Work Text:
Wei Wuxian was in the middle of writing lines when he suddenly collapsed. Worried, Lan Wangji went closer to check on him.
Both earlier and much much later, Wei Wuxian had just fallen asleep, also in the library. For him, it was the middle of the afternoon and he was working on a new talisman, something to do with travel, when he took a rather spontaneous nap on top of his work.
That Wei Wuxian is the one who wakes up with Lan Wangji.
Sleepy as he is, he registers distantly that he has his husband’s hand on his shoulder. Unwilling to be woken up, he snuggles closer, crawling into Lan Wangji's lap and mumbling something like "Be a good husband and let me sleep a little longer, Lan Zhan. You can carry me home, right?" and kissing his neck.
Lan Wangji freezes in surprise.
Not expecting something like this, Lan Wangji is understandably overwhelmed and it's because of his reaction that Wei Wuxian notices that something is wrong, which wakes him up.
The first thing he says is: "You're not my Lan Zhan"
Wei Wuxian quickly thinks about the theories on time travel and realizes this is probably temporary given the nature of his talisman and also unlikely to affect him as he doesn't remember this happening with him. Multiverse theory and all that. So he goes for the truth.
"This will sound like I'm pulling a prank but I swear it's true, I'm under the effects of a talisman I made myself," he grimaces, aware of how much like a liar he's going to sound. "I'm from the future."
Lan Wangji gave him a look that even if he hadn’t learnt to read his husband would’ve been an obvious “are you serious?”
“I know, I know how that sounds. But really! I can prove it!” Wei Wuxian stops to think of things he shouldn't know about that could convince Lan Wangji of his identity. "Let's see.. When you were a kid your brother used to sneak you sweets! I think this must've happened by now.... You're such a memory hoarder that you kept a piece of homework you messed up when I was being distracting! Some of my doodles too. Ah, I know, this you haven't told anyone else, you have trouble seeing from far away and in the future I noticed and made you something to help with that."
With each thing he listed Lan Wangji looked more and more uncomfortable. It was a bit funny to him, how easy the boy was to read now that he knew his older self so well. At this age, Wei Wuxian would have described him as cold and probably thought he was having little effect on him. He knew better now.
Finally, Lan Wangji says, "I believe you."
"Aw really? I'd have loved to keep going," Wei Wuxian teases. "I love to talk about my husband after all."
The reaction is instant. He looks away, with red ears and fists holding tightly onto his robes.
They spend a moment in silence then, both gathering their thoughts.
"Won't this knowledge cause any harm?"
"I'm pretty sure this is going to develop into a different timeline," he reassured. "And the only thing I've revealed to you about the future is our relationship, there's no need to worry about that when we're both in love already, is there?"
It was probably a little mean, but it was a lot of fun to see the way this young version of his husband startled at his words. He used to be so shy. Absolutely adorable, Lan Zhan.
"What? We're not-" he couldn't finish his sentence.
Wei Wuxian laughed. "You're too cute, you know that? Future Lan Zhan has told me all about how he fell in love with me, you don't need to deny it. When it comes to me, well, why do you think I'm after you all the time? Lan Zhan, ah, I didn't know it yet, but you've always had my heart."
Lan Wangji was red .
"In all seriousness though, I've got a favour to ask," he made sure to change his tone accordingly. For all that he wanted to spend his whole time here teasing his husband, it'd be good if he could change some things too. It wouldn't have an effect on his own life, but he could perhaps make things better for these versions of them. "A lot is going to happen that you're not ready for, there's a war coming and many bad things will happen, I'm not… I'm happy now, but life isn't very kind to me for a long time."
The boy in front of him sat straighter, giving him all of his attention.
"If you can, I'm going to need allies outside of the Jiang sect. I... It would be unfair to ask you to offer me more than your friendship, that's a decision that you and little Wei Ying should make by yourselves, but I am not treated very kindly there, Madam Yu hates me, and Jiang Cheng will be soon to follow. When I needed support the most, there was none to find in Yummeng Jiang."
Lan Wangji looked pained by the admission and he could hardly imagine what was going through his mind right then. At this time, he had not been confronted with those kinds of sorrows so personally yet. He wished he could protect him from them, both of their younger selves, it felt unfair that they had such burdens on their shoulders, but Wei Wuxian didn't have a better option.
"I will stand by Wei Ying," he had a determined glint in his eyes.
Aaah he's so so cute. "Thank you, Lan Zhan."
"There's something else. Some friends of mine, Wen Ning and Wen Qing, they… They're good too, and suffer much from what's to come. Reaching out to them earlier might be a good idea, if you can, and talking to your brother about it too."
"Mm."
"Ah! Ah! This is too much seriousness for me, I can't take it!" he exclaimed, exaggerating a pout. "I'll write some things down for you, but for now you should entertain me. Save me from this sadness, husband!"
There, Lan Wangji was blushing again instead of looking solemn. This was much better. It was also clear that he wanted to help, despite being unsure how. This made Wei Wuxian's heart melt with fondness, and gave him an idea.
"I know what we can talk about! I'll give you some relationship advice!" he winked, moving to sit closer. "Listen closely, hm? After all, when else are you going to get tips from your future husband?"
The rest of their afternoon is spent like this, between notes and teasing advice. It's not even remotely something either of them imagine for their days, but the afternoon is pleasant regardless.
Later, the Wei Wuxian of this time would return from the switch a blushing mess from time spent with his future husband and the two of them would talk. About the future, about their relationship, and about simpler, softer things.
Much would change from this simple intervention, more than they would ever know, but that's a story for another time.