#featuring jealous jiang cheng

[lostheartfics]

I want to post more on here too. So here’s a wip for WIP Wednesday before Wednesday could end!!

This is a sneak peek for the new chapter of my fic “if i knew it all then would i do it again” (nhs time travel au)

(As always, subject to change in final posting)

~*~*~*~

“I just wanted to have a taste of Gusu’s infamous Emperor’s Smile! How was I to know how seriously they took their rules?” Wei Wuxian whined.

“Well, they carved all four-thousand of them on the walls of the Recesses. You would think they were pretty serious.” Nie Huaisang said with a snort.

“Three thousand.” Jiang Cheng said.

Nie Huaisang blinked, tilting his head at him. “Hm?”

Jiang Cheng frowned. “There’s three thousand rules, not four thousand.”

The pause didn’t last too long, but it was enough for Jiang Cheng to notice the almost unseen twitch in Nie Huaisang’s eyebrow at the correction. But the Nie continued to smile—that irritating and disingenuous smile—as if nothing were amiss.

“…right.” Nie Huaisang conceded with a soft chuckle. “Same difference.”

Strange. It was all strange.

“Whatever. He’s still a total stick in the mud.” Wei Wuxian huffed, slouching back in his seat with an exaggerated pout.

There was a sudden creak on the floorboards, and they all turned to the direction of the sound. There was a person standing in the doorway, their face a reflection of cool jade, dressed head-to-toe in crisp white robes and a silk ribbon tied across his forehead.

Wei Wuxian visibly winced.

Speak of the devil.

Lan Wangji lingered at the doorway, hesitant, looking just about ready to spin on his heel and walk back to where he came.

“Han—hi, Wangji-xiong.” Nie Huaisang greeted.

‘What happened to ‘Lan Zhan’, huh?’ Jiang Cheng thought sarcastically, suppressing the weird burst of rage simmering inside his chest. His scowl deepened at the feeling.

Seriously, what the fuck has gotten into him?

[ssailormoonn]

❛ Jealousy ❜

Jiang Cheng X Fem!Reader

WC;3.4 k+ | !MDNI! | TW/CW; afab reader, she her pronouns, jealous feelings, NSFW, smut, PIV, PWP, rough sex, begging, breeding, praise, implied manhandling, possessiveness, implied size kink, reader is depicted to be shorter that him + probably more i cant think of

⋆·˚ ༘ * 𝑅𝐸𝒬𝒰𝐸𝒮𝒯:: (filled request) Hii! I read your fic with LWJ and oh my gosh I fell in love and cant wait for part 2 🤩I have some idea and I'd like to ask you very very nicely if you could write a fic with jiang cheng (fluff to smut if it's okay) when wwx returns and he finds out that JC is married and maybe reader is busy answering all the questions that wwx has and JC gets jealous? 🤭Thank you in advance and take care! <333 - ANON

m.list | mo dao zu shi m.list

You stood at Lotus Pier's busiest entrance, awaiting Jiang Cheng's return, the autumn breeze playing with your hair. News had reached you: the one who was famous for his cruelty, Wei Wuxian, had reappeared. And you couldn't help but feel bubbles of anxiety rising up in your chest. You've never seen Wei Wuixian before but knew he was Jiang Change brother.

When Jiang Cheng finally arrived, he had a guarded expression, his eyes darting around the crowd. His gaze landed on you, and immediate relief crossed his face before it settled back into its usual stoic mask.

"Jiang Cheng," you called softly, stepping forward. "Glad to see you back."

He grunted in acknowledgement, attention captured just a moment by the reappearance of Wei Wuxian from the crowd, as brash and bright as ever.

"Jiang Cheng!" Wei Wuxian exclaimed, his loud voice attracting the attention of everyone else in the courtyard. "It's been so long!"

There was a tense muscle in Jiang Cheng's jaw, but he returned the brief greeting. You watched as Wei Wuxian immediately peppered Jiang Cheng with questions, asking him everything that had happened over the years. You knew Jiang Cheng's temper did not hold much patience for Wei Wuxian's antics.

"You must have so much to tell," you cut in, diverting Wei Wuxian's focus from Jiang Cheng. "Why don't we sit down and catch up?"

You pulled Wei Wuxian out, leaving Jiang Cheng by himself, his expression inscrutable, but you sensed that he was irritated. All the time as you answered Wei Wuxian's questions on you, and in particular on how you and Jiang Cheng are married, that it is of very recent development, you could not resist peeking at Jiang Cheng.

Even his face was tense, with crossed arms, as he just stood watching the two of you. Occasionally, his gaze would flicker to you, and his features would tighten subtly.

Hours passed with stories and laughter until finally, Wei Wuxian seemed to run out of questions. "I should let you get back to your duties," he said, grinning as he gave you a playful nudge. "But we'll catch up again soon, right?"

"Definitely," you assured him and watched him walk back through the crowded streets back to Jiang Cheng. As one or two more words were exchanged between the two, a feeling arose within you that something must have changed that profound relationship between you and Jiang Cheng.

The courtyard had emptied now, and Lotus Pier was settling into its nighttime calm, when Jiang Cheng found you standing at the edge of the water, looking out over the moonlit surface.

"It really seemed like you were enjoying your catching up," he said, his voice betraying evident jealousy.

"He had many questions," you said carefully, turning toward him. "I only wanted to make sure he felt welcomed."

Jiang Cheng's face slightly darkened. "You were busy," he grumbled back, his voice a shade sharper than usual.

"I'm sorry if I neglected you," you said softly, drawing closer. "But you know Wei Wuxian—once he starts talking."

"He never stops," Jiang Cheng finished, his face twitching slightly with annoyance. "It's like nothing's changed."

You hesitated, trying to find the right words. "Things have changed, Jiang Cheng," you said at last, meeting his gaze. "We've changed."

His face averted, jaw clenched. "Have we?"

You reached out to touch his arm. "Yes," you persisted, pressing on with a firm tone. "We have come a very long way since those days."

He didn't answer right away, but when he turned back to you, the tension did seem to relax a bit in his face. "I know," he agreed in a low voice. "It's just that."

"Just what?" you pressed on softly.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Seeing him again, it brings back memories," he finally admitted, almost whispering. "And seeing you with him."

You squeezed his arm reassuringly. "You don't need to be jealous, Jiang Cheng," he said softly. "Wei Wuxian and I share a history, but you and I share something different."

"It doesn't matter," he replied, reaching out his hand to squeeze my plump cheeks. "You are my wife." He put an emphasis on the 'My'. Very sacredly and respectfully, you murmured, moving in closer to his touch, the warmth of his hand on your cheek. "And you are my husband."

He looks at you again with an expression that softens to relief tinged with possessiveness. "I don't want to lose you," he tells you with the whisper of fear folded into his voice.

"You won't," you reassured him, reaching up to place your hand over his. "Wei Wuxian may have returned, but my heart belongs to you."

His eyes locked onto yours for a really long time while the moonlight gleamed off his. "Promise me," he whispered, and his thumb stroked your cheek lightly. "Promise me you'll be standing with me here forever."

"I promise," you whispered back. "I'll be here always, Cheng."

"You're mine, Y/n," Jiang Cheng huffed before he yanked your face toward his and press his lips roughly against your own, staring for a second before you closed your eyes,.

His tongue slid inside your warm cavern, tangling with your tongue and causing a gasp to slip from your mouth against his. The noise was muffled by Jiang Cheng's mouth, and your hands shakily placed themselves on his chest, still in shock from the surprising action he did, in public, no less.

He wasn't usually this forward, but you weren't protesting, you loved the feeling that you received when Jian Cheng kissed you.

Jiang Cheng's hand resting on the centre of your back trailed down, slipping around to your chest, where it was about to untie the sash that held your hanfu together. You pulled away hastily, a pout on your lips as Jiang Cheng looked down at you confused.

"What?" he scoffed.

"Not outside," you mumbled, head falling to his shoulder and he sighed, realizing.

He only wanted you to the extent of proving to everyone that you were his and his alone.

So that Wei Wuxian would finally leave you alone.

A gasp left you at the lips when Jiang Cheng picked you up, seamlessly making your figure appear minute in contrast to his own as he carried you to your shared room and placed you with slight haste onto the bed.

Jiang Cheng undresses his robes, revealing a body—bared, yet meant only for your eyes. You watch the muscles on his back ripple slightly as he unties the knot in his hair, black stands falling down his back before he makes his way over to you.

Straddling your hips, he began slowly undoing the sashes and ties to your hanfu. You let out a sigh at the pace that your lover was going at. Small hands hold the wrists of Jiang Chengs and he quirks a brow.

"Cheng, p-please," you breath out, face flushed and embarrassed. ".please b-be faster."

"Alright," Jiang Cheng hummed, untying your Hanfu at a faster rate.

He made room on top of you, tousling tongues again as he slipped your socked panties down your smooth legs. Jiang Cheng's long, thin fingers slide down your slicked folds and burrow past them, a mewl eliciting from your mouth.

Your arms tighten around his back and neck as his fingers press against your throbbing clit, and you are washed with pleasure, breathless and craving more. A moan leaves your parted lips as your back arches into his touch.

Your eyes were screwed shut, but Cheng studied every minuscule movement and reaction your body made as his fingers toyed with your puffy clit, getting slicked by your arousal. Your legs squeeze around his hips, moans stringing out your mouth before you felt his digits slid to your seeping hole.

In less than an instant, the two fingers slipped inside your gummy soaked walls, causing your eyes to snap open. "Feel good?" Jiang Cheng questioned. You could only nod frantically.

"So good," you whimpered as he slowly pumped in and out your spongy walls. "I–It feels so good, Cheng."

"Yeah? And who's making you feel this good?" He asked, and you moaned as he inserted another finger into your walls.

"Y - You're makin' me feel s' good, Jiang Cheng," you whimper. "So good

It's too intense, the perfect combination of pleasure and pressure that you can't contain from being blasted by your voice and into his shoulder. You press your lips to his shoulder, muffling the sounds that come out from the depths of you. His fingers plunged into you, and the heat moved throughout your system, tormenting every thought within you. Each little movement, each curve, sent electric shocks of pleasure radiating through your body.

Jiang Cheng's fingers are slick as you surrender to the intoxicating rhythm of his touches. The combination between the fingertips of a master and the strength of the connection has you pressed ever closer to the edge, teetering on the precipice of release. Time stood still, a second of pure bliss, as you are consumed by wonderful pleasure coursing through your system.

His fingers did not stop their rhythm and went on pumping in and out of your getting-leak hole. There was a foreign tension developing inside your lower stomach; the pleasure tightened inside your stomach.

You shakily wrap your legs around his, your body quivering in anticipation of each and every one of his moves, responding to his every touch. Chant's of his name were leaving your mouth, voice filled with desire and need while comfort words left his mouth to stabilize you.

Tears welled in your eyes wanting to desperately release the coil that was growing in your stomach.

"Cheng, please," you sob out, wanting that euphoric tension to empty into your body.

But he complies, pressing the pad of his thumb into your clit with a soft groan, yet another layer of pleasure to stack onto what already was. It's pure electricity. You let my back arch in response. "Beg for it," Jiang Cheng hummed against your skin.

"Please, Cheng," I sob. "I need to. So good. Making me feel so good."

"More," he said, teeth digging into my neck, my head thrown back against the pillow.

"Please, please, please," you whimper. "I need it, Cheng," you mewl. "Please, I need it," you mumbled out and Jiang Cheng lifts his head from your neck, admiring the trails of splotches of red.

Jiang Cheng cupped your chin with his free hand, angling your face toward him with eyes staring intently into your own. "Louder," he hummed, leaning in, wanting to hear the words simply spill from those plumped, pretty lips.

Your eyes screw shut as you continued on, desperate for the release you so desperately needed. "Please, please."

"Look at me when you beg for me," he barked, his eyes working, trying to see you fall apart underneath him.

Your his, no one elses.

Eyes snapped open at his command, wanting to release badly. "I want it, please, Cheng, I want you so bad, only you, please," you whimper and you saw his eyes flicker in approval causing a swell of happiness to surge through your body.

"That's it," he reassured, allowing you to release, intertwining your mouths together, his mouth swallowing the moans that slipped out your mouth.

The pleasure rises, the tension building with every second that passes until you teeter on the edge of release. It's a pure moment of surrender, where the pleasure is supreme and you are overtaken by the overwhelming ecstasy that floods over you.

Waves of ecstasy hit you, leaving your legs trembling and weak, unable to stand even for the greatest sensation. He slips his fingers from your drenched hole, and you continue trembling from the aftertaste of the orgasm.

A mewl leaves your mouth at the sensation of his fingers leaving your soaked cunt. Jiang Cheng pressed his lips against yours, not as rough as before but still with the same impression, and you moan into the kiss.

"I wan' more," you whimper out through his tongue entangled with yours.

"Yeah?" Jiang Cheng hums against your lips and you nod.

"God, I need you, so bad," you add. "Cheng, please, can't leave me like this."

Jiang Cheng filled you around, your stomach pressed against the bed while his abs were flush against your back. His hands moved to grip behind your small ones, rendering your ability to squirm out of Jiang Cheng's hold.

Jiang Cheng's breath sent shivers down your ear, and you wiggled your head at the warm sensation. Now, your core was getting wetter; your body was trying to squirm away from the imposing hold he had on you.

Jiang Cheng slid his hands in this subtle push-and-pull motion, changing his hold so one of his hands can grip both of yours above your head and careful not to get your hair caught in-between the movements. You let out a content sigh as Cheng rose his body just a little, trailing his free hand down the expanse of your smooth back before his fingers meet your slick entrance.

"Sodden," he murmurs against your ear, and then takes a bite of the collagen, and you gasp at the unexpected move.

Then, you felt a heavy, pulsing head press against your clit, and you moaned from the contact. You tried to squirm away from the cause of pleasure, only to be unable to do so, for Jiang Cheng knew your body better than you did yourself—he knew you were going to try to run from his body due to the pleasure. So, he pressed his weight on you once more.

You held your breath as Jiang Cheng sank his flesh into your spongey walls, the ridges squeezing his length with every thrust into your soaked cunt. A moan left both of your mouths as Jiang Cheng's length nudged the deepest spot within you.

"'Look how you take me in,' he grunts. 'Such a good little slut.' You sigh in pleasure at degrading praise—the way he knew you enjoyed being worshiped in an abasement. He savored his words, words that hit so deep, and in a way, he never wanted to call you anything else.".

But he didn't move, he wanted to savor how you wanted to cause friction, desired to move against his touch, but couldn't. Jiang Cheng's cock prodded so deep in your gummy walls that you whimpered in pleasure, but that didn't stop him from not moving. He was still snug inside.

Those hot, tender kisses made their way from your ear down to that dip of your neck to your shoulder right as, with an exhale that breathlessly kills you, Jiang Cheng rolled his hips into yours. A moan slipped out from your mouth, his thick length scraping over all the sensitive spots of your heated insides.

Jiang Cheng splay your legs apart with his knees, so any inclinations from you are ensured to be suppressed with his efforts to keep you still. Underneath him, your beautiful body paled in comparison to his colossal frame. He hoped that you would not budge from his ensnared arms. And true enough, he had his way.

He speeded up further in his own movements, his cock thrusting deep in my needy hole, strained moans and whining leaving your throat. Jiang Cheng could be heard panting in your ear, letting out the occasional deep groan with the sounds that made your cunt flutter tightly around his length.

Jiang Cheng was filling you up to the hilt, his throbbing pink tip knocking against that soft, gummy spot inside my cunt, and I felt I could fly over the edge, scream out in fulfilment. "Found it," he breathed into you, making you let out a moaned sigh, shaking against him with the pleasure. "Found it, hm?" Jiang Cheng smirks. "Am I making you feel so good, huh?"

Your body tried to arch away from the pleasure, not being able to take the strong rolls of his hips, but as you arched back away, his thrusts only aimed deeper, harder into your G spot. "Y-yeah," you sobbed out, tears filling your lash line. "B-but. Too much. Slow down, too much."

His hips picking up in pace now, loving how your cunt squeezed his cock even though you wanted him to slow down, how contradicting he thought your words were, you were denying your body the release that you so desperately needed. "Your taking me so well though," Jiang Cheng added. "You can take it, your so close."

Repetitive moans left your mouth while he pounded into your tight heat. You had the sudden instinct to press yourself into his length, but you couldn't; his weight was too heavy for you to move against him. You were utterly hopeless as his thrusts became faster.

"I—I wanna come," you cry out mewling. "So big, you feel so big, Jiang Cheng."

Your body trembled beneath him and the hold he had on your hands loosened, your hips getting held, then, the strength he possessed lifting you onto your knees before a bicep wrapped around your throat, lifting your head. It wasn't a tight grip but the power lifted your head from the futon while you shakily rested your weight on your elbows.

Your back arched heavily, finally being able to sink more into him. Jiang Cheng hunched over you, pulling you closer to him and connected your mouth in a sloppy, wet kiss, forcing his tongue inside your mouth, grunting into you while he swallowed your moans. "Taking me so deep, making me feel so good, making you feel so good, aren't I?" Jiang Cheng moaned, drawing back from your mouth and pushing the arch into your back deeper.

He watched your ass ripple again against his lower abdomen, watching your pussy with grey eyes'. Watching how your walks sucked him in, leaving a creamy white rind of arousal around the base of his cock. "Making you feel so good, aren't I?" Jiang Cheng groaned with his head tilted forward, sweat beading on his forehead as he watched you fall apart and tremble from his dick, with broken moans slipping past your plump lips.

A satisfied smirk came onto Jiang Cheng's face as he watched those tears that welled in your fluffy lash line spill down your smooth cheeks. "Look how good you are taking me," groaned Jiang Cheng. "So good. Love you so much."

"'Wanna come, please," you beg, wanting to feel the release, desperate as the tears stream down your flushed cheeks. "Want it so bad. 'M love you too!"

You clench around his length as he picks up his pace. Instantly accommodating the speed, your moans escalate. Chasing with a deep moan, he mumbled in my ear while he leaned down, and my insides stirred, clenching around his length. "How much you need me?" rasps Jiang Cheng in your ear.

"Want you bad!" you whimper, being unable to grasp any thoughts that swelled into your head. "You make me feel so good!"

"Say it again, wanna hear it," Jiang Cheng grunts his teeth grinding together.

You moan out, your body trembling. "You make me feel so good, Cheng, want you so much," you hiccup out as the coil in your stomach tightened while his heavy balls slapped against your swollen clit.

"Nnggh, that's it," Jiang Cheng groans back, not allowing you to say anything towards the end, wantonly ready to fill your cunt up with his seed. 

"Please, Cheng, I wanna come," you moan.  "Want you to make me come."

"That's it," he groaned, and you spasmed around his length, as your high washed over you, your legs shaking, as his weight pressed down even more than it already was. He didn't slow his thrusts—a fact rather evident, as I let out whimper after whimper of overstimulation—but Jiang Cheng continued to help it, his hips rutting into mine, helping me ride out my orgasm as he chased his own.

With a groan he was back, lips planted against mine once again as his hips slammed into mine, hard, cumming, spilling inside me which caused me to moan into his kiss. Jiang Cheng slipped his softening length out, and pulled away from the kiss as you slumped to the futon, his eyes chained to the white splotches of silky come that spilled from your gaping cunt before fingering the liquid back into your cunt.

The grip of Jiang Cheng's hands on your hips tightened a bit as he gracefully rolled you to lie on your back and pulled back far enough so you could see the intensity in his eyes as he dipped down, taking your lips in a chaste but at the same time almost possessive kiss. The world faded away. There was just you two in that shared moment of intimacy.

And when the kiss finally ended, his forehead rested against yours. "You are mine," he murmured with voice filled with affection. "Mine and nobody else's."

Your heart swelled with the words he uttered, causing a warmth in your chest as you nodded. "Yes, Jiang Cheng," you replied softly, your voice tender and kind. "I'm yours and yours only."

Do not copy, steal, modify, etc. Relogs and like are appreciated.

m.list | mo dao zu shi m.list

[fayraje]

Mdzs/Toh au

Featuring Wei wuxian as the genius who got cursed, jiang cheng as the jealous brother who did the cursing and then became a cop, lan Wangji as a someone who had a breakup before they were even together, the sects as covens, wen ruohan as the emperor and the burial mounds taking the place of the titular owl house

[biennatodd]

A Little Party Never Killed Nobody... 

Pairing: JZX/JC Endgame; but it features some elements of WWX/JC too. Rated: M CWs: Alcohol Use, Underage (JC is 16, JZX and WWX are 19), Violence, Making Out, Dubcon (Everyone is under the influence, but consent is given), College AU

|| Part 1 || Part 2 || -----------------------

Jiang Cheng has been pretty sheltered his entire life.

Between his overprotective mother and his distant father, he never really got to socialize with the other kids his age. Even on the rare occasions he was invited to hang out or go to a sleepover. His mother never let him go, and if she did, his father would forget to take him and schedule something else at the same time.

The only exception was Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng’s best (only) friend. Jiang Cheng had aways looked up to him, even if he wouldn’t admit it. Wei Wuxian was one of the cool kids. All of the older kids liked him--he was really smart and always knew what to say to make everyone laugh. And yet he always stuck with Jiang Cheng. The two of them were inseparable.

Or at least, that’s what he used to think.

As they grew up together, he started to wonder if that was actually true. 

Wei Wuxian was a few years older than him, and he was smart enough to skip grades. In fact, he could’ve graduated high school 2 years early. But instead, he waited. For Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng worried that he was holding his friend back, but Wei Wuxian just ruffled his hair and promised he’d never want to leave his didi behind anyway. 

And that’s how Wei Wuxian ended up graduating high school with an Associates Degree, easily overshadowing Jiang Cheng, who’d be his class’s valedictorian. But it’s okay! Jiang Cheng didn’t mind. What he minded was that Wei Wuxian had gone off and made a bunch of new friends while Jiang Cheng was busy playing catch up. New college friends. Ones that Jiang Cheng didn’t know. Like that “Lan Zhan~”. Sure! They could probably get along if he tried. But that was the thing! Jiang Cheng didn’t WANT to try. He was.. jealous.  

Which is what led to him being here: sulking in the corner of some cool college party, out WAY past his curfew, and waiting for Wei Wuxian to remember that he exists.

Until a cool cup of something presses against his chest. 

Jiang Cheng looks up at whoever has deigned to invade his personal space with a scowl, which only deepens upon seeing Jin Zixuan. “What’s this supposed to be, peacock?” 

“A sign to lighten up. your attitude will sink the entire party if left unattended.”

“If that was supposed to be a joke.. it wasn’t funny.” Jiang Cheng side-eyes him.

See, the Jins’ were an old family friend of the Jiangs’, and Jin Zixuan had dated Jiang Yanli for so long that he was practically a part of the family himself. So much so that even after he and Yanli broke up, he still would come around, the two of them able to maintain their “friendship”. Of course it didn't matter that he and Yanli were still friends, or that she didn't seem too hurt by the way things ended. Wei Wuxian said that they HAD to hate "the peacock" for dumping a-jie. It was practically their job! 

A shame, because Jiang Cheng used to kind of like Jin Zixuan. 

“What makes you think that I would want a drink from my sister’s ex?” 

Jin Zixuan sighs, shooting Jiang Cheng an entirely unimpressed look. “Are you really still hung up on that? Didn’t she tell you that we parted on good terms??” 

Jiang Cheng doesn’t buy it. ”Hmph! Wei Wuxian thinks that you were a terrible boyfriend and that you’re the reason jiejie swore of men forever!!”

“Seriously?!” Jin Zixuan frowns doubtfully, “And what does Yanli think?”

“...”  He looks away with a pout frown. “...Jiejie is too nice to say what she really thinks.”

Jin Zixuan simply has to laugh, and Jiang Cheng feels and angry flush warm his cheeks at being mocked. “Oh yeah? Well then, what do YOU think?” 

“I think you’re ANNOYING.” Jiang Cheng glares at him, but Jin Zixuan remains unfazed, snorting at his antics. Jiang Cheng feels a little better knowing that a vain man can make such an ugly sound. Jin Zixuan still presses the cup forward, pushing Jiang Cheng to take it. Jiang Cheng gives him an awkward look. Is this guy stupid?

“I’m not supposed to accept any opened drinks while we’re here. It’s not safe.”

“What. Did Wei Wuxian~ tell you that too?”

Actually he did. But Jiang Cheng doesn’t want to admit it anymore, feeling weirdly insecure about it. Jin Zixuan just sighs. “Look. I get it. That is good advice. But c’mon! You KNOW me!! You’ve known me your entire life! Even longer than you’ve known Wei Wuxian.”

“But--” 

Jin Zixuan rolls his eyes, cutting Jiang Cheng off and looking kind of done with the entire conversation.

“Do you ALWAYS have to do what Wei Wuxian tells you?”

Jiang Cheng’s immediate response is to say No, hackles raised because of his strong desire for independence, but the question makes him pause. Is that what people think of him?? That he just.. follows Wei Wuxian around like-like-- like some lost little ugly duckling? 

While Jiang Cheng is stuck on the question, Jin Zixuan takes a sip of the drink himself, looking more than a little offended. “There. See? I’m not trying to.. roofie you or something. Jeez. I don’t know what sort of bullshit Wei Wuxian’s been feeding you but I’m not like that. How much more proof do you need?”

Finally, feeling just a teeny tiny bit bad about it (he didn’t mean to imply that sort of thing about him okay?!!), Jiang Cheng is about to reach out and take the cup , but it’s at that exact moment that Wei Wuxian himself arrives.

He slides between them, throwing an arm over Jiang Cheng’s shoulder with ease.

“’Sup, peacock?”

Jin Zixuan doesn’t look happy to see him. At ALL. Even Jiang Cheng has to admit that the situation has become uncomfortably tense. He looks back and forth between the two older boys, both of them staring each other down like they’re already ready to fight.

Jin Zixuan pulls the cup back toward himself. 

“Speak of the devil.”

Wei Wuxian smirks, “..and I’ll appear~” 

Jin Zixuan looks from Wei Wuxian to Jiang Cheng, and then to Wei Wuxian’s arm on Jiang Cheng’s shoulder before scoffing, which just makes Wei Wuxian grin even wider. Jiang Cheng thinks to himself that it kind of reminds him of those monkeys who show their teeth as a threat.

“Whatever,” Jin Zixuan rolls his eyes. “It was nice seeing you again, Jiang Cheng. I guess.”

And then he’s gone, before Jiang Cheng even gets a chance to reply, and he’s left feeling like he’s definitely missed something there. He turns to look at Wei Wuxian with suspicion.

“...So what the fuck was all of that about?”

“Nothin’!” Wei Wuxian smiles easily, rocking his didi’s shoulder just a bit. “Don’t worry about it. He just has a stick up his ass. Like always.” He starts steering Jiang Cheng toward the bar island.

“Now c’mon, Chengcheng... let’s party!!”

[liziocit]

How Fanon JC could become slightly canon

Since most jc stans think JC is someone who is :

good with kids

cares and really misses his "brother", since he was "forced" into killing him or leading the siege or never helping him with any resources or caring for the Wens

has a hard exterior but beneath that is a heart of gold.

thinks of Wei Wuxian as his brother in all but blood

To name a few.

I think we'd need to rewrite his whole story even his childhood for him to have at least half of those features.

Madam Yu would have to not be in the picture, she is one of the people who would frequently insist that Jiang Fengmian doesn't care for him, that he is inferior to Wei Ying and encourages an extremely classist way of thinking to Jiang Cheng.

Perhaps she dies in a night hunt when Jiang Cheng is like one year old. So now we have a Jiang Cheng who doesn't have that view of Jiang Fengmian not caring for him.

But even if this Jiang Cheng is not influenced by his mother, he still has an inherently selfish and narrow minded way of thinking. It's what makes him resonate with her thinking so easily.

Because of his inherent nature I think he'd still find it hard to understand his father's teachings or that his father loves him. This leads to slight disconnect between them.

When Wei Wuxian is brought to L.P I think he'd be okay and wouldn't chase him off because of his dogs. I believe him seeing his father holding Wei Wuxian for the day would make him slightly resentful though. Something like ( Why is an outsider holding my father that tightly? Don't you know he's my father? Who is he to do that?)

So they grow up together and JC still feels jealous over WWX's inherent genius and lashes out at times. WWX would not take it standing and would tease him or just ignore him, he has no fear of being whipped or being told to kneel for hours.

And probably thinks of WWX as this clown who easily gets his way while he has to bust his ass to do anything.( cultivation, mastery of the arts etc)

I think canon would progress the same from the way things are, its just that JC would be less toxic and has a better opportunity for redemption in this Au than in canon.I don't think fanon Jc can become canon with how JC is.

Unless...

We have Shen Yuan transmigrate into his body at the tender age of one year old. He relives a whole ass childhood but I know that SY!JC will :

be someone who has a heart of gold with an indifferent exterior

shelter the wen remnants

actually think of Wei Wuxian as his brother.

not get his golden core taken cause he will be right there with brother Wei Wuxian looking for food - if it does get taken he will be okay with it, he'll be sad but will eventually get over it. There won't be any golden core transfer.

be a sect leader who embraces the sect motto and has a sect which isn't a scary place for non-cultivators

not take any shit that YZY will spout or do.

not be toxic to Wei Wuxian

be a person who is good with kids.

not be "forced" to kill Wei Wuxian, he'd defend him so fiercely that the other sects would back off

act like an older brother to jyl and wwx.

Looking at what I wrote, I think what am saying is fanon JC would only exist canonically if a crossover is had and Shen Yuan transmigrates into his body.

Ps: I have the urge to read a Shen Yuan transmigrates into JC's body fic now, if its out there please rec it in the notes or please write it and tell me.

[sizhuyu]

Can I have a fluffy little thing with Jiang Cheng in high school au but they're already together? Ya know, if it's not too much trouble 😳

 Sure! I had to make a new topic after I cried last night but here you go! Fem reader! ( sorry if you are a boy!! ) Mall -> School ( I had some fun with the mall first kay? ) 

featuring : Yanli-jie, Jin peacock, tsundere boyfriend, adorable y/n!, And delusional Wei Wuxian, With kuudere Lan Wangji! 

☆*: .｡. .｡.:*☆ You are Late again   ☆*: .｡. .｡.:*☆

Oh! It’s already school now??.. You say in your head as Jiang Cheng got out of the bathroom dressed “Hurry up Y/N dear, we will be late for breakfast!” He says and is already combing his hair. Luckily he had prepared your clothes and dried your hair “Okay we still have 30 mins!” As you both walk into the cafeteria. Phew! Wei Wuxian and Yanli saved you both some seats and some food! “Thank you!!” You hugged Yanli and Wei Wuxian ( Oh no! The kuudere is jealous! ). They both knew how grumpy you will be when you don’t take your breakfast ( basically you might be a Wei Wuxian 2.0.. pissing off the teachers and all ).  After you all ate it is time to go to your classes. “History..” Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian says “Music and Arts!” You and yanli held hands with glittering eyes “math.” Jin Zixuan and Lan Wangji say to all of you “Well good luck boys! Because me and Yanli love this class!” You and Yanli kissed your boyfriends goodbye since class will start once you got there. “Man there is a quiz today..” Jiang Cheng recalls “WHAT?” Wei Wuxian says in surprise while Lan Wangji kisses him and bids him goodluck. ( Don’t ask why Nie huaisang isn’t here and Yanli is in the same class as you but your the same age as Jiang Cheng.. ). After the classes it is now the passing period “Guys!! Over here!” They saw you and they sat down with you both telling stories about how was the class and what happened “You won’t believe what Wei Wuxian did..” Jiang Cheng facepalms at the memory “What did a-Xian do?” Yanli asks Jiang Cheng “I avoided detention basically!” Oh darn he gonna get in trouble with Lan Qiren... 

☆*: .｡. .｡.:*☆

It was time to go to the dormitory when you were caught running “Detention.” One of the teachers say to you and you suffer the long hour of detention. You managed to text Jiang Cheng secretly and say : 

Y/N : “Wanyin! Wait for me after 30 more minutes I’m in detention for running..”

Wanyin is typing...

Wanyin : “Fine, I’ve already waited for 30 minutes anyways. I’ll be here outside the library.” 

“She’s gonna be late again.”

30 minutes later he saw you and hugged you “Sorry to make you wait for so long Wanyin.” You say “It’s fine.” You both went to your dorm and slept on your beds.

[jiangwanyinscatmom]

I just found a chengxian blog and checked out a fanfic - just to see how they worked around wangxian - I’m always curious and sometimes this kind of thing gives me insight I didn’t realise was present - but jfc, the delusion is real.

Now I know, it’s bad form to go look for this stuff and shit on a ship, and I’m not shitting on the very concept of chengxian. Hell, before the fall of LP, I could even see something? Something unhealthy and all sorts of unbalanced but okay sure. And AUs of course. Either way, to each their own.

But these post-resurrection or even worse, post canon fics are hilarious.

Because suddenly we’re all forgetting just how gone WWX is for LWJ because they have similar interests (music and literature), morals (you know, being good) and have always been equals (in talent) - and instead we have WWX being a miserable drunk and hating CR because LWJ gives in too easily, he doesn’t have enough pushback to stimulate him (are we forgetting how this relationship started?) and it just baffles me.

Why it baffles me is the lack of awareness. Do they actually believe this? I mean, I’ve read some XiYao fics and some of those shippers are very well aware of the effed up dynamics at play. Sure, they mess around with it, give Yao some benefit of the doubt, make a lot of canon divergences, but these guys just see everything through opaque rose coloured glasses and somehow try to justify it and I don’t really know how they function...

Btw I’m a CQL only but with a healthy respect for the other forms but CQL really did mess with minds when you see JC clapping for WWX during the archery thing (albeit with a constipated smile and he didn’t even participate) while the donghua which is closer to the novel clearly shows us that he was upset at not winning himself - this is apparently a very clear sign of his adoration and of course justifies how he basically led to WWX throwing himself off a cliff because the irrational grape would have led to both wangxian falling.

Just🤦🏼‍♀️

I'm dealing with a migraine so hopefully what I put here isn't too mean in regards to this ship.

I don't in anyway care what others ship given that I myself lowkey ship ridiculous things that have no romantic basis in the material (and given I respect the author I see exactly what she means that none other than the purely romantic pairs shown in MDZS are meant to be seriously interpreted as romantic in canon). But hey, I like shallow, I like the effed up dynamic in NieYao and XueXiao and like the shallowness of X!cheng for fun what if's. But you (general you but for the stans specifically) have got to admit when something is just for shallow fun without demeaning the real work itself and hate the main core of it and changing the dynamics to be so wildly OOC because you are personally salty (You look like a major Karen doing this shit and are fucking adults sounding like those middle school shit heads).

I also have a whole fanon conspiracy that Jiang Cheng works as a false love interest and as an unrequited fucked up crush/obsession since I personally feel it adds more to Jiang Cheng's depths in terms of exploration for FAN works.

"Do they actually believe this?"

Yes, they honestly do believe, in all their tiny galaxy brained power that this ship is somehow superior and has romantic chemisty along with needing to have been the focused CP. I will point out it is really not even what I would consider a popular pair given it has just under 2k on AO3 alone for the Western base along with the Untamed/MDZS having the largest audience for Danmei works there. Lofter itself has it's own top 100 ships with Jiang Cheng's most popular being X!cheng by a large margin similar to it's Western stats.

If we breakdown it's rankings for both

AO3: Rank 2 of overall ship works 2020: Wangx!an

Rank 55: X!cheng

with ChengX!an being too low in numbers to rank in.

Lofter overall ship works 2020: Rank 1: Wangx!an (with X!anwang ranking again at 66)

Rank 13: X!cheng

Rank 48: Xiancheng (and yes this is a very important distinction as it denotes the "dominate" one in the pair)

If we were to mesh these together with tumblr stats in a similar way the overall would still be Wangxian ranking high as Rank 1 in the Untamed/MDZS tag, overall ships Rank 13 and the only MXTX pair to be featured.

After that digression, regardless of the interpretations, even with Wang ZhouCheng he himself only played up the sibling aspect of the relationship as was in script, it does not have the supposed chemistry they speak of when they slap the Wangx!an one on it. God damn if I have to see this Cuckji shit from these shippers one more time my eyes will roll on the floor and melt from the stupid, which is ironic since Jiang Cheng himself was the canon Cuck who's bro got swept off his feet by the canon Chad. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Jiang Cheng through several passages in the book shows that his downfall was his jealousy of Wei Wuxian as his own person that did not listen to him specifically but it was never in terms of romance at the base of what MXTX was showing simple as that. This was shown with Wei Wuxian's interest in Lan Wangji, him saving Lan Wangji and to a point MianMian, as well as the Wen Remnants because it simply left Jiang Cheng what he considered more work and trouble. He cared about Wei Wuxian in so much as Wei Wuxian didn't make a splash for the reputation of Yunmeng Jiang while hypocritically having made use of Wei Wuxian during the war and turning around to be jealous of the devotion Wei Wuxian had during that time due to the attention Wei Wuxian garnered. Jiang Cheng simply did not think he had to extend some sort of actual good will to Wei Wuxian since he felt he had given enough of that just by the sake of Jiang Fengmian taking him in as a disciple and raising him. HOW you get Wei Wuxian having romantic inclination out of this, I can't say as I am not enlightened enough for the wonders of ChengX!an and apparently want to fuck MXTX who I have never met or know, or, want to fuck the very gay leads (who do not exist) despite being a lesbian.

[sheadre]

Aurora Borealis (Jiang Cheng x Reader) Part Three

Summary: Zhu Ran'En (Reader) the imperial princess, was sent into exile for a crime she did not commit. Meeting Jiang Wanyin, the Yunmeng Jiang sect’s leader was not just a chance meeting. Their fates were written in the stars however, her relations to the royal family will never let her live in peace. How will she manage to save the kingdom while trying to keep Jiang Wanyin away from the snakes of the royal family?

Word count: 2713

Warnings: fluff, romance, idiots in love, awkward flirting, blood and violence later

Previous Chapter

Weeks have passed since you found out about who kidnapped your trusted ally. There was more probability to him being dead by now which left you with one less person trying to save the kingdom on your side. You groaned and sent letter to every other ally you had in the palace to stay out of trouble.

You needed them to stay alive and couldn’t let their identities revealed to your cousin and uncle. You pinched the bridge of your nose with a groan as the headache was forming at the mere thought of having to scheme your way through another plan. You hated being one step behind your snake of a cousin. Zhu HuaJin was always trying to outsmart you and get you in trouble. It felt like she knew your weak points but you were always doing excellently at finding hers. She hated you after getting her lover executed for treason even if you knew that she would’ve gotten into trouble along if she maintained the relationship. Especially with how envious and jealous her husband could be.

Lili poured you a fresh hot cup of tea before bowing and turning to leave but you lifted a hand and stopped her by grabbing her sleeve.

“Yes, your highness?” she asked curiously.

“Could you pack what is necessary for travel and tell the carter to bring out the carriage?” you asked without glancing up at her. You knew Lili could tell how tired you were and only bothered you whenever she needed to. She was not exactly a warm person but she was loyal especially after you saved her father from being beaten for misplacing herbs in one of the ministers’ special potions. Those potions were requested by those disgusting old men to ‘find the inspiration for some naughty times with young ladies’. So when Lili’s father misplaced a herb, it resulted in the minister’s private parts getting extremely itchy and red.

She’s been serving you for many years now and was one of your most trusted subordinates. You got up from your seat and walked up to the window with your hands behind your back. Your eyes scanned the streets of the city as you contemplated your next move. A few days ago, the one you were about to ask for help came here himself and threatened you. It left you little space to move but you couldn’t give up now. He didn’t understand that the future of the kingdom was at stake. Suddenly, a servant opened the doors with a worried expression on his face and approached you with a letter in his hands. He bowed as he stretched his hands in front of himself presenting the letter to you. You took it from his fingers and dismissed him with confusion.

However, that confusion quickly dissolved into horror as your eyes scanned through the words. You might be too late already.

Time skip ~

Yunmeng was quite spectacular. The scenery was calming and the weather was quite good. You watched the surface of the water as you sat in the small boat while the carter was paddling. Lili sat further from you her face a calm mask as she stared out at the calm lake. You were prepared for Jiang Wanyin’s first reaction when he will see you but he was your only shot especially now that your cousin and the second prince was planning on getting the crown prince killed in assassination.

You had no idea how much evil those two can conjure up but you were sure to stop them even if it cost you your life. How greedy and petty those two can be to not see their actions impacting the whole kingdom?! Once the boat was in the dock, Lili grabbed the few things you asked her to pack for you and stepped out of the boat before helping you out. To your surprise and pleasant disappointment, Jiang Wanyin was marching down the pier with his eyebrows furrowed glaring at you from the distance. You lifted your fan to your face to hide your mischievous smirk.

“Jiang sect leader!” you waved with a wide smile. “Nice seeing you again!”

“What are your highness doing here?” he hissed as politely as he could. He was pissed for sure but you were ready to butter him up and get on his good side.

“I believe that is something we should discuss privately” you replied with a serious expression. “I got a letter from the Imperial Palace.”

His face turned from annoyed to concerned before he reluctantly nodded and led you towards the entrance. You stared at his broad shoulders and tried to keep your hands from grabbing them and squeezing them. It surprised you how much this man was making you feel these urges. Desire was burning in your chest like an uncontrollable raging fire. Maybe it was because he wasn’t like the other men who ate out of your hands after you smiled at them.

Yunmeng was beautiful. Lotus pods everywhere, blooming flowers swimming on the water while the servants and disciples were hurrying one point to the other. You sometimes wished to have such a busy life that was filled with simple duties. You were busy in a whole different kind of way and sometimes you felt like you were going insane. Always scheming, always on the road, always looking back to check your surroundings who would try to stab you in the back.

Jiang Wanyin led you into the main hall where he sat down in the lotus throne and motioned for everyone to leave closing the door behind themselves. You pulled out the letter and gave it to him, your gaze unwavering as you looked at his handsome features.

“I got that letter from Lin Minister, the Minister of the Imperial Clan” you spoke up. “He has always been looking out for me due to our common interests.”

“Which are?” he asked lifting an eyebrow. He was still not trusting you but you couldn’t blame him. You were announced dead but are still running around like some ghost and when he wanted answers, you bombarded him with answers he couldn’t really comprehend or understand because they were connected to all the scheming snakes of the Imperial Palace.

“To ensure the crown prince takes the throne one day” you replied unwavering as you stared back at him. His lips pressed into a thin line as he contemplated your words before his eyes flitted down to the letter, reading it carefully. You waited with bated breath watching how his brow seemed to darken as he read through the lines. You silently stood there frozen in place thinking about your next step. You always came up with tons of plans and other plans for each of them in case any of them blows up. After an eternity of silence, Jiang Wanyin lifted his gaze back up to you, the shadows on his handsome face never fading. His eyes looked piercingly through you but standing his gaze wasn’t as hard as everyone else would think.

“If this gets in the wrong hands, your highness” he spoke up. “The whole kingdom will be in grave danger.”

“Why do you think I came here, Jiang sect leader?” you huffed taking the letter back from him. “I am asking for your help. There is no one else who can stop this.”

“Why do you think I can do anything?” he asked back confused. “This is much more serious than what the Jiang sect disciples and soldiers can offer. There is not enough men to fight. With all due respect, your highness, you do not know anything about militaristic affairs.”

You narrowed your eyes at him lifting your fan in front of your face as you scowled. He was right, you only knew how to manipulate, how to deceive and how to play people against each other. But it was a useful skill in battle. You swallowed your pride and nodded.

“I am aware, Jiang sect leader” you spoke calmly. “But I have plans. I only need you to be the key figure when it comes to leading an army. I already sent word to the Imperial Palace for my allies to gather men. I can assure you that I have resources.”

“Why do you need me as a key figure?” Jiang Wanyin stood up from his seat walking up to you. He was easily towering over you, staring you down trying to pry the truth from you. You lowered your fan revealing a mischievous smirk on your lips as you patted his chest leaning forward a little, your noses almost touched at the tip as you spoke:

“That is something only I need to know” you said before turning around and leaving him alone in the main hall, knowing exactly how his handsome face showed his confusion. It was such a nice feeling leaving men dumbfounded.

Time skip ~

You expected Jiang Wanyin to kick you out of his home but to your surprise, he did not. You ate breakfast with him in the main hall, his eyes staring a hole in your skull as you sipped on your tea carefully. You couldn’t deny the thrill his attention was giving you. It was so satisfying to piss him off yet pick his interest, wake up his curiosity. Suddenly, the doors burst open and the Great Yiling Patriarch waltzed in with a large grin on his face.

“Jiang Cheng! Why did you close the do- Oh, hello, there” his eyes quickly spotted you before he was kneeling in front of you, leaning on the table with his elbows while his palms supported his chin. You chuckled at his childish demeanor.

“Nice to meet you again, Wei gongzi” you greeted and motioned for him to sit next to you. “Would you like to have some tea?”

“Jiang Cheng, why didn’t you tell me you were serious about her highness?! I need to find a good wedding gift now!” he whined at Jiang Wanyin. You laughed quietly as you turned to him and patted his shoulder gently.

“I would need to propose to him then, Wei gongzi” you spoke up with a playful smirk on your lips. “Jiang sect leader is too shy.”

“Who is too shy?! You both are just- Argh!” Jiang Cheng jumped up and walked out of the hall, his steps heavy and his shoulders pulled up to his ears in irritation as he left. You couldn’t help but laugh heartily at his reaction especially after noticing how red his ears were.

“But really, your highness, why are you here?” Wei Wuxian asked his face turning more serious. “Have you found anything more about the attacker in Chongyang?”

“Unfortunately… I have more upsetting news” you sighed pulling out the letter and offering it to Wei Wuxian. You knew that he could be a good ally. You’ve heard how he stood up against the late Jin sect leader, Jin Guangyao. Wei Wuxian was witty and smart, you could definitely use his insights besides he fought in the campaign against the Wen sect. You watched his features change as he read through the lines. “Wei gongzi, this has to stay between us.”

“I assume you already have plans, your highness” he narrowed his eyes as he gave the letter back to you.

“Maybe… but I still need time and more information” you sighed. “The first part of the plan is for me to get back to the Imperial Palace.”

“If it was announced that you were executed, how is that possible?” he asked confused.

“I have to return there as an honorable princess who discovered the wicked ways of her cousin” you lifted the cup to your lips after you answered his question. You eyes lifted to the opposite side of the hall where another table was sitting. You remember how you had to watch your cousin’s smug smile the night you were accused of money laundering. You should’ve seen the signs but you were too preoccupied with everything else.

“I like these kind of plans” he smirked waking you from the sea of memories trying to suffocate you. You put your cup down and got up from your seat.

“Please wait with teasing Jiang sect leader until I get back, Wei gongzi” you winked at him and left the hall. You had much to do until you could execute the first part of your plan. You were the Imperial Princess of this kingdom and its people, your only job was to protect it and bring peace to the citizens. You were their princess because only you had the power to protect all these people if needed. Even if it cost your life.

Jiang Cheng’s PoV.

The hardest thing for Jiang Wanyin was to tolerate all the guests who decided to visiting Yunmeng was a good idea. First, Zhu Ran’En decided to appear and ruin his plans of getting away from the elders pestering about finding a wife. The moment the rumors got out about him and the mysterious noble lady, the elders were knocking on his door asking for confirmation and showing him their wedding plans. It was excruciating to say the least and now Wei Wuxian decided to stop by again so he could pester him about wanting a niece or nephew.

His brother had the audience to make whining noises imitating a woman’s voice telling Jiang Cheng he was only trying to show him how the princess would call him on their wedding night. In the end, the sect leader found himself whacking the training dummies in a secluded part of the gardens which was only available for him. Sweat dripped down from the tip of his nose as he panted heavily trying to gain his bearing after stopping hitting the dummy. The frustration of the last few days seemed to dissolve a bit now that he beat the crap out of the poor mannequin.

“I see you could finally have some time for yourself, sect leader” her melodic voice spoke from his right. Jiang Cheng heard the mischievous smirk in her voice and heard her small careful steps approaching him. He had to admit that she was quite charming if she decided to act decent though that was a rare occasion.

“The elders are spouting rumors about us” he grumbled as he glanced at her. Zhu Ran’En smiled gently and lifted up a basket probably filled with food.

“You ate nothing during breakfast and it is already lunch time” she offered, her eyes piercing into his but with curiosity. This woman was infuriating yet charming and endearing. Delicateness was definitely one of her traits too.

“I’m not hung-“ he was about to decline the offer but was interrupted by his stomach grumbling loudly. Zhu Ran’En’s eyes widened before she start mirthfully laughing. Her small hand grabbed his and pulled on it leading him into another part of the gardens where a small pavilion stood proudly in the sun light. The princess carefully set the small stone table in the middle and poured him some tea. It was fascinating to see how punctual everything was according to Imperial etiquette.

“It was taught to me so thoroughly that I can set the table properly even after being woken up from a deep sleep” she chuckled because of course she knew what he was thinking about. Maybe it was easy to guess after all, people in lower ranks were unfamiliar of the strict ways of the court.

“What did you mean when you said you want me to become a key figure in defending the kingdom?” Jiang Cheng asked without much further ado. He had to know in case it was a plan that would turn against him. He wasn’t willing to sacrifice his sect for this rogue princess just because she was trying to gain the emperor’s favor back. He was reckless in many ways but he was no longer the naïve youth he once was.

“If you’re afraid of getting played over, I have no intentions of that” she replied with her tone firm. The princess motioned over the table with a delicate move before continuing: “I’ll tell you about my plans over lunch, I am quite famished.”

To be continued…

Tag list:

[wangxiangiftexchange]

Winter Solstice Gift for missyriver

This is for @missyriver, I hope you enjoy! Have a great holiday season!

Setting: During a cultivator’s conference with the goal to help rebuilt the prosperity of the Jin clan, Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan spend a nice evening in Lotus Pier.

*****

Wei Ying was bored.

Since he was only allowed to attend half of the meetings, Wei Wuxian found himself having lots of free time, and nothing to do to fill it. Well, not exactly. He could train with the disciples or go harvest the lotus seeds in the many ponds and lakes that surrounded the pier. He could galivant through Yunmeng with a bottle of liquor like he used to. But no matter how hard he tried, Wei Wuxian could not bring himself to do any of those things. The days when he could do such things with a free spirit were long gone and being in Yunmeng for such an extended period of time was bringing back memories. Memories of sunny days splashing through the lotus ponds with his shejie and harrowing days of training by his brother’s side. Memories of his adoptive parents’ dead bodies in the hall and the image of Jiang Cheng clutching Yanli’s dead body and looking at him, tears streaming down his face begging him to do something.

He shook the thoughts away. There was nothing he could do. What was done was done, and now he had to focus on what he had, not what he’d lost. But that proved to be much more difficult than he’d imagined. Every bit of Lotus Pier was covered in memories of his past life, and who he’d been before. And no matter how hard he tried, the memories still crept in.

Lan Zhan’s most recent meeting was supposed to end in an hour, so he still had a considerable amount of time to fill, and he’d be damned if he let it be filled with sorrowful musings. At this time of year, as the Dongzhi festival was approaching, all the shops would be selling their best dumplings, so Wei Wuxian decided that he would go into town to get some for him and his lover. On his way there, a light snow descended from the sky and he couldn’t help being reminded of that night he’d spent in Lan Zhan’s jingshi, after his reincarnation. A small smile made its way to his face at the thought. Even with all the commotion and emotional upheaval that had taken place after his reincarnation Lan Zhan had been there with him. By his side. And truly, he couldn’t have asked for more.

There had been a time when Wei Wuxian would have been one hundred percent sure that he would never like, let alone love, the cold and uncaring Lan Wangji. He laughed at the thought. How things could change. Now all that kept him going was the comforting sound of Lan Wangji’s voice and the safety he felt when he had his gentle lover’s arms around him. And perhaps, he thought, perhaps tonight he would show him just how much he meant to him.

When he spotted the dumplings that looked the most delicious, he quickly bought some and hastily walked them back to the room he and Lan Zhan had been given for their stay in Yunmeng. His lover wasn’t back yet, so he would have time to prepare a nice dinner for them to share. His earlier thoughts were all but wisps in his mind, now replaced with the thought of a nice evening alone with the handsome Lan Wangji. He truly was very lucky.

Once the table was nicely set up, Wei Ying took the liberty of pouring himself a cup of liquor while he was waiting. His musings were no longer centred on the people he had lost, and the hell he’d been through, but what he had. He still had Lan Zhan. And he didn’t have to wait much longer to see the face of the only person he could truly trust to come back.

Lan Wangji looked tired. It would seem that the days meetings had not gone as he had planned, and it was clear to Wei Wuxian that this little evening of relaxation was well deserved for his companion. Just by looking at the little creases in his lover’s delicate features and seeing his slightly less that perfectly straight posture, Wei Ying could tell that the day’s events had taken quite the toll on Lan Wangji. He would ask him if there was anything he could do to help, when the time came.

“Lan Zhan,” he called out, quickly getting up to greet the other man. “How was the meeting?” Lan Wangji’s eyes did a quick sweep of the room before coming to rest on Wei Wuxian. “Long.” He spoke quietly, placing his Bichen on the nearest surface and going to sit at the table that Wei Wuxian had prepared for them. “Let’s eat.” Wei Wuxian sat back down, now face to face with the handsome man. Although he hadn’t said anything about it, Wei Ying could tell that Lan Zhan had been pleasantly surprised by what he’d prepared. He had gotten so accustomed to being with Lan Wangji that he could almost read him like an open book. The thought made him smile warmly. Most of the time, he could tell exactly how his lover felt, and to have such a connection with another person felt very rewarding.

The meal went by in comfortable silence, broken only by the sounds of the wind blowing around the light snow outside and the clacking of chopsticks. The smells of candles and warm, freshly cooked dumplings filled the air. It was rare for the two to get such peaceful alone time and Wei Wuxian was very proud. But it wasn’t over yet.

As soon as they’d both finished their meals, he rapidly cleared the table before grabbing his lover’s hand and leading him to the docks that connected their rooms to the rest of Lotus Pier. “Let’s go for a walk” he suggested, and Lan Zhan nodded. At first, they walked in silence, and seeing as there was no one around, Wei Wuxian did not let go of Lan Wangji’s hand. After a little they arrived at one of the many dock endings located in Lotus Pier, where a small boat lay waiting for them.

“Since we were interrupted by Wen Ning last time, I thought that maybe we could go for a boat ride, just you and me.” Wei Ying offered, a warm inviting smile on his face. A small smile appeared on Lan Wangji’s face as he took a seat at one end of the boat.  Wei Wuxian then sat at the other end, grabbing a seal from inside his robes, and sticking it at the back of the boat. Slowly the boat left the dock, creating small ripples in the previously clear surface of the water. The night was slightly cold, but it wasn’t cold enough to freeze the ponds, although there was a light snow on top of the many lotus plants. “It’s been so long since I was able to truly enjoy the lotus ponds.” Wuxian said with a slightly saddened smile. “I remember when my shejie would invite me to pick lotus seeds with her, and we would spend hours in these boats, just having fun. Jiang Cheng was always jealous when we came back,” he laughed, “He would get angry at us for not inviting him, although he would never admit it. But the next time we forgot to invite him again, he would always throw a tantrum.” The small smile on his face had grown with the happiness of the memory, but there still lay sadness within his eyes.

Which Lan Wangji noticed. He promptly gathered a few Lotus stalks in his hands, before taking the seeds out and handing some to Wei Wuxian. “Thank you” he said, and Wangji just nodded, before returning to his previous sitting position, except slightly closer to the other man. “Wei Ying,” he whispered, his low voice laced with what Wei Wuxian had come to learn was love and adoration. “Lady Jiang would not want you to look on these memories with sadness.” Wuxian smiled. “Of course not. “Then he laughed. “She’d also be very happy that I am here with such a handsome man as yourself.” The light of the moon illuminated the faces of both men, making Wei Wuxian’s flirty expression very clear. Wangji pulled away slightly. “Shameless.”

“Lan Zhannnnn!” Wei Wuxian whined as he practically threw himself on top of the other man making the boat shake precariously. After a while of simply laying on Lan Wangji he picked his head up and looked straight into the eyes of his lover. “I am very happy to be here with you, Lan Zhan.” It wasn’t rare for Wuxian to be so plainly honest with his feelings in such a direct way, but every time he did it, it still made Lan Wangji’s heart beat a little faster than it did before. “Mn” he answered. No words would ever be able to summarize the amount of love he held in his heart for Wei Wuxian. It was the controlling force of his life, what he breathed for, what he woke up for, what he dreamt of. And it was finally his, after sixteen years.

He wasted not another second in thought, gently bringing his lips down onto Wuxian’s. His kisses were always soft and adoring, lest he hurt his love in any way. And Wei Ying’s response was immediate, securing his arms around Wangji’s neck and pressing his lips against Lan Zhan’s passionately, as if he were a dying man sharing his last kiss. Which he might as well have been with all the people out there who still wanted to kill him. But with Lan Wangji by his side, he could never be hurt by anyone anymore. He was happy, safe and loved.

After all, Wei Wuxian could never truly be bored with Lan Wangji by his side.

[trensu]

Episode 7: The One where At Last LWJ Sees the Light

We’re still in the cave of wonders, guys, and lan yi is doing plot exposition so we’re gonna skip that

Once Lan Yi is done laying down Plot, we have this cute exchange

Lwj: elder, as your descendent i pinky promise to complete this Super Important Mission 

Wwx: oh, same, me too!

Lwj: this is a LAN FAMILY MATTER and none of your business

Wwx: YOU CAN’T STOP ME FROM HELPING

Wwx: and besides, since my grandmaster was besties with your ancestor that means that it’s practically my family matter too, so there

YOU’RE ALSO MARRIED NOW GUYS, REMEMBER, SO IT’S A FAMILY MATTER EITHER WAY

And now, drumroll please…

Our beautiful boys tumble out of the cave of wonders (while still tied together!!) and crash land onto the ground, with wwx oh so conveniently sprawled on top of lwj

THAT’S RIGHT GUYS

IT’S THAT TROPE AND IT’S BEAUTIFUL

Lol lwj’s stunned face here

Wwx: I DIDN’T MEAN TO FALL ON YOU…! Oh hi jiang cheng

yep, jc’s here to ruin the moment (i love you jc, but you have horrible timing)

Wwx is so happy to see his brother, he greets him immediately and completely forgets about the fact that he and lwj are in a…compromising position

It’s adorable, really

Lwj: *glares with every ounce of Repressed Gay Rage in his body* GET UP RIGHT NOW.

Wwx: oh, right sure *totally unruffled bc he is shameless*

At this point we cut to the next scene which is still in the same place and with the same characters but now lwj has his ribbon back on his forehead

Ngl i’m kinda bummed we didn’t see him untie their wrists

It would’ve been hilarious since jc and wen qing wouldve been watching it all happen lol

like, i’m just picturing wq and jc being awkwardly silent as lwj unravels his ribbon from wwx’s wrist. wwx’s eyes would ofc be glued on lwj and he’d be babbling some inane thing or another

but we didn’t get that. oh well.

Oh, and here we find out that lwj and wwx were in that cave for one day and one night

Now that lwj is all put together again, we see wwx, jc, and wq have a conversation that i think counts as a wangxian moment

Jc and wq both start throwing questions at our boys about where they’ve been and what they were doing and all that

Lwj looks very uncomfortable about all the questions.

Lans don’t lie (supposedly; lwj is such a stickler at this point in his life he def doesn’t lie)

So wwx swoops in to ~rescue~ him!!

He answers all the questions by lying thru his teeth: oh yeah, we got lost and trapped and swam for hours and hours in an underground, waterlogged maze that definitely exists before we finally found a way out!! I almost froze to death (he says with a whine bc that’s just how he is lol)

Once he finishes answering all those questions he turns to share THE CUTEST LITTLE SECRET SMILE WITH LWJ. SO ADORABLE GUYS, HOW IS HE REAL

Lwj sees it and HAS TO LOOK AWAY

I CAN’T EVEN BLAME HIM BC IF WWX SMILED AT ME LIKE THAT (WITH HIS CUTE LITTLE BEAUTY MARK IN FULL VIEW!!) I WOULD’VE DIED.

JUST DROPPED TO THE GROUND DEAD.

IT’S TOO MUCH, IT’S TOO MUCH

Now we cut to a Plot Heavy Scene, featuring our boys and lxc and lqr, that is not relevant to this post at all EXCEPT I HAVE TO SAY OH GOD, LWJ LOOKS SO BABY-FACED HERE?? HOW?? HIS LITTLE FACE LOOKS ALL ROUNDED AND SOFT AND HIS LIPS ARE ALL POUTY. HE’S BEBY. I JUST WANT TO WRAP HIM UP IN BLANKETS AND GIVE HIM HOT CHOCOLATE

More plot discussion happens and whatever they’re talking about makes wwx bump shoulders with lwj and call him “my confidant” AKA MY SOULMATE AHHHHHHH

OH WAIT, do you know what else is important about this scene?

It shows how much taller wwx is than lwj!!! And I LOVE IT.

Lwj’s shoulders are a good two inches lower than wwx’s

WHY ISN’T THERE MORE FIC/ART SHOWING THIS??

I MEAN, THE STOIC SOLEMN CHARACTER IS SMOL AND THE SUNSHINEY CHARACTER IS GIANT. IT’S SUCH GREAT COMBINATION!!!

I think ppl in the cultivation world probs don’t realize how short lwj is bc he gives off such an intimidating aura i’m so jealous; i need to get myself an intimidating aura

Blah blah more plot, wwx promises not to tell anybody anything about the plot blah blah

Right after that, they bump into nhs who’s like, hey you guys were gone all night did anything weird happen?? (this is the guy who sneaks porn into this place on the regular, i’m pretty sure we all know what he means by “weird”)

Wwx: oooh, yeah, this super weird thing happened, let me tell you all about it

Lwj: *whips around to stare at wwx likE OMG SRSLY YOU JUST SAID YOU’D KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT*

Wwx: *proceeds to tell nhs a spooky lie about meeting a demon snake*

Nhs: *flees in terror bc he thinks snakes are scary for some reason* (they’re not, snakes are def cute critters)

Lwj: *exasperatedly rolls his eyes at wwx’s frankly amazing story-telling skills*

AND HERE WE GET TO SEE THE FIRST TIME LWJ STARES LONGINGLY AT WWX. LWJ, THIS IS GONNA BE YOUR MAIN HOBBY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE

Wwx runs after his brother and slings a playful arm around his shoulders and walks away without a second glance to lwj

Lwj stares soulfully at him, def noticing that wwx didn’t spare him a second look (poor bb lwj)

After a moment of Soulful Staring, his lips part as he lowers his gaze to the ground and decisively turns and walks off

INTERNALLY HE’S LIKE OFC WWX WOULDN’T WANT TO SPEND TIME WITH ME SINCE I’M ALL STOIC AND REPRESSED BUT THAT’S FINE, IDC, I DIDN’T WANT TO HANG OUT WITH HIM ANYWAY

POOR LWJ!! DOESN’T THIS MAKE YOUR HEART TWINGE???

Even more plot stuff happens

But they make it worth the wait because now we get to…

THE LANTERN SCENE (PART 1)

YES, YOU HEARD RIGHT.

WWX: lwj, we should set off a lantern and make a wish together since we’ve been thru so much together now

LWJ: *pulls a batman* I work alone 

WWXX: habits change!! Besides, i made this lantern specially for you~! *shows drawing of magic cave bunny on the lantern*

HERE WE GO GUYS, OMG, IT’S HAPPENING

Lwj looks at the lantern and, just, his face, ahhh, LWJ’S ENTIRE FACE GOES SOFT AND WE SEE HIM SMILE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE SERIES

FIRST!!

TIME!!

EVER!!!

AND IT ONLY TOOK 7 EPISODES!!

I’M DYING I’M D Y I N G

HIS LIPS PART AND THE SMILE JUST GENTLY BLOOMS ON HIS FACE, ILLUMINATING IT SOFTLY LIKE A FUCKING SUNRISE OR SMTH

FUCK IT’S JUST SO BEAUTIFUL IT’S MAKING ME POETIC

GAHHH

NO WONDER HE NEVER SMILES

THAT SMILE COULD KILL PEOPLE IN THE BEST WAY

Ofc wwx has to ruin the moment by giggling at him and saying “hey you’re smiling!!”

Okay, guys, you know and I know that wwx is giggling from joy. Like yay!! I made lan zhan smile!! I did a Good Thing!!!

He is genuinely tickled pink about making his soulmate happy!

But remember, LWJ is the King of Repressed Gays here. So, you know, the laughter in his ears sounds mocking. Because he’s a dumb boy who can’t Emotion well yet.

LWJ reacts to the giggles by immediately grabbing his sword which startles wwx into stumbling back into the group behind him and the mood is effectively ruined

But just for a little bit!!

Then ~THEIR SONG~ starts playing in the background AND THEY SEND OFF THEIR LANTERN TOGETHER, WHICH IS SOMETHING THAT GENERALLY ONLY ROMANTICALLY INVOLVED COUPLES DO 

as is shown by how everyone’s trying to get jyl and jzx (aka our token heteros) to send off a lantern together

The pair of them, need i remind you, are currently betrothed (even tho that dumb peacock doesn’t deserve her)

so yeah, that’s totally not gay at all

WWX makes his wish: “I wish to always stand with justice and live without regrets”

THIS IS IT, THIS IS THE MOMENT. 

THIS IS WHEN LWJ FALLS IN LOVE, I SWEAR

LWJ is watching wwx as he’s making that wish (more of an oath, really), and as soon as he hears those words, his eyes widen the way they do when someone gets hit with a life-altering realization. He’s completely thunderstruck 

IT’S NOT SUBTLE GUYS

YOU CAN PRACTICALLY SEE CUPID’S ARROW STICKING OUT OF HIS CHEST (OR WHATEVER ANCIENT FANTASY CHINA EQUIVALENT THERE IS)

THAT’S IT. HE’S A GONER. THERE’S NO ONE ELSE FOR HIM NOW. NO ONE BUT WWX.

For real tho, after this moment, we really don’t see lwj be angry towards wwx like he has been. Annoyed and exasperated at him, sure, but never angry in a petty mean way like before.

It’s beautiful

The next wangxian moment isn’t nearly as intense but it happens shortly after the lantern scene

Wwx goes to beat the shit out of jzx for saying he doesn’t want to marry jyl (because jzx is a moron and definitely deserves a beat down for this insult)

Wwx and jzx are surrounded by a group of loud, flailing people

And lwj just dives right into that throng of people to get to wwx (contrast this to a scene in a later episode where he actively avoids going anywhere near a much calmer, collected group of people bc ew people)

Lwj: *grabs at wwx* stop, wei ying

Wwx: DON’T STOP ME, LAN ZHAN, IM GONNA KILL THIS GUY DEAD IS2G

Next wangxian scene takes place the following morning

Lwj is walking along minding his own business and sees wwx kneeling as punishment for the fight before

He approaches him and calls out to him.

THIS IS IMPORTANT

This is the first time we see him willingly initiate interaction with wwx. Every other time, wwx was the one to approach him first and start to pester him for attention.

BUT LOL JOKE’S ON HIM. THE FIRST TIME HE DARES TO APPROACH WWX FIRST AND HE IMMEDIATELY REGRETS IT

‘Oh hey lan zhan’ wwx responds to LWJ. ‘look at all these little ants i found on the ground!!’

‘OMG WWX YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE KNEELING TO REFLECT ON YOUR MISDEEDS NOT TO PLAY WITH ANTS. SO UNTEACHABLE’ *walks off in a huff*

Wwx is left pouting and saying ‘but the ants are so cute.’

I’M SORRY WHAT??

WHAT DID YOU SAY WWX?? ANTS ARE CUTE??

ANTS ARE NOT CUTE. 

YOU, WWX, YOU ARE CUTE. ANTS ARE NOT. 

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU.

(i just really hate insects, guys, i would not get near them even if wwx was the one holding them)

(okay, maybe if wwx was holding them, i’d try to get near them, but idk how successful i’d be)

Blah blah more plot stuff happens, blah jin “can’t keep it in my pants* guangshan exists now blah blah 

Alright so now we have the jiang clan saying their goodbyes to the lan clan since i guess Ancient Fantasy China summer school is over maybe??? Idk, point is they gotta leave. 

As they leave, wwx starts to whisper at lwj “lan zhan, lan zhan, about that Plot Device…”

But gets tugged away by his fam, HOWEVER he manages to hear lxc telling lwj to be careful in that foreboding Important Plot Things Are Afoot sort of way

And wwx makes the effort to go back to talk to lwj but jc grabs him and yanks him out by the arm

Jc: are you crazy?? That guy hates you!! He must be happy you’re leaving

Wwx: LIES AND SLANDER, everyone here LOVES me

Idk about everyone, but lwj definitely loves him and jc knows nothing

now it’s THE RETURN OF WINGMAN LXC

The lan bros are watching the yunmeng sibs leave

Lxc: gosh, it’s gonna be quiet here without him, huh? (HIM, HE SAYS, NOT ‘THEM,’ HIM! BC HE TOTALLY KNOWS WHO LWJ IS ACTUALLY WATCHING)

Lwj: *looks down to the floor and refuses to answer*

Lxc: soooo…r u gonna tell him about your Super Important Mission?

Lwj: no. *walks away*

Jeez, he walks off on his big brother a lot, doesn’t he?? Rude. didn’t your parents teach you any manners? Oh wait that was an awful joke and i’m a terrible person, SORRY LWJ

AHHHHHHHHHHH WWX WITH THE BUNNIES!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL, I REPEAT, THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

Wwx: *holding a bunny* Bunny, are you gonna be happy hiding here??

Wwx: *pretending to be the bunny* Happy!! 

GUYS THIS SCENE IS JUST TOO CUTE FOR WORDS. 

I REWOUND AND WATCHED IT LIKE, 3 TIMES BECAUSE THE CUTENESS WAS JUST UGH I COULDN’T RESIST. 

HIS VOICE GOES ALL HIGH PITCHED THE WAY IT DOES WHEN YOU MAKE VOICES FOR YOUR PETS!! IT’S ADORABLE AHHHHH I DIE, I DIE

Wwx: maybe i should take you back to lotus pier with me…?

Wwx: hmm, no, i can’t do that. What if lan zhan gets lonely and comes here looking for you? He won’t be able to find you!!

This is literally what wwx said. Like, that was the deciding factor for not taking the bunny home. 

Lan zhan might get lonely. HOW SWEET IS HE. WWX, THE SWEETEST BOY, WHO’S SO IN LOVE AND DOESN’T EVEN KNOW IT YET

Then as he’s bonding with the bunny he gets the epiphany that OMG LWJ IS GOING ON THAT SUPER IMPORTANT MISSION ALONE, WITHOUT HIM

And that’s the end of that episode. 

but we got to see the EXACT MOMENT LWJ falls in love for real. And it’s BEAUTIFUL. Not to mention the we were gifted the accidentally-falling-on-top-of-each-other trope. 

and we got bunnies! did i mention the bunnies and wwx being adorable together? because that happened.

Ah, this is the show that just gives and gives *wipes away tears* what did we do to deserve it?

Return to Masterpost

[if-found-return-to-gusu]

Happy Birthday to Me Pt 7

Knowing it was pointless, I turned away to try and mop up my face. Save a little of my dignity at least.  

“Maybe now the gift will be overkill if that’s his reaction to the cake,” someone… MianMian maybe? Whispered. It was hard to tell with my ears still plugged from my crying session still in progress. 

It worked as a good distraction though! I’d already been given so much I couldn’t accept any more! “No! After all that no one is allowed to give me any gifts! As king I forbid it!” I cried. 

And then Jin Ling, in his best and clearest 3 year old voice, chimed in. 

“No! /I/ am king!” he declared. “Gift for uncle!”

To which SangSang responded with a hearty laugh before stating that Jin Ling was his favorite.

“But you guys!” I protested, but Jiang Cheng cut me off by shoving me back into my chair in front of the cake. 

Everyone sat back down and stared at me.

I looked back at the cake. To the three figures on the pier. The tallest one was me. I could tell she’d spend the most time on that figure. 

I poked it a couple of times, jealous for a moment that it got to live in the past that was forever lost to me, only to be scalded by the candles that were still burning down to the quick. 

I know I was supposed to make a wish but that felt too greedy. What could I have the nerve to wish for after all that had been given to me?

I tried not to start crying again when DaGe suggested I blow out the candles. That was probably a good idea before I burned down the whole establishment or ruined Shijie’s masterpiece. It took me a couple of tries but I managed to get them all out. 

Apparently I’d been watched closer than I thought because Qin Su noticed I hadn’t paused to make a wish. 

“I already have everything I could ever ask for right now. How could I wish for more?” 

I must have said something right because I got a lot of loving smiles instead of looks of admonishment for once.

In a clear attempt to keep me from conveniently forgetting about the present (MianMian said as much. I swear they’re all out to get me.), everyone decided to have me open it before they would cut the cake, which was sure to be as delicious as it was beautiful. 

Jin Ling demanded he be the one to give the gift to me. Jin Zixuan held onto him to keep him steady as he leaned over to try to get the heavy gift while still on his dad’s lap. 

A-Yuan, who is just such a good, sweet boy, asked if he could help when he saw Jin Ling struggling. A-Ling looked at him for a loooong moment before he finally nodded. Lan Zhan moved out of his chair so that A-Yuan could stand on it to reach the bag. Between the two of them they managed to nearly topple it in front of me, but due to my own lightning fast ninja reflexes I managed to catch it and them before they could crash into anything. 

Through the bag I could feel…

“You guys bought me a book?” I asked. I mean I like reading but it’s an odd present. There wasn’t anything I was particularly craving to read and especially not something as thick as this felt. 

 Everyone just grinned and chattered at me excitedly. “Open your gift, Kid,” DaGe said, just as excited as everyone else. 

Well I’m not gonna say no to DaGe. I opened the bag and pulled out what did indeed turn out to be a book. But not just a book. 

“What…. Is this..?” I asked, even though the answer was more than obvious. 

“Open it up, Idiot,” Jiang Cheng said, though I don’t think he’s ever spoken to me in a more gentle tone before. I still stuck my tongue out at him as is my noble duty as the elder brother. 

I opened the cover carefully and was met with a picture of my parents. They were smiling at the camera with a little black-haired baby that could only be me held safely in their arms. 

I’d seen this photo before at Gamby’s house but oh… I wasn’t able to process it fully then. I’m not sure I was able to process it fully now. I’ll have to go through the album again when I’m alone. I’m tired of crying in front of other people. I flipped through the pages.  A timeline of my life. 

In the beginning it showed me slowly getting bigger with my mom and dad and gamby. A few pictures featured other children I didn’t know. We seemed so happy. 

And then, of course, all too soon in the timeline my parents were no longer featured. 

A photo of Gamby with Aunty Yi smiled up at me between the last of the photos that had clearly been supplied by them and the next ones that showed the further progression of my life. 

Of course there was a large gap in between the last photo with Gamby and the first with my siblings. A ten year old me grinned, holding up a large fish while Jiang Cheng pouted next to me with a much smaller catch. Shijie had insisted on the photo even though she hadn’t particularly liked fishing. 

Another picture of the three of us playing on the pier. It must have been a reference photo for the cake because we were all dressed in the same clothing. There was even one Jiang Cheng must have taken once of Shijie brushing my hair for me after a bath. 

I watched the three of us grow up, though through the following 8 years the pictures clearly grew more scarce. 

Then another gap in time. Much more recent pictures now featured me with my new siblings. Wen Qing had insisted on a ‘family photo’ after I learned how to smile again. I hated for Lan Zhan to see me there. I hadn’t quite recovered and even I can tell I was way too thin. Still the Wen siblings were at my sides and A-Yuan was in my lap while Granny Wen stood happily behind us. Uncle Four had taken the photo. I can still see his doofy grins as he tried to get A-Yuan to smile. The best we managed was to get him to look mildly puzzled. Still adorable. It must have been from a birthday of past because there were Halloween decorations all over in the background. 

Oh yes that’s right. I’d let it slip that it was my birthday and was soundly scolded for not telling them sooner. I remember. 

There were more pictures of the Wens. Just us all being silly together. Wen Ning agreeing to drink with me for once. That time I planted A-Yuan in the mud. (Wen Qing scolded me soundly for that too and made me do laundry for a month straight.)

Oh yes. We caught that scolding on camera too. Wen Ning snickered the whole time it’s a miracle he was able to hold the camera steady at all. 

Then came SangSang’s section. Selfies taken from our phone that we then sent to each other. Fake bar fights. Goofy smiles. 

It’s so good to have someone that I can just be silly with. Thank you for giving me that, Huaisang. I know I give you a lot of crap. You helped me out of a dark place by becoming my friend. I can’t thank you enough for that.

Just like Gamby and Aunty Yi’s section, the Nie section ended with a selfie taken of DaGe and SangSang. They’d taped a little note next to it in what must have been DaGe’s handwriting promising that I’d get to know him soon enough. 

When I mentioned how threatening that sounded, DaGe grinned at me and told me to blame Huaisang for that one. “He’s the one who wanted that written.”

I think SangSang stomped on his brother’s foot but it’s hard to tell because DaGe didn’t even flinch. 

I laughed a little and kept going. 

Lan Zhan.

Of course the picture he would have first would be of the bunnies. 

I say first picture.

I mean first couple pages of pictures. 

All bunnies. So. Many. Bunnies. 

I couldn’t help but coo at Suibian though. I know you’re not supposed to have favorites, but she’s my favorite. I can’t help it. She's so cuuuuuuuuuuute.

Eventually I made it through the sea of bunbuns and found people again!

Qin Su and MianMian were pressing their cheeks against mine in a dark room. The theater!

Oh I never told you guys about the theater!! I’ll give you a short rundown

So Lan Zhan had gone out with Nie Huaisang I think and I was apparently moping. So the girls decided that it was time we all went out as friends. We had to wait until closing time so we couldn’t go out until it was rather late. Qin Su had leaned on the counter in front of me and slid her phone over for me to look at. She’d pulled up the showtimes for the theater nearby and told me to pick one. 

I must have looked as confused as I felt because MianMian had told me we were going out for drinks and a movie after work and told me again to pick one. 

“Newbie’s choice,” they’d insisted in sync when I tried to tell them anything was fine. In the end we went with the sappiest looking romantic comedy we could find. (It was the off season so there really weren’t any winners. May as well go for broke right?). 

We grabbed a couple of drinks at the bar while we waited for the time and had a wonderful time getting to know each other. MianMian had told me her actual name again but I still can’t for the life of me ever remember it. Sorry MianMian. I told her she could call me Yuandao to make it even. She looked confused until Qin Su snorted with laughter. She got it then and looked positively aghast. 

“Who yearns for you??

“I am HAPPILY married I’ll have you know!” she said indignantly while firmly grasping Qin Su’s hand. Qin Su just kept laughing. 

After that we spent a grand time watching what turned out to be a gloriously shitty movie while snickering and snarking to each other in careful whispers so as not to disturb the 4 other people in the theater. 

We’d taken a selfie on the way out to commemorate the evening and the formation of new friendships. <3

After that, to my delighted horror, was pictures of Lan Zhan and myself on our spa day. I’m amazed he was willing to show those to others. He even included the one of us with those ridiculous face masks!

“I can’t believe you had them printed!”

“There were no other pictures,” Lan Zhan pointed out. 

Fuck! He was right! I told him we’d have to fix that by spending at least an hour in the photo booth. Lan Zhan looked like he wanted to say something but Jiang Cheng interrupted by telling me to keep going. 

There were a couple of pictures of Qin Su and MianMian looking adorable together. 

And then.

A picture of Xichen smiling at the camera followed by a picture of Lan Zhan staring stoically ahead as he played his guqin. Well not stoic so much as completely absorbed by the music he was playing. It was in a room I didn’t recognize. He looked a bit younger though unfortunately it didn’t have long hair in it so it couldn’t have been from THAT long ago. 

He looked quietly peaceful. 

I nearly traced his face with my finger but caught myself before my hand actually made contact. I covered the movement by turning the page instead. I hope my face wasn’t as red as it felt. 

There wasn’t really anything after that. Just a few empty pages so I could keep adding new photos - something I will absolutely do. I started to close the book but SangSang stopped me. He told me to keep going.

Why? Was there a secret message at the end?

Turns out rather than a secret message, there was an envelope taped to the inside of the back cover. 

Oh fuck I’m still sick just thinking about it. 

It was full of checks. Like the money kind! Lots of them!

And Cash on top of it!

I pulled out the first one and screamed (which I still feel bad for because poor little A-Lian started to cry because I startled her). I didn’t mean to but FUCK!

“$3,000????? Huaisang are you f--CRAZY????” 

I managed to remember just in time that there were, in fact, children present and stopped myself from exploding in expletives.

He said it was also half from DaGe. As if that made it better. 

“Great. Then you’re BOTH crazy! Who gives $3000 as a birthday gift????????”

The golden peacock decided to chirp then and told me to keep counting because there was more. 

I nearly passed out then. More. MORE???

Yes more!

$7.5K more! 

I’m pretty sure my voice reached decibels no human could hear 

“You’re all crazy! I’m NOT keeping this!” I said. How could I possibly? That’s WAY WAY TOO MUCH. 

Ghosty I’m sorry I ever said you were extra after going through this my eyes have been opened to the true meaning of excess. (NO this is NOT an offer to give me more money!!!!!!!!!!)

“Yes you will,” Jiang Cheng said with the most punchable smirk I’d ever seen. “Accept it now with grace or you’ll see it in your bank account tomorrow anyway.”

“You wouldn’t!” I said. He wouldn’t even know how. 

“Oh yes I would. It’s as easy to get into your bank account as it is to get into your bl--”

For the second time in an evening I felt my palm getting viciously licked as I slapped my hand over Jiang Cheng’s mouth to keep him from fucking talking. 

We do NOT need people at that party 

Asking about this blog.

Fuck you JC.

And SangSang, don’t you DARE tell people either!

Let me save SOME face. I don’t know if I’d be able to face anyone again if they read this shit other than you two assholes. 

Rather than risk another slip of the tongue I thanked everyone kindly for their contributions. 

“You really really didn’t have to though! My boss is very generous and pays me quite well!”

I winked at Lan Zhan for fun. 

But I promised to cherish that photo album forever. And I will. I held it to my heart and tried not to cry againnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.

[thecrazyanimegirl]

Hi!! Can I request a fluffy/smut where WWX (from MDZS) has a younger sister that LWJ doesn't know about and WWX is attached to her and LWJ get jealous?

Really sorry for the wait, and the lack of a full smut scene

---

“What are you doing, Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian was bothering Lan Wangji in library pavilion, like usual. “Come on Lan Zhan, don’t ignore me!” he pouted when the other took no notice of him and continued writing.

“A-Ying!” A young and impossibly bright girl ran towards them, her feet almost skipping as she ran. She was smiling widely and didn’t seem to notice anything around her.

Lan Wangji’s eyebrow twitched, it was fast and went unnoticed. “Running is forbidden.”

“Oh”, the girl stopped, her smile disappearing. “I’m sorry.”

“Lan Zhan, don’t be mean to her!” Wei Wuxian immediately went towards the girl and hugged her. “How can you be mad at this adorable creature?”

“A-Ying!” The girl raised her voice in embarrassment, but didn’t struggle in his embrace.

“Noise”, Lan Wangji said and glared at the girl. Nothing in the way he look could show how much chaos this girl made in his mind.

Who is this girl and why is she so close to my Wei Ying?

The girl yelped and hid behind her brother. “Brother, brother, who is this dangerous man?” she whispered in her brothers ear. She could sense hatred coming from that man, like a menacing aura spreading across the room.

“Dangerous?” Wei Wuxian was shocked at first, but soon he doubled with laughter. “Hahaha Lan Zhan, you are glaring so much that she thinks you are dangerous hahaha”, he wiped tears that gathered in his eyes.

“Lan Zhan?” the young woman stepped from behind Wei Wuxian. “Lan Zhan!” she repeated and smiled the biggest smile Lan Wangji has ever seen on a woman before. That smile reminded him of a certain someone. “You are Lan Zhan! I heard so much about you from A-Ying!”

Lan Wangji didn’t say anything, he just continued looking at her, but that didn’t bother her in the slightest.

“Whenever we are out in the town shopping or eating, he always talks about you and say thing like Lan Zhan would like this” she made a pose to resemble her brother’s stance. “Or this would look good on Lan Zhan. I really wanted to meet you!” Her eyes practically had sparkles in them.

“You go shopping and eat together?” Lan Wangji’s eyes went wide and his grip on the brush tightened.

Most people wouldn’t notice the subtle change in him, but for Lan Wangji it was really hard staying calm. Something around his heart tightened.

“Yes, is that weird? I thought that was normal, much more than sleeping next to each other.”

“That is because you claim you can’t sleep if you don’t snuggle”, Wei Wuxian ruffled her hair affectionately.

“Stop it”, she pouted, but she was still smiling.

They both stopped and turned to look at Lan Wangji when they heard the sound of brush falling.

“Sleep?” Lan Wangji’s brain went blank. He couldn’t think of anything except: Wei Ying is mine!

“Is something wrong, Lan Zhan?” Wei Wuxian asked in concern.

“Shameless”, he said and proceeded to leave the building. He needed to leave before he says something.

“Shameless?” the brother and sister looked at each other confused.

Suddenly, a lamp went on in Wei Wuxian’s head and he understood the situation. “Lan Zhan, what are you thinking?” Wei Wuxian pretended to be shocked and suppressed the laughter in his throat. “You couldn’t possible think I would do something to my precious little sister!”

That made Lan Wangji stop in his tracks and turn to look at him. “Sister?”

“Yes! Can’t you see?” he hugged his sister and smiled widely. Something in their features did look similar.

“It’s my fault. I’m sorry I didn’t introduced myself before”, the girl hurriedly said. “Wei Ying is my older brother and I just wanted to say thank you for looking out for him and please keep on supporting him in the future!” she bowed deeply.

“Mnn”, Lan Wangji finally started to breath normally. He is still only mine.

“I know he can be dense and little too free spirited, but he means well and he seems to really like you, so I hope you could look after him.”

“Don’t make it sound like you are parent giving their daughter to their future son in law!” Wei Wuxian said loudly.

“Am I not?” girl was genuinely surprised. “From the way you talk I thought…”

“Stop before you ruin Lan Zhan’s brain!” he slapped his hand over her mouth.

“Mnn” was all Lan Wangji said before he left, his ears burning red.

“What?” Wei Ying looked at the door in utter confusion.

“You know, now’s a good time to go afterhim”, she nudged her brother with her elbow and winked.

“Why?”

“Oh, just go”, she pushed him towards thedoor. “Come on, shoo.” Wei Wuxian gave her another weird look, but he complied,he wanted to see that look on Lan Zhan’s face again after all.

And not a second after he found him, Wei Wuxianfound himself slammed against a wall of a secluded hallway.

“Lan Zhan, what’s this? Haha Dragging meaway like this”, he laughed before his lips were sealed in a kiss. He wanted to protest, say that someone might come and see them, but Lan Wangji did not budge nor gave him the space to speak.

Unable to resist, he clutched at the pure white robes, letting himself get swayed by the moment. Lan Wangji’s hands traveled down his waist, grabbing him and pulling him of the ground, pressing his groin against Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian moaned at the friction, already hard. He hugged Lan Zhan tighter, clawing at the fabric of his clothes, not satisfied just with kisses anymore. “More.”

“Wei Ying”, there was a growl in his voice.

Just as Lan Wangji headed to give his love what he desired an ominous sound made them stop immediately.

A dangerous sounding crackling, like small lightning bolts neared.

“WEI WUXIAN!”

“O-oh”, Wei Wuxian moved slightly away from Lan Wangji, but one of Wangji’s hands still remained around his waist. “We got caught.”

Lan Wangji remained calm as Wei Wuxian patted his clothes hurriedly.

“Uncle, what is going on?” Jin Ling was obviously behind Jiang Cheng whose Zidian was crackling madly.

“Stay back! I’m about to punish some deviants”, he hissed.

“Jiang Cheng! Don’t be mad”, Wei Wuxian waved his hands protectively. “We’ll leave, see, we’re leaving, hehe”, he took Lan Wangji’s hand and tried to pass beside Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng raised Zidian threateningly and just as he was about to move, Lan Wangji picked Wei Wuxian up princess style and elegantly avoided the whip, running away down the hallway.

Jiang Cheng seemed furious, but didn’t head after them, instead just reached for his head, like he was getting a bad headache.

“It’s always like this”, Jin Ling sighs.

[ssailormoonn]

❛ Your Mine ❜ - Chapter 2

yandere!Lan Wangji X Fem!Wen!Reader

| YANDERE + DARK CONTENT | this meaning, if you don't like this content, then just scroll away

WC; 2.8k+ | !MDNI! | TW/CW :: obsessive thoughts, subtle kidnapping?? he doesn't want you to leave Gusu, is controlling your actions, forcing you to stay with him, coercion???

⋆·˚ ༘ * 𝒞𝐻𝒜𝒫𝒯𝐸𝑅 𝒮𝒰𝑀𝑀𝒜𝑅𝒴 :: You get saved by Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji (individually). But Lan Wangji's obsession turns into love and to repay Jiang Cheng's kindness, you work as a spy for him to help during the massacre of the Lotus Pier event. Which causes Jiang Cheng to fall in love with you. The sunshot campaign was up and running, but it wasn't something you, a healer should be fighting for causing you to get injured. Lan Wangji saves you and brings you to Gusu to hide and recuperate, taking care of you.

part 1 | part 2 | part 3

The tent flap burst open and Jiang Cheng strode inside, his eyes raking the interior until they landed on your weakened form. "I'm here," he said, his voice filled with relief as he took in the view of your weak form. Jiang Chen squatted beside you, cutting the ropes that had bound your wrists together.

"Jiang Cheng," you whispered, hoarse from the poison that had burned your insides and the fear that you had gone through. Tears of relief blurred your vision as you looked up at him with a heart swelling in hope at Jiang Cheng's appearance.

Gently, he heaved you into his arms, the hold tight around your weak figure. "I've got you," he murmured, promising to keep you safe.

Jiang Cheng's body heat seeping into yours caused you to shiver from the cold that had permeated your skin due to sitting on the floor for so long. The Wen's were cruel, cruel to such an extent with you. You clutched onto him tightly when he picked you up to take you out of the tent, not wanting to let go of him, his hold warm and comforting. And in a few moments, the fear that had been consuming you had been drained agonizingly slowly from your body as you repeated to yourself that you were safe with Jiang Cheng.

Lan Wangji stood on the fringes of the battleground, his eyes never leaving. He had been worried since the moment you disappeared, and with each second that passed, the pain in his heart grew boundlessly more significant.

Then, he saw your frail figure in Jiang Cheng's arms and Lan Wangji's heart clenched. He approached quickly, forcing down the jealous anger that was welling up in him. He couldn't deny, though, at the same time, that he felt relieved to see you alive and breathing. That was all that mattered.

Or wasn't it?

Lan Wangji's features remained unreadable. "Is she okay?" he asked. His voice had grown steadier, but concern was etched into his eyes and obvious enough that anyone could see. 

Jiang Cheng nodded shortly and then, like him protecting you, his grip increased to protective proportions. "She will be all right," he firmly replied.

The thoughts of Lan Wangji were jumbled. He was more relieved than words could express about you being safe, but the image of Jiang Cheng holding you so protectively stirred possessiveness within him. It was in the slight widening of Wangji's eyes as he realized his feelings for you had grown into something beyond his obsession; they had turned into love.

You stirred within Jiang Cheng's hold as you felt an uncomfortable tension radiate between the two men you were in between. But your mind was too clouded by exhaustion, and also by the lingering pain that ached in your body from the poison, to process what and why this was happening.

Jiang Cheng had taken you in his arms and led you out to safety, but still, your mind wandered to Lan Wangji, who was so close to you most of the time and constantly reassured you with his mere presence.

You looked up carefully at Jiang Cheng, meeting concern within his eyes. It was plain. He stirred something within as you looked to your lap, biting your lip between your teeth. You felt guilty: you were weak and got captured by the Wens, and he had to come and save you.

You now owe Jiang Cheng your life for that, and you will repay him however he feels best.

Over time, in the coming days, you slowly but surely recovered in the complete attention of Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji. Great bonding developed between you and Jiang Cheng in those days when he visited you in the hospital wing in the Cloud Recesses.

It was during one of the evenings sitting with Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji, talking about the fights that had just occurred; an idea started to form in your brain. "I want to help," you said suddenly.

Both men turned to look at you; their eyes showed clear surprise.

Lan Wangji's face darkened in an instant. "You've done more than enough. You need to recover," he said firmly, his tone not allowing any space for argument.

You shook your head, however. "I can do more. I can be a spy. I know the Wen clan, their movements, their plans. I can get the information that could turn things around in our favor."

Jiang Cheng considered your words, his eyes thoughtful. "It's dangerous," he said, his voice low. "But it could be invaluable."

Lan Wangji's eyes flashed with anger. "No. It's too dangerous. You've already suffered enough."

You met his gaze, your own eyes determined, wanting to do this. For Jiang Cheng. "I have to do this. For all of us. I can help in ways no one else can. Please, let me do this."

Lan Wangji's jaw clenched; his hands had fisted at his sides. He wanted to protect you, keep you safe from further harm. But he could see the resolution in your eyes. He will let you go, but this time only. "If you really have to," he finally said, his voice soft with resignation, "then do so. But promise me that you will be careful."

You nodded. "I promise."

Your spy status became more critical during the massacre at Lotus Pier. You lurked in the shadows, gathering information to pass along to Jiang Cheng. The danger was always there but now you couldn't retreat—you had to do it for Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng showed greater respect to you day by day, being proud of how brave, smart, and determined you had become.

It deepened feelings for you into love. But Jiang Cheng's heart was more in pain from the fear of seeing you and the growing love filling his heart. He has always respected your strength, but seeing you risk your life for a cause stirred emotions he didn't expect. His mind wandered back to that moment that he found you, to that feeling of complete relief he had at seeing you alive.

It scared the hell out of him, for he could be rejected if you didn't feel it in return. He loved you.

Lan Wangji did not miss this. He watched how you two—he and Jiang Cheng—were attached with such intense loathing. He respected Jiang Cheng for saving you, but saw how he cherished you, stirring Lan Wangji's jealousy.

To Wangji, his love for you had become some sort of guiding principle wherein, in supporting you, it meant to support your decisions—watching you draw nearer and closer to Jiang Cheng. He knew he needed to protect you. 

It won't be too long until you are in his hands. 

You, though, the Lotus Pier massacre marked your beginning toward change, into the future.

The Sunshot Campaign was at full tilt, the soil around embroiled in martial conflict, and though you had studied the arts of healing, you resolved to be so much more than a healer: a front-liner. So here you were out on the battlefield, trying to keep the casualties up there and doing what you could to make sure the soldiers did not leave the fight.

Until it finally caught up to you, pitilessly, and it wasn't much longer before it caught you in the crossfire. There was a pain shooting through your side—a stray arrow jammed into your side. The world was blurring fast; you stumbled to the side as your vision darkened.

Lan Wangji had watched the battlefield with a fervent eye, his heart clenching always within his chest when you fell into the danger. He had been trying to keep away, knowing full well his presence did you no good but when an arrow found you and you fell, the world just.vanished.

With a flicker of a second, he was there by your side, his sword flashing through the enemy forces with a fury that absolutely knew no mercy. He gathered you into his arms and even that was softer than the grim realities now. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you," he murmured, almost sub-vocally.

Your eyes opened at last and you peered up at him with the vision of things still slightly out of focus: "Lan. Wangji," you half-whispered, your voice seeping pain, this time from the side of your wore head.

He could empathize with you to have to witness this; a deep, dark possessiveness flared inside him, and he had to protect you at all costs and keep you safe. "We're going back to Gusu," he rehearsed, already biting at the tone to ensure he couldn't argue. "You need to rest and recover."

The road to Gusu was too hasty, yet the pain inside you was escalating and ever more present as you wavered in and out of consciousness. You had a very hazy sense of Lan Wangji being there in front of you with his firm yet comforting arms, bringing you lightly in them. All blurred before you; the only things you grasped were the pain and the comfort of safe holds—the arms of Lan Wangji.

When you finally awoke, it was in a peaceful room, one you did not recognize. There was just enough light filtering in through the windows and the soothing sounds of nature outside to let you know that you were far, far away from the battlefield. 

You tried to sit up, but an uncomfortably sharp pain in your side makes you wince.

"Don't move," Lan Wangji's voice came from right beside you. He was looming over you, kneeling on his knees; his face, inscrutable, but his eyes were so full of worrying, something else—something fiercer, stronger.

"Lan Wangji… Wh-where are we?" You managed to speak, your voice trembled.

"We are in Gusu," he responded in the same soft, low, but firm voice. "You are to rest and heal.".

He said in such a voice—not leaving room for debate—that, "The campaign will survive without you, at least for now. Your safety is more important.".

Lan Wangji hovered over you like a small obsession, on the verge of mania. Every moment you slept, every sigh of pain, every flicker of your eyelids was marked and seen to. He made certain you had everything you needed to be sure your recovery was going to be as quick and comfortable as possible.

He isolated you from war, and other outside, insanitary threats. All of it was, yes, for your protection, and it echoed as honesty this way—but the isolation, so deep down in his instincts, so primal, put a smile on some lit part of him. He did not want to share you with the world now when you were so vulnerable.

He didn't want to let you go.

Every glance in your direction would spark in him feelings too gigantic to be contained, or extinguished. The possibility of losing you again, of once more being that which somebody else possessed, drove him into a deep, dark, jealous frenzy. He must keep you safe at all costs.

It has been weeks, feels like weeks when those days pass, and you seem to be stronger again. Unmoved, Lan Wangji stayed by you like an immovable source of comfort. His being attracted attention like all else, as though on the wings of an almost obsessive amount of meticulous care for you, though you were far too grateful to question it.

That one evening, as you sat in front of the window looking out at the picturesque scenery of Gusu, unease actually bubbled up in your stomach. "Lan Wangji," you murmured, and turned your head to look at him. "I can't stay here forever. I need to return to the fight."

In an instant, he was at your side, and his features were set into a hard gaze. "You are not yet fully recovered," he threw out, brooking no argument. "Your health is paramount."

"But I can't hide away while others are fighting," you protested, frustration in your voice.

He held your hand in his but didn't press. Not hiding. You are healing, and when the time comes, you'll fight again, but not 'til you're ready.

You caught his gaze, the depth to his emotions and worry. Simultaneously, you felt both comforted by the intensity with which he said these things but felt terribly disturbed by it. "I really appreciate all you've done for me," you said, feeling your voice soften. "But I need to be part of this fight."

Eyes deeply darkened, Lan Wangji's hand tightened ever so slightly but dramatically. "No. You cannot go," the brook of his voice allowed for no argument.

Your hand was taken away, something like rage pulsing in your veins. "You cannot confine me here, Lan Wangji. A duty—one that I will see through, none the less dutifully than anybody else here."

The intensity spiked in those eyes, and it nearly seemed furious. "You're a liability," he hissed. "You're more valuable alive and well than hurt or dead on the battlefield."

"But it's not all about me," you tried instead, to reason with him, your voice shaking. "I can make a difference. I can save lives."

And he closed in, all but smothering, looming over you. "And I can't lose you," he said; his voice dropped, "not again."

His words were raw, full of emotion reflected in his blood-red eyes, and you could see it. For a second, you couldn't find the words. "Lan Wangji," you whispered softly, reaching for his arm. "I feel your worry. But I can't sit in hiding while others are out fighting. It simply isn't me."

You covered his hand with yours, caressed his, with a gentle and firm touch. "You not jus' anybody," he whispered, very softly. "You my everything. I ain't gonna let you throw your life away."

The greatest intensity shivers went shooting down your spine at his words, his tone. "There's just so long I can be under protection," you said to him, your voice steely. "I have to be out there, with my friends, my family. I have to fight."

His hand tightened, his eyes inflamed. "What if you get hurt again? What if something happens to you and you don't come back?" he demanded, just ever so slightly his voice deepening. "I cannot bear that thought."

Then, you caught a glimpse of the fear behind the steeling façade when you looked into his eyes. "Lan Wangji," you said, soft as his name, your other hand coming up to his cheek. "I promise I will be careful. But I cannot live in fear. I must do my part."

His grip became tighter, his eyes lighting up with anger. "And what if you bloody well hurt yourself again? What if you never come back?" he wanted to know, voice rising slightly. "I can't stand to think about it."

His face was set in an expression of strictness as he dared, ever so gently yet strongly, to take your hand away from his face. "No," said he, cold and final. "You are staying here. My word is final."

"Please, Lan Wangji," you begged, to which he just shook his head firmly.

/Saying no more, he turned and walked away, leaving you to stand there with your heart wincing. You watched him go and your heart ached with sadness.

Every step that took him away from me must have hurt him terribly, hating to deny me, hating the pain in my eyes, but the fear of losing me was too much. He knew it would hurt, but he just couldn't bear to think that he might lose me because I am out there in danger.

He required you safe, required you closer: the love for you, which had been quite faint up to now, had taken him by storm, now that you had become the love of his world, thrusting him to keep you closer to his heart at whatever cost. He knew you would never understand the depth of his fear, but he was willing to endure your anger if it meant keeping you safe.

You stood there and gave chase with your eyes after him, the feelings of turmoil just weighing heavily on your heart. He got the fear for you and how he needed to protect you, but why should his decision feel like a cage trapping you in safety, while others fought and died?.

The days that followed were now imbued with a tense vacuum of silence between you and Lan Wangji, despite the nearness and constant reminder his very presence protruded—that he was here because he had chosen to let you stay. You went on to concentrate more on the annoying, helpless pricking at you about not being able to do anything.

It was one evening, sitting by the window and watching the serene view of Gusu, you felt trapped. The very beauty of this place mocked the turmoil in your heart.

Lan Wangji stepped into the room and immediately softened at the sight of you. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice soft.

"Better," you said, averting your eyes.

He came over to you, his concern etched on his face. "I know you are frustrated," he said softly, "but I just can't afford to lose you."

You turned to face him again; your eyes were full of hope. You really want to get out of this room and see everything and everybody, from your siblings down to the pets, if any. "Lan Wangji, I appreciate everything you did for me. But I need to be a part of this fight. I need to do what is right."

His expression grew hard once more. His jaw clenched. "No," he said flatly. "You will stay here. I can't let you go into danger."

"Lan Wangji, please," you pleaded, your voice shattering. "I can't live like this. I have to help."

He shook his head, and his eyes flickered very quickly to possession; your eyes widened at the quick slip of his exterior. "My decision is final," he said. "You are staying here."

Do not copy, steal, modify, etc. Relogs and like are appreciated.

m.list | mo dao zu shi m.list

[mxdberries]

Jin Ling gets thrown into the past, and anyone who sees him assumes he's a Jin bastard. He goes to Yunmeng to meet his mom, and JYL falls in love with this boy who reminds her so much of JZX but also Jiang Cheng, for some reason? Either way, she loves him. Jin Ling decides to marry her because marrying JZX only got her killed. They live happily forever after in Yunmeng with JL's tiny JiuJiu.

it's like you knew I was writing a mommy fucker ask last night and thought I needed more. Though I went for plot rather than porn this go around.

Me: wow Jin Ling just nerfed himself out of existence by diddling his mom

Also me: time is an illusion, Jin Ling created a new timeline where he fucks his mommy

-

Landing in the past, JL didn't know where else to go but towards Yunmeng. His uncle would help him. Finding out he was in the Sunshot Campaign era, was a shock. He ran into a Yunmeng scouting party who brought him along believing he got separated from his group. Why was it so easy for them to accept JL was a Jin? Not only his clothing but also his strong resemblance to the Jin heir. Btw at this point MY hasn't joined the Wens yet.

It should have been easy enough to fool them until he could get close to WWX and ask for his help, because who else could help him but his innovative uncle? He could have succeeded if he hadn't bumped into Jin Zixun. Jin Zixun who doesn't know who JL is but sees the vermilion mark and the sparks amist snow peony pale gold embroidery that identifies the main line. He's spitting mad, thinking some bastard of his Uncle's stole from the family, taking advantage of the wartime to do it. He and his cronies get the jump on JL.

"Stop. Stop! You're hurting him! Men, help him!"

With the help of her men, JYL stands in front of Jin Zixun, staring him down until he leaves. Then JYL bends downs and in a gentle voice asks, "Are you okay?"

When JL lifts his head, her heart skips a beat. He looks like JZX but not exactly, like someone softened his harsh features in this boy.

JL knew his mom was a pretty woman with the kindest heart. He just never knew how big it really was until this moment. Sure she saved his uncle from death but she knew him. JL was a stranger, JYL didn't know who he was to her. Meeting her eyes his heart flutters and he knows it's not for the right reasons.

And maybe that's why when he meets WWX and JC - his heart aching, wanting to fall into their arms and cry like a child - he doesn't say ' I am JZX & JYL's son. ' he only says he's from the future and doesn't know how he got here. Can they figure out a way back? From his edited story, they assume something happened to JZX and that MY managed to become heir, with JL being his son. NMJ trusts MY, JL can stay.

So with a wardrobe change, JL ends up fighting by Yunmeng Jiang sect's side, no one comments on his sword bc JL disguised it, showing off techniques from three of the five major clans. They're curious why, JL just says he's has friends in those sects and they taught each other. JL also spends a lot of time with his family, JYL in particular, after all this is his only chance to know her. Why isn't he trying to know JZX?

One: the Jin camp doesn't like him, two: he's confused about JYL's relationship with JZX. Everyone said they were so in love but here in this moment, it's all one sided and she's trying so hard only to be ignored and hurt. If this was the path to love, can he let her suffer that? JL decides to focus on her to cheer her up. he's totally not jealous and not purposely sabotaging any reconciliation.

So JYL is always with JL if he's not fighting, she even forgets to leave soup for JZX, instead teaching JL to make it or talking to each other about home, JL making animated paper animals to entertain her. It's a nice distraction as the war gets more turbulent. JYL falls more and more in love, it's funny to think she's falling for a Jin bastard who acts similarly to her brothers. She's moved on from JZX (who feels conflicted bc he knows about the soup amongst other things, but they've all made their choice) JYL wonders if JL would stay with them once the war ends.

The war ends, the focus is on getting JL home but every experiment is a failure. There's no way back and it really hits hard, JL breaks down in tears.

"You'll see them again one day. It will be different but isn't it enough that you are all safe and alive?" JYL says in attempt to comfort him. She holds his hands, looking all tender and loving. "I know my home isn't much but it has my family...my family can be yours. We can be your home."

JL shakes his head, "I don't have anything, I am not enough."

"You are enough, more than enough... especially to me." JYL says blushing. JL has an 'oh.' moment. There's a wedding in their future but first JL has people to help.

[vera-invenire]

For the character ask meme I can't not ask for: Lan WangJi

For this meme!

- FIRST IMPRESSION

From gifs on my dash – “So this guy’s the fantasy!China version of Spock? I guess? He seems a lot like Spock.”

 - IMPRESSION NOW

Oh my god, I love him. He is the best. The best.

 - FAVORITE MOMENT

????? Oh boy.

How pissy and outraged he got over the porn in the library.

How three seconds before that^ he said “Boring” while delicately, carefully putting the drawing WWX made of him aside because he doesn’t know how to handle feelings yet that are outside the spectrum of Meditation >> FIGHT ME.

Every time his brother teased him in a roundabout way about WWX

“Did you find out who was lurking in the back hills?” *drawn out pause full of teenaged drama* “Wei Ying.”

“Do you like MianMian?” That LOOK.

No, but actually, how he followed Mianmian out after she defected.

His FACE when he sees Wei Ying in Yiling

…when he cut off JGY’s arm, like. That was actually kinda of alarming, ngl.

The way he Cannot. Stand. Jiang Cheng, ahahahaha.

The way he smiled at the bunny lantern WWX drew and then IMMEDIATELY pulled his sword when he was caught.

Chickens. CHICKENS.

He just. Throws WWX’s arm around his shoulders and kicks open NHS’s door. Why? Because he wanted to.

Drunk!LWJ? Drunk!LWj.

Taking WWX to the same inn they stayed at when they were younger because it was a MEMORY and it MADE AN IMPRESSION.

Going to the inn in Yiling and listening to gossip (From whom did he learn to sit in inns and listen to gossip? Yeah.)

In Cloud Recesses, that little step back he did when they were looking at the sword and WWX was leaning on him and Lan Sizhui was like, delighted, because that’s what LWJ is like when he’s messing with people.

Bringing Emperor’s Smile into the Cloud Recesses IN FRONT OF HIS BROTHER with HIS HAIR MOSTLY DOWN, oh my goodness.

Putting the Silence spell on Su She.

When WWX was going to start guessing the name of the song and LWJ just jerked Lil Apple in a new direction to change the subject, ahaha.

The approximately 5 million times he cradles WWX in his arms.

…he’s my favorite, alright, it is what it is.

 - IDEA FOR A STORY

LWJ has been passive aggressively avoiding an arranged marriage ever since he got out of his three year seclusion, but now that he’s Chief Cultivator, the pressure (and offers/negotiations) to get married have gone up 1000%.

But unlike his predecessors who liked their thrones too well, LWJ travels around a lot and so everywhere he runs goes people are trailing after him and trying to lock him into matrimony. (Possibly there are even very foolish attempts to *entrap* him into matrimony.)

Alas, somehow it seems that every time LWJ goes somewhere and the matchmakers and the husband-hunters come out, all their efforts are derailed by – well, it changes. Sometimes it’s a dusty rogue cultivator with a rude donkey; sometimes it’s a young master with a dizi who doesn’t reveal his name but seems to know the Chief Cultivator quite well; or sometimes, when the big guns are needed, it’s the Yiling Patriarch himself, here to wreck a party.

Really, it’s all Wei Wuxian who keeps showing up where he knows Lan Zhan is going to be and is either accidentally or on purpose (or accidentally on purpose) derailing every courting/matchmaking attempt that looks like it’s making Lan Zhan even a smidgen uncomfortable. (Shades of Jiang Yanli’s situation, even if WWX knows the motivation this time around is very different.)

(Featuring: hunted!LWJ, trickster!WWX, jealous/sad!WWX, someone (maybe Jiang Cheng) asking WWX pointed questions on what the hell he thinks he’s doing, mutual pining for days, ‘so then… what kind of person would you want to marry’ and That Look from the Cave you know the one I’m talking about, and then Wei Ying proposes, fin.)

 - UNPOPULAR OPINION

(this is getting long, so let’s continue it under a cut)

I dunno, I think making him Chief Cultivator is going to lead a coup d'etat. I’m not even joking. It is close to being the *worst* job for him, and that’s not even considering the mess of secrets and politics and social engineering JGY left behind. You think LWJ’s gonna deal with that well? Nah nah nah.

I used to think Lan Xichen would be the best choice after getting out of seclusion since he’s moderate and a peace-maker, but honestly? Give the job to Nie Huaisang. He might need some time to, like, recenter himself, though. Figure out what else he wants to do with his life now that all the revenge has been sorted. Maybe after things start unraveling a bit it’s WWX who starts nudging NHS in that direction in order to free up LWJ for roaming the world like they both clearly want, hm. So LWJ as Chief Cultivator for 1-3 years, then it’s Nie Huaisang.

 - FAVORITE RELATIONSHIP

??? Wangxian????

Also, his relationship with his brother during the flashback.

And the hateship between him and Jiang Chen because it honestly gives me life.

 - FAVORITE HEADCANON

He kept in sporadic touch with MianMian over the years which is why he was like, ‘let’s stop for water here’ and looked very at ease at her house. The little girl already has a spot saved for her in GusuLan should she wish to train in cultivation.

[satonthelotuspier]

A Very Untamed New Year

A gift for New Year, a small trip back to Cultivation, Wyoming to check on our boy Wei Wuxian. Follows from A Very Hallmark Untamed Christmas.

Happy New Year to everyone from the UK (in about 4 hours)

When Wei Wuxian woke up the cold air in the room soon made him pull his face under the bed covers.

At the slight movement he felt the man beside him stir; arms tightening around him possessively with a softly questioning, “Wei Ying?”

“I’m here Lan Zhan” he murmured sleepily, melting into the embrace and snuggling up against Lan Wangji’s body as closely as he could.

There was a part of Wei Wuxian who acknowledged it was sweet but that deeper, darker part of him was disturbed and guilty that Lan Wangji was still so unsure about Wei Wuxian’s commitment to the relationship his first waking thought was to check he was there.

All he could do was set the other’s mind at rest over time by being here.

Lan Wangji stroked his back gently, he always touched Wei Wuxian like he was the most precious, fragile thing he’d ever come across. To think that this amazing man had held love for Wei Wuxian in his heart for thirteen years and longer just blew his mind; he certainly didn’t think he was worth it.

Eventually Lan Wangji sat up and Wei Wuxian grumbled, “It’s too cold Lan Zhan, can’t we stay here today?”

“I have to go in to work” Lan Wangji turned to him and stroked a soft, soothing thumb over his eyebrow, “I’ll make you breakfast”

“I could make you breakfast while you shower” Wei Wuxian offered, and Lan Wangji couldn’t stop the slight freezing of his features. “Lan Zhan!” he exclaimed in shocked amusement, “I can just not put hot sauce in your eggs this time. You’d think I poisoned you”

“Yes, you’d think” Lan Wangji agreed with the tiniest smile as he leant down to place a soft kiss on Wei Wuxian’s naked shoulder.

“Even you tease me now” he complained in feigned exasperation, pushing him away playfully, “Go on then, get up, Mr Responsibility”

***

Jiang Yanli had invited the whole family over for dinner that evening, so it was agreed Lan Wangji would meet him there. In the meantime Wei Wuxian had to start putting some plans into place about moving his life from New York back to Cultivation and therefore he had a lot to arrange.

They shared a kiss at Lan Wangji’s door.

“Drive carefully” Lan Wangji ordered him, throwing his car a nasty look, “You’ll need to get something more suitable for the weather”

“I know, I know, leave it with me. Now get to work Sheriff” he pushed Lan Wangji in the direction of his own car and drove himself out to Lotus Pier.

He wanted to get everything in New York sorted as quickly as possible as he would need to sit down in January and start plotting out his next novel, and usually once he started the plotting he became engrossed and a lot of life went on the back burner. He paused as he pulled up outside the ranch house to wonder how their lives would mesh once he did start writing. Lan Wangji had only really spent time with him while he was between books which meant he could fit their relationship around Lan Wangji’s working life; when he did start writing his schedule went haywire. he could quite happily spend days living on coffee and fumes and naps and then blow out on a whole day in bed. He supposed that would be when the real litmus test for their fledgling relationship would be.

At lunchtime Jiang Cheng appeared and they ate soup and sandwiches. Jiang Cheng was unusually distracted and barely acknowledged half of what Wei Wuxian said to him. He had been a little distracted on Christmas Day too but the general fuss and craziness of them all being together under one roof, and Jin Ling’s extreme excitement had deflected a lot of the attention from him.

Yes, he had been a bit of a crappy brother with his absence for the last several years (most of which had been beyond his control and to protect his sister), but he still knew his brother.

“What’s going on, Jiang Cheng?” he asked as the other loaded the plates into the dishwasher.

The man jumped at his name and almost dropped the crockery.

“What? Nothing’s going on, what do you even mean?” he made sure his back was firmly to Wei Wuxian.

Honestly Wei Wuxian didn’t know whether at this stage it was worth pushing Jiang Cheng for an answer.

Probably not. Ninety nine percent of dealing with his brother’s emotional distance was knowing when to push him. Too soon and it would cause a nuclear explosion of temper, too late and he’d just lock his emotions down like Fort Knox. There was a very slim “I’m willing to talk about this” window and Wei Wuxian judged he wasn’t in that window yet.

***

Dinner at the Jin household was a lively affair. Jin Ling was in his element with his uncles there as new people to convince to play with his new Christmas toys with him.

Jiang Yanli bustled around filling drinks, checking on Jin Ling, throwing random hugs out, chatting to everyone; completely in her element surrounded by her family in it’s entirety again.

It was an enjoyable evening and as they sat around the dinner table conversation flowed  around Wei Wuxian, he chipped in where he wanted, let it pass over him where he didn’t and he was just so happy to be part of this again.

He was casually playing footsie with a stoic Sheriff Lan under the table when Jin Zixuan dropped the bombshell.

“Have you seen Luo Qingyang yet now she’s back in town?” he froze for a moment as the news took him completely by surprise. It was so sudden he didn’t really have time to examine how it made him feel, except worried about how Lan Wangji would react as he sought out the other’s eyes in some odd kind of guilt.

He didn’t know why he felt like that, he had nothing to feel guilty about, Lan Wangji knew he’d been in a long term relationship with Mian Mian.

The other’s face was a careful study in neutrality, which told him absolutely nothing. And didn’t ease his worry or guilt.

He realised not just Lan Wangji but the whole table was looking at him, awaiting his answer. He turned to Jin Zixuan and gave a little shake of his head.

“I didn’t know she was, it would normally have been the year her parents went out to New York. I’ll have to get in touch with her”

Jin Zixuan would have heard about it because Mian Mian’s mother worked with him at the County Attorney’s office. Still, he wished he’d had a little advance warning so he hadn’t been caught on the raw with his entire family watching.

Jiang Yanli turned the conversation on to other topics then and the unnatural silence dissipated.

Jin Zixuan pulled him aside later as they prepared to leave, “I’m sorry about dropping that on you, I genuinely thought you’d have heard from Mian Mian, Yanli said you keep in touch”

“Don’t worry about it, we do talk from time to time, she didn’t mention coming home for Christmas but in fairness she doesn’t know I’m moving back here; knowing me she probably though I’d be back in New York already by now”

***

He and Lan Wangji left together although Wei Wuxian had plans to meet Nie Huaisang for a quick drink at The Lakeside.

He was tempted to cancel them because he was concerned the Mian Mian thing was a big issue. Although he had no idea why.

“Shall I come with you?” he asked tentatively, and Lan Wangji looked at him, a slight trace of confusion on his face.

“Aren’t you going out for a drink?” he asked pulling his gloves on against the bitter winter air.

“I was, I can cancel if you want? Or you could come?”

“Wei Ying, why would you need to cancel? Just go see Nie Huaisang. Are you going back to Lotus Pier afterwards?”

“If you want me to” his voice sounded pathetically small even to his own ears.

“I don’t, stay with me. I’d worry about you driving out there with that unsuitable car of yours”

“OK, I won’t be too late” he leaned forward to press a kiss against Lan Wangji’s mouth, and the other accepted it, so he took that as a positive.

***

As he did have to drive in the snow he stuck to one beer, which Nie Huaisang had ordered for him when he arrived. He’d fired off a quick text to Mian Mian in the parking lot, figuring he’d better pull the band-aid on that one quick.

Huaisang was a little tipsy when he arrived which equalled merry and extra sassy.

“Well look here its Wei Wuxian” he purred as Wei Wuxian slid into the booth beside him, “You are looking fine my dear, dear friend. It seems regular dicking downs agree with you. We must thank our local LEO”

His brother, bar owner Nie Mingjue threw Wei Wuxian a helpless shrug from behind the bar as he noticed Wei Wuxian’s look at him.

“I’m really not sure Lan Zhan would appreciate your gesture” he said mockingly and Huaisang snorted out a laugh.

“I’m damn sure he wouldn’t” he traced the rim of his margarita glass with one black-painted nail. Wei Wuxian was pretty sure the only reason margarita was a thing at The Lakeside was because Nie Huaisang drank them and Nie Mingjue was the owner. He was also pretty sure Nie Huaisang was the only one in town who drank them. “But that’s just me being a jealous bitch, my supplier is withholding at the moment”

“Your supplier?” he smelled gossip Nie Huaisang probably wouldn’t tell him fully sober, seeing as he hadn’t mentioned anything about either being attracted to someone or dating recently, “Why didn’t I know about this?”

Nie Huaisang giggled and lifted the margarita glass to take a drink, “Because I can’t tell you that your brother and I fucked, can I? You’d go crazy”

Wei Wuxian spat out his beer and it was only as Nie Huaisang saw him desperately trying to mop it up with napkins that he realised what he’d said.

“Fuck” his face drained of all colour and he tried to get up to escape but Wei Wuxian caught his wrist and held him in his seat.

“Oh no you don’t you little fox. You’d better just come clean” he ordered, “The cat’s already out of the bag, so tell me or I go ask Jiang Cheng right now and tell him how I know”

“No you can’t do that to me bro, he’d kill me” it was Huaisang’s turn to catch hold of Wei Wuxian’s wrists then, holding onto him as if he thought the other might genuinely just get up and go talk to Jiang Cheng.

“So talk, how long has this been going on?”

“Just once, on Christmas Eve. He hasn’t even replied to my texts. Asshole” Nie Huaisang, sweet little gossip baby, had trouble controlling his mouth at the best of times; now he was tipsy it was like a stream of information.

“I didn’t even realise you liked him”

“Wei Wuxian, you sweet, innocent child, your brother is hot, and he has muscles. And a perfect ass-”

“Shut up!” he clamped his hands over his ears; he didn’t want to know how attractive anyone found Jiang Cheng because it was his brother and his brother definitely didn’t have sex. Any kind of sex. Neither did his sister; Jin Ling had literally come from the stork. He’d hear of nothing else. He removed his hands once assured of the other’s silence.

“Do you want to see him again?” he asked out of curiosity.

“What I want doesn’t seem to matter at the moment, as I said, he’s ignoring me, so it’s academic” and Huaisang genuinely did look upset by that fact; which gave Wei Wuxian all the answer he needed.

But despite his initial reaction of wanting to stick his nose in it struck him now that it wasn’t fair of him. His brother’s and his best friend’s love life were their own to deal with as they saw fit, whether it be together or not.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have demanded the details, its really none of my business. And I’m sorry Jiang Cheng is ghosting you, that’s kinda shitty of him. Just...remember it’s Jiang Cheng, OK? He’s always dealt with things in his own crazy way” he tried to offer sympathy and a little hope, Jiang Cheng really did retreat before he advanced in all things.

They changed the subject and chatted about other things but it was subdued and he could tell Huaisang was distracted now, and possibly feeling the effects of those margaritas as he started yawning.

“I should go, I promised Lan Zhan I wouldn’t be too late. You look like you need bed too” he hugged his maudlin friend and walked out to his car, confident the half beer he’d managed wouldn’t affect his reflexes behind the wheel.

He checked his phone before he turned the engine on.

A missed call and a text back from Mian Mian asking him to call her when he saw the message. It was still before ten so he deemed that to be acceptable hours to a city dweller like Mian Mian and returned her call.

She picked up at the third ring, “Yuan Dao” he felt his mouth soften into a smile as she greeted him.

“Hey Mian Mian, what’s wrong?”

“Can you come over? I really need to talk to you, as soon as possible”

“Well of course. How about tomorrow? Wouldn’t it disturb your parents if I came over now?”

“They’re staying over at relatives in Jackson tonight, now would be better”

“Alright, give me a few minutes then” he hung up and stared at his phone, torn. What the hell did he say to Lan Wangji? Hey bae, I’m dashing off to see my ex, the one I’ve literally just heard is back in town and I’m driving over there right now in the middle of the night but I promise it’s not for sex?

He dropped his head to the steering wheel in frustration.

Honesty here was probably the best policy, but also he felt like it was dangerous as they hadn’t discussed the matter yet.

It wasn’t ten o'clock yet, it was probably something really quick and he’d be able to get home to Lan Wangji before he was even expected.

He put his mobile away and drove the short distance to Mian Mian’s parent’s house. As he pulled up he saw a curtain twitch across the street, and honestly that was his big city brain to blame, of course this was a small town where everyone got up in your business. He fired off the text he’d thought he might avoid to Lan Wangji, then walked up the path to the porch.

Mian Mian wanted to talk to me, I’ll be back as soon as I can be x

Mian Mian had been waiting and opened the door before he could ring.

He felt the phone vibrate in his jeans pocket as he reached her and could only blame how distracted he was thinking about what Lan Wangji had replied with for missing a very key piece of visual information until they’d hugged, Mian Mian had kissed his cheek and closed the door behind him.

She was dressed in comfy warm pyjamas and big thick socks, and was ever so slightly pregnant!

He felt his knees wobble, his head spin and the half beer he’d had rise up the back of his throat. She moved over to catch his arm when she saw how close he was to passing out, “Yuan Dao, what’s wrong?” she guided him to the sofa; he collapsed onto it as his knees finally gave out, and she noticed his eyes were stuck on her small but obvious baby bump. “Seriously? Did you fail biology or something you nitwit?” she patted his cheek with a short sharp slap, “We broke up 8 months ago, if this was yours I’d be the size of a house side now. Also I might have said something to you about it before now if you were the father”

His stomach settled a little but he felt the need to confirm, “It’s not mine?”

“No, it’s not yours. But I figured you needed to know. I genuinely didn’t know you were still in town. I thought you’d have been back in New York for weeks by now” she patted his arm, “Can I get you a drink? A coffee or something?”

“No thanks. Listen, Mian Mian, I think your mother’s been keeping some of the town gossip from you. About me specifically. I’m moving back here. I’ve been sorting removals for the New York apartment today actually. And-I’m seeing someone”

“Lets park the moving back to Dullsville USA for a second can we, because what the fuck? But you’re seeing someone? That I am pleased to hear. Is it Wen Qing? You and Wen Ning were always close so I could see that happening”

“It’s Lan Zhan, Mian Mian” she paused for a few seconds, and he feared it was judgement, despite the fact she’d always known he identified as bisexual, but it was just because he’d not referred to him as Lan Wangji and it took her a little time to work out who he was talking about.

Her squeal could have shattered glass.

“Oh. My. God. You and Lan Wangji. That quiet little pretty boy who had the biggest crush on your for forever?”

“What the hell? Did everyone in the world know he liked me but me?”

“Of course, there just ain’t no fixin’ stupid” Mian Mian mocked him.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Are you kidding? Tell my bi boyfriend the guy who’s three times prettier than I am liked him? Do you listen to the crazy that comes out of your mouth sometimes?” she laughed, delighted, “But seriously that was his business, not mine. So you’re moving back?”

He nodded and took her hands, “Yes, I need to be near my family. I didn’t know how much I’d missed them until I couldn’t avoid it anymore” he stroked a thumb across her knuckles soothingly, “But yeah, enough about me, you have some rather momentous news of your own”

She put a protective hand on the small but obvious bump.

“I’m sorry I asked you over here so late, but when I heard you were still in town I wanted you to know about this from me and not some gossip. I’ve wanted to tell you for a while, but I was honestly worried it would upset you. I know we parted amicably enough but you weren’t expecting it”

That was the truth, when Mian Mian had said that though she loved him they just weren’t what she wanted anymore it had been very difficult, it had come out of the blue as far as he was concerned, and although he’d tried to be supportive and reasonable she had hurt him, even though that hadn’t been her intention.

“I’m not upset. If you’re happy Mian Mian, that’s enough for me” and he truly meant it.

Her dark eyes softened and she hugged him close, “Yuan Dao, honestly you’re too pure for this world. Do you mind me talking about it?”

“Of course not, tell me”

“So I’ve been dating someone, a commodities broker. We didn’t plan to get pregnant, it was faulty protection. But we’re trying to make it work. And I do like him, I think it’s going well?”

“I’m honestly happy for you Mian Mian” she told him more about her new partner and what she’d been up to since they’d met last time. Then she pulled on his sleeve.

“I think that boyfriend of yours might think I’ve kidnapped you if you don’t go soon, it’s getting pretty late” she told him stifling a yawn.

“And Mian Mian is tired” he laughed and got to his feet.

“Yes, Mian Mian is tired and Yuan Dao has to return to the one who’s yearning for him” she agreed and walked with him to the door.

“So cheesy” he shook his head as they paused on the doorstep to exchange a hug and he kissed her cheek.

“That’s what I thought when you used your killer pickup line on me” she stood rubbing a soothing hand on her belly, she was the first to notice the police cruiser a little further down the street, “You got a police escort?” she asked in confusion; which Wei Wuxian shared as he turned to look at what she meant.

It all became clear when Lan Wangji and one of his young deputies Xiao Xingchen escorted one of Mian Mian’s neighbours to the car.

“Drinking again” she clicked her teeth in irritation, then waved him off, “Go on, home, it’s too cold to be stood out here with you, drive carefully, at least you know with Lan Wangji going back to the station you’ve no need to rush into his arms”

“You’re hilarious” he rolled his eyes and walked back to his car as she agreed and shut the door behind him.

He arrived at his car as the Sheriff and his Deputy had secured their guest, Lan Wangji saw him and gave him the briefest of nods before climbing into the cruiser.

The first thing he did was check his phone for the text that had been at the back of his mind since it had first arrived.

Lan Wangji had replied with only “Mn” which was basically his version of OK. Lan Wangji was so undemonstrative with his feelings Wei Wuxian really had no read on him.

***

He was showered and dressed and making coffee the next morning when Lan Wangji finally arrived home.

He looked tired.

“Do you want a coffee or do you want to go straight to sleep?” he asked. It wouldn’t be fair of him to try talking about anything this morning when the other looked ready to fall asleep on his feet.

“A coffee please, Wei Ying” he requested and sat at the kitchen table. Wei Wuxian brought both coffees over and sat down too. “How is Luo Qingyang?”

Wei Wuxian met his eyes, but of course he couldn’t read anything in them. “She’s doing well. Her new partner couldn’t come back with her as he was flying to Europe to visit family. They’re expecting a baby”

“Mn, I saw last night, she’s about four months along perhaps? How do you feel?”

He tilted his head at the question, “About Mian Mian, her new partner and baby? Honestly happy for her. Maybe a few months ago it would have cut me, but we’ve both moved on now and that’s good. I’ll always care for her, we were together for fifteen years, but we’re both finding our way in new relationships”

This time he did hear the soft exhale of breath, see Lan Wangji close his eyes briefly in relief.

“You were jealous!” he exclaimed in delight.

He actually squealed when Lan Wangji got to his feet, caught his wrist and pulled him firmly in the direction of the bedroom.

He was pushed down onto the bed and pinned beneath Lan Wangji’s body, but of course he didn’t go quietly, doing a lot of wriggling and complaining.

Lan Wangji caught his chin and held his face still, “Wei Ying, of course I’m jealous of the person who had you for fifteen years that I didn’t. It makes me insane if I think about it.  But now, Wei Ying, you are mine”

“Yours” he breathed the word against Lan Wangji’s lips as the other bent to kiss him. It was a kiss of pure possession, as if Lan Wangji had funnelled all his feelings into that one contact.

Maybe it was minutes, maybe it was hours later when Lan Wangji pulled back briefly to let them catch their breaths.

“I think maybe you should remind me I’m yours, just to be safe” Wei Wuxian teased as his fingers went to the buttons of Lan Wangji’s uniform shirt.

“Mn”

***

He made his way back out to Lotus Pier later that day when Lan Wangji went back on duty. Unfortunately, due to...circumstances...the Sheriff hadn’t caught up on much sleep.

“Honestly, how are you not in Jail for public lasciviousness?” Jiang Cheng demanded in irritation.

“Uh...all my lascivious activities are undertaken in the privacy of the home” he went to the fridge to grab a can of soda.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re wandering around looking like that; he might as well have fucked you in the town square for how obvious it is”

Wei Wuxian shrugged and looked at Jiang Cheng calculatingly.

“You did a much better job of hiding your little liaison” he poked and Jiang Cheng stiffened, his face flaming and his temper flaring.

“What? Has Nie Huaisang ever had a thought or action he didn’t tell you about afterwards? Fucking great”

“Listen Jiang Cheng, it’s your business and I dont want to stick my nose in too much, you’re an adult able to make his own decisions. Just don’t be a dick to him OK? I think he really likes you, so if you’re not interested tell him, don’t just ignore him. And try to let him down gently”

“You think he likes me? Did he say that?”

“Not directly, but he was pretty upset you were ghosting him so yeah, he wanted to see you again”

“Why?”

“A question we have all considered without answer” he mocked. “It’s your problem now though. I’ve said all I wanted you to hear”

“I think I like him” Jiang Cheng’s voice was unusually quiet and tentative.

Wei Wuxian threw the unopened can of soda to Jiang Cheng and retrieved another one, indicating they should sit at the kitchen table. He was going to have to be big brother and listen to Jiang Cheng. Apparently he had perfectly stumbled upon that window of “I’m prepared to talk about this”.

“OK, you don’t sound too sure”

“I wasn’t. I’m not. I’ve spent enough time chasing after Lan Xichen it’s got me confused. But I think I do”

“So date him, spend time together to find out. That’s kind of what dating is for. It’s a try before you buy right?”

“Do you think he’d want to date me? What if he just wants to be fuck buddies?”

Wei Wuxian didn’t pretend to know the mind of his friend. “Honestly if he does he’ll just tell you. And then you can make an informed decision on whether that’s something you want too or not. You both have voices, use them, instead of just sitting here thinking about it”

“I’ll think about it” Jiang Cheng mumbled and got up to walk away and Wei Wuxian just sighed.

***

The next few days passed in a whirl of social events and organising.

He managed to get Lan Wangji to agree to come with him to New York in early January to help pack up his apartment, as had he convinced Jiang Yanli to bring Jin Ling so they could have a few days of sightseeing too.

Then it was New Years Eve and they found themselves at the Lakeside for the countdown.

He dropped into the booth beside Lan Wangji who threw an arm over his shoulder as Wei Wuxian moved to sit flush against his side, taking the beer he was offered with his free hand.

“So is Cultivation going to implode when you step foot out of it?”

He shook his head, “No, only if brother and I both left at the same time. As long as one of us is here the old gods are appeased”

“I see” he grinned into the soft amber eyes and reached over to kiss him gently on the mouth. “I have a good feeling about next year” he said confidently leaning his head on Lan Wangji’s shoulder.

His brother and Nie Huaisang seemed to have come to some agreement, as he could see them off the other side of the dance floor in quite an involved kiss.

Honestly Jiang Cheng was lucky it was out of line of sight of the bar or he might have a very protective Nie Mingjue to deal with.

“Next year will be good, Wei Ying” Lan Wangji agreed as he leaned in to kiss Wei Wuxian as the countdown to midnight began.