Chapter Text
One
Wei Ying has accepted that when it comes to Lan Zhan he has no self-control. Something about his untouchable aura and unparalleled beauty triggers all of the chaos receptors in Wei Ying’s brain.
There is nothing he wants more than to see Lan Zhan undone - his face bear with emotion, his eyes burning with passion, his hands clenched in tight fists as he tries and fails to hold himself back - all because of Wei Ying. This desire currently wars with his ability to remain perfectly still as he pretends to nap.
Within the Library Pavilion Lan Zhan sits across the low table from him, his almost inaudible breathing and the steady swish of his brush against paper is hypnotic. When Lan Zhan is in a rare good mood, not that Wei Ying can ever tell, he lets him rest in the Library after he’s completed his daily rule copying. But this time Wei Ying is curious about what Lan Zhan does while he sleeps, or moreover he’s curious about what Lan Zhan’s like when he thinks no one is watching. No one can be that perfect all the time. Wei Ying’s hoping to catch him in the act of doing something really embarrassing, like picking his nose or making impolite bodily sounds. Wei Ying swallows back a snicker as he imagines getting the opportunity to be the one to scold Lan Zhan for a change.
And if Lan Zhan does prove to be above normal human nature then at least Wei Ying can lure him into a false sense of security and then jump up and scare him like a ghost.
It’s a win win situation as long as Wei Ying can manage to remain focused.
Wei Ying allows himself to give a little sigh as he hunches down on the table, snuggling further into his crossed arms and tries not to sneeze when his hair brushes along his nose. Exhaustion from only getting a couple hours rest tugs at his twitching eyelids.
Last night Wei Ying had gone hunting and spied a fox feasting on the corpse of a rabbit. Unfortunately, the animal proved to be very spry when Wei Ying chased it, darting all around the Cloud Recesses’ woods and then down its burrow, outlasting the daylight and Wei Ying. His plan to unleash the creature during dinner had been ruined. The prank was meant to be a lesson to Lan Qiren who had quoted the proverb "no matter how cunning the fox is, it is no match for the wiliest hunter" during class when Wei Ying had managed to outscore Lan Zhan on a test about sealing talismans. Wei Ying may be as cunning as a fox but he's still the best hunter he knows – even if the fox managed to escape that time Wei Ying could always find it tomorrow.
So to vent his pent up sense of mischief Wei Ying has decided to take out his energy on Lan Zhan. Scaring him is not his normal routine but he wants to keep things interesting so Lan Zhan doesn't get the opportunity to adapt to his wily ways and get bored.
He does end up drifting for a while, his thoughts becoming heavy, sinking down into the depths of his mind. He hovers on the edge of sleep, barely able to maintain awareness as if he's in deep meditation. The vulnerable state, which is normally a struggle to reach for someone as lively as Wei Ying, is now easy to slip into despite the presence of someone else in the room. Or maybe it isn’t despite Lan Zhan’s presence, but because of him. Who else can radiate such a strong aura of virtue and honour? He knows he’s safe under Lan Zhan’s watch.
The scuff of a shoe brings him out of the peaceful state of mind. His body remains still as if held down by lead weights. Was that Lan Zhan? He sounds close.
Anticipation rises.
He can feel the air currents brush against his half-exposed face. The little bit of drool that has built up at the corner of his open mouth becomes shockingly cold. Wei Ying wills himself not to wipe it away as he feels himself burn underneath Lan Zhan's gaze. Is the other teen judging him? Wei Ying may be extremely handsome but not everyone has a cute resting face. Until Wei Ying sees Lan Zhan's own face when he's asleep he has no right to judge.
Wei Ying almost tenses up in preparation to scare Lan Zhan when something brushes feather light against his cheekbone.
Confusion bursts through him.
Did Lan Zhan just touch him? But he hates it when Wei Ying touches him.
The confusion only grows when the tender touch trails electricity down along his jaw line, leaving goose bumps in its wake. Wei Ying fights down a shiver. Lan Zhan's finger lingers for a moment at his chin before it skips to press at the skin underneath Wei Ying's heavy bottom lip.
This time Wei Ying has to suppress a giggle. Is Lan Zhan checking to see if Wei Ying is growing a beard? Maybe he's jealous that he can't grow any facial hair like his beloved uncle.
This would be the perfect time to jump up and grab Lan Zhan. Or even better he can try and bite Lan Zhan's wandering finger. Wei Ying bets it will be enough of a surprise that Lan Zhan will let out a scream. But despite the temptation he remains still, as if Lan Zhan's touch has turned him to stone.
The finger traces Wei Ying's lip so lightly he's almost sure he's imagining it if not for the slight tremor that makes the point of contact jump away in tiny bursts. He wants to lick Lan Zhan's finger so much. The temptation is too strong. Wei Ying musters up his best acting abilities and gives a dreamy sigh before quickly darting his tongue out to trace along the seam of his lips.
He catches the tip of Lan Zhan's finger before it flashes away. Wei Ying barely manages not to whine at the loss. The slightly salty taste of Lan Zhan's skin leaves Wei Ying parched.
Stillness once again covers the room until Wei Ying can only hear the crescendo of Lan Zhan’s heavy breathing and the creaking of the magnolia tree outside the Library Pavilion’s window.
A soft gust of wind is the only warning Wei Ying gets before the touch returns, this time in the form of a gentle press at the corner of his lips. Any mystery of what part of Lan Zhan is touching him goes up in smoke when Wei Ying feels long eyelashes flutter at the edge of his eyebrow.
Wei Ying opens his eyes.
He only gets the briefest glimpse of Lan Zhan’s dilated pupils before he jerks away, his face spasming into one of the funniest expressions Wei Ying has ever seen. At any other time he would be laughing until he’s rolling on the floor. But right now he can’t even think over his pounding heart.
Lan Zhen steps back until the space between them is like a gaping chasm. He is a flawless jade statue, his expression no longer giving any hint of his inner thoughts as he looks at Wei Ying who is sitting wide eyed and slack jawed.
With a voice as serene and frozen as winter’s first snow Lan Zhan says, “todays punishment has concluded. Clean up before you leave.” And with those clipped sentences he strides out of the Library Pavilion and is gone.
Dumbfounded Wei Ying stares after him. His mind is one big question mark. Could it be? Has Wei Ying finally pushed Lan Zhan over the edge?
Huffing out a breathless laugh Wei Ying sits up straight and stretches his back. The crack of his spine echoes as his mind races. Was this revenge for all the times Wei Ying teased Lan Zhan? A lesson on how uncomfortable it is to have your personal space invaded.
Wei Ying’s laughter holds a nervous tinge as he presses his slightly shaking fingers to the spot where their lips had met. Or, more likely, it is a new method of trying to frighten Wei Ying off. Lan Zhan probably knew Wei Ying was faking sleep and decided to see just how far Wei Ying is willing to go for a prank. It has to be a test of Wei Ying's resolve to continue pushing and pushing at Lan Zhan's icy boundaries in the hope they will shatter into a million pieces, leaving him open to Wei Ying's fiery suggestions of closeness and friendship.
Determination fills his entire being and he smirks in challenge. So Lan Zhan thinks that by trying to make him uncomfortable Wei Ying will no longer wish to be close. He’s dead wrong. No one has a thicker face than him - there is no limit to how shameless he can be when it comes to Lan Zhan. And he’s going to prove it by taking Lan Zhan’s challenge to a whole other level.
Two
The Library Pavilion is hauntingly quiet – unwillingly on Wei Ying part. Right now the only thing keeping him from talking is the looming threat of Lan Zhan casting the silencing spell on him for the sixth time this week; a record high. Ever since Lan Zhan challenged Wei Ying’s dedication to pursuing their their friendship by using intimidating cut-sleeve tactics whenever he has opened his mouth anywhere within Lan Zhan’s vicinity his lips have been sewn shut. And Lan Zhan didn’t even have the common decency to look at him when he does it. Apparently he’s arrogant enough to dismiss Wei Ying already.
Wei Ying doesn’t put up too much of a fuss, allowing the abuse to continue knowing that his revenge will be all the sweeter when he finally acts. He will avenge his stolen first kiss by taking Lan Zhan down at his own game, making his loss of innocence a worthy sacrifice.
He is almost out of time. It’s the last day of Wei Ying’s punishment for copying Righteousness so he needs to act now while Lan Zhan is within striking distance and overly confident.
“Lan Zhan please don’t silence me,” Wei Ying speaks suddenly and at a considerable speed, “it’s our last day together so I’ll be good.” He gives Lan Zhan his best innocent face, the one that always makes Shijie smile and Jiang Cheng scowl in suspicion.
When Lan Zhan doesn’t move through the terribly familiar motion of the silencing spell euphoria bursts throughout Wei Ying’s body.
Step one is complete.
Double checking that the vital part of his plan is still up his sleeve he lets the calming atmosphere build, allowing Lan Zhan to relax and get complacent. After he can no longer wait any longer Wei Ying 'accidentally’ flings his brush over to Lan Zhan’s side of the table, leaving splotches of ink sprinkled along scattered paper and Lan Zhan’s pure white sleeve.
“Oops.”
Wei Ying doesn’t hesitate. Trying not to raise suspicion he stands and goes to Lan Zhan’s side as quickly as possible. He kneels down close to the other boy, ignoring his flinch, and places the decoy brush safely on the table.
“Oh, let me get rid of that,” Wei Ying says gesturing at the ink spot. He sticks his index finger in his mouth, coating it in spit, and reaches out to rub at the stain.
Lan Zhan yanks his sleeve away before Wei Ying can contaminate it with his body fluids.
“I was only trying to help,” Wei Ying mutters underneath his breath but drops the subject in case Lan Zhan get annoyed and silences him. “Lan Zhan since it’s your last day babysitting me I wanted to give you something to show how close we are.”
“Not close,” Lan Zhan says, speaking to him for the first time in days. He still doesn’t even glance at Wei Ying, merely turning the page of ‘Ethics and Sutras’ by Lan Fan and diligently continuing to read.
Wei Ying huffs internally while maintaining his friendly smile, trying not to be put off by the dismissal. He comforts himself that Lan Zhan’s underestimating him and that will be his downfall.
Wei Ying carefully pulls a piece of parchment out of his sleeve face down and lies it across Lan Zhan’s book. “Here you go Lan Zhan.” He holds his breath in anticipation.
Luckily Lan Zhan isn’t entirely immune to curiosity, so instead of doing what logic and prior interactions with Wei Ying would dictate and tearing the paper into a million pieces, Lan Zhan flips it over and becomes deadly still.
Wei Ying has to say the painting is one of his best. The brush stokes are confident and flow beautifully across the page. The detail work skilfully conveys the passion of the two joined figures, with the black robed man perched in pleasure on the lap of the other white clothed man.
At first Wei Ying was annoyed that Nie Huiasang couldn’t provide him with any cut-sleeve images, meaning he would have to produce his own. But he tried to be optimistic about it – seeing it as an opportunity to depict the individuals with remarkable likeness to him and Lan Zhan.
“Do you like it? I drew it especially for you.”
“WEI YING!”
Wei Ying yelps. He didn’t know Lan Zhan could be that loud.
Instead of running he begins the next step of his plan by levering himself on his knees. The moment Lan Zhan starts to move towards his sword Wei Ying moves in one smooth motion, swinging his leg over Lan Zhan and perching himself firmly in his lap. Luckily the daring move makes Lan Zhan become immobile again, giving Wei Ying enough time to complete his final move.
Mustering up every bit of confidence he has Wei Ying spreads open his loose robes to expose his collar bones and the very top of his abs.
“Do you like what you see?” He whispers in his most seductive voice.
Lan Zhan’s eyes trail down the exposed skin and he makes a hitched choking sound like someone has trodden on his throat.
Wei Ying looks down to see what the big deal is. Oh, it looks like he was a bit too enthusiastic when stripping and now his left nipple is showing. Which really doesn't explain Lan Zhan’s priceless reaction - it’s like he’s never seen another boy’s bare chest before.
Either way Wei Ying’s plan went even better than he had hoped. He’s never seen Lan Zhan so flustered.
“I win,” he boasts and claims his prize by pecking the corner of Lan Zhan’s full lips in the exact same place he kissed Wei Ying. Now there is no way Lan Zhan can now deny Wei Ying is serious about becoming his friend!
The preemptive celebration is crashed as soon as Lan Zhan’s moves. Quicker than he can track Lan Zhan’s hands grasp onto Wei Ying, one curing at the side of his left ribs, the other a hot brand on his lower back. In a single push Wei Ying’s back is flat against the table and Lan Zhan dives teeth first on his exposed nipple.
Wei Ying shouts, grabbing handfuls of Lan Zhan’s robes and weakly tugging, unsure of whether he wants him closer or further away as the tip of Lan Zhan’s tongue flicks at the nub of his nipple while his teeth pinch painfully around the areola. The mixture of pain-pleasure drives him mad, his body jumping under the onslaught, almost giving himself a concussion.
Thankfully Lan Zhan eases off and starts lapping at his burning nipple, licking wet flat stripes over and over. He hums at the taste, sending jolting vibrations downwards. Wei Ying’s heart drums madly in reply as if it’s going to burst through his ribs and right into Lan Zhan’s willing mouth, the perfect place for the other teen to take a bite. He wonders if Lan Zhan is going to eat him whole.
The hand near his ribs shifts inwards and slender fingers tantalisingly brush the sensitive skin underneath his pec. The edge of his nails digs into the muscle for stability as Lan Zhan lips suddenly latch on and suck.
Under their own volition Wei Ying’s legs spread even wider, beckoning Lan Zhan closer. Encouraged by the positive reaction Lan Zhan alternates between sucking and biting, uncaring of Wei Ying’s renewed squirming.
“Please,” Wei Ying barely hears himself whisper through panting lips.
In an attempt to regain control his hips buck and his legs scramble for purchase, accidentally landing a knee right into Lan Zhan’s stomach. The momentary distraction gives Wei Ying the chance to regroup. Trying his best to not cry out when Lan Zhan unlatches with a wet pop Wei Ying ungracefully clambers across the table with the same desperation he uses when climbing trees to escape rabid dogs.
Once free from Lan Zhan’s clutches Wei Ying pulls his robes closed like a bullied maiden. His face and chest are enflamed when he turns an accusing glare at the other boy. He tries to ignore the way Lan Zhan’s hands briefly hover in the same position they were on Wei Ying’s body before they fall limp into his lap.
“I can’t believe you bit my n- I mean me,” Wei Ying accuses, unable to even say it. Just how far will Lan Zhan go to make Wei Ying look foolish? Where did Lan Zhan even learn that men’s nipples are sensitive!?
Wei Ying debates whether he should try to retaliate by demanding the right to attack Lan Zhan’s chest as well, but the moment Lan Zhan stands Wei Ying loses all will to fight and runs towards the exit without looking back.
Sprinting full speed towards the disciple dorms while clutching his robes closed, past shouting Lan elders and a baffled Nie Huaisang, Wei Ying vows to not let Lan Zhan overwhelm him next time. He will prove that he can handle anything Lan Zhan throws at him and will return all teasing tenfold.
Three
The Cloud Recesses wall is bathed a deep grey under the midnight rain. Despite the wetness and his impeded vision, Wei Ying easily lands on top without losing his balance or alcohol. The normal enforced silence of the sect is awash with a symphony of the gentle drum of rain and singing crickets and frogs. Even with the noise hiding Wei Ying’s heavy breathing and the clink of Emperors Smile jars he still gets caught by a patrolling white beacon of justice.
Wei Ying gives into his impulse to pout a little before his smile blooms again. It’s so typical of Lan Zhan to only seek him out when he wants to catch Wei Ying breaking the rules, but whenever Wei Ying calls out to him on sect grounds he acts like smoke dispersing in the wind, leaving Wei Ying gaping at empty air.
“This feels familiar Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying calls, his voice soft with nostalgia despite the lingering bitterness, “it’s just like when we first met. Except we’re so much closer now so you should be nice and let me go.”
Lan Zhan’s face is a waxing moon underneath his umbrella, his beauty enticingly hidden by the shadow. “You already know the rules you are breaking. Come with me to receive punishment.”
Grinning at the no-nonsense tone Wei Ying fires back, “if anyone is breaking the rules it’s you Lan Zhan...” He trails off giving a wide grin and glides closer over slippery tiled rooftops to the aloof teen. When Lan Zhan doesn’t reply Wei Ying continues, “if you don’t tell your Uncle about this I’ll keep your secret about how naughty you’ve been.”
His baiting makes Lan Zhan’s hand twitch towards his sword, the threat of violence clear if Wei Ying doesn’t stop stalling.
“After all you did force yourself on me a few times now,” Wei Ying says laying his free hand against his chest like a swooning maiden, “stealing my first kiss and biting me like a rabid dog.” Rain drips down his face and catch in his eyelashes, making the whole scene even more dramatic.
“First kiss?” Lan Zhan voice sounds strangled.
“Yep,” Wei Ying chirps just to be contrary, “now that you’ve taken my innocent no one will want to marry me. If you let me go I won't make you take responsibility.” He flourishes his hand holding the Emperors Smile out like a benevolent ruler and gives Lan Zhan a cheeky wink.
“Ridiculous,” Lan Zhan grits between his teeth and makes his attack.
They dance between roof tops and the wall, spinning and sliding around each other in a choreographed blend of Lan and Jiang sect style fighting. Water sprays out in dazzling arches under the swish of Lan Zhan’s sword and Wei Ying’s soaked sleeves. The crash of a falling jars is a warning bell of how unsuccessful defensive forms are against a persistent Lan Zhan.
“Fine. We’ll do it this way instead,” Wei Ying says, his face split in glee despite the loss of his precious alcohol. Shifting from defending to attack in a few quick moves Wei Ying throw himself past Lan Zhan’s shinning sword, sends his umbrella flying, and lands flat against his torso. His arms wrap around broad shoulders and his mouth presses against the cold line of Lan Zhan’s lips, the momentum pushing them over the side of the wall.
They land with a wet thud.
Wei Ying groans in pain on top of Lan Zhan’s waist, his lip aching. Gently he tongues at the cut on the inside of his lip and the taste of blood floods his mouth. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to kiss while falling down.
Or maybe it was. Wei Ying looms over Lan Zhan’s surprised face, his water heavy ponytail curtaining down to one side. Their hot breaths puff against each other, making Wei Ying’s face sting when frozen raindrops trail down his heated skin.
“Look what you did Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying protrudes his lower lip in show. The heady taste of iron lingers in his mouth, washing away any of the sweetness he had stolen from Lan Zhan’s lips.
“You fault.” Lan Zhan’s hands encircle his waist but he makes no move to remove either of them from the muddy ground.
Wei Ying laughs and shakes his head, making his wet hair strands cling to Lan Zhan’s face, tracing dark valleys over his chin and cheek. “Nope, I was trying to get away, you’re the one who attacked me first. And now I have evidence of your crimes, so if you don’t want to get punished as well you should let me win this round.” He emphasises his threat by leaning down to smear his bloody lip on Lan Zhan’s cheek.
In a daring move Lan Zhan tilts his face just as Wei Ying’s lip touches his skin, catching the bloody victim between his own lips. Wei Ying’s cry of pain is smothered as Lan Zhan sucks his lower lip into his mouth, tracing his tongue over the split skin.
“Mhn,” Wei Ying cries, at the frantic prodding of his injury. Any attempt at pulling away brings Lan Zhan’s teeth into the equation, his bites shooting pain down Wei Ying’s jaw, making the rest of his body twitch and curl up.
Even as he moans in pain the problem here isn't that he is suffering under Lan Zhan's control - it's the fact he likes it way to much.
The pain only seems to emphasise how good it feels to have Lan Zhan's mouth on him, his lips holding Wei Ying captive in a plush warm prison. The broad palms on his waist keep him pinned while he's ravished to the point of begging, if he can even manage to spit out any intelligible words.
Proving how dumbstruck he really is Wei Ying shakily breathes under Lan Zhan's brutal almost-kiss and involuntarily he rocks his hips backwards, searching for direct relief to his aching groin. Hoping that Lan Zhan didn't noticed his lecherous hip movements he steels himself, worried that if this mind-blowing assault continues any longer he will do something so shameless Lan Zhan will never forgive him. "La-Lan Zh- Ah!" His attempted warning turns into a moan.
He's never felt like this before, so desperate for relief and for Lan Zhan to never stop touching him, even if he's biting him like a rabid dog. He's lost sight of his original goal, distracted by the contrast of pain at his mouth and the consuming arousing in his stomach.
His hand darts to rest against Lan Zhan’s throat, he can feel blood and spit and water being swallowed as the adam’s apple shifts underneath his shaking palm. It does little to clear his mind. Wei Ying digs his fingers in, hard enough to steal Lan Zhan's breath like he has stollen his.
“S-stop,” Wei Ying slurs into Lan Zhan’s mouth.
In the next moment Wei Ying is flat on his back on the soaking ground and Lan Zhan is striding away.
“Wait!” Wei Ying calls out after him. Lan Zhan pauses but doesn’t look back. “You can’t tell anyone or your reputation will be ruined.”
Wei Ying feels like slapping himself. His brain must still be recovering from Lan Zhan's phycological and physical attacks because he really hadn't planned on saying such a boldfaced lie. As if Wei Ying would ever tell anyone about this embarrassing defeat!
He gets the feeling Lan Zhan is disappointed by his threatening words as well based on the harsh angle of his dirt stained shoulders. The other teen leaves without a word, abandoning Wei Ying to lie soaked and yet shockingly hot in the rain.
“I can’t believe he tried to eat the evidence,” Wei Ying mutters nonsensically. He feels completely ruined; pain twinges in sharp bursts from his mouth, bruises probably litter his skin from the fall and Lan Zhan’s double assault, and worst of all his groin pulses heavily with arousal despite everything.
Wei Ying adjusts himself as he sits up. He can’t believe he gave up again. He should have tried to bite Lan Zhan back or pulled his hair or anything. But he was too overwhelmed and panicky, unused to such intense arousal driving all his blood downwards so quickly, leaving him worried that Lan Zhan would feel his erection and decide to stab Wei Ying in the unfun way.
He frowns in concentration, then again, if Lan Zhan didn’t want Wei Ying to get turned on he should have used a less seductive intimidation tactic. Nodding decisively Wei Ying reaches behind his back to push off most of the caked-on mud. And that’s why he won't feel guilty when he thinks about Lan Zhan when he touches himself tonight. His unrestrained laughter at the thought bursts through the patter of rain. Maybe he’ll even tell Lan Zhan just what he thinks about while chasing his release - that would teach him the consequences of teasing Wei Ying.
Four
Leaving Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang behind Wei Ying groans and staggers like a walking corpse towards the Cold Springs on the advice of Lan Zhan’s older brother, Lan Xichen. His back is on fire from the harsh beating he received as punishment for being out after curfew and (unsuccessfully) smuggling in alcohol. He has no idea how Lan Zhan was able to walk away without help after so many strikes.
The only good thing about this situation is that Lan Qiren made no mention about their cut-sleeve antics. If Lan Qiren knew about the indecent public displays he and Lan Zhan got up to he would have forced them to stop, which is the last thing Wei Ying wants to do when he has yet to break his losing streak. It’s likely Lan Qiren wouldn’t have believed that Lan Zhan is the one at fault anyway - if anything Wei Ying would get all the blame for corrupting his pure nephew.
He shuffles further along the mostly hidden path as he ponders just what it means that Lan Zhan is hiding something from his uncle. He smiles brightly, maybe it’s Lan Zhan’s subtle way of acknowledging they are friends now.
The sound of running water beyond the heavy vegetation and dense trees draws him out of his musing. With protesting muscles Wei Ying picks up speed, weaving a short-cut through thin hardwood trees and over prickly bushes, excited to see the secret healing spring.
Breaking into the clearing Wei Ying lets out a sigh at the tranquil scene that reminds him so much of Lotus Pier. The spring’s water is a clear sky blue mixed with soft greens from fallen leaves, healthy algae, and lily pads. Water trickles in a gentle flow over a path of heightened rocks which connect the spring to the lake down in Gusu. Over the top of the rock formation is a small blue and white wooden bridge that looks like its been skilfully carved from a single log. The air smells clean and wavers heavily with natural energy, showing the spring is the perfect place for practicing cultivation.
Even with the surrounding serene beauty what truly leaves Wei Ying breathless is the bathing silhouette at the edge of the water. Lan Zhan cuts a striking image as he stands with his top half bare, his toned muscles gleaming in the sunlight. His long hair falls in a waterfall down his back dipping its ends in the water at his hip. Through the thick stands Wei Ying guiltily spots bruises bursting along his otherwise perfect skin like overripe fruit. Wei Ying stares deeply, committing the ethereal scene to memory so that he can paint it later - maybe as a funny gift for Lan Zhan.
Once he’s finished gawking Wei Ying get to business, stripping off his clothing as he makes his way towards the water.
Lan Zhan turns to look at the sound of his approach, a whisper of a frown tugging at the corner of his mouth. When he sees it’s a cheerily smiling Wei Ying the frown becomes more prominent. “What are you doing?” He demands, his stare jumping to the side when Wei Ying removes his inner robe and goes to undo his pants.
“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m going for a swim,” he replies. Unashamed of his nakedness Wei Ying throws his undergarments onto his pile of discarded clothes and moves to dip his toe into the freezing water, yelping when his foot goes instantly numb. Building up courage he backs up a few steps and throws himself into the deepest part of the water with a mighty splash.
“So cold, so cold,” Wei Ying chants through chattering teeth when he resurfaces, winding his arms around himself as a source of warmth, and wades towards Lan Zhan.
“Don’t come any closer.”
“But it looks warmer where you are,” Wei Ying says as he stands beside Lan Zhan. The other boy keeps his eyes level with Wei Ying’s head in such a steady manner Wei Ying wonders if he’s forcing himself not to look down at where the water laps at Wei Ying’s exposed hips. “This place is so pretty, do you come here often?” He questions sliding a little closer.
Lan Zhan side steps away.
Unrepentant Wei Ying continues to invade his personal space despite the defensive body language. “There is no one around for so many li, I could scream for help and no one would hear...” He trails off and smirks, “but luckily I’m here with the honourable Second Brother Lan. You’ll protect me if I’m attacked, won’t you Er-gege?” He doesn’t mention that the only person attacking him lately has been the honourable Lan Wangji himself.
“Be quiet,” Lan Zhan says shortly, dismissing Wei Ying’s legitimate concerns and starts to move towards land.
“Where are you going?” Wei Ying latches onto Lan Zhan’s bicep and tries not to get distracted at how warm and thick it is. He tightens his grip when Lan Zhan tries to shake him off. “You can’t leave! If you leave that means you give up and have to acknowledge we are friends.”
This stops Lan Zhan escape, his arm flexing under Wei Ying’s unyielding fingers when he turns to look back at him in enquiry.
Wei Ying is surprisingly nervous when he answers the unspoken question, “um yeah... you know our competition to get each other... I mean to see who has the thickest face when it comes to... um, kissing, and stuff, since you're trying to intimidate me into giving up on being your friend and I'm trying to prove that I'm not scared of us being close.”
Lan Zhan stares at him with an unfathomable expression, raising his nerves to an even greater height. Pushing past his anxiety Wei Ying rambles, “I know you keep winning but don’t get too confident! Once I get used to it I’ll stop running away and then you’re going to have to acknowledge that I’m serious about us being friends. And then you can come visit me at Lotus Pier and I’ll show you all my favourite swimming spots, and where to get the best spicy seafood, and introduce you to all of the pretty girls.”
“Not friends.”
Laughing off the familiar rejection Wei Ying leans further into Lan Zhan, his nose almost brushing his cheek. “Lan Er-gege your words don’t match your actions,” he teases, wiggling his finger in scolding. “Do you treat all your acquaintances like me? Stealing kisses and biting them whenever you please?” When he doesn’t get an answer Wei Ying chuckles. “If that’s the case I surprised your reputation is so good considering how bad you are at kissing. Not that you can really call it kissing. I mean the first and second ones were only at the corner of our lips and the third one made me bleed. And then there’s that time you tried to bite off my nipple...” As if feeling the residue pain he rubs his chest, not noticing when Lan Zhan’s eyes follow the movement. “But even if you’re not good at kissing I’m willing to do it so we can become closer.”
“No.” Lan Zhan states with a deep rumble.
Thrilled at getting a reaction to the absolute donkey manure he’s sprouting Wei Ying ruthlessly taunts, “No? You think you’re good at kissing? Well I’m sure your handsome face distracts all the other people you’ve kissed from your questionable skills but so far I'm not impressed.”
His challenge is accepted when lips crash into him.
“Mhn,” Wei Ying muffles against Lan Zhan’s mouth, forcefully swallowing his protest when the cut on his lip catches on his teeth. Instead he leans into the assault, biting back with the same ferocity and hunger. The sensitive skin on their lips rubs together, sparking sweet sensations downwards to pool in his groin. The water freezing his extremities is the only thing keeping him from embarrassing himself when Lan Zhan pulls him closer, pressing their wet heated torsos together.
Lan Zhan’s tongue thrusts past the seam of his mouth and slips along the inside of his lips. His breath hitches when Lan Zhan tilts his head to probe deeper. The sides of their tongues slide along one another in delicious friction, swirling in an uncoordinated dance. Wei Ying moans at the sensation, sparking Lan Zhan’s own quiet sigh of pleasure in reply. Encouraged by the sound Wei Ying playfully nibbles at Lan Zhan’s tongue and lips. Lan Zhan doesn’t hold back when he mirrors him, capturing Wei Ying’s tongue between his teeth and lips and sucking hard.
Wei Ying sways.
Easily managing to multitask Lan Zhan continues to ravage Wei Ying’s mouth as he slides his hand down his back to offer a source of balance, carefully avoiding the bruises from his punishment. His help only makes things worse when his thumb brushes in a teasing swipe along the top of the cleft of Wei Ying’s ass.
Wei Ying cries out, his fingers digging crescents into Lan Zhan’s arms as arousal shoots up his spine. Ruthlessly Lan Zhan bites his lower lip and at the same time scrapes his nail an inch further down his cleft, digging into the rarely touched skin and skimming the top of his hole.
Wei Ying’s knees buckle.
Forced into releasing his hold on Wei Ying’s now bleeding lip Lan Zhan pulls back so he can steady Wei Ying properly. Once he has his feet back underneath him Lan Zhan retreats.
They stare at each other - speechless. Wei Ying doesn’t have the brain capacity right now to fill in the heavy silence, instead he focuses on regaining his breath and hiding his half-hard erection. He watches riveted at the way Lan Zhan’s torso heaves as he also attempts to regain his own composure. Their eyes burn into one another, trying to read each other's inner thoughts.
Wei Ying licks his pulsing lips, his eyelids going lidded when Lan Zhan unerringly tracks the movement.
A scream pierces the air.
All unspoken desires are washed away at the chilling sound. Shouts for help draw closer, compelling Wei Ying and Lan Zhan into action. As one they rush towards their clothing. There is no time to exchange words as their dressing is interrupted by a frantic disciple with news of escaped walking corpses.
As he runs off into the woods in search of trouble Wei Ying promises that the next time he gets close to Lan Zhan he will come out on top.