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[The Cloud Recesses Dining Hall, Late Autumn 3rd Month of the Outside Disciples Stay in Gusu Lan ]

Of all the people, it is Ouyang Zizhen who mentions it first.

In the communal dining area where visiting disciples and Lan disciples mingle, Ouyang Zizhen sits with his friend, Lan He Qing, and mentions the scene a few seats away from where they are.

Ouyang Zizhen callously points towards the direction of the famous Lan Sizhui, the best in their generation, and the infamous, Lan Jingyi, the most un-lan to ever Lan. The distance between the two is unlike all the Lan disciples. Ouyang Zizhen quickly notices because the two are seated shoulder to shoulder, and more often than not, Lan Jingyi gives some of his food for Lan Sizhui to eat directly from his own chopsticks.

Such closeness could almost be considered obscene for others especially in the cultivation world.

No other disciples who were friends acted in such a way so Ouyang Zizhen had put two and two together and couldn’t help but praise how open Gusu Lan clan had become compared to the other sects. 

Naturally, he turns to his friend, Lan He Qing and sings praises, “I never expected that Gusu Lan would be open to such relationships but I'm glad your clan recognizes different kinds of love. I never would’ve expected Lan Sizhui to be intimate with Lan Jingyi”

Two wooden chopsticks fall on the table. 

Zizhen's voice must’ve been loud enough to disrupt the atmosphere because Lan He Qing quickly silences him. His friend also bows his head to several people in the room in apology and somehow Ouyang Zizhen is left with the feeling that he did something that he should not have done.

“Did I say anything wrong?”, Ouyang Zizhen asks worriedly.

Lan He Qing sighs as he picks his chopsticks and sets them aside, “Yes."

“What did I do?”

“Listen, those two are not partners.”

“What?! How are could they not be?! They appear more intimate than even my mother and father.”

“For outsiders it may seem that way but most of the inner and senior disciples know it stems from Lan Sizhui’s early eating habits. There was a time he would only eat once a day and it took Lan Jingyi sitting beside him at meals to correct his eating habits. Besides, even if you ask them, they will say that they are just childhood friends nothing more.”

Just in time, Ouyang Zizhen turns to the two once again to confirm. The scene that greets him is not typical for childhood friends but instead of lovers.

Lan Sizhui is wiping the corner of Lan Jingyi’s mouth with a small handkerchief. Lan Jingyi instinctively turns towards Lan Sizhui allowing him to clean the food from his mouth. A small smile settles on Lan Sizhui’s lips as he fondly meets Lan Jingyi’s eyes who is beaming at him in a similar fashion.

Ouyang Zizhen, ever the romantic, finds it hard to believe that normal childhood friends would do such a thing. 

He protests, “But that can’t be it!” 

Lan He Qing sighs as he turns towards his friend. He grips Ouyang Zizhen's arms tightly and warns him, “If you want to continue studying in the Cloud Recesses while you eat wet rice,  endure scratchy blankets and unpleasant smelling clothes, that  would be it.” 

Ouyang Zizhen likes his rice perfectly cooked and fluffy. He also enjoys the small comfort of his warm blanket in a place as cold as the Cloud Recesses. It's painful enough that he'd have to eat vegetables for 12 months and he doesn't want to risk any more of his comforts being taken away by overprotective Gusu Lan disciples.

Ouyang Zizhen may be a romantic but he's read the Art of War. A person wins when he knows when to fight and when not to fight.  

His stay in the Cloud Recesses is only for 12 months. He will keep his comforts.

However, later on, he will get to the truth of the matter. 

Ouyang Zizhen doesn’t bring Lan Sizhui's and Lan Jingyi's relationship again.

[The Cloud Recesses Dining Hall, A Few Tables Away from Ouyang Zizhen]

“Hey Sizhui! Did you hear that? That disciple from Baling Ouyang said our friendship was enviable.” Lan Jingyi sets his vegetables aside as he exclaims. 

Lan Sizhui nods, focusing on chewing the cabbages in his soup. “Mn.”

“Aren’t I the best childhood friend you could ask for?”

“Finish your lunch, A-yi.” Lan Sizhui reprimands. They need to go to the next lesson soon. 

Lan Jingyi visibly sulks, beside him. Lan Sizhui doesn't know what to do with his friend. Lan Jingyi will stay sullen unless he does something. Luckily he knows how to lift his spirits. 

He grabs his hands and squeezes it underneath the table. “You really are.”

Lan Jingyi smiles and dismisses all propriety. He hugs Lan Sizhui’s entire left arm.

Most of those who are paying attention to the two, including Ouyang Zizhen, watch the act and continue to wonder “Are they really just childhood friends?”

[Roadside Inn, A Few Hours After the Incident at Yi City]

Unlike Ouyang Zizhen, Jin Ling slowly comes to the realization that Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui are something more the night they celebrate their escape from Yi City.

After undergoing a dangerous ordeal, he quickly reserves the large room meant for couples just so he can relax by himself. As tables are cleared and everyone goes to their respective rooms, Jin Ling expects that he would come back to a comfortable room but is instead met with confusion.

While most of the Gusu Lan and Baling Ouyang disciples go to the right wing of the inn where individual rooms were present, Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui pass by him and enter a singular room on the left side of the inn. The wing where it just so happened is reserved primarily by couples and second by rich merchants and cultivators who didn’t mind burning money in favor of comfort.

Jin Ling narrows his eyes in confusion but he is too dusty to think about anything else. He hastily enters his room, with a canopied bed and silk sheets where he relaxes on after bathing. 

As he settles in to go to sleep, he suddenly remembers the scene he saw from before. 

Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui in the left wing - possibly sharing a room.

He doubts Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui are swimming in gold to have individual large rooms but maybe they were and Jin Ling has never noticed. 

He could confirm but he wonders if it was a breach of privacy. Everyone is entitled to relax after what they had gone through and it was none of Jin Ling's business.

Or at least that's what he tells himself.

The thought keeps on bothering him. 

In the end, Jin Ling's curiosity wins his morality over. He slides the door open, careful for it not to creak and swiftly but silently makes his way to where Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi currently are.

Ouyang Zizhen peeking through the door greets him once he arrives and Jin Ling can't say he's surprised. He's habit of being curious (he doesn't care what his uncle says he is not a busybody) had come from his childhood friend after all. 

He just never expected he'd have to share his space.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Jin Ling asks through harsh whispers. 

Ouyang Zizhen’s jumps as he hears Jin Ling’s voice and turns to meet him, surprise all over his face.

“A-Ling? Why are you here?” 

“Answer my question first.”

“I’m looking for proof that Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi are in love. I refuse to believe that they're just childhood friends like everyone claims they are.”

In love? Lan JIngyi and Lan Sizhui? Was this common knowledge? Why didn't he know? Shouldn't he have known? 

Jin Lung is also curious

“So what have you found.”

Ouyang Zizhen grins, “Definite proof.”

Ouyang Zizhen gestures for Jin Ling to peek at the small opening. The room is arranged in a manner that is similar to Jin Ling’s so he spots the canopied bed easily.

Fortunately (or unfortunately) the the curtains of the bed aren't closed but open. Jin Ling himself has been feeling the warmer weather so he could understand why the two would leave it open. It makes it even more easier for him to spot the definite proof Ouyang Zizhen has been talking about and if he wasn't already rooted in place, the sight would've stopped him in shock. 

Two bodies are tangled together in bed. Lan Sizhui has his hands over Lan Jingyi while the latter buried his face into the other’s chest. For such a warm night, both of them were oddly comfortable. 

So they really were cutsleeves!

It suddenly became obvious why they didn’t treat Mo Xian Yu harshly and why they didn’t react when it was revealed that Hanguang Jun equally loved Mo Xian Yu back. 

To think that they held the same perceptions in life, Jin Ling’s three world views were being challenged this year.

“There’s really no way childhood friends do this thing without realizing what it implies.” Ouyang Zizhen supplies. “Don’t you think so.”

Jin Ling doesn’t need to think. He knows childhood friends don’t behave the way the two do. If they did, Ouyang Zizhen and him would be in each other’s faces. He relays his thoughts to Ouyang Zizhen who simply agrees with him. 

Curiosity satisfied, Ouyang Zizhen says, “Well, there’s nothing we can do about their relationship anyway. I think it’s time for us to go back to sleep.” 

“Shouldn’t we confront them?” Jin Ling finds himself saying.

This was uncanny. He was not raised to tolerate this kind of behavior. Mo Xianyu was banished from the Sect. What would happen to Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui is they were accused of immorality. Shouldn't Jin Ling and Ouyang Zizhen knock some sense into them before they're condemned.

“Why do we need to?” is Ouyang Zizhen's reply.

The ground spins from underneath him. Jin Ling himself doesn't understand.

“They’re - It’s - I mean they’re cutsleeves.” It's wrong, Jin Ling wants to say, but even then he doesn't understand how it was wrong when it was unchangeable for a person's nature to choose who they love. 

“And is your respect for Hanguang-Jun or Mo-gongzi any less because of it?”

Jin Ling pauses. He has heard tales of Hanguang Jun before. He grew up admiring his heroism. No other man could beat his uncle and Jin Ling would be lying if he didn't have an ounce of respect for him, even considering his newly admitted preferences. In contrast, he has known Mo Xuanyu because of the nasty rumors that surround him. A cut-sleeve that almost laid his hands on his own brother. But Jin Ling has only ever had the rumors to base his opinions on but rumors are always far removed from the truth, especially one that has been circulating for this long. In truth, Mo Xuanyu could almost be considered a formidable cultivator. If not for his preferences Jin Ling could see how he could respect him. If he could respect Hanguang-Jun and his weird cousin, why could he not do the same for Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi. 

Ouyang Zizhen meets his eyes. The man is patiently waiting for his answer as they crouch on the doorway. 

Jin Ling shakes his head and finally replies. “No.”

[Roadside Inn, Before the Sunrise, Night After the Incident at Yi City]

If Wei Wuxian was a greater man, he would’ve ignored what he saw  when he bumps into Lan Sizhui the next morning after Yi City.

However Lan Wangji had just proven himself to be a difficult person to handle when drunk so it is not his fault that he's still awake and very curious as he bumps into Lan Sizhui in the early morning.

“Why are you awake?” Wei Wuxian asks. He should know better than to indulge his curiosity but like an itch he needs to scratch, he has to know. 

“I was preparing tea for me and Lan Jingyi. He doesn’t stand unless there’s tea and we need to meditate before we set off.” Lan Sizhui replies.

He explains it in a matter of fact tone that Wei Wuxian could almost be convinced it was normal.

And it was normal - for husband and wife.

He raises his brow in suspicion, putting his hand underneath his chin as he wonders out loud, “Did you always bring him tea before he wakes up?”

“I do. He always moves more in his sleep when its nearing 5.”

For a moment Wei Wuxian has forgotten about the Lan’s strict sleeping schedule then he realizes that Lan Sizhui despite being part of the inner household, is unaffected.

There was more to it than just serving tea for a friend.

His thoughts are interrupted when a sliding door is opened. Followed by the groan of a person who clearly dislikes mornings.

“A-Zhui” Lan Jingyi whines. He isn’t wearing his inner wear thankfully but Wei Wuxian eyes still widen when he finally notices why there was something unusual about Lan Sizhui this morning.

“Where were you? It’s cold.” Lan Jingyi continues, he wipes the sleeves of his robes on his face in an attempt to wake himself up but all Wei Wuxian can see is familiar cloud patterns that Lan Sizhui wore yesterday.

“I just prepared tea.” Lan Sizhui smiles gently. He hands the tray to Lan Jingyi who goes back into their shared rooms without even bothering to greet Wei Wuxian. 

“Sorry about that Senior Mo. He’s usually still half-asleep.” Lan Sizhui explains. 

Wei Wuxian doesn’t mind. His focus has already shifted to these two Lan disciples clothes. 

There is something between them that Wei Wuxian wants explained.

“Sizhui.”

“Yes. Senior Mo.”

“Do you wear Lan Jingyi’s clothes often?”

Lan Sizhui seems surprised. He raises his hands and scans his robes and Wei Wuxian sees the exact moment where Lan Sizhui realizes that he was wearing another person’s clothes.

“It happened again.” Lan Sizhui laughs, it too cheery for the early morning but he doesn't seem bothered. Most people would’ve gotten defensive at the implication of Wei Wuxian’s question but Lan Sizhui does not.

Lan Sizhui once again explains, “It happens when we sleep together.”

Wei Wuxian eyes widen after having his suspicions confirmed. So these two were more than childhood friends. No wonder they weren’t as prejudiced as the others.

Although he does recall Lan Jingyi being cross with him but Wei Wuxian finally understands that it was nothing more than another case of someone protecting their idol.

Wei Wuxian considers telling Lan Wangji before realizing that as Lan Sizhui’s mentor Lan Wangji might have already known. He had previously thought that the Cloud Recesses did not allow for such relations between two men but clearly times had changed in the thirteen years that he was gone.

Wei Wuxian smiles to himself as he contemplates teasing the two or just leaving them alone.

But there’s no way he’ll allow Lan Jingyi to not feel embarrassed once he’s fully awake to experience it. 

[Roadside Inn, Morning After the Incident at Yi City]

Once everyone had gathered in the little hall before departing to their sects. Wei Wuxian easily slid next to Lan Jingyi who was waiting for Lan Sizhui to finish his conversation with Lan Wangji.

Wei Wuxian grins. “So little Lan how does it feel to be married?” 

"I don’t know.” Lan Jingyi grimaces, clearly portraying his discomfort.

Wei Wuxian is sure there is something in the Gusu Lan’s rules that didn’t allow any show of excessive emotion. Trust Lan Jingyi to break that rule nonchalantly. 

“You don’t have to hide it from this senior. I know you and Lan Sizhui are very close.”

Several Lan disciple turn their heads towards Wei Wuxian. Lan Wangji and Lan Sizhui who were conversing also noticed the silent stares directed at the two.

Lan Jingyi nods cautiously, “We are.”

Wei Wuxian grins, “And here I thought you dislike cutsleeves when you’re married to one yourself.”

A collective gasp follows Wei Wuxian remarks. Lan Wangji deftly goes to Lan Jingyi and Wei Wuxian's side calling Wei Wuxian’s name in a scolding manner.

“Mind your tongue.” Lan Wangji reminds.

Lan Jingyi, who is still confused and didn’t understand, looked between Lan Wangji and him, “Who am I married to?”

“Lan Sizhui.” Wei Wuxian replies.

Realization dawns on Lan Jingyi. His face is as red as the time they ate Wei Wuxian’s chili rice. 

Lan Jingyi contests, “But we’re not married!” 

“You aren’t?”

Helpless, Lan Jingyi instinctively searches for Lan Sizhui. He calls, “Tell him A-zhui. Tell him we aren’t.”

Wei Wuxian meets Lan Sizhui’s eyes. The junior disciple shakes his head in confirmation. His expression is grave and lacks any mirth. He almost looks offended. Lan Wangji's hands on his shoulders also tighten in response.

Could it be? Had Wei Wuxian overstepped? Should he stop?

“Then why would Lan Sizhui bring you tea in the morning?’” Wei Wuxian presses on. He can't stop now.

“It keeps me awake.” Lan Jingyi replies.

“Share clothes?”

“An accident. I’m still sleepy.”

Wei Wuxian rolls his eyes. From the back where Ouyang Zizhen and Jin Ling is currently huddled together, the two squeak at each question being directed.

They had both wanted to know for themselves but this odd senior is beating them to it. 

“Okay, then why do you sleep together?” Wei Wuxian continues. 

“Why wouldn’t we, it saves money and we get to have a large space to sleep in. Don’t all childhood friends do the same things?”

In the back, Ouyang Zizhen and Jin Ling who were childhood friends met each other’s eyes and cough. If they were anything more than childhood friends they probably would.

Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui look towards them for confirmation. Ouyang Zizhen and Jin Ling shakes their head.

No. Childhood friends do not share the same bed once they are of age. Nor do they hold hands or feed each other on more than one occasion. 

Lan Jingyi begins to frown. Lan Sizhui quickly comes to his side and reassures him that nothing is wrong with how they act. 

Wei Wuxian watches in rapt attention as the two interact and is slowly coming to his own realization.

If he didn’t know any better, he suspects that Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui don’t know what is normal between childhood friends.

But how could it be? Weren't they raised by the esteemed Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen themselves. 

He stares at Lan Wangji. He doesn't need to ask any more questions because Lan Wangji simply nods and says, "It's normal for them."

So Lan Wangji was part of the reason.

Wei Wuxian's thoughts continue to race through his mind as he realized two very important things. 

Did this man deliberately not reject his advances to show his child and nephew that their attitude was okay? And did this mean that his advances on Lan Wangji will have no effect in the end. 

“Oh.” Wei Wuxian buries his face in his hands as he realizes. There’s really nothing he could do to shake Lan Wangji off. “OH.”

“Senior Mo are you okay? 

Wei Wuxian nods briefly at Lan Sizhui and turns to Lan Wangji.

He whispers, “You aren’t going to tell them that this isn’t how normal childhood friends act?”

Lan Wangji only replies, “Everyone is different.”

A pause. Then laughter comes from Wei Wuxian's own traitorous mouth.

“You’re right. Zewu-Jun is still so revered how could I question it.”

Wei Wuxian points to Lan Jingyi then Lan Sizhui, “You and you. Are you sure you don’t like each other?”

Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui meet each other’s eye.

Lan Jingyi says, “We do like each other.”

And Lan Sizhui continues, “We’re friends.” 

They say the words so innocently that everyone else doesn't question it. They aren't embarrassed and they aren't defensive. This was normal for them. They really are just good friends. 

Does this mean that Lan Wangji himself is influenced by the two? Did this explain why he cuddles with Wei Wuxian now, even more than his previous life? 

Wei Wuxian doesn't want to know. Or rather he wants to stop thinking about it while Lan Wangji is present scrutinizing his expression. He was giddy before but now he realizes that what Lan Wangji did to him was nothing special. 

Wei Wuxian continues to laugh openly despite the unusual sting in his heart. “So you are. So you are.” He slaps his dizi on his hands hysterically, until he feels another movement in the pouch where he carries the disembodied hands. It causes almost everyone present to stand back.

Lan Wangji's expression is grave. “Shall we go?” he offers.

Wei Wuxian nods and the matter between Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui is quickly being forgotten.

“We should go back." Wei Wuxian says. "I think Lan Xichen might be the only one who can give me the answers we’re looking for.”

“Lan Zhan.”

“Mn.”

“Did you do it on purpose?”

Lan Wangji nods solemnly. Wei Wuxian doesn’t interrupt him with his own conclusion. “They’re paving the way for newer generation.” Lan Wangji says. 

In his mind he adds, "Wei Ying, They don’t have to undergo what we’ve been through."

[Tanzhou, A Day after Mo Xuanyu mentions Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui's Relationship]

Lan Jingyi likes getting on the bed first.

From childhood, he doesn't wait for Lan Sizhui to go to sleep because he knows the moment he retires for the night Lan Sizhui would follow him. It had initially been a safety precaution which they have carried over to their adulthood. Lan Jingyi had less courage as a child (he was no coward) and Lan Sizhui had eased his worries by staying on the outer portion of the bed saying that he'll attack any monsters first and Lan Jingyi can support him soon after. 

The younger him saw no problem in this arrangement and just a few days ago older Jingyi did not have any problem with it either. But now..

Now he had questions about their relationship. 

So he cannot get on the bed first (even though he badly wants to).

Lan Jingyi isn't even sure he is allowed to stay in the same bed as Lan Sizhui. 

Things have been different ever since Mo Xuanyu had mistaken them as lovers. Even going so far as to call them married. 

Lan Sizhui doesn't seem to mind but Lan Jingyi has been hearing his fellow junior disciples all day as they traveled. He could only imagine what they were talking about and none of them were good things. People have always questioned Lan Jingyi's place beside Lan Sizhui. Lan Jingyi has worked hard in the recent years to prove them wrong but it clearly wasn't enough. Lan Jingyi's brows furrow deeper.

“Is something wrong, Jingyi? Do you want to go to sleep.” Lan Sizhui asks.

“Yes. But-“ Lan Jingyi stares longingly at the bed from afar. He fidgets from the table that he and Lan Sizhui would often use to complete all their readings.

“But?” 

“Do you think they’re telling the truth?” 

Lan Sizhui doesn’t even need to ask for who he is referring to and what because he has long noticed how Lan Jingyi’s attitude towards him changed after the Senior’s confrontation.

Lan Sizhui’s side is colder without Lan Jingyi’s presence. He misses his friend's warmth.

Still, Lan Sizhui says cautiously. “It depends on what truth you're referring to.” 

“That our relationship is immoral. That we don’t act like normal childhood friends do." Lan Jingyi answers. His voice is even and unaccusing. The last thing he wants is for Lan Sizhui to think that he is a man who is less worthy of respect just because of his association with Lan Jingyi, one of the worst disciples Gusu Lan has ever produced. 

The rumors between them can easily be solved if Lan Jingyi distanced himself but Lan Sizhui is an extension of himself in as much as he is an extension of Lan Jingyi. 

Lan Jingyi has always thought that he is brave but his bravery has always been because Lan Sizhui is by his side. He can weather the storms, stares ghouls in the eyes and wander the dark, if Lan Sizhui remains beside him. They had promised that they would walk together no matter if the road was dark and narrow. 

If what they were doing were truly immoral then he cannot bear the unspoken distance that would be expected from them once they return to the Cloud Recesses.

He contemplates leaving the sect for a moment before dismissing it. Doing so would be akin to a punishment for Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi is the last person who would make his friend choose. People can turn away from Lan Jingyi, but he would not allow them to turn away from Lan Sizhui. 

Just as Lan Jingyi clenched his knuckles enough for his nails to dig inside his hand, Lan Sizhui takes his arm and gently pries it open. He interlaces their fingers together and reassures Jingyi like old times.

“We are not immoral. And we’re not unusual.” Lan Sizhui insists.

“Then why did Mo-xiong act so surprised?”

Lan Sizhui breathes deeply. It is a sign he is choosing his words wisely and Lan Jingyi’s heart raises in response as several scenario’s raise in his head. 

“Because we act more like lovers than normal childhood friends.”

Lan Jingyi knows this fact already. 

He turned the words lovers over and over again in his head as they arrived in Tanzhou and he doesn't understand why they couldn't be. If Ouyang Zizhen and Jin Ling were correct then Lan Jingyi was the closest definition. 

- "There's a difference between being lovers and being friends Jingyi," Ouyang Zizhen had said.

"I don't understand." 

"Look here idiot! He's going to marry. Do you think his wife will appreciate you sharing the bed?" Jin Ling had said. 

'Fuck off Jin Ling', was Lan Jingyi's going to be Lan Jingyi's response but it was as if one piece of an almost complete puzzle was delivered to him. Anger had surged at the slight implication that Lan Sizhui and him would become more distant and like being drowned in cold water and unable to breathe - it was unsettling. He realized he didn't want anyone to share Lan Sizhui's bed. He didn't want his friend to hold somebody's else's hands and he didn't want him to kiss anyone else. - 

Still, Lan Jingyi wants to understand why they couldn't be more than that. His worst fear is that the answer would be because he is not a good match and he had the audacity to act so close to the future sect leader. He hopes his fears are unfounded.

With eyes downcast, he whispers. "Is being lovers wrong when you're childhood friends?"

"It's not."

"Then am I just unworthy, A-Zhui?" 

"Lan Jingyi!" Lan Sizhui shouts.

Lan Jingyi turns to his friend abruptly. Fury is written in the lines of Lan Sizhui's face and for the first time in a while Lan Jingyi doesn't know what caused Lan Sizhui to be angry. 

"A-Zhui?"

"You are worthy. Don't ever say that you are not." 

Normally Lan Jingyi would have a hard time believing any praise that would come his way. His efforts are not enough. They pale in comparison to all that Lan Sizhui has accomplished and so he never stops believing that he needs to improve. But if there is one thing he believes in, a person's words that he trust more than anyone else's, it is Lan Sizhui's. So Lan Jingyi doesn't question how his heart feels uplifted. He doesn't stop himself from smiling and finally pulling Lan Sizhui close to him after how many days of keeping their distance. 

He really wants to kiss his best friend. 

But he stops himself.

No matter how much he wants to, he doesn't want any more rumors of their relationship being immoral. He needs to state his intentions clearly. 

"Hey, Sizhui. Do you want to be my lover." 

It is Lan Sizhui's turn to look at him in amazement. Red fills his cheeks and Lan Jingyi is once again struck with the urge to kiss him. 

"Why?" 

"So I may kiss you." 

Lan Sizhui offers his forehead. 

"Not that. Here." Lan Jingyi presses his hands to Lan Sizhui's lips. He blushes as he realizes what he's done. 

Lan Sizhui takes advantage and teases his friend almost as if it was their daily banter,  "Is kissing me the only reason why you want to be my lover, A-Yi" 

"No." Lan Jingyi answers resolutely.

He has a dream. One that he wants to come true.

- Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui are dressed in red.

They bow three times in front of family and friends and they continue their life as usual.

Lan Jingyi brushes Lan Sizhui's hair before he sleeps and Lan Sizhui brings him tea in the early morning. They eat, spar and teach together until the hairs on their head turn from black to gray. 

Their golden core can no longer support their bodies but they are still together -  

"I want us to get married." 

Lan Jingyi doesn't need to say anything more. Lan Sizhui understands. 

"Then I do," comes Lan Sizhui's reply.  He kisses Lan Jingyi softly on the lips and it is enough for him to beam like sunlight in the quiet early mornings. 

Lan Jingyi takes Lan Sizhui's hands and pulls his friend up from the floor. His worries gone, he exclaims, "Great! Let's go to the bed." 

Finally, Lan Jingyi gets in the bed first. 

[Cloud Recesses, Three Years after Jin Guangyao is Overthrown and Lan Xichen Goes into Seclusion]

Lan Qiren walks into the tiny house at the edge of the Cloud Recesses grounds. Situated between a tiny pass, the fog is thicker but the flowers never seem to wilt and stand as strong as ever. 

Lan Xichen welcomes him with tea. He still wears white mourning clothes but the darkness in his eyes are slowly being lifted. He has heard that he has been getting visitors -  it's either that Yunmeng Jiang Sect Leader or that Nie Sect Leader - but Lan Qiren doesn't dare pry. (He doesn't want to pick on old wounds especially when it was never Lan Xichen's fault). Though it hurt his heart to see another one of his nephews go into seclusion he cannot bring himself to be sad especially after a happy occasion has been just decided. 

"Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi are getting married," he says. He strokes his beard as and tries to hide his smile but the tone of his voice gives it away.

"They are?" Lan Xichen places his tea down, surprise evident on his face.

"I've given them permission."

Lan Xichen's eyes widen even more.

Lan Qiren could understand why. A few years back he would not have agreed but he had made a promise.

(A gamble but any self-respecting disciple of Gusu-Lan does not gamble. They make promises.) 

He had refused. Vehemently. How could not on but two sect leaders of the Cloud Recesses be cutsleeves?

If I don't break any rules for the next five years will you let me marry Lan Sizhui?  Lan Jingyi had asked.

Lan Jingyi had given him an impossible deal. Three years where he doesn't break any rules. Three years for Lan Sizhui to convince each elder of the council that they should be married. 

It was clear that Lan Jingyi's task was significantly harder. It didn't even take long for Lan Sizhui to complete his task (they'd rather have Lan Jingyi - a pure-hearted boy -  than another Yiling Patriarch). But Lan Jingyi had struggled and Lan Qiren felt all those years of trying to tame another goblin from the underworld was worth-it if Lan Jingyi became a gentleman that was parallel to Lan Sizhui.

His amusement all the three years that Lan Jingyi finally shed off his title of the most Un-Lan to ever Lan was also an added bonus.  

Now, they are preparing for a wedding. One that Lan Jingyi hopes his uncle, Lan Xichen, would not be missed.

"Would you be coming, my nephew?" Lan Qiren asks tentatively. 

Silence settles around them. Hope blooms in Lan Qiren's chest as Lan Xichen has not begun to refuse him. 

In the end, Lan Xichen's answer is nothing short out of Lan Qiren's expectations but he is surprised by his nephew's genuine smile.

"I wouldn't miss a wedding ordained by destiny, Uncle." Lan Xichen says. There is a story hidden in his nephew's words but Lan Qiren doesn't pry any further. If there is one thing he has learned in his old age, all truths are revealed in time. 

[Cloud Recesses, Three Months After Lan Wangji Brings Wen Yuan Home]

"Jingyi what are you doing?" 

Lan Jingyi stops dead in his tracks. The boy doesn't bother hiding the long strands of ribbons in his hands from Lan Xichen. 

"Don't tell anyone Uncle Xichen, but A-zhui and I are going to be cultivation partners so we're exchanging ribbons. " 

Lan Xichen laughs, as he watches his nephew stuff all Lan Sizhui's ribbons into his own empty chest. If Lan Xichen's guess is correct, Lan Jingyi may have placed all his ribbons into Lan Sizhui's own chest of clothes. He didn't expect that a lesson on Gusu-Lan etiquette could ever result to this. 

"No wonder Lan Sizhui's ribbon is shorter than usual. You've taken all his ribbons." 

"He doesn't mind, Uncle. We promised each other," Lan Jingyi reassures him. Lan Xichen doubts both children knew the meaning of becoming cultivation partners but it was an innocent mistake between children so he doesn't correct Lan Jingyi. 

Lan Xichen indulges him, "You did?" 

"Yup!" Lan Jingyi beams. "He's going to be my best friend forever. " 

Of that, Lan Xichen has no doubt.

"You can't tell anyone okay. Otherwise it won't come true." Lan Jingyi insists. His nephew raises his pinky finger and Lan Xichen curls his own pinky towards it. From his point of view, there was no harm in Lan Jingyi's play of pretend. 

"I promise I won't tell A-Yi." 

"Thanks Uncle! You'll be present at our wedding won't you?" 

 "I wouldn't miss it, even if I were to meet my heavenly trial." Lan Xichen smiles. His cute nephew hugs him with a few ribbons still on one hand and Lan Xichen eagerly returns it. 

"You're the best Uncle Xichen."