just fall in love with him one more time. Those thoughts filled Wei Wuxian’s mind as he shut his eyes and waited for the inevitable doom that ended up not happening.

When he dared to open his eyes, Lan Wangji was staring at him with concerned frown, hands both on his arms, preventing him from falling on the floor.

"Don't run in the hallway," Lan Wangji scolded, straightening him up, then dropping his hands from Wei Wuxian’s arms.

Wei Wuxian opened and closed his mouth, surprised to see him this quick. Lan Wangji's clothes were the same as the one he wore on Lanling Today, and Wei Wuxian's heart ached at the thought of Lan Wangji hurrying over here to see him.

Now that Lan Wangji’s in front of him, Wei Wuxian found himself loss for words.

“The interview. Lanling Today,” Wei Wuxian said stiffly.

“You saw,” Lan Wangji supplied for him, and Wei Wuxian picked out the uncharacteristic nervousness in his tone. It's weird, but fascinating, to be able to recognize the subtle nuances Lan Wangji would make a little better now. It was probably due to their close proximity almost everyday, but Wei Wuxian liked to think that Lan Wangji would lower his guard around him.

There was no time to be tongue-tied. He’d just have to blurt out the first words that came into his mind.

"I– I want to have sex with you onscreen and offscreen!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed, grabbing both of Lan Wangji's shoulders. "I've liked you since the moment I saw you. You're kind, you have amazing kung fu skills, you're boring but surprisingly funny, sometimes my chest feels like it's gonna burst when I'm with you. Didn't you notice? I've been seducing you with all I've got since the day we first met. I thought you didn’t like me that way, and you just tolerated me because that's how kind and gentle you are– Say something! Are you just gonna let me confess all day?"

"I'm in love with you, Wei Ying," Lan Wangji said with the softest, most captivating smile he'd ever seen, and Wei Wuxian felt the surreal sensation of falling without having even moved.

Wei Wuxian smiled back, his cheeks were starting to hurt, and it just dawned on him that he had been grinning from ear to ear all this time. "For real?"

"For real."

"You mean you love Wei Wuxian too? You love me?" His hands slide to Lan Wangji's biceps, not sure if it was okay to shake him or not. He did it, anyway. "I don't want to misunderstand anymore. This is your fault, why did you even agree with me that time to use our names–"

"I love Wei Wuxian too. I love you," Lan Wangji released a light chuckle and Wei Wuxian felt himself getting dizzy over it. "I needed an excuse to call you by your real name."

Wei Wuxian didn't know what to do, so he threw himself over Lan Wangji, wrapping his arms around him, no intention of letting go.

"I'm in love with you, Lan Zhan, Lan Wangji, Lan er gege," he whispered against his neck as Lan Wangji held him tighter. “Scratch that, let's only have sex offscreen, I don't wanna let anyone see you naked anymore.”

Lan Wangji laughed, a soothing rumble against his chest. Wei Wuxian pulled away enough just to look at him, and Lan Wangji leaned down to kiss him.

They just kissed this morning, and a ton of times before that, but this felt different. It was real. It was just a peck, tamer than the kisses they had before, but Wei Wuxian could have sworn he saw sparks when their lips met.

"That was… yeah," Wei Wuxian breathed as they both pulled back, just in time to the sudden ringing in Lan Wangji's pocket.

Lan Wangji picked up his phone, talking quietly with the person on the other end.

"My brother said the media is gonna find us soon," Lan Wangji explained once he ended the call. "Let's go somewhere else."

When Lan Wangji offered his hand, Wei Wuxian didn't hesitate to clutch it. A black car was waiting for them outside, one of the numerous cars Wei Wuxian had seen Lan Wangji use before. It definitely looked like a getaway car characters use to escape from the clutches of evil or whatever, Wei Wuxian mused. It also made them look like they’re eloping. Wei Wuxian found the last one more to his liking.

Lan Wangji looked totally cool when he's driving.

This was not the first time Lan Wangji had driven for him, nor was it the second or the third. During the months they hung out, the two of them went to each other's home a lot, and Wei Wuxian had the chance to watch Lan Wangji from the passenger's seat numerous times. Lan Wangji rarely looked at him though, and Wei Wuxian wondered if the reason was to keep himself from getting distracted.

“You scolded our fans for prying into our business, then suddenly confess on TV,” Wei Wuxian was already cackling. “Now they’re more confused.”

“I didn’t think it through,” Lan Wangji answered truthfully, eyes still stubbornly on the road. "I didn't want you to misunderstand again."

It's taking every ounce of patience in Wei Wuxian not to reach over the console and kiss him senseless, road safety be damned.

"We're almost there," Lan Wangji said, as if reading his mind.

It didn't occur to Wei Wuxian to ask where they're going, eventually realizing that he didn't mind going anywhere as long as he's with Lan Wangji.

When Wei Wuxian voiced that out loud, he could see the tips of Lan Wangji's ears slowly turn bright red, and their car accelerating a little faster. Lan Wangji still wouldn't spare him a glance though.

Before Wei Wuxian could think of any more distractions, Lan Wangji turned to a hotel, then drove inside its basement parking. The hotel looked familiar, a 5-star no doubt; he must have attended a gala here before.

Lan Wangji turned off the engine, and went out of the car, prompting Wei Wuxian to follow suit. If it was any other day, Wei Wuxian would have thought that Lan Wangji was mad over something, but when the latter slowed his footsteps and subtly raise his hand for him to grab, Wei Wuxian figured Lan Wangji was in high spirits. He’s getting good at this.

Happily skipping over to Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian looped an arm around his bicep. "Did you book a room beforehand?"

“I have my own.”

“Of course you have.” Wei Wuxian laughed, with Lan Wangji pulling him closer as they walk.

Once they were inside the elevator, Lan Wangji kissed him, pressing him against the wall. His mouth was warm and burning-sweet, exploring, and Wei Wuxian automatically wrapped his arms around Lan Wangji's neck, reeling him in.

Wei Wuxian felt his stomach sink as the elevator quickly ascended, wondering if Lan Wangji even pressed a button for it to go up. Out of curiosity, he took a peek behind him, only to see a surveillance camera glaring at them from the ceiling.

Wei Wuxian tapped Lan Wangji’s shoulder and he pulled away obediently, moving downward to press his lips against Wei Wuxian's neck. "There's cctv–”

"This is my uncle's hotel. It's fine," Lan Wangji murmured against his skin, doing things with his lips that are very distracting.

Wei Wuxian didn't understand what's okay with that– Lan Qiren would definitely have a heart attack if he ever saw this– but he found himself not caring anymore when Lan Wangji kissed him full on the mouth again.

The elevator dinged, and Lan Wangji lifted him into his arms seamlessly, Wei Wuxian wrapping his legs tightly around his waist without missing a beat. Lan Wangji seemed to have an affinity with manhandling him, and Wei Wuxian just recently discovered that he wanted to be manhandled by Lan Wangji a lot, so it was a win-win situation.

Wei Wuxian was so immersed with Lan Wangji's lips that he barely registered the sound of a door being shut behind them. Pulling away slightly to breathe, he found himself being carried by Lan Wangji further inside what could possibly be the biggest hotel suite he had seen in his entire life.

"Wait– is this the penthouse?" Wei Wuxian looked at him incredulously.

"Mn," Lan Wangji answered as if it was normal, and maybe in his standards, it was.

"I keep on forgetting how rich you are."

His eyes roamed around the suite, curiosity got piqued by the luxurious-looking furniture and decorations in it. The living room looked like it came straight out of the royal palace, and when they entered the bedroom, it even had a canopy bed in it. But the place was clean, too clean, and Wei Wuxian figured that Lan Wangji didn't stay here that much. He kept looking around until he’s suddenly falling backwards, landing on the mattress with a soft thud.

Wei Wuxian couldn’t believe that he’s going to be fucked on a canopy bed.

Lan Wangji was hovering above him, a questioning look on his face, and Wei Wuxian couldn't help but giggle.

“We’ve been doing this for a while now, but it feels like the first time.”

“It is,” Lan Wangji responded, before leaning down, pressing his forehead against Wei Wuxian's neck. “I meant what I said.”

Wei Wuxian carded his fingers through Lan Wangji's hair. The action was something they were both familiar with, nostalgic even, and yet the novelty of it was far from fading. “You’ve said a lot of things today, you know?”

“In the scene this morning," Lan Wangji said, lifting his face to look at him, his eyes conveying how sorry he was. "It wasn't acting. I meant everything I said."

"I know," Wei Wuxian answered, cupping both of Lan Wangji's cheeks. "I meant what I said too."

"I've hurt you."

Wei Wuxian shook his head. "Not intentionally. And if we're going by that standard, I've hurt you too."

Lan Wangji kissed him, before pulling away to press soft lips on his cheeks, his nose, then his eyes. Wei Wuxian felt ticklish, but he let him, Lan Wangji continuing to lavish soft kisses on his eyelids. He still must have felt guilty from his crying earlier that day.

Lan Wangji's stoic face was in contrast with how gentle he was touching him, and Wei Wuxian felt his heart being squeezed.

He didn't know how to tell Lan Wangji that it was okay, that he didn't need to feel sorry for anything, that they were both equal to blame.

So Wei Wuxian just did what he does best, and that is to provoke Lan Wangji.

"I just… I really want you right now. Please, Lan Zhan?" he said after being peppered with kisses not directed on his lips. Slipping a hand behind Lan Wangji's neck and biting his lower lip for show, he whispered, "You're gonna fuck me, right?”

What came next was probably the hottest thing that was ever done to Wei Wuxian in his almost thirty years of existence. Lan Wangji forcefully opened his shirt, inadvertently tearing it apart, the buttons flying off in all directions.

"I still need to return this outfit!" A laugh escaped Wei Wuxian’s mouth before he could catch it, but then Lan Wangji latched his lips on his throat, sucking and biting, and a more embarrassing noise slipped past.

"I'll pay for it," Lan Wangji murmured against his skin.

“Take off your clothes too,” Wei Wuxian whined, tugging on Lan Wangji’s sweater. The cashmere felt expensive so he’d rather not tear it open. The wearer didn't seem to care though, as he took it off and discarded it aside nonchalantly. Pants were removed next, Wei Wuxian lifting his hips so Lan Wangji could slip his underwear off him, and they moved in coordination until the both of them were stark naked.

This wasn’t the first time he’d seen Lan Wangji’s body, but Wei Wuxian licked his lips unconsciously at the thought of touching him again. “I don’t have to hold back, do I?”

“Mn,” Lan Wangji said, brushing a soft kiss on his lips. “So do I.”

Wei Wuxian released a long moan as Lan Wangji licked his way down his neck, to his collarbone, biting into the soft flesh just under his Adam’s apple, sure to leave a mark.

"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian gasped when Lan Wangji moved even lower, lips sliding over one of his nipples, taking it in his mouth, lapping it with his tongue. His hands roamed over his side, palms against his navel, warming Wei Wuxian's skin, until something in his stomach got caught up in flames. Lan Wangji crawled lower, and when Wei Wuxian perched on his elbows to look down, he nearly fainted at the sight of Lan Wangji leaning forward to lick a stripe against his rapidly hardening cock.

“Oh fuck,” The words hissed out, a hand reaching out to tangle on Lan Wangji’s hair as his lips close around him, beginning a slow, tortuous descent. The sensations were too much, and his eyes snapped shut, but he quickly opened them. He didn’t want to waste this chance of seeing Lan Wangji sucking him off, so he forced himself to look again. He wanted to watch Lan Wangji's face, how his brows knit in concentration, his eyes glazed over with desire just for him. Wei Wuxian wanted to burn it into his memory.

Distracting himself from feeling it too much, Wei Wuxian started to ramble. "Lan Zhan, do you remember the scene when you pushed me on a wall and we had sex? I didn’t run away because of an upset stomach. I needed to touch myself. That was– Ah! That was the first time I realized that I was in love with you.”

His grip on Lan Wangji’s hair tightened as he felt something warm and slick rub against his hole, and he took a huge gulp of air before talking again. “Then you came to my dressing room after that–” A digit was slowly nudged into him, and he bit back a moan. “You taught me a lot of things. I didn’t know a lot about gay sex back then and you– haa.. and you gave me a lecture with that poker face of yours.”

Wei Wuxian allowed to close his eyes for a second, feeling the slow slide of finger inside him, invading his heat. “I got so hot and bothered and I was trying my best to seduce you, and you were just there, like a teacher explaining something to his student. I was so frustrated I fingered myself for the first time that day."

Lan Wangji took him deeply in his mouth, forcing him to stop talking as another finger slipped inside him. The noises were filthy, and he couldn't tell if the slurping sounds were from Lan Wangji sucking his cock, or if it's from him sucking Lan Wangji's fingers further inside him.

"It's uncomfortable at first… but then I imagined it's you and fuck, I, I started to like it." At his words, Lan Wangji growled, the vibrations going straight to his dick. The hand that was on his thigh moved to grasp the base of his cock as Lan Wangji twisted his fingers inside him, spreading him more. The thought of having Lan Wangji in him, filling him, made his stomach flip.

He didn't know how much time had passed, but he continued to babble, riling Lan Wangji even more. Then, Lan Wangji brushed something inside him that made stars explode on the back of his eyes. The onslaught of pleasure didn’t stop there as Lan Wangji swallowed around him, his cheeks hollowing, tongue massaging the head of his cock.

“Wait! I’m gonna– Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian called out his name, warning him, but Lan Wangji just took him further until his tip breached the snug ring of his throat, his fingers relentlessly pushing in and out, and Wei Wuxian came hard enough that his mind was filled with white noise.

After he finally came down from his high, he could vaguely feel fingers still moving around inside him, prodding him before slowly pulling out, and he hissed with oversensitivity when Lan Wangji released his length with a pop.

They both caught each other's eye, and Wei Wuxian watched Lan Wangji lick his lips, before slowly realizing what just happened. "You swallowed all of it..." he said in awe, and he probably sounded too pleased, but Lan Wangji just nodded, as if what he did was already a given. Wei Wuxian laughed as he reached for him. "Come here."

They were kissing again, all tongues and hurried lips, with Wei Wuxian inadvertently tasting himself. Of course, that sparked the curiosity of what Lan Wangji would taste like in turn.

“I want to suck you too,” Wei Wuxian managed to say between kisses, taking advantage of Lan Wangji's surprise to maneuver the both of them until he was on top.

His ass rubbed deliberately against Lan Wangji's erection, and hands immediately flew against his hips, gripping him tight. He allowed to grind himself a few times, feeling the pre-come slick his backside, before moving down.

He had also seen Lan Wangji's cock up close before. Thinking that it was only a one-time thing at that moment, he had already committed it into his brain, making it the favorite subject of his numerous fantasies. And now that he had the privilege of seeing it again, Wei Wuxian wasted no time giving it his undivided attention.

Wei Wuxian wrapped his lips around Lan Wangji, his tongue lapping over the pre-come on his tip, before taking more of him in, gradually sinking down over his cock. He bobbed his head, sucking his cheeks in to drag his mouth over Lan Wangji’s length as he pulled back to breathe.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji groaned, his hand sliding to the back of Wei Wuxian’s head, and the quiet sound he made encouraged Wei Wuxian to try harder, and to make Lan Wangji say his name with that sexy voice again.

Wei Wuxian took him all the way into his mouth and let him feel the back of his throat, his hand gripping the part that couldn't fit. He hummed, his mouth stretching obscenely to accommodate Lan Wangji's dick. For some strange reason, sucking Lan Wangji felt good, and he could feel himself starting to get hard again. If he was already like this with just using his mouth, what more if he used his ass?

Feeling confident, Wei Wuxian tried to get another half inch of Lan Wangji in, until he started to cough. He slowly pulled back, Lan Wangji gently guiding him as he tried not to choke around his dick.

"I need to get better at this," Wei Wuxian said, voice a little raspy, eyes stinging.

"Don't force yourself." Lan Wangji pushed himself into sitting position, cupping Wei Wuxian's face and brushing the tear near his eye.

Wei Wuxian frowned. "You can still talk. Am I not doing a good job?"

Not waiting for Lan Wangji's response, he gave the tip of his cock a kiss before going to work again. He continued to suck him off in a rhythm that got his jaw feeling numb, until Lan Wangji started to buck unconsciously under him, his hand pushing him further to his dick. Wei Wuxian had already anticipated it, and so he was able to control his gag reflex, letting Lan Wangji fuck his mouth however he want.

When the hand on his hair suddenly tightened, Wei Wuxian pulled back. He stared at the straining and twitching cock in front of him, slicked with saliva and pre-come, and couldn't help but nuzzle on it before looking up at Lan Wangji to see his masterpiece.

Lan Wangji was gazing at him intently, honey-colored eyes dark and brimming with lust; Wei Wuxian was immediately captivated.

“Are you at your limit?"

When Lan Wangji didn't say anything and just tugged him to move closer, Wei Wuxian deemed his blow job a success.

He pushed himself up and crawled until he was straddling Lan Wangji's hips, their lengths almost touching. To alleviate their predicament, he pressed himself closer to Lan Wangji until they were chest to chest, their cocks sliding against each other as he started to move.

Lan Wangji held his hips and start to help Wei Wuxian grind against him, capturing his mouth with a searing kiss. A finger started to probe him again, and Wei Wuxian felt he could come once more just like this, but that wasn't his goal.

“I need you inside me,” he whispered between their mingling breaths, and the way Lan Wangji shuddered at his words didn't go unnoticed.

Lan Wangji turned to reach something from the side table when Wei Wuxian tugged him back.

"It's okay, I'm safe. I want to do it raw."

Fortunately, Lan Wangji didn’t need any convincing after that. Wei Wuxian stood on his knees, as Lan Wangji guided him down to his cock. Two fingers were definitely not enough, but Wei Wuxian didn’t expect their first time to be painless. Perfect, no doubt about that, but he knew he’d have to endure a slight sting to reach pleasure. And he was getting impatient– they had enough foreplay for now.

He already felt full, but Lan Wangji was only halfway inside him. Feeling a little frustrated, he lifted himself a little for leverage, before sinking down forcefully, the pain bringing tears to his eyes as he finally bottomed out.

“Lan Zhan,” he breathed, unable to think of anything else to say as he was filled to the brim. By the time he was fully seated, he could feel Lan Wangji's thighs tremble below him, his hands coming up to grasp on his hips, inhaling and exhaling slowly in measured breaths in an effort not to blindly thrust up into Wei Wuxian's heat.

Wei Wuxian felt pity, but more than that, he felt affection growing in him even more. He was glad for the pain– it made this even more real. That if this was just one of his dreams, he should have woken up from the burn, like how it had always been before.

He wanted to feel more, but he figured that Lan Wangji would still treat him gently even if he told him not to, so he decided to change tactics.

Wei Wuxian slowly started to ride him, leaning forward until a part of Lan Wangji's cock was out, then moving back again, the curved tip grazing incessantly against his walls. He gave Lan Wangji a desperate kiss, before bracing his hands against Lan Wangji's shoulders, using it as support to slide back and forth.

Lan Wangji reached a hand between them to stroke Wei Wuxian's softening cock until they both let out sounds of pleasure, and Wei Wuxian began to work hips with fervor.

It took a while, but the pain was mostly replaced by a tingling sensation, and when Lan Wangji hit his prostate spot on, he swore he saw what heaven looked like.

“Lan Zhan… so good, you're filling me up," Wei Wuxian encouraged him despite how breathless he was.

They find a rhythm quickly after that, their bodies syncing into an easy pull and push naturally. Their mouths were still touching, but they were too overwhelmed with pleasure to do anything other than a messy peck.

That didn't stop Wei Wuxian from rambling, however, too wrapped up in accomplishing his goal.

"The time we shot that blow job scene? I went to a sex shop the next day, looking for a dildo that's shaped like yours," he started to say as he held on Lan Wangji tighter, unable to lift himself anymore. "I ended up buying nothing. I didn't want my first to be with a dildo. I wanted it to be with you."

By the time he finished talking, Lan Wangji was thrusting up to him so hard he could barely breathe.

"Stop talking," Lan Wangji growled. "I wouldn't be able to control myself."

"Good," Wei Wuxian murmured, a sly smile on his lips as he clenched around him. "That's what I've been aiming for since forever."

"Mark your words."

Wei Wuxian was unable to process everything that happened after that. The next thing he knew, his back was on the bed, and Lan Wangji suddenly pulled out until only the tip was inside him, before sharply thrusting back, picking up a brutal pace. His hips rolled into him, barely brushing against Wei Wuxian’s bare thighs with how quickly he slams into him.

Wei Wuxian screamed himself hoarse, his hands finding purchase against Lan Wangji's back, blunt nails raking against his back as he was thoroughly fucked. He couldn't even feel the mattress on his lower back anymore, with Lan Wangji almost lifting him from the bed.

"Lan Zhan, have mercy…! My ass can't take it anymore, you're too big, too hot," Wei Wuxian sobbed. "Lan er gege, why are you suddenly getting bigger?"

"Your fault!" Lan Wangji gritted out, lifting Wei Wuxian's legs to hook them over his shoulders, almost folding him in half.

He was the one being impaled but why was Lan Wangji the one who looked like he was being bullied?

"My bad, my bad… I won't stop you. It's my fault," Wei Wuxian consoled, patting his head softly, reaching out to pepper kisses on his face.

And then Lan Wangji was suddenly nailing his prostate head on, leaving Wei Wuxian to be in an incoherent babbling mess even more than before.

"Ah…! Right there! Lan Zhan fuck me harder, faster!" His pats turned into pulling of hair as he clenched uncontrollably around Lan Wangji, words of praise and sweet nothings tumbling out of his mouth. Wei Wuxian vaguely felt himself drooling, and when Lan Wangji wiped it away with his tongue before kissing him, he was suddenly coming, his orgasm ripping through him without warning.

In a few sharp thrusts, Lan Wangji was coming inside Wei Wuxian, filling him up with warm liquid, as Wei Wuxian's name left his lips.

They were both panting heavily, Wei Wuxian even more so, and he could feel Lan Wangji pull out of him before gently shifting him to his side. Lan Wangji lay there beside him, his arms wound around Wei Wuxian's back. They stayed like that for a while, gazing at each other in a post-orgasm bliss.

"That was hot," Wei Wuxian finally said, and Lan Wangji looked at him with an arched brow, as if saying, that's all you have to say?

"I love you," he managed to add, feeling a soft press of lips on his forehead as he closed his eyes.

°°°°°°°

Wei Wuxian woke up with an urge to pee. His eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness, the lights from the other buildings softly illuminating the room. He didn't notice it before, but the whole suite was surrounded by glass windows overlooking the whole city.

Lan Wangji was sleeping beside him, an arm hooked securely around his waist. He didn't remember drifting off, he must have immediately passed out after they were done.

His back and ass were a little sore, but he thought he could still stand up. Bending down to kiss Lan Wangji's cheek, he softly told him that he needed to go to the bathroom before carefully removing his arm around him. He slowly sat up, stretching a little, and walked sluggishly towards the bathroom.

Once he was done doing his business, Wei Wuxian assessed himself in front of the mirror. Aside from his swollen lips, he could already see the purple marks adorning his neck and chest, most of them accompanied by bite marks. The stickiness inside him was gone– Lan Wangji must have cleaned him up when he passed out.

Wei Wuxian took a lungful of air before breathing it all out, holding his warming cheeks between his hands. Just remembering all the things they did, and the obscene words he said were enough for his face to heat up. To no one's surprise, his shamelessness knew no bounds.

Everything happened so fast, but it also dawned on him that they could have done this months ago, and it didn't seem that abrupt anymore.

After giving himself a pep talk for some reason, Wei Wuxian headed back to the bedroom and saw Lan Wangji still asleep, clutching on a pillow. He contemplated on kissing him again, but he might disturb him from his sleep so he decided against it.

Grabbing a silk blanket that was discarded on the foot of the bed, he wrapped himself with it and wandered towards the glass windows. Wei Wuxian was glad he wasn't squeamish about heights or else he wouldn't be able to enjoy such a nice view.

Not a minute passed when he heard a rustle of sheets behind him, and when he turned around, Lan Wangji was already sitting up on the bed, looking at him. "Wei Ying?"

"I'm here."

"You'll be seen outside."

"At this height? I think we're on the top of the tallest building out here," Wei Wuxian pointed out, looking back at the view.

"And let them look," He smirked as he turned his head and made a show of slowly slipping the blanket off his shoulders, down to his slender hips, until it pooled on the floor. "Won't you come here and warm me up?"

Lan Wangji moved towards him in long purposeful strides, settling behind Wei Wuxian in a heartbeat. He pressed against him, and Wei Wuxian shivered as he braced his arms on the cold glass.

"Lan Zhan," he breathed, a hand reaching over to grasp at whatever part of Lan Wangji he could touch. "You didn't have to clean me up."

Lan Wangji answered by nibbling on his ear, hands already sliding up and down his sides, before moving lower to knead his ass.

"I knew it, you still weren't satisfied," Wei Wuxian wiggled his butt against him, gasping at the feeling of Lan Wangji's hard cock nestling between his cheeks. "You should have just continued fucking me when I passed out."

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji warned, his voice low and tight, stubbornly resisting.

"I'm not provoking you, just telling what you could do." And it's true; Lan Wangji was allowed to do anything he wanted to him. To prove a point, Wei Wuxian reached out behind him, and slowly inserted a finger inside himself, glad that his hole didn't offer much resistance. "See? My body still wants you."

His anticipation grew when he felt fingers pressing near the edge of his hole, removing his own to let Lan Wangji do the work. "You don't have to control yourself around me– Ah!" His hands coming up to steady himself on the glass as something foreign suddenly entered him, too hot and flexible to be a finger, and too small to be Lan Wangji's cock. When he felt it curl inside him, Wei Wuxian finally figured out what it was.

"That's dirty!"

"Cleaned it up," Lan Wangji replied in a muffled voice as if it was his plan all along. Maybe it was.

The tip of his cock was straining against the glass, tainting it with his pre-come. He couldn't do anything but lean his arms on the window, hips bucking to chase Lan Wangji's mouth as he flattened his tongue and licked over his hole.

Wei Wuxian's whole body shook, his legs almost failing him, but Lan Wangji had his hip in a steady grip that kept him from falling.

"Lan Zhan, please. I need you," Wei Wuxian begged; Lan Wangji's tongue was good, but he needed more. Just how many times he had to ask?

He felt Lan Wangji smile against his skin, then two fingers were pressed alongside the tongue inside him, stretching his hole. A hand sneaked from behind and started stroking him. Wei Wuxian took a sharp inhale, the glass fogging from his moans, unable to choose what sensation to focus on.

When Wei Wuxian was about to reach his limit, Lan Wangji gave his butt cheek a bite before finally standing up, holding his hips in place. Wei Wuxian wrapped an arm around Lan Wangji's neck as Lan Wangji nudged the tip of his length inside him.

Wei Wuxian wanted to push back, but Lan Wangji's grip was stopping him from moving, until he had no choice but to just take whatever Lan Wangji was willing to give to him.

"Hurry, c'mon," Wei Wuxian whimpered, but Lan Wangji continued his torturous pace, slowly getting further inside him.

His back was pressed against Lan Wangji's chest, and he could feel his thighs against his ass as he pushed so treacherously slow, in contrast with the fast fucking Lan Wangji gave him a few hours before.

Unlike their first time, Wei Wuxian didn't have any control over their movements. He's cold for the most part, and Lan Wangji was having fun making a mess out of him. "I said don't hold back, not to tease me!"

"Cute," Lan Wangji whispered beside his ear, and when Wei Wuxian tried to turn, Lan Wangji tilted his chin towards him, leaning over for a kiss.

He could feel Lan Wangji's smirk as their lips touch, hands moving upwards to flick and tweak his nipples. Lan Wangji worked Wei Wuxian's mouth open with his tongue, in time with a sharp thrust of his hips that finally sheathed his whole length inside him.

Wei Wuxian gasped, and Lan Wangji pulled his lips back to him, biting and sucking, licking everything that was to explore and leaving Wei Wuxian a whimpering mess.

The moment Lan Wangji released his lips, Wei Wuxian's head fell limply between his shoulders, feeling weak with pleasure.

He doubted anyone could see them, but when a light was switched on one of the windows of the building in front, he unconsciously tightened up, feeling the hot, hard length of Lan Wangji slide inside him better. “Fuck me, please, please, please–”

At his pleading, Lan Wangji finally began to pound harder, angling his thrusts to hit Wei Wuxian’s prostate. His hands slid down back to Wei Wuxian's hips, fingers digging on the skin tightly, surely to leave bruises in the morning.

Wei Wuxian felt tongue running against the dip of his spine, resting against the back of his neck, before biting the soft flesh. The sudden sting made him rock his hips back, spurring Lan Wangji to fuck him harder.

The sound of skin slapping on skin together with Wei Wuxian's cries echoed in the whole room, as Lan Wangji continued without holding anything back, and Wei Wuxian was starting to regret provoking Lan Wangji this much.

"Can't stand anymore, Lan Zhan," He choked out when Lan Wangji repeatedly brushed on his prostate, his knees buckling the moment the words came out from his mouth. Lan Wangji caught him by his arms, slowly pulling out and carefully turning him around.

Lan Wangji wrapped his arms around him, and Wei Wuxian rested his cheek on the crook of his neck, taking a little breather. After a moment, he lifted his head to tell Lan Wangji that he could still go on, when he figured out what Lan Wangji wanted them to do.

He placed his hands on Lan Wangji's shoulders as he was held up against the window, Lan Wangji lifting his legs and hooking his arms on the back of his knees. There was the feeling of weightlessness again, and Wei Wuxian should be a little alarmed, especially when his back was heavily leaning on a glass hundred meters above ground, but he trusted Lan Wangji wholeheartedly. And he trusted the durability of the glass window too.

Lan Wangji slowly lowered him to his cock, letting Wei Wuxian take him inch by agonizing inch, as if he just didn't fuck him into oblivion just a few minutes ago.

"Are you ever gonna get tired?"

"Never."

Wei Wuxian meant his question to be about Lan Wangji's bottomless libido, but when Lan Wangji pressed a chaste kiss on Wei Wuxian's lips, his face soft and filled with adoration, he knew Lan Wangji's answer was for something else.

Lan Wangji started out slow, but immediately picked up the pace when Wei Wuxian kept on tightening around him, rocking his hips in time with Lan Wangji's thrusts.

It was already too much; it's a wonder how Wei Wuxian was still conscious at this point. His heart was racing nonstop, and his head was spinning. He could hear himself talking, babbling, telling Lan Wangji how good he was, how deep he was inside him he's making him so full, and he could hear Lan Wangji's quiet but heavy breaths, stirred up by his obscene display.

Wei Wuxian felt a hand touching his neglected cock, and it only took a stroke for him to go over the edge again, and then he’s coming all over their stomachs, hard and loud, as his breath was ripped right from his throat and was replaced by a heavy throb that overwhelmed every inch of him.

Lan Wangji groaned, pressing his face on Wei Wuxian's neck as his orgasm shook through him, his come spurting deeply inside Wei Wuxian, filling him up as he left sloppy kisses to his skin. He was quiet when he came, save for the low growl as he released.

It’s the last thing Wei Wuxian registered until Lan Wangji was carefully transferring him on the bed, letting him lie heap on the mattress, and leaving him for a moment to go to the bathroom to fetch clean towels and a basin with water. Wei Wuxian rolled around on the bed, groaning. His body is worn and pleasantly aching, and he just wanted Lan Wangji to come back and cuddle with him.

"Just do it in the morning, let's sleep."

"It's already morning," Lan Wangji pointed out as he dipped a towel in the basin, before squeezing the excess water. "And you'll get sick."

Wei Wuxian bit back a joke about Lan Wangji being scared of getting him pregnant, and indulged him this time.

Lan Wangji took care of him with exasperated fondness, it made him crave for it. Wei Wuxian didn't stay still as Lan Wangji wiped him clean, giggling as he was held by the ankle when he tried to squirm away. He wasn't particularly ticklish, but Lan Wangji would touch him so gently it's making him jittery and fill his stomach with butterflies.

Lan Wangji didn't even bat an eye when he scraped Wei Wuxian's insides, his cock pathetically twitching once in a while, never fully rising.

Wei Wuxian was tired, but not tired enough to fall asleep again as he's still running high with endorphins. If yesterday wasn't an emotional rollercoaster as it had been, Wei Wuxian imagined that he could still do another round. But he was spent, and Lan Wangji looked sated for the meantime.

Still, they ended up making out some more under the covers, and the pajamas Lan Wangji prepared for them ended up on the floor as they stripped down to their underwear once again.

Wei Wuxian slipped a leg between Lan Wangji's, curling an ankle around his. They were lying on their sides, facing each other, with Wei Wuxian tucked under Lan Wangji's chin, his back being caressed by large hands. It was comfortably warm, and even if Lan Wangji was covered with rigid muscles, Wei Wuxian could lie on top of him all day, using him as a personal body pillow.

"Was I good, Lan Zhan?"

"Mn."

"Are you satisfied?"

"Mn."

He pulled just enough to look at Lan Wangji accusingly. "Liar." Wei Wuxian moved his leg until he could feel Lan Wangji still half hard against his thigh.

Lan Wangji looked genuinely offended. "I'm not."

"Give me an hour then we can do it again."

Lan Wangji kissed him in gratitude, open-mouthed and all tongue, and he knew they would start doing it even before the hour was up.

Before they part, Lan Wangji suddenly bit his lower lip, making Wei Wuxian yelp.

"Ouch! Why did you bite me?" Wei Wuxian licked his lips and didn't taste any blood. It didn't actually hurt, he was just caught by surprise more than anything.

"Checking if it's real," answered Lan Wangji in his usual deadpanned voice.

"Then shouldn't I be the one biting you instead? And of course it's real. My butt's really sore right now."

Lan Wangji patted his head in apology, but he didn't look sorry at all. Wei Wuxian huffed, and was about to rest his head back on Lan Wangji's chest when he remembered something. He lifted his head quickly, nearly clipping Lan Wangji's chin in the process.

"Lan Zhan! Can I see your phone?" Wei Wuxian asked, eyes already twinkling.

Without hesitation, Lan Wangji handed it to him, already unlocked.

Wei Wuxian immediately found the app he was looking for and opened it. His eyes were glued on the screen before releasing a loud snort. "Pft– hahahaha!" He pressed the phone on his face, barely concealing his boisterous laughter.

“What?” Lan Wangji tried to get his phone, but Wei Wuxian moved it away, turning his back on him.

"Your Tencent history is full of my videos!" Wei Wuxian kept on scrolling through the history feed, and giggling as tons of videos from his idol days populated Lan Wangji’s account. There were also clips from his series and movies, but not that much. He wondered if Lan Wangji avoided them because he’d get jealous of his co-stars. Wei Wuxian giggled at the thought.

“You even watched my debut song! I have a terrible voice back then,” he complained as he came across the music video of his first song.

“You don’t,” Lan Wangji reached over and clicked the video.

Wei Wuxian leaned on Lan Wangji’s chest as they watched his old music video together. He had no choice but to put up with it since he was trapped with Lan Wangji’s arms on either of his side, holding the phone in front of them.

It was honestly embarrassing and Wei Wuxian was about to close his eyes and block the noise when he heard Lan Wangji humming close to his ear, sending shivers on his heated skin. Then, Lan Wangji started to sing.

“Please wait for me, I haven’t told you the truth. These days between us weren’t quite pleasant. Please don’t look at me or tell me that answer. Just wanna step on your shadow with a smile on my face.”

Lan Wangji’s mellow voice filled Wei Wuxian’s ears, the soft melody making Wei Wuxian’s heart go through a series of whiplash motions in his chest. The lyrics weren’t helping either. He had written it years ago without any deep meaning in mind, but when Lan Wangji was singing the song, Wei Wuxian knew that the implications of those lines weren’t merely lip service.

"You really do love me, Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian said in an amused tone after the video ended, but when he turned around, Lan Wangji was looking at him tenderly, eyes soft and heavy-lidded with open affection, almost knocking the breath out of him.

Wei Wuxian felt he could give his everything to Lan Wangji at that moment.

"What's your favorite song? Dance? I'll perform it for you," Wei Wuxian declared as he propped himself on top of Lan Wangji.

"All of them," Lan Wangji quickly answered.

"Have you been to my live concerts before?"

Lan Wangji shook his head.

"Then I'll do a concert just for you. I might be out of practice though."

"I don't care," Lan Wangji said. “I’ll still love it.”

“My performance?”

“You.”

Wei Wuxian rolled away to press his face on a pillow to muffle his screams. Lan Wangji pulled him back to his chest.

Once he calmed down, Wei Wuxian peered up to look at Lan Wangji. “Can you sing me more of my songs, Lan Zhan?”

“Go to sleep.”

Wei Wuxian laughed. “Okay., okay,” he acquiesced, closing his eyes. A few moments later, he could hear a faint humming above him, the gentle thrum of Lan Wangji’s chest against his ear lulling him to a pleasant dream.

°°°°°°°

Wei_Wuxian posted an update
Today 19:26

with my #1 fan ( ꈍᴗꈍ)

[Image: Wei Wuxian grinning at the camera, with Lan Wangji beside him, looking at Wei Wuxian with a soft smile on his face.]

Comments • 2k [filtered by most relevant]

hopeknight: SO ARE THEY DATING FOR REAL?

Minato32: WANGXIAN 4EVER

Addie: THAT BLUSHING EMOJI

hoshii: I know that we should respect their privacy, but whatever their relationship is, I'm wishing them the best of luck! They look so happy together 😍😍😍

Yui: LAN WANGJI'S CONFESSION ON NATIONAL TV! AND NOW THIS! MY HEART IS ABOUT TO EXPLODE

daozhang_: Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian are officially... unrestrained badum tss

yanlove: CALLED IT

MingXia: What if they're not really dating, and they're just doing this to promote their series?? What if they're just messing with us??

cp_124: The caption 😭 Then the way Lan Wangji was looking at Wei Wuxian and not at the camera 😭 #1 fan indeed 😭😭😭

Lino: So does this mean there will be more sex scenes???