Chapter Text
Jiang Cheng glanced up at the sound of the door and frowned upon seeing Wei Wuxian.
“What are you doing here?” Jiang Cheng asked abruptly.
“Uh… coming to sleep? It’s my room too.” Wei Wuxian replied.
“Well obviously I know that, dummy. But don’t you need to be sleeping with your husband?”
“Jiang Cheng! I didn’t know that you had this side to you!” Wei Wuxian shouted dramatically, hand to his chest as if he was scandalised.
Jiang Cheng went bright red, sitting up and throwing one of his pillows at his brother.
Wei Wuxian burst out laughing as he caught the pillow, tossing it back before settling down on his own bed across from his brother’s. “Don’t worry I’ll be fine, I’m sure.”
Jiang Cheng glanced across the room to the other bed, brow furrowed. He wanted to bring up what the elders had done to Wei Wuxian, but perhaps this wasn’t the best time.
Wei Wuxian groaned and turned over, “You’re thinking too loud, ChengCheng. Please stop!”
Jiang Cheng startled out of his thoughts and eyed Wei Wuxian suspiciously from his bed.
“No, I can’t read minds before you ask. You facial expressions are just easy tells. Now go to sleep, we have to be up early.” Wei Wuxian replied to the questioning silence.
Jiang Cheng shook his head in disbelief but turned over in compliance. He detached himself from his worry for his brother and tried once more to fall asleep.
---
Wei Wuxian, on the other hand, did not sleep.
He lay back in the occasionally broken silence, disturbed only by Jiang Cheng’s heavy breathing as the other slept deeply.
Despite the fact that he had told the others he would be fine, he did in fact fear sleeping alone. It had been a long time since he had been able to sleep peacefully alone, Lan Zhan acting as his personal dreamcatcher for the years they had spent together.
He knew that Lan Wangji would be by his side in a flash if he began to panic. He could feel his husband’s strong spiritual energy swirling around his veins, settling intertwined with the demonic energy that pervaded his own.
It was this that eventually soothed him into sleep. The warm, safe and assuring hum of his soulmate’s qi energy creating a soft lullaby that allowed him to drift into unconsciousness.
---
When Wei Wuxian’s eyes snapped open he was stood on a battlefield.
The smell of smoke lingered around him, the black clouds hanging from the oppressively black sky.
The snow was fresh on the ground, littered with dead bodies and stained red.
Resentful energy reached out from him, black swirls stark against the bright, white snow.
He glanced around, taking in the bodies lying on the ground before his eyes landed on Lan Wangji, standing with Bichen unsheathed.
His expression was both expected and not expected at the same time. The last shreds of something akin to horror painted his husband’s face, abnormal in the face of Lan Wangji’s usual stoicism.
The resentful energy rose up violently as Wei Wuxian began to panic.
It pulled and tugged, as if it wished to rip him apart.
It tried to swallow him; it was trying to control him.
Worse, it was preventing him from reaching out for his husband who still looked horrified.
“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian called, unable to keep the terror out of his voice as he reached through the swirling black energy surrounding him. The tendrils of black energy mimicked his outstretched hand, as if it was curious and amused by the actions of the man that sought to control it.
The cold impassive look on his husband’s face when he turned his attention to Wei Ying made the man in black robes flinch back. The complete hatred shook him completely, unable to bear the expression from his husband. Even when at their worst, Lan Zhan had never looked at Wei Ying in such a way.
Unprepared and incapable of dealing with both the resentful energy and his husband’s rejection, Wei Wuxian found himself falling to the floor. Now sobbing, he retracted his hand and clutched it close to his chest. He heaved out great, choked sobs from deep within his chest. His chest hurt so badly; his heart hurt fiercely.
The very idea that his husband hated him was something so vile, so outlandish, that his sobs doubled and continued to wrack his body even as voices began to call out to him from the smoke.
“You are nothing but a demon, Wei Wuxian!”
“Evil monster, it deserves to die.”
“Everyone who has ever cared for him has died because of him.”
“Talk about biting the hand that feeds him.”
“He couldn’t even spare those who took him in and raised him.”
Something in Lan Wangji’s expression shifted as he finally moved, slicing through the demonic energy and crouching beside Wei Wuxian.
“Husband…”
He never finished what he was going to say, eyes going wide and red suddenly staining his perfect white clothes.
“LAN ZHAN.” Wei Wuxian screamed as his husband collapsed, the demonic energy seemed to grow stronger as fi it fed on his negative emotions. He sobbed hysterically, crawling to his crumpled, dying soulmate.
“It’s all my fault - It’s all my fault - It’s all my fault…” Wei Wuxian repeated alongside a stream of never-ending apologies, the red flooding his vision as he clutched at his dying husband.
“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji uttered hoarsely, reaching out for his partner and snapping him out of his internal turmoil.
“Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian repeated back, hysterical sobs threatening to rip his chest open and expose the beating heart within.
“Wei Ying, it’s not your fault.” Lan Wangji murmured softly, coughs wracking his body as he smiled bloodily up at his husband.
“Lan Zhan, you can’t die! You’re not allowed to die! This is all my fault; you should have run far away from me. I’m nothing but an evil, ungrateful demon. I’m not even worth being called human.”
“I would and will always die for you, Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji whispered gently, finally managing to catch Wei Wuxian’s wrist in his hand.
Wei Wuxian could do little but allow Lan Wangji to pull him closer, too absorbed in his own grief to notice the familiar faces circling the small whirl of black energy encasing him and his husband.
“Live for me, please.” Lan Wangji choked out, lifting his blood-stained hand and cupping Wei Wuxian’s jaw.
“No, you are not going to die. I can help you. I can - I can fix this. Please, you cannot die! I cannot live without you.” Wei Wuxian insisted desperately, tears falling down his cheeks onto Lan Zhan’s face and mixing with his blood.
Wei Wuxian moved to prop Lan Zhan up in his lap, hands scrabbling at the wound on his husband’s front as if he could do anything to save a near-dead man.
“Wei Ying. Darling. There’s nothing you can do. There’s nothing you can do so please just let go. I love you, my Wei Ying...” Lan Wangji’s eyes then slowly unfocused, the light fading as his hand dropped back down to the floor, his blood smeared along Wei Wuxian’s jaw.
“Lan Zhan? LAN ZHAN! NO, IT CANNOT END HERE.” Wei Wuxian screamed in terror once more, demonic energy flaring out as he tried to wake his husband as if he were just asleep. Once more, the voices circling him started speaking again.
“It’s all your fault, Wei Wuxian. It is always your fault.”
“You couldn’t even tell your husband you loved him before he died, how typical for the renowned demonic cultivator.”
“If only you hadn’t walked the crooked path, your husband may have continued to live uneffectd by your selfishness.”
“You kill everything good that touches you.”
“Wei Wuxian forever destined to be alone.”
“You’re just a disgusting dog!”
“Monster.”
“Evil.”
“Murderer.”
The voices got louder and more disjointed, whirling round and round as Wei Wuxian screamed in response. The man still clutched at the still form of his dead husband, Lan Wangji lying like an angel in the white snow, red blood staining his beautiful robes and the ground around him.
“ENOUGH!” Wei Wuxian yelled, eyes blood red as the demonic energy swirling listlessly finally took shape, shooting out towards the shouting figures.
The noise abruptly stopped; silence only broken by the falling of bodies into the snow.
“Oh, Wei Ying. What have you done?” A woman’s voice floated from the shadowed abyss, soft and sad.
Wei Wuxian glanced up, tear tracks running down his face as he looked around. He seemed as though he was alone, no one left but himself and his dead husband.
“Who’s there?!” He yelled, but the voice offered no reply, no explanation.
Slowly, the red bled out of his eyes as he stumbled to his feet, placing Lan Zhan softly onto the ground, glancing around at the newly scattered bodies.
As he staggered away from the lifeless body of Lan Wangji, his eyes caught on familiar purple robes lying in the snow.
“Jiang Cheng.” Wei Wuxian muttered quietly, collapsing at his brother’s side.
Jiang Cheng’s face was unmistakable, the fear ingrained in it, even in death.
Wei Wuxian’s face twisted as he looked around more clearly now, each of the bodies in the snow unmistakably someone that he loved.
He fell back into the snow, hands clawing at his face as he screamed, the black mist spreading outwards once again to take control. It was hungry.
----
Jiang Cheng was woken by a familiar scream.
He shot upright and across the room, attempting to grab his brother’s flailing hands as wave after wave of pure spiritual energy seemed to erupt out of him.
The door crashed open at that moment, revealing Lan Wangji stood in the doorway.
The man seemed as though he was concerned, possibly one of the only times Jiang Cheng had been able to read the other man.
“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji called out, sweeping across the room to kneel at his husband’s bedside, impatiently pushing Jiang Cheng out of the way as he leant over his husband.
Jiang Cheng fell backwards easily, too shocked to do anything but stare at his still screaming brother.
“Wei Ying, wake up.” Lan Wangji demanded, gently grasping his husband’s hands to prevent the man from accidentally hitting himself once again. He then began to hum their song, followed by calming energy which began to flood the room. Jiang Cheng finally began to untense despite himself, impressed by Lan Wangi’s abilities.
---
Across Cloud Recesses disciples were also being abruptly awoken, the waves of spiritual energy disturbing those with cores strong enough to sense the disturbance.
Su She slept on.
Lan Qiren, however, startled awake in his own quarters, shaken by the strength of the spiritual energy blast that had just flooded his room. Somewhere in the distance, he could hear the Lan defence systems ringing, the giant gong at their doorstep ringing loudly as if it was protesting the late hour it was being made to work.
Frowning, the old man hurried himself out of bed, just to be hit by yet another burst of the same energy. It was so pure that he was left almost cleansed, the power flooding through him rivalling even that of his own that was contained in his core.
Throwing the door open, determined to discover where the spiritual energy was coming from, Lan Qiren came face to face with Lan Xichen, who looked just as worried as he felt.
“Uncle, I am worried that we are under attack.” His nephew stated, his face portraying his anxiousness.
“I am not too sure. The spiritual energy is too pure, it has no ill intentions. ” Lan Qiren replied thoughtfully, twisting his beard with his pointer finger.
Lan Xichen nodded in acceptance, looking around as disciples began to appear, their hushed conversation portraying the confusion that many were feeling.
“I wonder….” He hesitated.
Lan Qiren filled it in for him with a grave face. “-If this is Lan Zhan?”
Lan Xichen pressed his lips together but nodded, a concerned look on his face growing as the two began to hurry towards the source of the spiritual energy.
---
Lan Wangi had not paused his humming, his fingers rubbing soothing circles onto Wei Wuxian’s skin as the younger boy continued to thrash violently in his sleep.
Slight tendrils of demonic energy began to creep out of his husband and into the room, entwining with the spiritual energy almost as though it was begging for comfort.
Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but flinch away as they reached for him, knowing his brother would never do anything to hurt him, but unable to help fearing the resentful energy they had been taught to never interact with.
Lan Wangji had no such qualms, allowing the tendrils to slide over his white robes with no resistance, trusting his husband so thoughtlessly that Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but feel a small flicker of guilt that he had not done the same.
The door banged open for the second time that night and the four juniors piled in. All four of them looked terrified, if not confused. Jiang Cheng felt his heart twist in his chest at the sight, hurrying to intercept them from crashing onto the bed.
“What is wrong with Baba?” Lan Yuan asked worriedly, glancing between his father and the unconscious form of his Baba, before looking back up at his uncle. The other three nodded hurriedly, worry sparking in their eyes.
“Wei Wuxian is having a nightmare.” Jiang Cheng stated, attempting to disguise his own fear through the sarcastic nonchalance of speaking the obvious truth.
“This is why Senior Wei doesn’t sleep when Hanguang-Jun is away. He always has terrible nightmares.” Lan Jingyi realised in concern, eyes remaining on his two seniors.
“Why hasn’t Daiju woken up yet though? Hanguang-Jun is here now.” Jin Ling asked worriedly, his hands wringing the front of his robes. Lan Yuan glanced at him, sliding his arm around the Jin Sect Leader’s waist and pulling him into a hug. Jing Ling sniffed, hiding his face into Lan Yuan’s shoulder, failing to find the energy to be embarrassed when his concern for Wei Wuxian was far stronger.
As if sensing the Junior’s entrance, the demonic energy reached out to them, swaying with their robes slightly as one tendril wrapped around Lan Yuan’s wrist.
To Jiang Cheng’s surprise, none of the juniors flinched away from the resentful energy. Ouyang Zizhen even leaning into it as they fell into an uneasy, impatient silence.
On the bed, Wei Wuxian had finally begun to calm down, still trapped within the nightmare but slightly calmer due to his husband’s presence and the song that was being hummed.
At that moment Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren appeared in the doorway, startling Jiang Cheng out of his thoughts.
The four juniors also turned in surprise, Lan Yuan frantically waving the demonic energy behind him out of Lan Qiren’s view.
“What on Earth is going on?! Why are there Juniors in here. And Wangji! What are you doing in here?!” Lan Qiren snapped, before he did a double-take and noticed the distraught disciple on the bed.
Lan Xichen frowned but gently shook his head at his uncle, before stepping farther into the room.
“Jiang Wanyin, what happened here?” He asked kindly, directing his question at the unoccupied Jiang disciple.
Jiang Cheng turned to face the two Lan elders, guilt and worry flaring up within him as he stuttered out an answer. “Wei Wuxian’s screaming woke me up. I couldn’t do anything to get him to stop and, and, and…”
“-and Wangji turned up?” Lan Xichen confirmed, non-judgemental of Jiang Cheng’s flustered and worried state.
Jiang Cheng nodded frantically, this time not flinching away from the small stream of resentful energy that licked at his robes.
“We turned up just after Hanguang-Jun.” Lan Sizhui added quietly.
“Senior Wei is having a nightmare. It doesn’t matter whether they’re awake or asleep, he can’t stand being away from Hanguang-Jun.” Lan Jingyi nodded, moving to stand beside Lan Sizhui, shielding Jin Ling and Ouyang Zizhen from sight.
Lan Wangji glanced up for half a second, eyes barely focusing on the four Juniors before he turned back to his husband. He then started to hum louder as he clutched Wei Wuxian’s hands in his own.
In response, the dark energy crept back out from behind the Juniors, flicking at their robes and drenching Lan Wangi’s robes in black.
Lan Qiren’s face twisted at the sight, reminded that his youngest nephew had chosen to marry a demonic cultivator in the future.
Sensing his uncle’s fury, Lan Xichen laid a calming hand on the man’s wrist and looked over to where his brother was still solemnly knelt beside the bed, only the slight shake of his shoulders giving away his fear.
Wei Wuxian then finally stirred, Lan Wangji’s humming stopping abruptly as he whispered soft comforts to his husband.
“…Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian called quietly, eyes blinking open to reveal his red irises.
Lan Qiren readied himself to shout but before he could say anything Wei Wuxian promptly burst into tears and threw himself into his husband’s arms.
“Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan, you’re alive!”
“I am alive, Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji reassured softly, wrapping both arms tightly around his husband as he pulled the smaller man into his lap.
Around them the demonic energy reached out to those in the room, slinking almost like a sad puppy around their feet.
Lan Xichen stayed stoic, doing his best not to react as the tendrils licked at his white robes, the resentful energy appearing strangely upset.
Lan Qiren frowned but he did not step away, his own spiritual energy thrumming against his skin almost as if it sensed the fear flooding from Wei Wuxian.
“Lan Zhan, I dreamed - I dreamed that you died - that I killed you!” Wei Ying cried pitifully, his sobs causing his speech to pause and waver at random moments.
Ignoring the gasps coming from those around them, Lan Wangji shook his head and pressed a gentle kiss to Wei Wuxian’s forehead before replying. “Wei Ying would never kill me. Dreams are just dreams, do not hold them to a higher standard than what they are.”
Wei Wuxian shuddered against Lan Wangi’s chest, still oblivious to the others in the room as he wept into his shoulder.
“I fancy you.” Lan Wangji confessed.
Wei Ying looked up, tears still streaming down his face, but a small smile gracing his lips. “I fancy you.” He repeated back softly.
Lan Wangji smiled softly down at his husband as he carried on the confession. “I love you.”
The demonic energy began to retreat back as if it was being drawn back to the couple’s positive emotions, black and white tendrils encasing them as their energies mixed.
“I love you.” Wei Wuxian cried softly, his tears slowing but his hold on his husband tightening.
“Want you… can’t be without you.” Lan Zhan said, voice getting louder with each word.
Wei Wuxian had almost stopped crying at this point, straightening in his husband’s arms as he repeated the final bit of his original confession back. “Want you, can’t be without you.”
Lan Wangi smiled softly and ducked his head to kiss his husband softly, pouring love and spiritual energy into the kiss.
Wei Wuxian grinned into the kiss and as they broke away from each other the last of the demonic energy disappeared.
“Senior Wei!” The juniors cried at once, a single nod from Wei Wuxian sending them all tumbling into his outstretched arms.
Lan Wangji wrapped his arms around his husband and kids as best he could, glad to have them all awake and safe in front of him.
“Dajiu you looked so scared. Are you okay now?” Jin Ling sniffled; face now buried into Wei Wuxian’s shoulder.
Wei Wuxian smiled softly, ruffling his nephew’s hair with his free hand.
“Of course I am, gremlin. Are you all okay?”
“We are fine now that you are, Senior Wei.” A’Yuan replied, nuzzling softly into Lan Wangi’s neck, unconsciously seeking comfort just as he did when he was younger.
Lan Wangji couldn’t help but smile softly once more, pulling his family closer.
“It might be best to give Wuxian some space.” Lan Xichen suggested softly after watching the group for a few moments.
The Juniors all piled back rapidly, looking over at the couple worriedly.
Wei Wuxian yawned loudly then smiled weakly at his present family, “I’m okay, I promise.”
Jiang Wanyin bit back his retort at their inappropriate display of affection, aware Wei Wuxian needed all the love and comfort that could be offered by his husband.
Lan Qiren too forced himself to put on an impassive face, his conflicting emotions threatening to spill out.
Lan Xichen glanced at the others and then back to his brother and brother-in-law.
“I think it might be best if Wuxian sleeps in the Jingshi until further notice. We do not wish to have a repeat of tonight, and it seems the best plan to avoid that from occurring.”
He looked at Lan Qiren after that, his uncle too wrapped up in his thoughts to hear what Lan Xichen had said. “Isn’t that right, Uncle? Wuxian should stay in the Jingshi.”
“Oh,” Lan Qiren broke free of his thoughts, glancing between his nephews and at the hopeful look on Wei Wuxian’s tear-stained face.
“Yes. That would be for the best until we can get Wei Wuxian’s nightmares under control.” The old man responded begrudgingly.
“Thank you, Uncle.” Lan Zhan said, still wrapped up in an embrace with his husband.
Both Lans ignored Wei Wuxian’s shocked face as Lan Xichen motioned to his brother. “Wait here for a few minutes while Uncle and I send the other disciples back to bed and then go to the Jingshi. I will have breakfast sent to you at late morning, consider yourselves free of classes for the day, brother.”
Lan Wangji nodded, gathering Wei Wuxian into an even tighter embrace as the man smiled sadly at the acting Sect Leader.
“I think it’s best if you four come with us, boys. You are excused from lessons until either your parents attend, or you feel up to joining without them.” Lan Xichen stated, his gaze on the four boys huddled near the two still on the floor.
“Thank you, Zewu-Jun!” The Juniors chorused back in union.
Lan Qiren nodded too, and as the two Lans turned to leave Lan Xichen turned back once more. “Jiang Wanyin, you are excused from breakfast as well. However, I do expect you to attend afternoon classes.”
“Of course, Zewu-Jun.” Jiang Cheng confirmed with a slight bow to the acting Sect Leader.
Lan Xichen nodded back and the two Lans swept out of the door.
The four juniors glanced between themselves and back at their parents.
“Consider yourselves dismissed; I’m sure Wei Wuxian will call you back if he wants you.” Jiang Cheng said gruffly, keeping his eyes on the juniors.
They looked at each other once more before nodding quickly and bowing hurriedly to the older disciples.
“We’re here if you need us, Senior Wei!” Lan Jingyi piped up, quietening when Jin Ling elbowed him in the side.
“Thank you, ducklings.” Wei Wuxian replied softly with a smile.
The four juniors smiled sadly back before rushing out the door and back to their quarters before someone noticed that they were gone.
Left alone with the couple, still quietly cuddled up but now on the bed, Jiang Cheng sighed loudly and moved towards the door. “I had best go find A-Li. She needs to know what is going on.”
Wei Wuxian nodded; brow furrowed as he watched his brother also hurry out the door.
Left alone in the disciple quarters without prying eyes and ears, Wei Wuxian leant more of his weight onto his husband, knowing the man could bear it. “I think I scared A-Cheng.”
“Mn. Wei Ying’s nightmares are scary. You must sleep in the Jingshi from now on.” Lan Zhan simply replied, hand brushing through his husband’s hair gently in a calming way.
Wei Ying let out a tired chuckle. “Was this your plan all along, dear husband? Now even Uncle has to allow me to sleep in the Jingshi for fear that I wake up the whole of Cloud Recesses again.”
“Never want Wei Ying to suffer those nightmares.” Lan Wangji stated seriously, grasping his Wei Ying’s hand with his free one.
“I know - I know. I was just teasing, Lan Zhan.” Wei Wuxian softly teased, nestling his face into his husband’s side.
“Hmm. We cannot change what has already happened. But we can make it so that Wei Ying never has to suffer it again.”
“Aw, Lan Zhan! Are you trying to give your poor husband a heart attack!”
“Wei Ying.”
Wei Wuxian finally sobered, his previous whining and teasing forgotten. “I know, it’s not funny. I dreamt that I killed you, that I killed everyone.”
“Wei Ying would never do such a thing.” The man in blue responded, his gentle grip in Wei Ying’s hair tugging slightly.
Wei Wuxian leant back up to look at his husband, face creased in concern. “But what if I did? I didn’t recognise them, Lan Zhan. What if there came a day I didn’t recognise you-”
“Wei Ying.” Lan Wangji’s voice was firm, abruptly cutting Wei Wuxian’s spiral of concerns.
Wei Wuxian looked at him, silver eyes meeting bright gold.
“Wei Ying would never willingly hurt anyone, especially not me.” Lan Wangji declared, completely believing the point that he had made.
“Ah, Lan Zhan. You know you can’t be sure of that.” Wei Ying sighed softly, his fingers absently playing with his husband’s hand that he held in his grasp.
“I trust my husband.” Lan Wangji looked up, listening with a trained ear. “Shifu has sent the disciples back to bed, we should return to the Jingshi.”
“Lan Zhan…” Wei Wuxian started, only to be cut off by Lan Wangji.
“To the Jingshi.” With that Lan Wangji stood up, scooping Wei Wuxian into his arms effortlessly as he did so.
“Lan Zhan!” Wei Wuxian shrieked helplessly, instantly reminded of the night Lan Wangji had carried him over the bridge after he had absorbed the demonic power from Jin Ling.
“Stop thinking.” Lan Wangji chided gently; cradling Wei Wuxian close as he strode across Cloud Recesses towards the Jingshi.
“Yeah, okay.” Wei Wuxian muttered back, letting himself be carried to the safety of their shared quarters.
----
Lan Qiren sat in his quarters in silence, the slight bubbling sound from the kettle the only thing breaking the tension.
He couldn’t help but reflect on what he had just experienced. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Wei Wuxian’s demonic energy had simply been reaching out for comfort, for a sense of safety and reality, rather than seeking to corrupt.
“Dammit, Wei Wuxian!” Lan Qiren finally shouted into the air, breaking the silence abruptly as the kettle began to emit an ear-piercing whistle.
“Shifu?” Lan Xichen said, eyebrows pinching together in concern.
Lan Qiren startled and glanced at his nephew, who had paused in the doorway in his confusion.
“Shut the door.” He said gruffly.
Lan Xichen nodded and entered the room, closing the door gently behind him and reaching for the still-whistling kettle.
“What… about Wuxian has upset you?” Lan Xichen asked carefully, setting the kettle down on the table and flicking his robes behind him to take a seat opposite Lan Qiren.
“Why would he choose to follow the crooked path? Why would Wangji choose to follow him?” Lan Qiren asked in despair, refusing to meet Lan Xichen’s eyes.
Lan Xichen raised an eyebrow and regarded his uncle in silence for a long moment.
“Wuxian’s motives… are not for us to know. We must simply trust him, and Wangji. They know what they are doing uncle, and you need to accept that. They are now inseparable, and we must learn to understand and tolerate that.”
“I know, Xichen.” Lan Qiren sighed as he looked up at his nephew, a weary look settling over his brow.
“Maybe it is time to propose a marriage alliance to the Yunmeng Jiang Sect. You saw them tonight; we cannot split them apart lest Wuxian remain in the next nightmare he has without aid.” Lan Xichen commented, the seriousness of his disposition showing the thought he had put into his reasonings.
Lan Qiren immediately looked away at the suggestion of the marriage alliance, aware Lan Xichen had a point but unwilling to admit it out loud.
Shaking his head, Lan Xichen stood. His white robes swished out behind him as he regarded his uncle for a long moment. “I provide you with only a small bit of advice, uncle. Do not leave it until it is too late for forgiveness.” With that last comment, he turned and left, his usual decorum failing as the door slammed behind him.
Lan Qiren stared after his oldest nephew as he left, unable to tear his eyes away from the shut door. He did not want to lose either of his nephews, he just did not know if he could accept Wei Wuxian as a part of their family.
The smell of jasmine drew his attention away from the door and he glanced down at the long-forgotten pot of tea.
Perhaps a marriage pact would not hurt. It would expand their alliance against the Wens and Wei Wuxian was the only reasonable candidate. Especially as the oldest Jiang girl was already engaged to be married into the Jin Clan. Lan Qiren mused as he poured his tea carefully into the mug.
It certainly wouldn’t hurt to wait until the end of the summer lessons at Cloud Recesses. After all, the boys were only sixteen and any marriage pact would not come to fruition until the day of Wei Wuxian’s eighteenth birthday.
With that thought, Lan Qiren stood. carefully carrying his cup of tea over to his writing desk. After all, it couldn’t hurt to have a draft proposal in case war with the Wen Sect came to them sooner than anticipated.
----
Inside the Jingshi, Lan Wangji had settled Wei Wuxian onto the bed and slid in beside him.
Wei Wuxian grinned and leant up on one elbow, hovering over his husband. “Lan Zhaaaaaan…”
“Wei Ying. Sleep.” Lan Wangji replied, pulling Wei Wuxian against him without opening his eyes.
Wei Wuxian bit back the retort that was threatening to slip out of his mouth, choosing instead to relax into his husband’s chest, nestling in further to find an even more comfortable position.
He would have to confront his dream eventually, perhaps later in the soft comforting presence of his husband in their rooms. Maybe tomorrow when the harsh light of the day provided no escape from the reality of his dream.
For now, though, he could give in to the sleep that threatened to overwhelm him, knowing he was safe from nightmares so long as his soulmate held him in his arms.