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Chapter Text

"Our uncle expects marriage."

It really doesn't come as a surprise. Nie Huaisang's fan flutters at the same consistent speed, just to prove how unmoved they are from the revelation.

Even when they joined the host club at their own respective times, it's not a secret that many of the girls who came to spend time with them were looking for marriage options. Many of them were practicing for marriage options. Even Jiang Wanyin was pushed into this to become more sociable - and that turned out well, seeing as he was given the Tsundere title right off the bat, but some girls like that, seeing as he was even still here by now. Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan met here, when Jiang Cheng was still with a customer and Jin Zixuan was idle long enough for them to talk about something long enough to start dating afterwards, thereby ending Jin Zixuan's hosting career.

(Probably for the best. He peeved more people off than what was good for business most days, and was really only useful for his doting fans. But he was a filthy rich bachelor and filthy rich heiresses loved him.)

"Both of you?"

Lan Xichen had brought in his younger brother before they were supposed to open for customers. Lan Wanji, the second heir to the Lan Legacy, was standing closely behind his older brother, expression stony as he gazed over them, unbothered. It didn't help that they were standing while the others sat, creating a power difference in posture. Wei Wuxian could almost sense Jiang Wanyin's feathers getting ruffled, but the Lans are always like that whenever he sees them in the halls, so he's pretty sure the entire thing was drilled into them from birth.

"Our uncle has always reminded us of our duty," Lan Xichen says, "I've taken my own initiative, however I would like to request the help of the hosts, as friends."

It was Lan Xichen's first intentions coming to work for the host club to refine his own conversational skills, and to create the beginnings of a behavioral reputation. It worked splendidly for him, with his demeanor gifting him the Gentleman Type, entertaining a wide variety of suitable ladies vying for his good company. He was never deliberately leading them on, and the guests were very considerate of host rules for limiting certain kinds of interactions behind the club doors, so it was suitable to be a practice trial for future networking after he would ascend to his role in the family as heir to the Lan Legacy.

Jiang Wanyin cuts him off, leaning against the arm of his chair, "You want us to teach him how to flirt."

"If you don't mean it," Lan Wanji states, like reading from a script, "One should not flirt."

Jiang Wanyin narrows his eyes. "Then why on earth would you come here?"

Lan Xichen smooths the tension over with a warm smile. "Not necessarily flirting, but conversation."

Nie Huaisang's fan flutters a bit quicker, and he shoots a gaze over the edge towards the twin statues of jade in the room. Lan Wanji doesn't look at him, but he adverts his eyes as if he was caught staring anyway. He catches Wei Wuxian with a shared look for some assurance in the situation, who also isn't looking at him. In fact, Lan Wanji and Wei Wuxian were looking at each other, if the direction of their gazes were correct.

"Why?"

"My brother, " Lan Xichen gestures behind him, and Lan Wanji remains still, "has a very cold demeanor, as I'm sure you've all noticed. It's hard for people to be friendly with him when they become intimidated from his natural expression."

"So stop looking like that," Jiang Wanyin blurts. His brother, Wei Wuxian, elbows him with a snort.

"You stop looking like that, lemon mouth." With a great heave, Wei Wuxian throws himself up from his seat, arms out as he stretches and walks closer, "Of course we can help! He can be our new apprentice!"

Lan Xichen steps back when Wei Wuxian puts a hand to his chin to look closely at Lan Wanji's clothing, eyes going up and down. He hunches over to circle him with an inquisitive eye, finishing right in front of him to fall into thought. Lan Wanji glances down at himself before his eyes settle back on the host before him.

"I don't think-"

"Quiet, Jiang Cheng! I'm figuring out his type!" We Wuxian holds up his index finger, turning around the face his fellow hosts for input. They blink at him, hesitating.

In the pause, Lan Wanji speaks again, "Type?"

The response he gets is Wei Wuxian swirling around again, a big grin on his face, "Yes! Every host has a type, ranging from a large assortments of personalities. You don't seem to be the Naughty Delinquent, such as myself, but I'm sure with some practice we'll pull it out of you soon enough."

"I don't think that will be completely necessary," Lan Xichen interjects.

"How would you describe yourself, Second Master Lan? From your immediate overall appearance, you have a very stiff face, which will limit our options for characterization, but it isn't like it's never been done before. Even Jiang Cheng was able to become quite popular!"

Jiang Wanyin sputters a bit behind him.

Somehow, Lan Wanji does not seem immediately offended by his statement, and merely nods his head just once, as if he was actually listening to good advice. Wei Wuxian grabs at the open edges of his pale blue blazer and inspects the white button down underneath with a hum, and then he steps back to replace the hand at his chin for more thinking.

He snaps, "Nerd!"

Lan Wanji blinks. The hosts blanche. Wei Wuxian waves his hands in the air.

"Nerdy type - Perfect! You're smart, right? We need someone else who's smart...Wen Ning!"

Something falls over, and then a man in red peeps from behind a pillar meekly, "Master Wei?"

"What's Wen Qing doing right now?"

"Ah, I don't know."

"Call her! We need a test subject," Wei Wuxian announces like it's obvious. "She's perfect - very studious and dedicated to her studies. You can catch her with your intelligence and seduce her with your grades - assuming you have impeccable grades, Lan-er-gege."

Nie Huaisang's fan flutters. Wei Wuxian steps back suddenly, eyes bigger, pleading.

"I can call you that, right? After all, you are my student now."

Lan Wanji peers down at him and hums, "Wei Wuxian is the teacher."

Wei Wuxian's smile nearly takes him out, and he throws his arms around the taller to guide him towards one of their tables, "Great! Lan-er-gege has great potential, I can feel it!" He releases Lan Wanji into a chair and sprawls across the other one with a scrape of the legs across the ground, "What's even more important though is the technique. You need to know how to reel someone in! Now, your technique will have to differ between someone like me, because it would be completely out of character! Ah, how does one even flirt whilst being peerless?"

He taps his chin and then grins.

"I know. Lan Wanji, Lan-er-gege, I think you are looking a bit pale. Is your diet very nutritious? Wait - I know what it is! You must be suffering from a lack of vitamin me."

Jiang Wanyin groans out loud. Wei Wuxian pointedly ignores him.

"Now you try!"

Lan Wanji sits very still, hands on the table, but after a moment he stands and retrieves a book from his bag and walks it back over. He flips through the pages until a piece of notebook paper with some writing on it marks his place, and Wei Wuxian can see from where he was sitting that it was a history textbook.

"What's that?" He asks, curious. Lan Wanji sets the book down and resumes sitting.

"In History we are learning about important dates. With your permission, we could make one as well."

Wei Wuxian's mouth drops open, stunned. Nie Huaisang tilts his fan, whispering to Lan Xichen, "I thought you said he needed help?"

Lan Xichen sighs, "Wait for it."

"That's good! It could use some buffing, but very courteous and polite - Perfect for you. Great use of props!"

The doors to the host clubroom open and a woman in a red student uniform passes through, eyes scanning the hosts until they land on Wei Wuxian's form, "What's the meaning of this?"

"Wen Qing!" Wei Wuxian rises to his feet and he scurries over to her, looping an arm through her elbow to try to drag her along. She punches his shoulder and he pulls back, pouting as he rubs the injured area. "Ouch! So mean! I was going to ask for your help!"

"With what?"

"This-" he leads her over to the table and gestures, "-is our apprentice, and he needs a test subject."

Wen Qing folds her arms over her chest and her gaze passes over Wei Wuxian, and behind him, to which her brows raise, "Lan Wanji."

"Hm."

Wei Wuxian looks between them and realizes they must know each other previously, "Ah, Wen Qing?"

She looks back over, standing very upright, "We share a class." She turns on him, "Why can't you do it?"

"It's the proper experience!"

With a sigh reserved for those too familiar with Wei Wuxian, Wen Qing closes her eyes and glides into the open chair, sitting with her hands folded. Off to the side, someone bounces into motion, and Wen Ning rushes over with a fresh pot of tea and two bone china teacups on saucers. He gives his sister a little wave while he's setting everything up.

"Perfect! Now, it is important to provide as a host by serving your guest tea. If Lan-er-gege would be so kind..."

Lan Wanji looks at the teapot, and then at Wen Qing, and he lifts his hands to raise the pot up. Gently, he pours some into her cup, and then for himself. Wei Wuxian has begun pacing around them, hands drawing stories in the air.

"When the lady first sits one must make her feel comfortable with light conversation. Break the ice, if you would. Especially if she is a first time guest and is particularly nervous. Go ahead and make your first introductions."

Lan Wanji stares at him, frozen. Wen Qing looks between them, a brow raised, before she peers over at the other hosts lounging behind them. Nie Huaisang's eyes are big as he observes, but Lan Xichen makes her a little pushing gesture. Once again, she sighs.

"Second Master Lan," She begins, "It was very kind of you to serve me. How have your classes been?"

This seems to break Lan Wanji from his stupor because he blinks, looking over at her finally. With a subject already made, he looks down at his cup and lifts it.

"Informational." Wei Wuxian wilts, "I've been told you are academically inclined."

"My studies are very important to me. I plan on going into the medical field shortly after graduation."

"It is very admirable of you to have a planned career in your future."

"And yourself?"

"I have my family's business."

"Working in the family is very filial of you."

"Hm."

They sip their tea simultaneously, looking away from each other.

The hosts nearly dehydrate into desert husks from the dry conversation. Lan Xichen looks at Nie Huaisang, as if to say, "Now you see why," because there is a reason he brought him here in the first place, after all.

"Lan Wanji!" Wei Wuxian snaps, looking a little wary, "Do what we practiced!"

They definitely didn't practice anything, so that's a total lie. There were perfunctory examples given before he was placed before someone else, which is certainly not enough. Lan Wanji sets down his cup and swallows his tea, eyes landing on his book. Wen Qing follows his gaze and she tilts her head.

"You're taking World History II. Do you mind?"

Lan Wanji hands her his textbook and she finds his note sheet, skimming it.

"You have a section in here on Trigonometry. I'm taking it this year as a required course, but I must admit it is not my favorite. Would you be willing to lend me your notes if you still have them?"

"I will find them for you."

"Have you kept my email from the group project? Whenever time becomes available, you can email them to me."

"Would you prefer them photocopied or transcribed into a document?"

"Do you consider your writing to be universally legible?"

"I take care in the quality of my notes."

"Your handwriting is exceptional, from experience. Whatever is easiest for you will be fine. Thank you."

"Is there a certain topic you do not understand well? I can provide you with a detailed description of the process."

"That's very kind of you."

"Hm."

"Actually..."

Wei Wuxian floats back over to the couch, arms crossed with a smug little look. Lan Wanji and Wen Qing have their heads huddled together, "See? He's getting it."

"No, he's not."

"Hm?"

Listening closer, he can hear bits of their conversation, catching enough to realize that they're discussing details of sine and cosine and tangent and - Oh No, he's tutoring her.

"Wha-" Wei Wuxian's arms drop, "What just happened?"

"What always happens," Lan Xichen appears at his side, hands behind his back, "My brother's issues seem to arrive most prominently when speaking specifically to girls."

Wei Wuxian blinks. "You didn't want to warn me?"

"I knew it would become obvious soon enough."

Wei Wuxian gapes, but then he shuts his mouth and claps his hands together, "Okay, moving on. No more Nerdy Type! Get rid of all of this stuff!"

Wen Ning comes in and clears the table in a hurry. With dishes stacked on a tray, he takes them out of sight.

"Nie Huaisang!"

His fan snaps shut as he jumps to his feet, startled.

"Wardrobe change, now!"

Lan Wanji looks to his brother for help, who gives him a soft supportive smile, just as the two of them - well, mainly Wei Wuxian, since Nie Huaisang is too scared to touch him - drag him all the way back to the prep room.

The sound of the bell brings the students to their feet, packing away their bags for their next scheduled activity, or to just go home.

With his lecture over, there is one less hour delaying his next trip to the clubroom. His second day in, and his hopes are low for any progress to be reached compared to the day before.

Yesterday was...less than ideal, in terms of achievement. Someone had mentioned a rabbit keychain on his bag, and it was out of his hands as soon as an idea came to his host teacher. A box of costume pieces had been fished out from the prep room and items tossed at him in a flurry, and he had been pushed into the changing room to put them on.

The image of himself in the mirror - oversized sweater, plastic faux fur rabbit ears - surfaces into his mind and he closes his bag hastily. Wei Wuxian called him cute, but Brother must have disagreed, if his grimace was any indication. Hopefully they wouldn't have a repeat of that horrendous session and bother anymore of Wei Wuxian's friends. The host had gone as far as to steal a rabbit from the hutch on school grounds to toss it in between him and a woman he had called MianMian. All previous attempts at polite conversation dissolved the second he had appeared with the animal, and they spent the rest of their session focused on keeping the rabbit in sight, which turned into chasing it around the clubroom after it had slipped out of reach and tried hiding underneath the furniture.

Wei Wuxian was promptly scolded by Jiang Wanyin for his idiocy, who proceeded to hide behind Lan Wanji in self defense as Wei Wuxian begged him with big eyes to protect him from his brother's wrath.

Lan Wanji was helpless, rabbit in his arms and hands on his shoulders.

It's been a few years now since they shared classes together, though he doubts Wei Wuxian cares about that. He remembers witnessing the moment the other walked in, stumbling in late, clothing rumpled, and sat down in a flourish ten minutes after class had already begun. Wei Wuxian received his punishment with a cheery grin and a familiar, casual tone Lan Wanji could never bring himself to use on an authority figure without grave repercussions, but Wei Wuxian could do it. Wei Wuxian could do anything. Later, when being assigned to reading circles, Wei Wuxian was swarmed with girls attracted to his smile and easy-going intelligence. Lan Wanji could so much as look at someone and they would scoot further away from him.

Lan Wanji had already prepared himself to work alone. He was shocked when the chair next to him was pulled out, and Wei Wuxian's body settled into it.

"I've seen you with books. I bet you've already read the selections."

He wasn't wrong.

"I'm going to be your partner! So, partner, which one were you thinking of choosing? We all are supposed to chose one novel to discuss."

"One Hundred Years of Solitude."

"Is that a future goal of yours's? Ah - Just kidding, I'm just kidding! Sit back down!"

He did.

"Have you ever read I Captured the Castle? I thought it sounded good."

"Mm."

"That sounded like a no. Hey, we should read it!"

Lan Wanji could only stare at him.

"I know what you're thinking - "Does he even read," right? Well, I can promise you that I take my group projects very seriously. I have raving reviews."

Being opposites the way they were, It was not a surprise when his brother later told him Wei Wuxian was a host.

Lifting his bag to his shoulder, Lan Wanji wipes the memory from his eyes and lets the other students file out before attempting the busy doorway. All those people, he's heard his uncle say, and no friends. There's an expectation placed on people his age to socialize. He doesn't get it; Why study and take the time for an education just to split one's focus onto relationships for the future? There were much more important things for one to be placing effort into.

The sun glints through the windows on the hallway and traces a dark boxed pattern onto the marbled floors. Students gathered in corners speak amongst themselves, keeping up conversation easily. Someone shots down the hall, gathering their attention, and he makes out a few familiar names just as the others hurry to see the commotion.

Lan Wanji does not run, but he certainly does not walk either.

He catches the punch as it lands, knocking the reciever into the arms of his friends as Wei Wuxian gets pulled back by a woman in purple. His sister, Lan Wanji collects, Jiang Yanli. He looks at the other - Wen Chao, second heir to the Wen family. Rich tycoons with secret ties to dark underbellies. Gossip is frowned upon at home, but not at school, and students loved to talk.

"Bastard!" Wen Chao touches the split in his lip and pulls back with blood on his fingers. His friends push him back up, but a few hold him back. Wei Wuxian looks ready to lunge, if his sister's grip on his shirt wasn't there, "I'll beat you to death!"

"Come on then!" Another student grabs Wei Wuxian now as well, "What's holding you back?"

"A-Xian, stop!"

"Touch her again, I'll kill you!"

"You dare talk to me like that, nobody?"

Wei Wuxian has a red splotch on his cheek that's probably going to darken into a bruise. Lan Wanji wonders how long they've been here before he arrived.

"You should know your place!" Wen Chao tries to lunge back into the fray, but arms catch him.

"Wei Ying!"

The crowd gathering for the fight grow quiet as Lan Wanji steps in between them, creating a barrier. Wei Wuxian looks at him and stands upright, his chest puffing before he lets out a big huff, but his eyes land on Wen Chao behind him, and that angry furrow reappears, "Don't stop me, Lan Wanji."

"Great, you have goody-two-shoes Lan Wanji here to protect you, is that it? Wei Wuxian can't even fight his own battles!"

"A-Xian, please, let's go," Jiang Yanli protests when her brother pulls against the students between them again.

"Wen Chao."

The heated tension blows out like a candle as Lan Wanji resumes his posture, casting a side glance over at them that freezes them all in place. Wen Chao takes a physical step back, the bite in his expression gone. The friends and followers on his sides recede alongside him. All at once he hears his name whispered amongst the crowd as students flee the scene.

"Fighting is forbidden."

A cold wind nearly coats the students in frost, until something cracks through it. Wei Wuxian's laugh startles him as it rings in the vacuum of atmosphere they've created. Lan Wanji sees him cross his arms, smug.

"Lan Wanji doesn't need to fight to beat you. You're weak enough where one glare would shoot you dead!"

"You-"

"Restrain yourself," Lan Wanji orders, "Both of you."

Wen Chao scowls, lifting his nose up as if smelling something bad, "Why don't you run off and go tattle to the teachers-"

"What's that face for?" Wei Wuxian covers his nose with a finger, "Ah, Lan-er-gege, do you smell that? Wen Chao, you do know you're not supposed to wipe your ass with your hands, right?"

Wen Chao looks like he might burst a vein. "Can't you go flirt somewhere else?"

"Aw, do I make you nauseous? I think you should really get that looked at - right after they fix that issue you have with your shitty hands grabbing people. Or maybe I can take care of that for you!" He moves to attack again, but gets held back when Lan Wanji presses a hand against his chest.

"Come closer and we'll see who-"

"You keep opening your mouth, but all I can hear is your small dick!"

"You little-!"

When Wen Chao steps forward to make another move, wrangling past his followers, Lan Wanji turns, effortlessly shoving him off balance and crashing to the floor with a curse. The crowd stares at Lan Wanji, shocked into silence. With one hand tucked behind him, the other poised out front, he's completely unfazed. "Fighting is forbidden."

Wen Chao can barely scramble back to his feet, even with his followers tugging on his uniform. He bats them off angrily. His lip is still bleeding.

"Wei Ying." Lan Wanji turns to ignore the protesting behind him, but he can hear the scuffle, "Let's go."

"Damn," Wei Wuxian has stars in his eyes. Lan Wanji feels himself puff up against his better judgement. Jiang Yanli is looking at him with her eyebrows raised, but she sees something that must be amusing, because she glances at her brother, then covers her lips as they turn into a small smile. "Alright."

That's how he ends up with Wei Wuxian skipping by his side. They dropped off Jiang Yanli at the library to meet with her boyfriend and continued on without her, though she promises to come back to see him soon. In a grand gesture, Wei Wuxian bursts through the doors to to the clubroom to make his presence clear, followed more quietly by Lan Wanji.

Jiang Wanyin cuffs him at the sight of the bruise on his face and yells at him to be, from what he gathers, more careful, amongst his various insults. Wei Wuxian whines and pouts at Lan Wanji to protect him again, and Jiang Wanyin scoffs and rolls his eyes. Wen Qionglin frets and offers to bring him some ice, but he declines.

The guests love the beaten look, fawning over Wei Wuxian as he sits on the arm of his couch and drinks from a can of soda, rather than the tea set in the middle of the coffee table. The girls all have their own cups close to themselves as he laughs and jokes when they ask about what happened.

He doesn't tell them. Not in exact words. He could use the chance to drag Wen Chao through the dirt, but instead he puts on a face and puts off their attention to his pain with good-natured shrugs. Whenever the girls try to ask about the fight, he doesn't tell them, and brings the conversation back around.

"I think it makes me look manly; I'm very tough, you know! Ah, Second Master Lan!"

Lan Wanji was supposed to be serving tea to the tables today, to watch and observe the other hosts until he can feel comfortable with conversation styles. Tray in hand, he's been going between chairs and tables and couches alongside Wen Qionglin. Jiang Wanyin objected at first, saying menial work shouldn't be given to a man of his position. Wei Wuxian's expression dropped as he asked if that was an insult to Wen Qionglin, and it was settled with his silence.

The teacups on his tray tinkle gently as he glides over to see what was needed. Wei Wuxian bats his lashes up at him and throws himself over the couch arm to drape dramatically, nothing like the hardness he had worn before.

"Would you say my handsomeness is preserved? I think it only highlights my rugged-good looks. What do you think?"

Lan Wanji can only stare at his behavior. The girls giggle amongst themselves at the scene. He doesn't want there to be a bruise. He wants to put ice on it so it would feel better, wants to touch the healing skin, wants to be with him always, to keep him from getting hurt again-

He looks away. "Shameless."

Wei Wuxian laughs, straightening up, "Ah!" He grabs the corner of Lan Wanji's arm and tugs him back over as he starts to leave, "But I wouldn't be here if Lan Zhan hadn't come to my rescue! Ladies, ladies, he's the true hero - saving this face from ruin. I owe him my beauty."

"Second Master Lan," one of the girls calls out politely, "Will you tell us what happened?"

Wei Wuxian meets his eyes, something hidden in them, and his lip is drawn between his teeth. Lan Wanji turns his body away from him, lifting the porcelain teapot in one hand to fill the girl's cup with a single movement.

"Wei Ying?"

He holds out his hand, and Wei Wuxian looks at it, until Lan Wanji gestures, and he hands over the empty crushed soda can. It gets dropped onto the tray, and Lan Wanji turns to walk off.

"Enjoy your stay."

As Lan Wanji walks away with his trash, the girls look at each other, and then lower their heads together in mirth, "You're so close to Second Master Lan!"

"Hm?" he looks over at them, closing the hand that was previously holding the soda can, "Ah, Lan-er-gege?"

The girls stifle their second round of giggles, and Wei Wuxian leans back. He taps his nose thoughtfully.

"He's so cold!"

"No one can get close enough to be friends with him!"

"Ah, ah, he's not cold, you know! Lan Wanji cares very much about people close to him!"

The girls cast their gazes over to the man in question, who was reaching to pour tea into cups at his brother's table. Lan Xichen thanks him and Lan Wanji bows in respect. With a serious of astonished gasps, they turn their attention back to their own host, solemn.

"He must hold his feelings very close to himself. How poetic!"

"One who feels deeply must be also be deeply vulnerable. Poor Second Master Lan is only trying to protect himself from others!"

Nearby, Nie Huaisang meets his eye, leaning over his table to talk conspiratorially with the guests at his table as well behind his fan. They're looking in Lan Wanji's direction as well, chatting in hushed voices between them. Nie Huaisang nods to him with a foxy little side smile. Wei Wuxian sniffs, sighs, and pulls a second soda can out from his bag to crack it open.

Everyone in the host club knows that once Wei Wuxian gets an idea, it's seen through, and in this case it's no different.

The tables and sofas have been pushed into the prep room, replaced with mats and low tables. It was a very special event today. They had gotten permission from the school to light candles and incense sticks, with elaborate incense burners strategically placed around the room, as not to smoke the guests out. Paper screens created scenery and privacy, giving each setting a place to themselves, and every table had a delicate tea set in the center.

Every once in a while, the host club goes out of their way to bring a certain theme or atmosphere for the guests enjoyment. They've done many things in the past: recreating famous prince characters from popular movies and shows, taking on century period designs. The change in scenery delighted guests and brought them more revenue and customers, and some of them enjoyed the role playing as well.

Not all of them, but most of them.

Swaths of fabric in different colors hang from clothing hangers in the prep room, with ribbons and sashes and trousers stacked and stashed in ways reserved for historical reenactments, but all were for their costumes today. Each of them was to be given a traditional styled hanfu to wear in a color of their choosing, and they had gotten as many as possible ahead of time.

Jiang  Wanyin had chosen purple, as expected, tying the sash around his waist and getting mauled by his brother to put hair extensions in. Nie Huaisang was helping Wei Wuxian grapple the others into costume, tossing robes of blue over the changing room doors for Lan Xichen, mixing and matching color schemes for himself. He settled on grays and greens, which matched nicely with the fan he has chosen for the day. Xiao Xingchen, who helped provide the pieces from the theater department, was aiding the others as they changed.

Jiang Yanli had arrived to help them with their hair, rolling up buns into hairpieces and pins. Lan Xichen thanks her politely after kneeling to let her work on his hair, just as Wei Wuxian pushes Jin Zixuan out of the changing rooms in full costume. No one had even seen him get snatched in the first place. He blushes when Jiang Yanli smiles and compliments him, just for her brother to take her wrist and pull her through the open door.

When Wei Wuxian comes up with the idea, there is no going home. Only going big. No one is spared.

She later gets released in light purples and pinks, laughing and highly amused.

"This isn't nearly as bad as other ideas of his," Lan Xichen comments when his brother arrives and stares, "That's not even mentioning Halloween-"

"Don't even get me started on last Halloween!" Jiang Wanyin bellows from somewhere behind a privacy screen, followed by the sound of splashing water and a curse.

"A-Cheng, are you okay?"

"Why do we have to do this? Can't it just be made in the pot beforehand?"

"The tea must be made fresh, to preserve the flavor of the leaves."

"Shut it, Jin Zixuan. I didn't ask you."

"Lan Wanji!"

Wei Wuxian comes flying by, black robes billowing in the wind of his own making. A red strip of an underrobe flashes discreetly from under his hem and at his collar, and Lan Wanji finds himself staring at the long expanse of his ponytail as it whips around wildly, contained in a red ribbon.

"Yah, Lan-er-gege, eyes up here!"

He produces an armful of white and pale blue robes with a bright grin, snagging his wrist with a strong pull, "Come on!"

Lan Wanji can only look back at his brother for help, who just waves him off, as he's dragged into the changing room.

"Look! You like the color? It's just like what you wear every day! You don't even need a wig - Shijie put extensions in mine to make it longer, but you! Look at all that natural hair! Now, come on, get this off-"

"What are you doing?

"Helping you undress!"

"Wei Ying!"

"It's fine! Let me-"

The door to the changing room bursts open and Wei Wuxian comes flying out, catching his balance by wheeling his arms, and the door slams shut behind him. He huffs and crosses his arms over his chest, before a thought passes through his head and he brightens, bounding over to Lan Xichen.

"You brought your xiao?"

"I did," and Lan Xichen moves the edge of his over robe to show the flute tucked in his sash. The other side held his sword from home - one of the Lan clan's known traditions. Wei Wuxian's eyes move from one to the other.

"Wish I brought a sword," He mumbles, placing his hands on his hips, "Hey, Jiang Cheng-"

"I'm not trusting you with a weapon on school grounds!"

He laughs playfully and dashes over to flop down at the table. Jiang Cheng glares at him as he's pouring water on the outside of the pot in concentration, "What is this?"

"It's tea. You're supposed to be learning it."

"Ah, but Wen Ning can help me with that. He already knows how! Right?"

Wen Ning appears from behind the privacy screen, wrapped in robes of red and white, "Right, Master Wei!"

"See? Lan Xichen has his flute and sword, you can focus on the tea, and I'll..." he trails off thoughtfully, "Hm, I didn't think this far."

"Pick up the teapot, dipshit."

"I can't handle the tea pot! I'm just a baby! I'll burn myself - right, jiejie?"

"So I'm the older brother now, is that right?"

"Aiya, fine, Jiang Cheng. Oh, tea master, show me the way!"

"A-Xian, you should have brought your flute to play," Jiang Yanli supplies, sitting next to Jin Zixuan, who is sipping from a cup.

"Shijie, I'm supposed to be a bad boy. They don't play instruments like that!"

"I though A-Xian was a baby boy?" She teases.

"I think the guests would love to hear you play music for them," Lan Xichen comes by, arms folded and hidden behind his pale blue robes. Someone appears at his side, revealing Lan Wanji completely dressed as well. He doesn't know if Lan Xichen warned him before hand, or if someone else told him, but he too brought his sword from home, tucked under his sash. The Lan brothers, with their cloud emblem forehead ribbons, looked straight out of a manhua in their flowing pale robes and regal complexions.

He must be staring, because Jiang Cheng hits his shoulder, and he realizes he's been pouring hot water all across the table.

Jiang Wanyin is Lan Wanji's tutor for the day.

Lan Xichen plays music that floats through the room, swirling amongst the curls of incense smoke and hot steam off of cups. The scent of fragrant tea leaves mingles with the conversation flowing between the guests and the hosts. Nie Huaisang entertains his guests using the calligraphy set he brought with for demonstration. Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli have a table all their own, not to host but to enjoy the atmosphere, although Jin Zixuan has been mostly correcting nuances as he sees them unfit.

With dark purple seated next to pale blue, Jiang Wanyin's regulars are sitting across from them with wide eyes trained on Lan Wanji. The Jiang heir simply rolls his eyes and leans back in his seat.

"Excuse Second Master Lan today. He is learning."

One of the girls, her hair broken into two braids on either shoulder, speaks up first, nodding her head, "Of course." 

Lan Wanji makes no movement as Jiang Cheng glances over at him expectantly, and then he sighs and leans forward.

"I guess I have to pour the tea. It's jasmine - not that you care."

The girls, despite his wording, smile to each other as Jiang Wanyin leans over to give them equal portions of tea into their cups. With a scowl, he rummages through his sleeve and produces a sealed bag of what appeared to be sugar cubes, and he sighs again, as if inconvenienced.

"I brought too much sugar for my tea. I guess you could have some."

"You remembered!" One of the girls lights up. Lan Wanji watches the interaction, but it doesn't seem right to him. Just as the girl is about to get the sugar into her cup, some of the tea slips out and onto the table. Jiang Wanyin curses under his breath.

"Are you a klutz? Besides, it's not like I brought it for you! The tea is too plain this way. Have you even tried it before?" Jiang Wanyin produces a cloth to clean up the spill, "You should be grateful that I'm cleaning up your mess. What do you say?"

"Thank you, Young Master Jiang."

"Humph."

Lan Wanji thinks he should say something, but the girls sigh, their mouths curved into smiles despite the treatment. Jiang Wanyin doesn't even look their way, a faint scowl on his features as he gazes in a different direction.

This won't work. Nie Huaisang explained it earlier to him - how they thought the guarded soft-side would be a good fit for him, how Jiang Wanyin was their token Tsundere, but he disagrees. Words should be used with purpose, without waste. This feels like lying, like too much.

It's decided. Lan Wanji rises from his kneeling position and his eyes find his brother, entertaining a small crowd of girls sitting to listen to his music. If only he had brought his guqin, then maybe he could do the same.

"Lan Wanji?"

He ignores Jiang Wanyin's questioning tone and steps away from the table. Wen Qionglin was organizing the refreshment station, providing the hosts with new tea leaves and hot water after every guest's session. He would be more helpful to assist, as before, than learning from a teacher he had no desire to become.

"Lan-er-gege!"

Wei Wuxian comes tumbling into him, scented from the incense burning near him at his table. His guests had just finished their time with him, so the blue monster mask he had been using to tell scary stories was out of reach.

Arms spread out, he twirls in a big show of his outfit, "I never asked you! How do I look? I think it suits me."

"Hm."

Wei Wuxian snickers and he shuffles into his personal space.

"How's it going?"

Lan Wanji looks away, "Hm."

"That bad? That's a "not good" sound, right? Jiang Cheng isn't the greatest teacher, in hindsight."

"Hm. Not me."

"Oh," Wei Wuxian steps back and looks at him, "Oh, I see. Maybe you're right. Ah, I messed up! Tsundere is all hot violence and passive aggressiveness. And you're...Lan Wanji."

Lan Wanji waits, and Wei Wuxian holds back a smile, so he knows it's a joke somehow.

"I get it, I get it. Hey - Shut up, Jiang Cheng, he's mine now! Lan-er-gege, you make it so hard!"

Lan Wanji gazes up at him and Wei Wuxian sighs dramatically.

"All my work and you're still so shy. I wish I knew how to fix it."

Wei Wuxian steps to the side to move them somewhere, and he doesn't see Wen Qionglin about to walk by them with a fresh pot of hot water. They fall into each other's way, and Wei Wuxian trips on his robes when he takes a quick move to keep himself from bodily hitting his friend.

The pot slips from Wen Qionglin's hands as Wei Wuxian tumbles, and Lan Wanji moves fast, the sword unsheathing from his side as he lunges to grab Wei Wuxian around the waist.

Wei Wuxian yelps, then hangs in his arms, expecting to hit the ground. His face is squeezed tightly for the impact, and when none comes he opens one eye cautiously, hands gripping into whatever fabric he could find. That just so happened to be Lan Wanji's robes, and Lan Wanji's arms around him, and - he opens both eyes and peers around, seeing the hilt of Lan Wanji's sword extended from the sheath, exposing a foot of the blade, and the handle of the teapot hanging off the guard, no water split.

Without words, Lan Wanji removes the pot and hands it back to Wen Qionglin, who bows and scurries away, while Wei Wuxian just gapes at him. Remembering himself, he shakes his head, and regains his balance so he can release the other. Lan Wanji's hand stays on him until he's standing again, and the two of them look at each other.

The music had stopped, Lan Xichen holding his breath at the commotion. The girls had turned to look behind them, to take in the scenery. When they return upright, he resumes, picking up where he had left off, though his gaze follows them.

"What do they teach you at Cloud Recesses? I'd like to be in on that."

"Hm. Wei Ying is welcome to come."

"Does that make us friends now? Ah, Er-gege! I knew you couldn't resist me!"

"Mm."

Wei Wuxian cackles and links arms with him, leading them around to his open table. Right before they would separate to sit down, he stops, an idea hitting him full force, and he gasps.

"Kuudere!" He grabs Lan Wanji by the shoulders, "You're a Kuudere!"

"Hm."

"Ah, yes, yes, sit down, I'll explain!" He pushes Lan Wanji to kneel and hurries to the other side, arms landing on the table to tap a beat with the palms of his hands, "Okay! A Kuudere is someone who is very cold and cynical on the outside, but is very warm towards the ones they care about. That's it! Well, in this case, you have to pretend to like the guest enough to care about them before you actually do, otherwise it would never work."

"Lying is forbidden."

"It's not lying, just pretending. We do it all the time!"

Lan Wanji stares at him in disagreement. Wei Wuxian shrivels back into his seat, removing his arms from the table.

"Don't look at me like that, Lan-er-gege. If you can hold a full conversation with a guest, and leave her pleased, you'll graduate from hosting school. Promise!" Wei Wuxian pops out his pinky for them to seal it. Lan Wanji looks down at it, considering, before finally reaching up to hook it with his own. Wei Wuxian shakes their hands and nods, serious.

It's a grand affair. They had given Lan Wanji enough time to go gather a few items and return after they were officially closed. With a lack of guests to call on, they had to bring MianMian - Luo Qingyang, he discovers is her real name - back in, and she had knelt at a table with a polite greeting and a small smile.

Wen Ning was hurrying to clean up the clubroom for the next day whilst the others sat and watched. For the sake of ambience, Lan Xichen was playing music again, even though his attention was split between his flute and his brother. Nie Huaisang was seated with Jiang Yanli and her boyfriend, obviously leaning out enough to keep an eye on the action without being in the open. Jiang Chen was standing, acting unbothered, with his arms crossed.

A pot of tea is left on the table. Lan Wanji had produced an old book of poetry from his sleeves to place in view. When cups get placed before them - they've probably all consumed an unhealthy amount of caffeine today. His sleep schedule will suffer, but he thinks being here every day is much worse - he wastes no time pushing his long sleeves to the side as to remove them from his way. MianMian watches the level of her cup as he pours, and passes it to rest before her.

"Thank you, Second Master Lan."

Lan Wanji hums, eyes catching movement to rest of Wei Wuxian restless in his peripheral vision. He gives a cheeky grin and waves, then gestures for him to continue.

He thinks about what he was told. He doesn't know much about this woman - not enough to have any level of casual conversation. He thinks of Wei Wuxian, speaking to their teacher as old friends. Of Wei Wuxian moping to strangers to pity him for his injuries. Of Wei Wuxian, telling him to pretend to care, as if he already did.

If he cared, what would he do?

"Is it too hot?"

Someone holds their breath. Another releases it, given up. MianMian lifts the cup to touch the water to her lip, and pulls it back, "It's alright."

"Mm," He can smell the fragrance of the tea, and realizes he never asked if there was a kind she liked better, "My apologies."

MianMian seems confused, so she looks up.

"I did not ask you if you favored a type of tea."

"Oh," she smiles again, "That's very courteous of you, Second Master Lan."

"Have you eaten today?"

"I've eaten at school, but I've had yet to-" She doesn't even finish before Lan Wanji is already standing up, striding over to the refreshment station to snag a tray with the leftover pastries from the day. With another smooth movement, he places it on the table and sits back down, flipping his sleeves back out properly to his sides.

"No trouble," he says, "Please."

"Thank you, Second Master Lan."

Lan Wanji hesitates, reaching out one hand to find a bookmarked page in his poetry book. A single pressed flower resides in the fold, and he lifts it with a gentle hand.

"To you," he presents the flower, "Lan Zhan."

MianMian's eyes widen, but she reaches out to take the offering, only for Lan Wanji to take the outstretched hand and tilt it so the palm was facing upwards. He sets the blossom in the center, and folds her fingers over it, leaving his hands over her's. She blushes, shy and unsure, but the pink tinge to her cheeks needs nothing more.

Lan Xichen is startled so badly he drops his xiao with a clatter. Wei Wuxian screams and grabs Jiang Cheng, shaking him back and forth wildly until he can push him off.

"You did it!" he declares, mobbing their table next as he attaches to Lan Wanji's shoulders, nearly toppling them over, "He's a master!"

"Master Wei, please," Lan Xichen pleads, and Wei Wuxian falls off, patting Lan Wanji's shoulders to straighten the fabric out, "We appreciate your efforts."

"No thanks necessary. I'm so proud!"

Without a word, Lan Wanji rises, a prickly feeling on the back of his neck. He subtly shrugs it off, as if adjusting his robes from the treatment, and walks to the changing rooms without further prompt. Wei Wuxian stops his crying to watch him go, expression fading, but then he shakes his head, and spins on his heel to point accusingly.

"Jiang Cheng, you doubted me!"

"Don't touch me!"

With haste, Lan Wanji changes, determined to leave as soon as possible, if only to save face. That woman, what would happen to her now? It feels like a trick. He can hear them in the main room still as the robes fall off and he pulls his sweater and trousers back on. His brother meets him outside the door, holding their stuff, changed as well, and Lan Wanji wonders briefly if there were two sets of changing rooms, until he spots Xiao Xingchen folding the blue robes up nicely to put them back on hangers.

"Time to go?"

"Don't ever make me host again."

Chapter Text

It's a universal surprise.

Deeming their teachings as a success, Lan Wanji had left without any further comment, cementing the idea that his work here was done - that he would probably never come back to the host club ever again. After all, that's what Lan Xichen had told them to expect, from what his brother had told him on the way out.

So when he comes walking through their door, bag clutched in one hand, everyone is confused. Lan Xichen doesn't even see his brother until he's passing by him with a strict determination.

"A-Zhan?"

There's an open couch, so he places his bag neatly on the floor, and seats himself on a cushion with purpose. Guests and hosts alike stare, quiet, and wait for something to happen. Were there even female hosts here?

Unmoved by their gazes, Lan Wanji sits up straight, hands on his knees, "I'd like to request Wei Ying."

It's pandemonium.

The girls erupt in screams and squeals, watching the Second Jade of Lan, Ice Prince Lan Wanji, Untouchable, Peerless Lan Wanji, request the most devilish, deviant, male host ever. The excited chatter flows through the room in a wave, unable for their hosts to curb the reaction as they're promptly ignored - save Nie Huaisang, who joins them at the first chance.

"Did you hear what he said?"

"Second Master Lan?"

"Wei Wuxian??"

"I can't believe it! He's a requesting a guy?"

"Ah, Lan Wanji!"

Wei Wuxian's presence is both a both a balm and a match, bringing Lan Wanji a calm, and igniting the girls into further disarray as he waltzes up. He's holding a tray with a tea set perched on top, a smile on his face. He sets it down on the coffee table and sits next to him without hesitation.

"I had a feeling you might like some tea. Was I right, Lan-er-gege?"

"Mm," Wei Wuxian laughs and places a cup out, "Call me Lan Zhan."

Lan Xichen drops his teacup. It doesn't shatter, but the hot liquid seeps into his clothes, yet he doesn't even flinch. The guests sitting at his table swoon. One guest is pulling out her cell phone and placing it against her ear.

"Ah, Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan. It's only fair, since you already call me by my birth name. I didn't even know yours'!" Wei Wuxian pouts, tipping the pot to serve him, "What brings you to my couch? Back for more lessons, or did you miss me already!"

"Mm."

"You agree? Ah! What is this? I'm supposed to be keeping you entertained, not the other way around! A few days in our care and you're already sweeping us down!" Wei Wuxian is not looking at him, focusing on setting the pot down gently, "Although, the girls really like your swordplay yesterday. You should do it some more - how about, just for me?"

"Anything for Wei Ying."

"Lan Zhan, I didn't take you as a show off!"

"Not showing off, " he insists.

"Just proving your skill, then? Is that what it's called now?" He laughs, "Isn't there a rule at Cloud Recesses against showing off?"

"There is."

"I'm such a bad influence on you, Lan Zhan! What will your uncle do to me when he finds out I've corrupted his best student! First yesterday, and now you're trying to impress girls with your sword!" His grin grows wicked, and he leans in, whispering, "Or maybe you want to impress them with your other sword, hm?"

"They are both acceptable."

Wei Wuxian's brain promptly turns off - air is supposed to be breathable, right? - and his hands freeze in place as he's passing the teacup and saucer to his guest. By the time he reboots, Lan Wanji has started to reach for it, noticing he had stopped moving. He can breathe again.

"Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian scolds in a hushed voice, pulling the cup away, "That is my line! Who are you? What happened to my Lan-er-gege? You're coming to replace me, aren't you!"

"Could not replace Wei Ying."

"I can't believe this. Two days of host training, and you're just as shameless as me!"

"Wei Ying."

Lan Wanji finally takes the saucer, and their hands overlap. The words sitting on his tongue dry out and Wei Wuxian finally looks at him clearly again, staring right into his deep, golden eyes. Lan Wanji does not look away, but holds the gaze firmly, until, finally, Wei Wuxian looks down, pulling his hands back delicately.

The girls have fled the tables nearby, squishing the hosts between them as they crowd to one side of the room to watch with unwavering attention.

"Look at their hands!" One girl cries, "It's true love!"

"He's definitely the bottom!"

"Absolutely not! Second Master Lan is totally a power bottom, look at him!"

"Wei Wuxian is blushing under that intense gaze! No way he could top Lan Wanji!"

"Please kill me," Jiang Wanyin begs. Lan Xichen, pressed shoulder to shoulder against him amidst the crowd, looks to Nie Huaisang - in complete discussion with the guests as well - and Jiang Wanyin rolls his eyes.

"I know Master Wei best! He's a total switch!"

Wen Ning, the only one not confined in the tidal wave, stands awkwardly, tray in hand, unsure what's going on. He looks at the others, but someone grabs ahold of him, "Wen Qionglin, what do you think?"

He looks up, helpless. "First Master Lan?"

"Yes! First Master Lan, what is your brother like?"

"You can't just ask him that!" Jiang Wanyin snaps, scolding the overzealous guests, "Back! Get back! Get off!"

With a push, Jiang Wanyin grabs Lan Xichen and hauls them out free from the pile, not that the guests even notice the shoving or their absence. They fill up the open spot easily and continue their raving without them.

"You!" Jiang Wanyin turns on Lan Xichen, "Explain what's going on; You said he didn't want more training!"

"This is unexpected, but not surprising."

"What does that even mean?"

"As I said previously: My brother has always had issues speaking specifically with girls."

"But yesterday, you said he-"

Jiang Wanyin gets exactly three seconds, before the true meaning of that sentence finally hits, and he whips around the stare at the couple, "Oh."

Their discussion gets interrupted when the clean crack of an opening soda can cuts through their focus.

Wei Wuxian, can in hand, leans back against the couch, as he always does. Lan Wanji, unbothered, sips his tea from his cup. They share a glance at each other, before they both look away.

"Sorry, Lan Zhan. If I knew you were coming I would have prepared something for you to do with me. I know you don't like talking as much. Forgive this host for his poor hospitality."

"No need."

"How romantic! The delinquent and the scholar!" Someone swoons.

"Do you think they met in detention previously? They're so familiar with each other! Hasn't Second Master Lan overseen the punishments before?"

"Imagine!" Someone swoons, "The naughty student teasing the TA, passing notes and flirting, just to get punished!"

The girls squeal, heads filling with imagery, and Jiang Wanyin scowls, wishing he wasn't within earshot.

"Cloud Recesses is pretty traditional, right?"

"Hm."

"You probably had to learn calligraphy for years! Did they make you use a brush and ink stone?"

"I did."

"You look old fashioned like that. Very Lan Zhan, yeah? Hey! You should bring it in sometime and let me try it out! Nie Huaisang won't let me - he says he uses his in private, and Jiang Cheng tells me I'll break it somehow."

"If Wei Ying wants."

"I want! I want! You're the best, Lan Zhan!" Wei Wuxian bounces in his seat, "Say, Lan Zhan, I'm glad we're close now. You were so cold to me before!"

"Hm?"

"But we're good friends now, right?"

The excited chatter ceases, and the tension splinters like broken glass. His words take their time to echo through the crowd before they truly settle in, and it's devastation. The guests recoil physically as if they've been shot. Someone topples over with a ghost punch to the gut, and another girl bursts into tears. A guest still sitting chokes on her tea, coughing as her friend pats her back.

Nie Huaisang is absolutely still, fan closed in his hand, the edge of it pressed to his lips.

"Ah, my apologies! I wasn't prepared to accompany you today, so I think our time might have to be cut short. But you'll come see me tomorrow, right, Lan Zhan?" Wei Wuxian lifts himself up and starts cleaning up the tea set. Lan Wanji allows his empty cup to be placed back on the tray, but he sweeps Wei Wuxian's hand up in his and stands alongside him. With a gentle bow, he presses his mouth to the back of Wei Wuxian's fingers, holding eye contact.

"Will be back tomorrow."

He easily slings his pack over his shoulder, without another word, and glides out, leaving the wreckage in his wake.

"Poor Second Master Lan!"

"Did you see his eyes! He must be heartbroken!"

"How courageous of him!

"Second Master Lan wouldn't dare give up! There is still hope for him to seduce the love of his life!"

Wei Wuxian approaches the refreshment station, where the other hosts had taken refuge, with the tray in hand and a smile on his face. "That was so nice of Lan Zhan to come by and see me again! See, Jiang Cheng - I told you he likes me!"

"Oh, he likes you, alright."

"And after I thought he hated me for so long!" Wei Wuxian laughs and set the tray down. Just as soon as he does, Jiang Wanyin smacks the back of his head.

"I can't believe you're this dumb."

"What did I do?!"

True to his statement, Lan Wanji returns the next day, with a full hour reservation in his name.

The number of guests in the clubroom had multiplied, with levels the hosts were having trouble keeping up with. Wen Ning was dolling out tea and treats, making several trips to supply them with more - yet none of the girls were there for their usual entertainment. No, they were all waiting patiently for the door to open.

Wei Wuxian had absolutely no bookings that day, so he was taking up his time flitting from table to table, bored, yet no one else was even entering the room. So when the big heavy doors are pushed open, he's quick to spin and greet the newcomer, his smile beaming when Lan Wanji walks through.

"He really did come back?"

"Poor Second Master should protect his heart. Why does he torture himself so?"

"Shh! Watch!"

"Ah, you came back!" Wei Wuxian abandons the table he had been leaning on to rush over, arms open, "I reserved a session for us - should I make it regular? Then we can hang out everyday!"

"Mm. Everyday."

Wei Wuxian laughs gleefully and guides Lan Wanji over to their couch.

"I was right! Ah, I knew Lan-er-gege couldn't resist my charms forever."

They sit, and Lan Wanji gently sets his pack down. It seems bulkier than before.

"Lan Zhan, are you going to agree to everything I say? That could become very dangerous, you know? You'll inflate my ego."

"Mean what I say."

"So if I say something you don't agree with, you'll object, yeah?"

"Mm."

"Good, good. So," Wei Wuxian looks around, mischievous, "What if I said I'm the top student of the school - no one is smarter than me? Ah, but that's a lie! Lan Zhan is the best student!"

"Not true."

"Is too! I don't know anyone better at lessons than you! You carried our entire literature circle, even when I tried to help!"

Lan Wanji peers up at him, "You remember?"

"Of course! I'll always remember Lan Zhan." Wei Wuxian takes the tray Wen Qionglin hands to their table, and he sets it down, "Hey, Lan Zhan? Are you cold? You have bumps on your arms."

"Not cold."

"It's hot in here today. Too many people. Hey! Here, you can wear my jacket, since I'm taking it off!" 

Part of Wei Wuxian's image as a delinquent stems from his immediate appearance. He was well known for never truly abiding by the dress code, whether it be by forgoing the solid color rule, leaving his shorts untucked, but never quite enough to be punished for a direct violation. The only time he clearly disrespected the dress code was when Jiang Yanli was pulled aside for the length of her skirt hem, so he proceeded to come in for the next week in the women's uniform, wearing his school jacket over the top.

But here, in the club room, he wore his casual clothing, which included his ripped jeans, the red sweatshirt tied around his waist, and the leather jacket over his shoulders. He slides the jacket over his arms and off, offering it. Lan Wanji leans forward so it can be placed over on his back, looking very, very pleased with himself.

"Whoa, you're a completely different person! Very cool! I think you'll have to wear this more often."

"Hm. Will wear Wei Ying's clothes."

"Ah, but I need my clothes too! You can just borrow my jacket sometimes, okay? It looks really nice on you."

Wei Wuxian passes him his cup of tea, and Lan Wanji lets it sit to the side.

"Wei Ying should let me serve him."

"It's my job. Besides, " He produces a slim aluminum can of coffee from a vending machine, warm from the body heat in his pocket, "I don't really like tea that much. I know, I make it all the time but I don't even drink it!"

Lan Wanji thinks about it, then he reaches down to produce his backpack. In it is a small box that he sets on the table, and he pulls the lid up to reveal the contents. Wei Wuxian gasps as an assortment of calligraphy brushes and tools set in satin are revealed inside.

"You brought your kit?"

"Mm. A gift."

"This?" Wei Wuxian looks up at him, confused, "This is for me?"

"For Wei Ying."

"Ah, Lan Zhan! This is too much! You shouldn't have gotten me a whole kit - what if I break it? What if I never use it again? You should take it back."

Lan Wanji does not answer, and instead also produces a selection of rice paper, some with calligraphy guidelines printed on them. Even as Wei Wuxian protests, he pulls the contents of the kit out in preparation to use them.

"Can I grind the stone? I've always wanted to!"

"Hm."

He reaches out for the ink stone and examines it, as Lan Wanji pulls out the grinding pot and a bottle of water. A little gets added in, and Wei Wuxian hesitates, "I just scrape it down, right?"

Lan Wanji nods and holds his hand around the ink stone to show him, grounding the bowl with the other hand to keep it from moving. Wei Wuxian leans in to hear the sound, and he chuckles.

"I thought I was supposed to bring the activity, not the other way around. I should be booking you for your services!" He lowers his voice, "You should have brought this when you were training. This is very romantic, if you think about it."

He laughs, and their hands pause as Lan Wanji stops moving. Wei Wuxian leans back, "Oh, is it done? How can you tell? Ah," He looks at the stone again, "I want to bite it. Like those pressed sugar candies. What do you think it's made out of?"

"Soot."

Wei Wuxian grimaces, "Gross. I'd probably still try it, though."

"Wei Ying."

"I won't! I won't!" But he holds the ink stone like he was very much still thinking about it, "Lan Zhan, will you write for me?"

So Lan Wanji takes a clean piece of paper and a brush and begins tracing out characters. Wei Wuxian peeks over his shoulder, and selects a smaller brush. He dips it in ink and steals a piece of paper, and curls up with the notebook to hide what he was doing. With a few quick strokes and a couple touches, he reveals his portrait of Lan Wanji appearing very focused, and presents it to him.

"Ah, is that a smile?"

The girls, holding their breath, swoon.

The hosts, at their table, hide behind Nie Huaisang's fan as hearts go flying through the air around them. Lan Xichen was still just drinking tea, as if this wasn't a breaking revelation, while Jiang Wanyin was watching the couple with his fists clenched on the table. They aren't even being noticed anymore with the drama unfolding right before their eyes.

"I knew A-Zhan was inclined towards men," Lan Xichen supplies, setting down his cup to speak, "But this wasn't the plan we had in mind."

"There was a plan?"

"Originally I wanted to set him up with a girl, at least for uncle's worries, but this is truly something else."

Lan Xichen smiles fondly.

"This reminds me of our father."

Jiang Wanyin stares at him with a pained expression, brows raised in concern. "Is that a good thing?"

Nie Huaisang, listening in and more aware of social gossip than some others, flutters his fan faster, looking between them before hiding behind the screen with widening eyes. Jiang Wanyin catches it anyway and nearly knocks his chair down.

"Oh, this is not a good thing! Hey, who do you think you are? Trying to use our clubroom to date-"

The other hosts catch him as he tries to storm off and pin him back down into his chair, politely smiling to the girls who glance over their way as Jiang Wanyin struggles between them.

Ink pot in hand, Wei Wuxian's tongue is sticking out the side of his mouth as he grinds the stone down to make the color darker. Finding it sufficient, he goes to set it down, only for it to slip and spatter Lan Wanji's white clothes in dark splotches.

"Ah! Does soot come out? Oh, your shirt! Here, I got it-" He reaches for the ruined blouse to pull it off of him so he can clean up, but Lan Wanji leans back.

"What are you doing?"

"Oh," Wei Wuxian peeks up at their large large audience, "If it makes you uncomfortable, I can undress too! Ah, but maybe Lan Zhan is hiding his body for the betterment of mankind. Would the ladies survive the sight of his muscles?"

"Hm," Lan Wanji grabs Wei Wuxian's hands as they try again for his buttons, "It's fine."

"You didn't disagree! What are you hiding under there?"

"The ink will wash out."

"Okay, okay. Fine." Wei Wuxian looks at the black splatter, and his eyes narrow. The brush on the table gets scooped up, and he looks at it, "You're wearing white. Kind of like...paper." He grins. "Hey, Lan Zhan! Will you let me draw on you? I mean, your shirt is already ruined, so..."

He trails off and looks up, making that pleading appearance with his eyes, and he twirls the brush around thoughtfully.

"...I could pay for a new shirt? Or the cleaning? I'll give you mine?"

"Go ahead."

"Yeah?" Wei Wuxian brightens. Excited, he dips the brush in the remaining ink from the pot and pulls the fabric tight so he could trace on it. The leather jacket left on Wanji's shoulders falls down to pool around his hips as he sits still to let him work. In an couple strokes, Wei Wuxian giggles, and Lan Wanji looks down to see little curly rabbits on his chest. A couple characters later, Wei Wuxian pulls back and sets his brush down, wiping a few stray hair from his brow and leaving a streak of ink.

"Hm," Lan Wanji grabs his jaw and the girls draw in a collective breath as he takes a nearby napkin to wipe off the mess. When Wei Wuxian leans in closer, someone starts shrieking.

"I can't help being messy, but a messy artist is the most passionate." Wei Wuxian's voice becomes a whisper, "Don't tell anyone else okay? But I love drawing and painting - and the arts. I used to play the flute more often when I was younger."

He leans back, and the crowd sighs.

"I wonder what Second Brother Lan would play." Wei Wuxian taps his chin. "The piano, maybe. Or the violin?"

"Guqin."

"Impressive! That takes a lot of practice to master! I don't know if I believe it." Wei Wuxian grabs Lan Wanji's hand and flips it over, tracing the edges of his fingers with his own. He finds a callous - one a person who plays a string instrument would have, if he was being truthful - and rubs it lightly, "Ah, there they are! So he speaks the truth after all. Ah, I know, I know: Lying is forbidden."

Lan Wanji has stopped breathing, yet he doesn't notice. With a swallow, his voices comes out as barely more than an exhale, "Wei Ying."

The girls fawn over the sight of the peerless Second Jade and his vulnerable, open expression. It is not Nie Huaisang who joins them this time, but Lan Xichen, who spectates with bated breath from the sidelines.

Wei Wuxian smiles, "Such diligent, nimble fingers, Lan Zhan. Ah, but look at mine!" He holds up his hand to compare them side by side, exposing the ink stained into his fingerprints, "Don't come near me! Your fingers hold such grace and elegance, but mine will just dirty everything they touch." Wei Wuxian chuckles, his expression fading into something forlorn as he pulls his hands back to himself, "Like me."

The moment is gone, and the comment stakes through everyone listening. He did not intend for it to slip through like that, nor for everyone to hear it, but to was too late. Wei Wuxian clears his throat and grabs the forgotten canned coffee to break it open, eyes adverted.

The whispers change, and the girls dip their heads in towards each other.

"Wei Wuxian is soft! He must hide his pain with his smile-"

"I'll never be able to look at him the same ever again!"

"Poor thing! Is he using his devilish attitude to cover up his true feelings? He must be exhausted!"

Lan Wanji doesn't miss a beat and he grabs Wei Wuxian's wrist.

"Lan Zhan?"

"Wei Ying, I want you to make me dirty."

Lan Xichen nearly chokes on his tea again. Nie Huaisang blushes furiously. Jiang Wanyin smashes his face into the table.

"Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian shakes his head, but he's smiling and laughing again, "I already have! Your uncle will have my head if he sees you like this!"

The girls don't even ask for tea or snacks anymore. In fact, there isn't any logical explanation for how on earth all of them were even fitting into the clubroom, but yet they were, plastered themselves to the walls, some sitting, most standing, waiting and watching.

The hosts had given up, procuring a space for just themselves to go through another expected round of torture every day - although Jiang Wanyin told them he was leaving if nothing else but mooning was going on, yet he never goes. Wei Wuxian was pretty confused, trying to approach the girls seated, only for them to practically hiss at him and wave him off. He still remains unbooked, a little put off about it.

They don't want him. They want a show, and they get one. Everyday. As soon as Lan Wanji walks through the door to speak to Wei Wuxian.

One day he brings in his entire guqin wrapped in protective fabric, to play music for him. Wei Wuxian ends up confessing he doesn't remember exactly where his flute is and sits to enjoy the songs.

Another day, Wei Wuxian brings in a portable camera, and all the pictures he had taken of places he's been. Some were common, attached to locations close by, but others were from further cities, trips he had been on with the Jiangs, places he had ended up after retelling stories of when he used to hop trains during the summer, just to get roasted by his adoptive mother for being reckless. With the camera in hand, he takes pictures of Lan Wanji and him together.

Lan Wanji finally convinces Wei Wuxian to let him serve him tea, instead of the other drinks he brings with him every day. Wei Wuxian scolds him for trying to do his job again, but relents after they can't compromise. Afterwards, Wei Wuxian declares that Lan Zhan must serve him tea all the time, since he's never liked it from anyone else.

But today-

Today, he hasn't shown.

It doesn't matter how many times Wei Wuxian checks the clock on the wall, or glances at the girls silently weeping. He's tense, understandably. Lan Wanji is never late - not without good reason, or explanation. That's it! Lan Zhan will tell him all about it later, how he saved a cat from a tree in the courtyard, how he brought a lost child to it's frantic mother. None of those stories were realistic, but whatever he has to say will make sense, he's sure of it. He made a regular reservation, which means everyday, unless maybe he has an activity today, but what kind of club would Lan Zhan have instead that he hasn't mentioned? Or maybe he had so much homework to do that he couldn't bear to not get started on it right away, and he will tell him all about it later.

He'd rather hear about it now, rather than wait all this time. He couldn't even make the tea yet - Lan Zhan insisted he make it from now on, and he only likes it when Lan Zhan makes it for him!

The door opens, and he jumps to his feet, but it's a guest. She bows, apologetic, for some reason, and scampers off to be engulfed in the crowd.

"What's happening?"

"Second Master Lan isn't coming!"

"Look at Master Wei! He looks so distressed."

"If Lan Wanji stands him up, I'm going to have to-"

The door cracks open again and the crowd hushes as the pristine image of Lan Wanji appears through the opening, closing the doors gently behind him. Wei Wuxian is back on his feet, running over to him.

"Lan Zhan!" He wastes no time grabbing Lan Wanji by the wrist to drag him over to their couch, "Ah, I've been waiting. You should be sorry, making me wait for you! I was getting nervous that something had happened! You know, if someone accosted you, I can go beat them up for you. I'll do it! Point the way! I know, I know - Fighting is forbidden."

But Lan Wanji shakes his head, and his answer is enough. They sit quickly, like making up for lost time, and Lan Wanji starts brewing the tea on the table. Brimming with anxiety that hadn't yet diminished, Wei Wuxian grabs the pot just as the timer goes off, and he pours for them both.

With a hand over his, Lan Wanji slows him down. Wei Wuxian glances up at him with a small smile of appreciation. He picks up his cup, sips, and immediately makes a face. "I can't even serve it! It's no good unless Lan-er-gege serves it for me!"

"I apologize for causing Wei Ying's concern."

"Lan Zhan should not have to apologize to me for unforeseen circumstances. I'm sure you would have told me if you knew you were to be late ahead of time."

Lan Wanji nods his head in agreement, "Uncle called me after class."

Wei Wuxian stops before he attempts another sip, "Oh?"

"About marriage."

The others look at Lan Xichen, who also seems surprised.

Wei Wuxian grimaces, and he puts his saucer down, "Well, tell him you already have it taken care of. Obviously you're already marrying me, so there's nothing to be worried about."

"I did."

Wei Wuxian's eyes widen and he sits upright from where he had been leaning. 

The girls absolutely lose it.

"Lan Zhan, I can't believe it! You told your uncle about our wedding before you even proposed to me! Such confidence! What if I don't say yes?"

"Does not matter. Wei Ying would say yes."

He's turning red, "Lan-er-gege is so arrogant! How can he be so sure?"

Lan Wanji does not even hesitate. He places the cup and saucer down before leaning in to kiss him.

Jiang Wanyin and Lan Xichen grab each other. The girls are screaming. Someone is crying, and they're pretty sure it's Nie Huaisang. By magic, flower petals are sweeping through the room from the ceiling.

Wei Wuxian makes a soft, painful little sound as he touches the back of Lan Wanji's neck, drawing him in with a furrowed brow. When they part, he's panting, at loss for words.

There are phones out, taking pictures. Amongst the chaos, someone is sobbing about true love. No one is sure when, but Nie Huaisang has fainted, and his customers are fanning him. Jiang Wanyin is rolling his eyes, still locked in Lan Xichen's embrace.

"Lan Wanji, are you making fun of me?"

Nie Huaisang wakes up so quickly the girl fanning him nearly has a heart attack.

Lan Wanji looks confused as Wei Wuxian pulls back from their embrace, and there are tears in his eyes.

"Wei Ying?"

"Surely Lan Zhan couldn't be so cruel as to pretend to like me."

Lan Wanji shakes his head, "Not pretending."

"Lan Zhan is serious?"

"Hm."

Wei Wuxian looks into his eyes, but then he shakes his head, "No, Lan Zhan deserves better."

"No one else."

Jiang Wanyin tries not to gag, as Lan Xichen slaps a hand over his mouth to silence him.

"But, Lan Zhan-"

"Only Wei Ying."

He kisses him again to silence his objections and tugs him in close by his shirt. Wei Wuxian pulls back, to touch his lips, and Lan Wanji presses his mouth against his fingertips. They breath out each other's names, and Wei Wuxian lifts up, climbing onto Lan Wanji's lap to resume kissing.

Lan Xichen wants to give them a moment - he really does - but when he realizes they aren't stopping, he decides that it either needs to break up, or be taken somewhere else. When Lan Wanji pulls Wei Wuxian closer, and the latter gasps out what sounds vaguely like a moan, a girl goes flying back with a nosebleed, and he jumps to action.

He appears behind their couch, and clears his throat loudly.

The two of them break apart to look up, although Lan Wanji isn't really able to see him well. Wei Wuxian at least as the decency to sit back down, realizing he's kissing the man's brother, but he's grinning unapologetically.

"Brother, I am happy for you, but there is a better place for this."

"No there isn't!" Comes shrieking from the crowds of girls, which sounds suspiciously like Nie Huaisang.

With a hum of agreement, Lan Wanji, without strain, pulls Wei Wuxian into his arms and gathers him up. Wei Wuxian laughs, grabbing his bag before it gets out of reach as he rises into the air, and waves to Jiang Cheng as Lan Wanji walks them out of the room, accompanied by screaming girls. He shrieks playfully when he wiggles and Lan Wanji's grip remains steadfast around his body.

"Lan Zhan! Take me on a date!"

"I have."

"What? My hosting does not count! If it did, do you know how many people I'd been dating - Ow! Did you pinch my ass? Lan Zhan!"

"Hm."

"Take me on a real date!"

"I will."

"My husband is so strong, carrying me away! Do I need to call someone? How much of this ceremony have you planned behind my back?"

"Uncle has arranged it."

"Now?! Lan Zhan really marched all the way here just to kidnap me after all! I still haven't said yes, you know!"

Lan Wanji comes to an immediate halt. His arms loosen, enough to Wei Wuxian to be able to reach the ground with his feet, and he steadies the both of them.

"Wei Ying," he kneels suddenly, removing the band of fabric tied around his forehead to offer it up with both hands, "Will you marry me?"

Wei Wuxian, stunned, shoulders Lan Wanji's bag, and he stares. "Lan Zhan, are you sure?"

"I mean what I say."

"You can't say no after this. You'll be stuck with me forever - all of this. You won't be able to get rid of me."

"Yes."

Wei Wuxian grins brightly and he squirms under Lan Wanji's unwavering eyes, "Okay. Okay, Lan Zhan, I'll marry you-"

He jumps when Lan Wanji pulls the ribbon up and around the hands that started to reach for it, knotting his wrists up tightly before Lan Wanji picks Wei Wuxian back up into his arms again and continues walking.

"Ah - Lan Zhan! You are kidnapping me!" But he's laughing, and using his two conjoined hands he pushes Lan Wanji's face towards him to kiss him on the cheek with a loud smack, "You're not carrying me all the way to Cloud Recesses, are you?"

"Mm."

"Lan Zhan!"

The girls are disappointed when Wei Wuxian officially resigns from the host club the next day, but it was worth it to be present when he flashes off his shiny engagement ring to his brother, who promptly chases him around the room enraged while the Lan brothers watch from a table, enjoying tea. Jiang Yanli had been asked to join them specifically to receive the news from the source and merely watched, amused, also enjoying tea. By the time they finally settle down, Wei Wuxian is hiding behind his fiancé, who makes him sit long enough to receive his brother's blessing for their marriage.

Of course, they must wait until Jiang Yanli's wedding before they could start considering the date of their own, as the rule the Jiang patriarch had set upon hearing the news. Lan Wanji had been respectful with his wishes and put off their official marriage until they were allowed to do so. However, no one outside of the Lan family is completely certain of their forehead ribbon's meaning enough to dispute this claim.

Except maybe Nie Huaisang, who is giggling and gossiping with his guests as per their regular schedule, and looking very pointedly at Wei Wuxian's wrist still temporarily wrapped in one long white ribbon.